I hope this letter finds you healthy and safe. Though life has been uncertain, elections are still a certainty. I’ve been asked by many friends and neighbors about my recommendation for the legislative seat (D19, Seat B) that I'm vacating in November (due to my own run for the Idaho Senate), so I’m writing to share my vote and my thoughts.
I’ve personally known Chris for 20 years and first worked with him when I was the Women’s Center Director at Boise State. As student body president, he worked hard to support our fledgling center to find resources for women returning to college and survivors of sexual assault. His energy, enthusiasm, and drive always impressed me, as did his unique insight as a biracial black man who faced great adversity growing up. Chris knows what it means to struggle and overcome, and that perspective is integral to his values and decision-making.
He’s since gone on to earn both a law degree and PhD, and has pursued a career in higher education and policy. He has served as Chief Academic Officer for the State Board of Education, experience I believe will prove invaluable to our caucus and our state. As extreme Republican legislators attack education, reject teacher-approved science standards, and repeatedly kill our higher ed budgets, we need someone with the knowledge and relationships in education to help fight back.Chris is that someone.
In recent years, he has volunteered with both the Ada County Democrats and Idaho Democratic Party, serving on their executive committees, knocking doors, and helping more of us get elected. He’s also served as a substitute in the Senate for our district, where he impressed many. Character matters, and I can attest that Chris builds relationships well, deals with conflict in a very positive way, and is a consummate team player.
I would be honored to work with Chris and will be so proud to vote for him by mail this May, and respectfully urge you to do the same.
Sincerely, Representative Melissa Wintrow
Look who walked by my house while I was spring gardening! Chris out doing the hard work of walking the neighborhoods (before the stay at home order and 10 feet away).
REQUEST AN ABSENTEE BALLOT
Given Idaho’s declared state of emergency connected to COVID-19, the Idaho Secretary of State encourages all Idaho registered voters to protect themselves and their neighbors — while exercising their right to vote from the safety of their own homes — by requesting an absentee ballot for the May 19, 2020 Primary Election.
