IT IS TIME TO TURN THE PAGE
As most of you know, I have been your Chair for the past five years. During that time, I am proud to have helped the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee (KCDCC) make gains towards strengthening our organization. For example, we increased the participation of younger folks in the KC Dems. In addition, I instituted a recurring weekly column that is posted to our website and distributed to our weekly newsletter subscribers. We have also hosted some fabulous events such as the recent Democratic Townhall. The point is that I am proud of the work we have done, and it has been a good run.
Consequently, last night at our regular monthly meeting, I informed the Central Committee of my intention to step aside. This decision may seem premature but there is sound reasoning behind it.
WHY I AM STEPPING DOWN NOW
Ordinarily, my term of office would end in June 2026. However, that leaves only four months before the November 2026 general election. Unfortunately, that is not enough time for a new chair to take office and gain traction. In other words, our agenda is determined in large part by the election cycle. Consequently, I want to ensure that your next chair has sufficient time to effectively manage the learning curve.
I also recognize that it is easy to stay in this position beyond the point where I can be effective. The fact is that part of the job of chair is ensuring the central committee’s future. In my mind, it seems to me that I can best do that by stepping aside.
MOVING FORWARD
Fortunately, we now have a large, stable, enthusiastic, and frankly very smart group of Democrats in our extended family. I know that they are more than capable of building on the work that we have accomplished thus far.
That does not mean that I will disappear. I am a lifelong Democrat, and I intend to remain active and involved. Consequently, if your next leadership team wants my help, I will be more than happy to pitch in.
Although I am stepping down as KCDCC Chair, I intend to serve out my term as 1st Vice Chair of IDP. Kootenai County is several hundred miles from the State Capitol, and (some say) a couple of decades behind it. Serving as 1st Vice Chair of the IDP is crucial for North Idaho. I am deeply honored to hold this position and happy to be our voice in Boise.
Serving on the Central Committee is fulfilling but it is also hard work. That is why I hope you will commit to supporting our next leadership team. If we stay committed, and work together there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
OTHER NEWS
For now, please continue to participate in the ongoing visibility campaigns to maintain public pressure on the Trump Administration and their GOP enablers.
On a brighter note, I hope you will join me at the Red White and Blue BBQ on June 22nd and the Coeur d’Alene Parade on July 4th.
Until then, have a great day, and thanks for being Democrats.
