Press Releases
Chanda Smith Baker Stays the Course! At-large candidate to continue bid
Posted by Litt Magazine on 15 June, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 7, 2010 CONTACT: ANIKA ROBBINS
Media Coordinator: 612. 670. 6355
info@anikaandfriends.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN-In the wake of an eventful DFL City Convention, Chanda Smith Baker has announced she is staying the course of the race until the end!
”After consulting with my family, team and supporters, I decided it was imperative for me to stay in the race!” says Baker. ‘Since the convention, we’ve had tremendous outpouring of support for which I am truly appreciative!’ she continues. “I am excited, energized and ready to WIN!”
Since the convention, Chanda has received overwhelming support by many community members and civic leaders, including former candidate David DeGrio, who has since joined the Chanda Smith Baker campaign as a co-chair. Degrio, formerly endorsed by the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) is a Chemistry Teacher, director of Stonewall DFL and serves on the Minnesota Department of Education Curriculum Standards committee.
"I support Chanda Smith Baker because she brings diversity of perspective that no other candidate-neither currently serving, nor currently running-can provide to Minneapolis Public Schools. Chanda has extensive experience in policy, governance, organizational management and community engagement. She lends a unique voice as to why parents have chosen to leave our district and can help create solutions to bring those families back. It is time for a new generation of leadership and Chanda is exactly the kind of leader Minneapolis needs to bring together our district stakeholders and community partners to develop new solutions to old problems.” says Degrio in a statement issued.
As the campaign gears up for the August Primary, it announces Peggy Clark as Campaign Manager and Tene Wells as Fundraising Chair. Anika Robbins remains as Media & Marketing Coordinator and Tamara Rogers as Treasurer. “I extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those that have supported me and continue to do so.” Says Baker. “We have a winning team and we are fired up and ready to go!”
In a competitive race that included 8 candidates vying for 2 at-large seats on the MPS board and DFL endorsement, only 1 candidate was endorsed. Subsequent voting-and eventual blocking (as none of the remaining candidates secured more than 60% of the vote) resulted in no endorsement of a 2nd candidate.
“I entered the race because I felt I could be a voice of reason, an advocate for children and families. says Chanda. Not just for North Minneapolis, but for all the children and families that MPS serves. The board is in dire need of leaders who will set standards and hold themselves and others accountable to those standards. I want voters to be assured of my ability and intent to govern while representing their interests with my full assurance that I have their children’s-and my children’s-best interests at heart.”
Baker, a mother of 5 children, 4 of which are school-aged, shares much in common with today’s parent. Common ground coupled with continuous experience as an educator, community partner and administrator are experiences she hopes to leverage as a steward of the board.
The Chanda Smith Baker campaign continues to gain momentum as it gears up for the Primary August 10, 2010. She continues to gain support and endorsements including IAM local #1833, Women Winning, SEIU and many past & current school board members and elected officials and many others For more information, please visit www.chandaforschoolboard.org
