On September 4, retiring Hennepin County District 6 Commissioner Jan Callison released the following statement:
Friends, I’m announcing today my support for Chris LaTondresse as the next District 6 Hennepin County Commissioner. I believe that Chris has the right combination of experience and skills to address our current challenges and to lead District 6 and Hennepin County into the future.
I decided to step down in order to permit new voices to be heard. But it’s not enough just to be new. The voices that we need right now must be skilled at listening. They must welcome different opinions by treating people respectfully and acting inclusively. They must honor the past while envisioning the future.
I have listened carefully to Chris over these past several months and believe that he understands these challenges. As vice-chair of the Hopkins School Board, he has demonstrated his leadership skills and willingness to tackle tough (and divisive) issues. He has gained an understanding of the uniqueness of local government and what it takes to be effective there. And he has affirmed his values, which I share.
For all these reasons, I hope that you will join me in voting for Chris LaTondresse and then extending to him the support that he will need in order for him to represent us well.
Thank you.