Skagit County Democratic Party

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Season 4, Episode 4: We All Belong

Posted January 27 2010

Advocates tell legislators loud and clear: We All Belong! Find out what it means to them and why inclusion is this year's big message.

Podcast Video [4:15m]:

 

Skagit Democrats have new leader

February 15, 2009 - 10:00 AM
by Ralph Schwartz (from GoSkagit.com)

 

http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/skagit_democrats_have_new_leader/

 

 

Peter Chipalla, the Skagit County Democratic Party's new chairman, always has been interested in current events and politics. But it took the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 to turn him into a politician.

Like those who joined the military or a service organization after 9/11, Chipalla felt an urge to take action. In 2002, he became precinct committee officer for his neighborhood near Skagit Valley College.

Chipalla was spurred on when Bush created the Department of Homeland Security. He saw the new cabinet-level office as a threat to the U.S. Constitution.

“With all this change I was concerned about, (I decided) I can serve my local area, my neighborhood, my community,” Chipalla said.

Chipalla, 40, was born with cerebral palsy, a defect that causes diminished use of the limbs. Walking on crutches, his speech sometimes halting, Chipalla creates an unavoidable first impression.

Those who have gotten to know Chipalla have come to learn that he is not limited by his disability. But it has made him into the leader he is now.

Party officer Ginny Wolff met Chipalla at the state Democratic Convention in 2004. When she discovered he had cerebral palsy, she assumed she was going to have to help him do everyday things.

She realized she had made a mistake. After all, Chipalla campaigned aggressively to become precinct committee officer. He also beat a worthy opponent on Jan. 10 to win the chairmanship.

“I believe he was elected because he had the most skills for the job,” Wolff said.

“I'm not chair because I'm disabled,” Chipalla said. “I defeated another person in an election.”

If anything, Chipalla said, his disability has made him a better leader. He learned how to be a good listener by being around speech-impaired children as a youth.

“Knowing that people need to feel comfortable is important and to build trust with them,” Chipalla said. “As a political organization leader, trust is the key.”

Chipalla also is the consummate planner. He has spent his life organizing his daily routine more than an able-bodied person can imagine.

“In my life, I'm used to logistics, and that's what a large part of running a political organization is,” he said.

Confronting stereotypes

As he rose up the party ranks, from a committee chairmanship in 2004 to a position on the executive board in 2006, Chipalla dispelled the notion many people have about disabled people in politics.

“We're usually treated as a constituency, not as leaders,” Chipalla said. “You're fighting people who are keeping you as an observer, seated, comfortable in a corner somewhere instead of up front being a part of the discussion.”

“He is absolutely fearless,” said Gail Nicolls, former party vice chair. “He has no worry about approaching anybody on any subject and holding his own in a discussion.”

As the party's new leader, Chipalla said he will take a nonpartisan approach — an echo of President Barack Obama's rhetoric during the presidential campaign.

“I know that some conservatives and Republicans have voted for me (for precinct officer) because I'm trusted and I care about them. I want to use that neighborly approach as chair of the party,” Chipalla said.

Given that Chipalla was elected 10 days before the country's first black president was sworn in, certain comparisons are hard to avoid. In a press release, the local Democrats touted their belief that Chipalla is the first person with cerebral palsy ever elected to the party leadership at the county level.

Chipalla acknowledges that he and the president are both “firsts” but downplays the connection. If given the chance to speak to Obama, Chipalla would issue a challenge of sorts to a president who might have more to prove than his predecessors.

“I would tell him that I hope he stays true to his values and his goals,” Chipalla said.

Chipalla knows what it's like to want to exceed expectations. He recalls his father telling him to work harder in school than the other kids, and to dress better. Today he wears suits when meeting with other party officials, even casually.

“It's important to advocate for yourself ... and to show that you're able to do the work,” Chipalla said.

Chipalla plans to take care of the county party's bread and butter during his term. He wants to keep volunteers engaged, find and prep solid candidates and raise money.

The party needs to find things to do for the many young people who came on board last year to work for Obama, Chipalla said. He also doesn't want the party to have a fundraising letdown after selling so many T-shirts, pins and bumper stickers in 2008.

There are no partisan elections in 2009, and community members generally aren't in good shape financially. Still, the Democrats will hold five fundraisers this year as usual.

Given the state of the economy, Chipalla said the party needs to keep reaching out to the community. He wants to maintain the party's contributions to area food banks, and he wants to work for increased financial aid to students at Skagit Valley College.

“As Democrats, we work for the good of all people,” he said.

• Ralph Schwartz can be reached at 360-416-2138 rschwartz@skagitpublishing.com .

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