DNC - 20-year-old delegate from Sierra Vista is energized

By David Lewis, special to the SV Herald

    DENVER—One of the youngest delegates attending this week’s Democratic National Convention, Chris Campas plans to bring back to his hometown of Sierra Vista his enthusiasm for young people to get involved in their community and country.
    “I’m seeing and learning from other young people and will return knowing it is crucial for us to be energized,” the 20-year-old graduate of Buena High School said. “I feel invited and listened to. More often that not, young people don’t feel comfortable sharing their ideas and expressing themselves. No one is a fault, but it is time to begin the dialogue.”
    He especially admires Barack Obama because the Illinois senator has run against the status quo and has been willing to stick his neck out. Obama will accept the Democratic nomination Thursday night in front of 75,000 attendees at Invesco Field at Mile High and in front of millions on worldwide television. As the Democratic nominee, Obama will be the first person of color ever nominated for president by a major political party, and that means a lot to Campas, who was among the first Hispanic political candidates in Sierra Vista.
    Thursday is the 45-year anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous “I have a dream” speech.
    Campas sought a Sierra Vista city council seat and lost by four votes. He since has served two years on the city advisory committee. Earlier, he and Amy Pressler from Sierra Vista were recognized as two of three outstanding candidate volunteers from the Arizona Democratic party for their work on the candidacy of Wesley Clark for President in 2004. He was class president, as well as vice chair of the Governor’s Youth Commission.
    Campas is an ardent Hillary Clinton supporter. He is a pledged delegate to the New York U.S. Senator, who ran a hotly contested race against eventual Obama.
    “I have a long, deep respect for Sen. Clinton,” he said. “I was initially disappointed that Obama chose Sen. Joe Biden (Delaware) as his VP, but he is the best person for that position. He has wit and pragmatism that offers a balance. For Obama to implement change, he needs someone who understands the Washington world.”
    Campas says communities like Sierra Vista need to look forward, identify challenges and prepare for the future with programs like clean industries.
    “No offense to John McCain, who eight years ago would have made an excellent President,” Campas said. “He is no longer in step with the country. Obama listens and we need public officials that do that so we can learn and grow.”
    Attending the convention has enabled Campas to be near and with senators, governors and “others with substantive experience in the communities.” And even though Monday would have been his first day in classes at the University of Arizona, Campas is glad to be in Denver and part of the convention activities.