Praise for Laura Capps

Laura Capps may consider running for Congress, and I am certain she would make an excellent candidate. Yes, she is the daughter of our esteemed Congressmember, and her family has devoted many years to public service. This is a legacy to be proud of, not reduced to “just the daughter of” in a description of another generation’s dream to serve others.

For the past 20 years Laura has had her own career in Washington. She was a speechwriter for President Clinton, a top communications aide for Senator Kennedy and Senator Kerry, and has extensive knowledge of working with nonprofits in areas of childhood hunger, immigration reform, ocean conservation, and climate. She now works on many of the same issues in our community by serving on boards and as a consultant to nonprofits.

I first met Laura several years ago on behalf of The Guibord Center, a Los Angeles–based non-profit engaged in community building and interfaith education to promote tolerance and peace building. I interviewed her in the first weeks of her return to her childhood home of Santa Barbara. Guibord was very impressed by her résumé and thoroughly enjoyed her creative expertise on behalf of our organization. I was immediately impressed with her gracious nature and tremendous work ethic.

We have worked closely together for several years. She consistently offered leadership, values, and a depth of knowledge beyond her years. She has now left our organization to focus on her local community and her family. We remain deeply grateful for the opportunities she provided to the growth of our organization.

Whether Laura decides to pursue public office or not, please take the time to meet her, and learn about her values and accomplishments. She is kind, accessible, and, most important, authentic in her desire to serve and improve her community. A very talented woman, wife, mother, and daughter.