Dr. Tim Richer, Parent and Community Member

“I have known Chris Merker since our time together at Longfellow Middle school in the mid-80's. Everybody knew Chris Merker. To this day I remember his sense of humor, his smile and laugh, his ability to cross-pollinate among different cliques with ease, and above all, his intellect. What many of us interpreted as a silly quirkiness back then, was a level of intellectual and social sophistication years ahead of his chronological age as viewed now through a far more mature lens.

I am here, now, some 40 years later to fully endorse his candidacy for the Wauwatosa School Board. This is a critical first for me. I have very much on purpose never publicly endorsed a candidate for anything in my 20 years of adult life in Tosa. The stakes have always been high; after all, we are choosing leadership for our children. However, I feel that Tosa is at a critical crossroads in school board leadership. While I have worked with many in public service behind the scenes over the years, public silence is no longer an option for me. 

So, I ask that you take these following words to heart...

Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, what we need now more than anything is a critical thinker, communicator, decision-maker. Not a Republican, nor a Democrat. Not a hidden agenda, nor lack of focus. Not a swamp drainer, nor a joiner. Not a rubber stamper, nor an obstructionist. Not a notch on a political ladder, nor one devoid of ambition. 

As such, Chris may very well be the single most qualified candidate for this position in 20 years, if not longer. Does he check the usual boxes? Dedication to education - yes. Support for teachers - yes. Work ethic - yes. Commitment to community - yes.  Kids in the district - yes. 

However, ask yourself; does any other candidate simultaneously check all of these boxes: University level expert and educator on financial sustainability and governance of school districts? Director of asset management in a nationally recognized wealth management team? Actual experience in applying this expertise to assist others in mission, financial sustainability, and in achieving short- and long-term goals? The answer is no. There is no other person with this unique set of skills. Further, these real-life skills will allow him to bypass the usual learning curve on the board, making him immediately effective. 

As such, Chris will refuse a status quo and mediocrity, and he will not pander. He will not teach to a test, nor will he ask others to do so. Rather, he will hold himself and others accountable whether that be academically, financially, or ethically.  He will skillfully take a broad systems approach yet focus on what matters now and long term for our community with razor sharpness. If you have children in the district, he will serve them well.  If you do not, he will not waste your tax dollars on frivolity. 

Finally, consider this: Chris has a family and serious responsibilities in academics and the private sector, and he is highly respected in both. His schedule does not beg a seat on a Board under the scrutiny ours has endured recently, even rightfully at times. But if not Chris, then who? And if not now, when? We are so fortunate he has volunteered his skill set to these most worthy of causes: our kids, our teachers, our schools, our community, our future.  

I hope you will join me in supporting all these causes by voting for Chris Merker in April! Still unsure? Contact me - I'll explain it all in person!”

- Dr. Tim Richer, Parent and Community Member