Principles of Freedom

The Founder & CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors is Laura Stack, Johnny’s mom. Before losing Johnny, she was a successful 30-year businesswoman, professional speaker, and published author with two for-profit organizations.

In Laura’s Words: If you’re a regular visitor to Johnny’s Ambassadors blog, you no doubt know Johnny’s story, and the stimulus for my fight against marijuana use by young people. For those who may read this in other venues and don’t know me, I’m a concerned, grieving mother, who is active in the movement to discourage young people from using marijuana in any form until their brains are formed—and hopefully never. My family and I live in Colorado, one of the first states in America to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. This released a flood of pot onto our streets, and our government regulation failed to limit it to adult users. It soon spread like a plague into our adolescent population. Any high schooler can get high-potency dabs in five minutes here in Colorado.

Johnny had a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 800/800 score on the SAT math portion. He attended church and youth group and did regular family things. At 14, Johnny began smoking marijuana when he attended a high school party and wanted to try getting high with his friends. At 16, he moved on to dabbing high-THC products like wax and shatter. At 18, he experienced psychosis and delusional episodes, a suicide attempt, and by 19, full-blown schizophrenia (the psychosis didn’t resolve when the marijuana was withdrawn). Tragically, despite our repeated efforts at rehab and support, he refused to take the antipsychotic medication he now needed, and he died by suicide on November 20, 2019, convinced the mob was after him and “everyone knew everything about him.”

As Johnny said in his college essay describing his most important value, “To me, altruism means being selfless or giving to other people, even when there may be nothing to gain and something to lose. Altruistic people do things for the collective interest instead of their own.” Johnny’s Ambassadors are joined in altruistic solidarity to save the lives of our youth from the harms of marijuana.

“Forge ahead despite your pain and give meaning to your loss.” – Laura Stack

To learn more visit: johnnysambassadors.org

Luci Willits is an Idaho native and has called Boise "home" for almost two decades. She cares deeply about our Capital City and maintaining our Idaho lifestyle and amenities. 

She grew up in rural Idaho where her parents owned a small agricultural business. A graduate of Idaho State University, Luci has worked in both the public and private sectors and knows how to get things done. She currently works for an education research company where she is a senior vice president.

She is the mother of two grown daughters and has been married to Mike Willits for 25 years. She loves reading, watching witty media, traveling, and enjoying our Boise weather. 

To Learn More about Luci Willits visit:
https://www.luciwillits.com/

This conversation still has me reflecting on so many good points! David Bobb joined the Bill of Rights Institute as president in 2013 and has worked for twenty years at the intersection of civic engagement and education reform. Having taught courses in American politics and public policy in the history and political science departments of Boston College and Hillsdale College, he was also founding director of a national civic education program for high school teachers at Hillsdale College, as well as the Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Studies, in Washington, D.C. David has designed online educational programs used by more than half a million participants and is a nationally-recognized proponent of civic education that engages the hearts and minds of students. Author of Humility: An Unlikely Biography of America’s Greatest Virtue (HarperCollins, 2013), David has written for the Wall Street Journal and Fast Company, among many other publications. He earned his Ph.D. in political science from Boston College, where he received fellowships from the Pew, Earhart, and Bradley Foundations. 

Bill of Rights Institute
mybri.org

Born and raised in Boise, Idaho Tammy Nichols learned early the value of hard work , teamwork, and perseverance. Tammy began working at the age of 6 years old as she grew up in a family which owned and operated several private schools and day care centers in the Boise area. She graduated from Boise High School where she participated in the student body government, as well as on the "Brave Sensation" Dance/Drill Team.

Tammy is invested in her community and has served in a wide variety of capacities and leadership positions. She has coached youth soccer and basketball, worked with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts programs, has participated in various service projects and community events including The March of Dimes. As a school volunteer, she has participated as a classroom mom, "field trip chaperone", football parent, and with many projects such as fund raisers, teacher appreciation days, pictures days and many other activities and functions. As a church volunteer, she has served participating with the children's music program, youth girls activity group. She has also served as Sunday school teacher, youth organizational president, secretary in the women's Relief Society organization, and instructor.

Experience in the banking industry and medical industries, serving on several boards of directors as treasurer, and handling the financial responsibilities of her own small business and family finances has taught Tammy how to be financially conservative, whether it be in business or personal . She does not have a spend thrift mentality. "I grew up in a family business, I learned early the importance of financial responsibility and what it took to make a living. This is how I function in my own business and in my family. When you are entrusted with the money of the public, it should mean even greater responsibility and higher standards in the way in which you use and spend that money."

Currently holding the office of Central Committeeman and Treasurer in Canyon County, Tammy has seen and participated in the governmental process first hand, and understands the good, the bad and the ugly that comes with it.

Tammy has worked with several local and national organizations on various issues that concern not only Idaho, but also our nation. These include educational issues, the 2nd Amendment, Constitutional Amendments, Veteran, taxes, marriage, abortion and more. She has had the opportunity to speak and work with many national and state leaders regarding these important issues. This has been a very valuable, and educational experience for her.
Today, Tammy represents you in the Idaho Legislature. She serves on 3 committees which are: Agriculture, Business, and Revenue and Taxation. Here, she uses her voice to echo your concerns. A voice that matters. A voice that cares, and a voice that stands for liberty, freedom and truth.

https://nicholsforidaho.com/

I am a pro-life conservative invested in serving my community and protecting the constitutional  rights of American citizens. As an advocate for the 2nd amendment, and the wife of a police officer, I recognize that self defense is not only our right, it is our duty, and I will not hesitate to protect our rights.

The number one accomplishment I will strive for when elected to the state house is to be the best Idaho legislator for my District 17 constituents. As an educator,  working with the Boise School District to improve education for the kids and make sure teachers and staff are well taken care of important to me. 

Currently, I work in ministry but I have served as a member of the Ada County Republicans Committee for many years. Because of my Christian values I understand the plight of the less fortunate and I will strive to improve their lives in a way where big government is not their stranglehold. Outside of working in ministry and serving as a precinct committeewoman, I enjoy volunteering for a variety of local charities and non-profit organizations. My foremost passion is being involved and keeping Idaho great. 

I also love to hike those glorious foothills and spend time with my family as much as I can. 

Janice McGeachin is the first female Lt. Governor to serve the state of Idaho.

Janice is a former State Representative and a successful business owner from Idaho Falls who, along with her husband Jim McGeachin, own and operate multiple businesses in the automotive industry, with stores in Idaho Falls and Boise. In 2012, she and her family renovated an historic building in downtown Idaho Falls and established the area’s only Irish restaurant, The Celt Pub & Grill. Janice and Jim have two children, Liza and James, who help manage their family businesses.

Janice is a proven conservative with an established track record of working with others to promote fiscal responsibility. She is committed to Keeping Idaho Conservative and, as a staunchly pro-life legislator, worked to implement Informed Consent and Ultrasound laws designed to protect the life and health of the mother and unborn child.

Janice is committed to promoting consistency among Republican leadership on fiscal responsibility and working to increase public awareness regarding our state and nation’s finances.

Janice was an elected State Representative from 2002-2012, and served on numerous committees including State Affairs, Revenue & Taxation, Judicial, Joint Finance and Appropriations (JFAC), and Health & Welfare where she served as the Chair and worked to prevent the implementation of Obamacare in Idaho in 2012 by educating colleagues and the public of the devastating impacts of the law to individuals and to our business community.

As Chair, she collaborated with House and Senate Leadership, the medical community, recipients, departments, agencies, and the Governor’s Office to reduce Medicaid costs across the board, avoiding deep cuts to particular programs when tax revenues came up short in 2011.

Janice served on the Joint Millennium Fund Committee, state employee Change in Employee Compensation Committee, Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee, and the Health Care Task Force.

Janice enjoys skiing, hiking, and traveling.

Janice graduated from Skyline High School in 1981 and received her BSBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Arizona in 1985.

Janice is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She has been involved in children and youth ministries and served as a Ruling Elder within the church.

Janice’s community service includes having served as the Chairman of the Board for the Idaho Innovation Center and as a Board Member for the Development Workshop and the Mountain River Valley American Red Cross. She is a member of the Idaho Falls Rotary Club, and was an active member of the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way Disbursement Committee.

Dr. Darrin Porcher received his BA in Organizational Management from St. Josephs College, and an MPA from Marist College.  In 2012, he received his Doctorate from Fordham University and he is currently a professor of Criminal Justice at Pace University after 20 years as a New York City Police Officer.

Dr. Porcher’s Dissertation is titled “Reducing School Misdemeanor Assaults In Urban Settings Through School Collaboration Between School Leaders and Police.  The purpose of this study was to identify how urban high schools can improve safety and reduce the number of misdemeanor assaults among students.  

He retired from the New York City Police Department as a Lieutenant after 20 years of service.  In his tenure as a member of the NYPD, Dr. Porcher performed a multitude of tasks.  Ten of Dr. Poacher’s 20 years in the NYPD were spent in an investigative capacity as both a Detective and Lieutenant.  

As a Lieutenant, Dr. Porcher directly supervised a team of Sergeants, Detectives and Police Officers in an investigative capacity.  This experience entailed investigations into cases involving murder, sex offenses, felony assault, prostitution & human trafficking, robbery and drug offenses.

Dr. Porcher is a nationally recognized Criminal Justice expert providing testimony in high profile trials such as South Carolina v Michael Slager.  Dr. Porcher regularly travels the country providing expert testimony in various parts of the United States.

Dr. Porcher is also a retired Officer with the United States Army Reserve. As a commissioned officer in the Army during a time of war he was tasked with ensuring his unit was prepared in various aspects of counterterrorism.  Dr. Porcher constructed a series of homeland security, and professional development seminars for his military counterparts to ensure unit compliance.  

Additionally, Dr. Porcher regularly participates as a Criminal Justice commentator as an expert on police procedures and tactics and terminal issues of public safety for MSNBC, FOX NEWS, NEWSMAX, CourtTv, and CNN. Dr. Porcher has on several occasions narrated crime stories on both the Oxygen Network and A&E.  Additionally media venues include: NY1, Fox 5 News, ABC News, United Nations World News, and Pix 11 News, BBC television, Al Jazeera America, Verizon FiOS News, and Hot 97 FM radio, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.  Dr. Porcher is a founding partner of Innovative Public Safety & Media LLC.

Senator Chuck Winder was first elected to the Idaho State Senate in 2008. In 2010 he was re-elected to represent District 14 and elected by his colleagues to serve as Senate Assistant Majority Leader.  He served in that role until January 2018 when he was elected Idaho’s Senate Majority Leader. Since the 2012 redistricting, Senator Winder has represented legislative district 20.  He is currently a member of the Senate Education, Transportation, and State Affairs committees. 

Some life influences from school to business to my wife, Dianne.

Prior to serving in the Legislature, Senator Winder attended the College of Idaho, where he was elected president of the student body.  Following college, he served as a Naval Aviator and flight instructor in the United States Navy.  He is a lifetime member of the United States Navy League.

Senator Winder has served his community in many local capacities.  He served as a member of the Design Review Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Boise. He also served 13 years as a Commissioner of the Ada County Highway District.  Senator Winder formerly served as the Vice President of Ore-Ida Council, and served four years as Vice President of the Boy Scouts of America. He was the Co-founder and initial President of the Joint School District #2 Education Foundation.  He was a Trustee at Albertson’s College of Idaho for twelve years, and for more than twenty years led the evening Bible Study Fellowship for men.

In June, 1995 Senator Winder was appointed by Governor Batt to Chairman of the Idaho Transportation Board, where he served 11 years.  In 2002, Senator Winder was appointed to Governor Dirk Kempthorne’s Blue Ribbon Committee regarding reform of Idaho state government. He also served on the Task Force on transportation funding.  Senator Winder was appointed by Governor Otter in 2009 to the Endowment Fund Investment Board of Idaho, and still serves on the Board today.  Senator Winder is currently Co-Chairman of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) transportation and infrastructure committee and serves as an NCSL education funding fellow.

During his Senate tenure, Senator Winder has served on various Interim Committees, including as Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Lands, Co-Chairman of the Capitol Services Committee, and Co-Chairman of the 2017 Public Education Funding Formula Committee.

Senator Winder resides in Boise with his wife, Dianne.  Together, they raised two children and now enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren. 

Steve Bartlett joined the Ada County Sheriff’s Office in Boise, Idaho, in 2003 and advanced through the ranks until he was appointed Ada County Sheriff in 2015.

Sheriff Bartlett is responsible for the largest law enforcement agency in the State of Idaho with more than 750 employees and an over $76 million budget.

His duties include policing unincorporated Ada County and the cities of Eagle, Kuna and Star.

He is also responsible for managing the 1,224-bed Ada County Jail — and community supervision of about 3,500 offenders.

Sheriff Bartlett oversees Ada County Misdemeanor Probation, runs the county-wide 911 Emergency Dispatch Center and fulfills a variety of other statutory and cooperative duties.

Sheriff Bartlett is known for his collaboration skills and working closely with other law enforcement agencies and community partners to solve problems.

Sheriff Bartlett has a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. He wanted a richer understanding of what made people behave and act in certain ways, figuring it would make him a better law enforcement officer.

Bartlett joined the Payette County Sheriff’s Office after moving to Idaho in the mid 90s. He then moved on to the Garden City Police Department for a few years before joining the ACSO in 2003.

During his two decades in law enforcement, Sheriff Bartlett has worked as a 911 dispatcher, jail deputy, patrol deputy, detective, K9 handler, polygrapher, crisis negotiator, patrol sergeant, jail sergeant, lieutenant, Chief of Eagle Police, and administrative captain.

“These experiences have shown me the importance of continual improvement,” Bartlett said.  “Even the best can get better.”

Bartlett, who became Ada County’s 38th sheriff in June 2015, is now concentrating on steering the ship that is the ACSO — and he couldn’t be happier.

“Every day presents a different question you may not have thought of. It’s just exciting to be in that position, to be able to develop solutions. I’m just thrilled to be in the position to do that for the people of Ada County.”

 “We value integrity, service, dedication and attitude. We make Ada County a safer place to live, work and play. I believe the culture of our agency is an intentional choice -- one that must be nurtured. I want to create a culture of engaged employees who feel valued, want to make a difference and have a passion for what they do. I vow to listen. I could not be more humbled or honored to lead the way.”

Steve Bartlett lives in Meridian with his two children, David and Annika.

http://www.bartlett4sheriff.com/

Sheriff Bartlett's townhall meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_qxAWNCsmA&feature=youtu.be

C. Scott Grow brings three decades of business and financial expertise to the Idaho legislature. As a small business owner, former CPA, tax expert and business consultant, he will work for conservative fiscal policies. Because he has worked with thousands of clients over the years, he believes your tax dollars should be spent wisely and with accountability.

Scott is an Idaho native who has raised his family in Meridian Idaho and has long been involved in the community. He’s been a member of the West Boise Rotary Club, has served on two statewide advisory committees focused on Idaho families and religious freedoms, and has served two terms as Trustee on the West Ada School Board. Scott is a strong advocate for better funding for schools and quality education for our children and grandchildren.

Scott is running for Senate District 14, and as a member of the state legislature, he will pursue change for conservative fiscal policies, providing greater opportunities for all Idahoans. He plans to focus on preparing our students for the future, creating quality jobs for the people of Idaho, protecting your tax dollars, and improving infrastructure and roads.

To learn more and support Scott Grow click here.