Kurt Whitney, has been involved with SemDems for 20 years- before we were even named "SemDems"! He says one of the best things he likes about participating with the SemDems is “the camaraderie and showing of concern for struggles of families.” Kurt’s affection for the Democrats grew out of his and his family’s participation in construction union activities, as unions and Democrats are natural allies sharing many of the same concerns and causes.
Kurt grew up in Des Moines Iowa with his siblings. His Dad joined the Carpenter’s union, where he stayed until retirement. This union family proved to be a blessing to Kurt’s family. Kurt says that union construction work was good to his family with good pay and benefits. That success led to his family buying 10 acres in the country and building the proverbial house on top of the hill overlooking the valley—a great place to grow up. Kurt’s older brother was invited into the Carpenter’s union apprenticeship program, where he excelled.
Kurt married his high school sweetheart and they have been together for 42 years! He has two children and 4 grandchildren.
After a year of college at Grand View University, Kurt says he did not really have motivation or direction, when his brother and Dad encouraged him to apply to the Carpenter’s apprenticeship program too. Well, two weeks later they called and the rest is history with Kurt finding his purpose in life for building things! Due to his talents, he excelled, was moved into a lead position, to a foreman role, and then to superintendent for many contractors.
He says he was so excited about union things, that he volunteered for the Democratic candidate running for the Iowa Governor’s race back in 1980. He went to his first caucus and was elected as a delegate for his precinct in his county.
In 1985, he and his family moved to Central Florida, for the first time, to get out of the cold long dull grey winters. Florida was just right to settle in a family with good schools and plenty of construction jobs. But they became disillusioned being away from family, moved back to Des Moines for 18 months, and decided they should have stayed in Florida. So, they moved back to Seminole County in 1987!
Kurt soon learned of the Republican stronghold in Seminole County and wanted to be part of the change, so in 2000, he looked up Seminole County democrats and went to his first SemDems meeting. He has been participating since then an enjoys the monthly SemDems “family get-together” meetings and wants to show solidarity with other Democrats. He has participated in parades, done postcard writing, and other things to support the group. Kurt says, “I am so proud to be on the right (good side) side of championing people’s cares/concerns and the good things that Democrats stand for.”
Thank you Kurt, for your dedication! If you're feeling inspired, why not volunteer to help turn out the vote for the August 18th primary?