September 6, 2011

Supreme Court Nominating Commission Chief Justice Michael Bender, Ex Officio Chair 101 West Colfax Ave., Suite 800 Denver, Colorado 80202 Dear Supreme Court Nominating Commission: I am honored to have the opportunity to write this letter in support of Judge Brian Boatright's application to fill a vacancy on the Colorado Supreme Court. Judge Boatright's work, both on and off the Bench, makes him eminently qualified to fill this vacancy. Judge Boatright was appointed as judge to the First Judicial District Court in August 1999 and has been an exceptional Judge from the beginning. He has been rated highly by his peers and constituents throughout his tenure on the bench. During his official judicial review in 2008, he was ranked number two statewide among all judges. I first met Judge Boatright in 2004, after being sworn in as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). for abused and/or neglected children. My background as an African American leads me to be very concerned about how judges treat Minorities in their court rooms. As a member of the First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, I found Judge Boatright to be fair-minded, well prepared, articulate, compassionate, caring, intelligent, and an excellent listener. My initial perception of his performance on the bench was confirmed by comments from other court appointed special advocates. They all agree that Judge Boatright's integrity, legal expertise, demeanor and preparedness are all exceptional and noteworthy. Community Service is very important to Judge Boatright. He speaks frequently to schools in the Jefferson County School District, as well as in numerous leadership programs in Golden, Lakewood, and other cities in Jefferson County. His service to the community and willingness to act as a mentor to CASA volunteers and others is extraordinary and sets him apart as a true asset to Colorado. To demonstrate those qualities, I would like to share an experience I had as a CASA volunteer. I was assigned to two children, a sister and a brother, who had been removed from their home because of alleged abuses. The brother had a series of medical problems dating back to when he was a toddler. While we worked as hard as possible to create a strong and secure home setting Pagel

for this boy, it was not enough. He passed away in December 2006 at the age of 14 years. When Judge Boatright heard about the funeral arrangements for this young man, he cleared his court docket so that he and his Administrative Assistant could drive to Divide, CO (NW of CO Springs) to attend the services The day was cold and riddled with rain and sleet. It was the kind of weather most people would have avoided driving in - especially in that part of the state. The family he visited was very dysfunctional, and probably living on the edge of becoming homeless. They would have been considered by some to be the "Down & Outs" of our society. They didn't have much and as a result didn't expect much from others. I clearly remember the look on those parents face when they saw Judge Boatright enter that small chapel. I believe the act of attending, and Judge Boatright's empathy for their situation, was something they will never forget. Several months following the funeral, still touched by the situation, Judge Boatright called me to find out if the family had enough money for a "Head Stone" for their son. I have been fortunate to keep in touch with the family since the loss of their son, and their daughter aging out of the system. They were very touched by the "caring" afforded them by Judge Boatright. The Mother has found regular employment, and the Father is volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. When asked why he chose to volunteer, he said, and I quote, "I probably would never be able to pay back to society what I have received, but I thought it was only appropriate that I give back what I can. Remember, just several years ago, this family was probably living on the edge of becoming homeless. I am convinced that the value and respect Judge Boatright showed this family is the reason they were able to turn their lives around. Judge Boatright's compassion for the human condition; his demonstrated commitment to fair and equal treatment for all, and to upholding the law are attributes we want in our Supreme Court Judges. I am convinced that he would make an excellent Supreme Court Justice and highly recommend him as a candidate to the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. Sincerely yours,

Felix W. Cook, Sr.

Page2