I want to address new ideas that have emerged in this campaign. Below are some hot topics that I want to address.
Should We Hire an Executive Director?
This is a complex issue that we have debated for the last two years. In 2005, the Young Democrats of America set up a program to pay half the salary of an Executive Director, or other special projects that a state chapter would like to pursue. The idea has a lot of merit; an Executive Director could help with chapter building, event planning, and campaign coordination. However, there are serious financial and legal hurdles that need to be addressed.
Our state campaign finance laws prohibit the direct donation from a national PAC, like the Young Democrats of America. The alternatives are not as simple as my opponent has suggested. One suggestion is to create a 527 group that could legally accept the money. 527 groups are only allowed to participate in issue advocacy, not candidate advocacy. Therefore, we would be limited in the scope that our organization could participate and not exist as an official Democratic organization.
The funding of an Executive Director would take a large financial commitment from the CT Young Democrats. YDA is only willing to cover half the cost. Many of state chapters that have Executive Directors receive significant financial support from their state party organization, which is not the case in Connecticut.
The concept of a CT Young Democrats Executive Director has a lot of merit. However, we need to make sure that the financial plan is sound and sustainable. So far this year, our organization has raised $9,000 after expenses. I believe our first priority should be to financially support Young Democratic candidates and grow our local chapters.
I fully support continued research to receive funding from the Young Democrats of America. However, any joint project such hiring an Executive Director, needs to be carefully reviewed and analyzed.
What is My History with the Young Democrats?
I moved to Connecticut in 2002. The Connecticut Young Democrats was the first organization that I joined after I moved here.
I was attracted by the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in Connecticut. I work as an engineer, so I was searching for a group where I could discuss ideas and stay connected with Democratic politics.
When I joined, the Connecticut Young Democrats was about to be rechartered by the Young Democrats of America for the first time in many years. I served on our first Platform Committee and helped establish the planks and philosophy of our organization. I also served on the first Bylaw Revision Committee that established our group's structure and vision. My experience on those committees gave me exposure to the intent of our organization and the areas where we could continue to grow.
In 2004, I restarted the Manchester Young Democrats. At the time, the Manchester chapter existed as an open PAC, but was inactive. We held a few Happy Hours and recruited a core of members that continue with the group today. In 2005, I became the Vice President of Organization and Development for the Connecticut Young Democrats. I turned the Manchester chapter over to Geoff Luxenburg, who has grown the Manchester Young Democrats into a strong, influential chapter.
As Vice President of Organization and Development, I focused on improving our group’s efficiency and communication amongst chapters. I formalized the approval process for new chapters and created detailed guides to help chaptering groups. I also organized the first regular meetings of Chapter Presidents. At these meetings, I met with chapter leaders to discuss ways to improve communication, ways that the state organization could better support chapters, and share successes that could work in other chapters.
I had to resign the position of Vice President in August of 2006. I planned to move to the Midwest that fall. However, in October, I was faced with changes in my personal life that caused me to reconsider. I had the choice to live in Connecticut or Michigan. At this point in my life, I feel that Connecticut is my home. I have made so many special friends and contacts here, that this is where I belong.
This year, I was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission in Manchester. The meetings are at the same time as the State Young Democrat meetings, so I can only attend CTYD meetings on rare occasions. (Our bylaws call for a review of State meeting dates and times after an election, so we can adjust the future meeting schedule as necessary.) I am also the campaign manager for a Young Democrat running for Manchester Town Council.
I have also remained very active with the Manchester Young Democrats. I volunteer to help with various tasks in support of our programs. Most recently, I am producing our Manchester Young Democrats cable access television special. I am also active at the Regional YD level. I serve as the Regional Parliamentarian for the Northeastern Young Democrats.
All this experience over the last five years provides extensive knowledge of where our organization has been and where we can go. I have helped chapters start from scratch and seen how chapters can grow into something special by offering interesting programs and through membership development. I look forward to sharing what I've learned and meeting the challenges ahead.
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