When I found out there was a vacancy on the King County Democrats Board, I hoped that a strong progressive and fair-minded person would run for and win the seat. Then I realized, I am the strong progressive and fair-minded person that I feel King County needs as their State Committeeperson. I am all too happy to show up, do the work, join the conversation, and share ideas. I have already been pouring my heart into this democracy in many ways; as an elected PCO, Vice Chair of Programs in the 43rd LD Democrats, Board member of Fix Democracy First, Graphics Director of Whole Washington(single payer healthcare initiative), ect.

As the King County Democrats’ State Committeeperson, I will be able to represent our county’s progressive voice in both the state and county committee. I will always put our democracy and our party’s values first, though it is important that we hear other perspectives also. If there is anything of which I am certain, it is that we all have to work together to achieve our goals. I certainly favor building bridges wherever possible, including outside of the party where so many progressives organizations and people do great work. I want to help advance our common goals and our party and I know that I have something to contribute.

First and foremost, I have a strong respect for the values of honesty and integrity. It is my view that integrity is one of our society’s most powerful currencies. With integrity, your words, and perspectives have more weight and people seldom doubt your motives. Personal Integrity also makes it easier to build bridges and collaborate with different types of people. I work hard to maintain my integrity and to be honest with myself and others. This is a core principle in my life and it has served me well.

Second, I like to give a fair hearing to others’ perspectives. While I may have given a lot of thought to an issue, other people often have a unique perspective that I may not have considered. That doesn’t mean that I am easily swayed, but it does help lead to common ground, productive compromise and better solutions. I want to work with people to push forward our progressive agenda.

Third, I have a democracy first, values over brand perspective. The Democratic Party is currently the only place where progressive efforts can thrive and it has been on the front line of many progressive fights. I am glad to be within its ranks, making sure the organization stays progressive and becomes even more so. I will innovate to help the Party achieve our goals. Working together, we will improve our county for everyone by electing progressives and pushing forward-thinking legislation.

Fourth, I want to support the effort to engage the grassroots. Big money is the Republican’s game. Money runs their party, platform, and politicians. Democrats must be about the power of people to overcome the power of money. We will not likely raise the amount of money they will and if we get close, I doubt we would like who we would have to thank. Our front line and core grassroots organizers are our PCOs and I am happy to see resources going into mobilizing and supporting their ground efforts. Thanks to the current federal administration, there is a surge of progressive energy and momentum which we must both capitalize on and maintain. I will work to keep our party on point and focused on engaging the people of our country to work towards our progressive goals.

Finally, I show up and do the work. Passive participation is not good enough in this County or in this Party. I am an active participant who wants to move us forward. I join the conversation, provide solutions, and put in the time and work. I have done so as a PCO, on the board of several progressive organizations, and as a volunteer with various campaigns for both candidates and initiatives. More than anything, I want to effect positive change.

King County board members will be voting to fill this vacancy on June 27th and I hope that they will support me for this position so that I can represent our county’s values to the State Committee. I know that I can make a positive difference.