To the State Party; Unity can be ours...

It has been one and a half weeks since the State Democratic Convention.

Most of the hurt feelings and confusion about the “line out” process and election results have become less painful, with most people moving towards working for specific local and national candidates.

I read a letter to the editor in the Salt Lake Tribune a few days ago. It was written by a 19 year old man who had driven up to the State Convention in Salt Lake City, to participate in his own bid for National Delegate, and to participate in the State Convention itself. He was discouraged on many levels. He voiced some of the feelings that I am sure other participants felt after the State Convention was over.

Some of us were unhappy with some of the outcomes of the elections; some of us thought the “line out” process was not in keeping with Democratic Party values.

Most of the state delegates like me, were the recipients of e mail blasts from those who those who were running for the national delegate position. Email blasts which promoted themselves as the best candidate for the position.
Thus, I assume my email address is still available to the candidates.

I congratulate those who won their elections. I respect those people who worked hard to win their elections and did not.

I received “thank you’ notes from only two of the candidates. One person won his position as an at large delegate; the other did not win the election, but demonstrated graciousness in thanking those who did vote for her.

I wonder why the multitude of candidates and those who won delegate positions did not recognize the State delegates with a thank you.

I believe we need to address those who were saddened and disillusioned. Many participants were first time voters who were involved enough in the party to become both a County and a State Delegate. The process of becoming a National Delegate is difficult.

I am asking both the State Party Officials and the candidates for National Office to reach out to their delegates and thank them for their vote, and to thank them for their involvement in the Democratic Party.

I am asking the all the candidates for National Delegate and Committee positions to reach out to those who voted for them and those who did not, to let them know that we are indeed one party, who values everyone who came to the State Convention.

I am now publicly thanking Jim Bradley and Billie Gay Larsen.

Both of them sent emails to publicly recognize those who drove long distances, gave up a Friday evening and Saturday to choose to be part of a Democratic Party event.

These small notes of appreciation and recognition go a long way towards inclusiveness.

There are calls to unite the Democratic Party post the nomination for our next Presidential Candidate. We need to mend our Utah State party as well.

We need to thank those who may be either future voters, future grass root volunteers. Or they are disillusioned voters who do not feel recognized in the Party in which they had chosen to be involved.

Thanks S,

Being at the caucuses and convention were wonderful and exciting, but also a little bit of a let down. As a newbie, I was scared,confused, and quite overwhelmed, and probably not as familiar with the candidates as I could have been.

I had hoped to meet a lot of new people, and I really "put myself out there" to do so. No one was rude, but very few delegates really took the time to talk with, or offer to include me, in conversations, even for a few minutes; except one of the elected delegates you mentioned!! I did get to speak with a few of the candidates directly. Nonetheless, I felt alone in a sea of people.

Perhaps as things move on, our more experienced members could better embrace and encourage others like myself. Those of us who want to be active, but have no idea how. (Things like making dinners a lot more affordable for those of us who are lower income would help. I know fund-raising is necessary, but so is inclusion).

I also wish the caucuses would have been less "stumping" and more time asking candidates about specific issues. Less time "blowing their own horns" and more time addressing each groups' specific needs and questions.

At this point, I don't want to hear rhetoric. I asked several candidates exactly what they would do about certain circumstances, and like most politicians, got mostly non-answers and pens making circles in the air. I will, of course, support our candidates, but I hope they will be more substantial and down to earth as we head towards December. There are still are some good Repubs in offices who will be hard to beat.

We have a right to demand the best from our nominees.

Thanks again, S, for making this all possible for me.

Keep on hoping!
Miriam

With your permission I would like to send your comments to the State and County parties (without our name) You have "nailed it" for what the other concerns have been for people. In fact, this was something that was supposed to have changed with our new administrations.

one thing did was to volunteer at the offices. Be wary of what they ask you to do and who the person is that is asking for your help.Another thing is to get ahold of the County party officers (see the web) and volunteer to help with activiites. Your mention is cost is very important and an issue that has not been resolved.

I think the Salt Lake County party will be having bar be ques this summer for us to all bond in our precinct and lege levels. As Lege chair, I will let you know. Please come to the nexr Central Committee Meeting and I will support you making your concerns known.
In fact, anyone out there should come. Not just for precinct chairs and vice chairs and delegates. Let's go and bring the torches and the challenges.

Thank you again.
More comments on this letter from Miriam please!!!

Of course you can send them to whoever, if you think they'll have any impact. And you can use my personal information. I have nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

I want all of this to be exciting enough to get MY kidz interested.

Keep on hoping!
Miriam