A new role in local politics

Today I was elected as Chair of the Wayne County, Indiana Democratic Party. I’m honored by the confidence placed in me to carry the vision of the local party forward, and I’m excited to get started. I thank Beth Harrick for her leadership and hard work over the last four years as Chair, and all of the many other people who have contributed to that work in some form.

Political parties mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some they are all about elections and trying to get candidates from “our team” in office. For others they are a vehicle for pursuing community improvement by working on issues that matter to our residents and businesses. For still others they are organizations that provide connection, camaraderie and a place to discuss and tackle important ideas. The Democratic party in particular has a focus on welcoming people from all different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences to join in making the world a more just, equitable and sustainable place for everyone. And I think there’s a place for all of these motivations and more in the work of Wayne County Democrats.

If you’ve followed my writings, work or political journey at all, you know that I’m concerned about the direction that so much of national- and state-level politics has taken. I believe that for politics and elected offices to have a chance at meaningfully benefitting the lives of everyday people, the work cannot be about tribalism, gaining and holding on to power at any cost, personal attacks, or encouraging people to act out of their worst fears. Instead, it must be about celebrating diversity, building on common ground, standing up for justice, and planning for a future where everyone can thrive.

So, my interest in party leadership at the local level is grounded in a belief that when civically engaged people work together in good faith to make the neighborhoods and cities around them better, great things are possible. I believe we can and will find our way to livable wages, fair housing policies, stronger support for early childhood education and public schools, increasing access to affordable healthcare, confronting systemic racism and discrimination, and reducing harm to the environment. And I believe we and our government bodies across Wayne County can do this in ways that are collaborative, ethical, accountable, transparent and inclusive.

Whatever your past level of engagement with the Wayne County Democratic Party, I hope you’ll stay connected in the months ahead as we continue working to build stronger communities, together. If you have interest, talents, resources or ideas to contribute, please get in touch.