by Edie Irons, EBYD Past President
No on 1A
Our legislators made a Faustian bargain for short-term gain with long-term pain. Our state budget is broken and bankrupt, and although this prop would provide some limited relief in the next few years, it will keep us from rebuilding when the economy recovers and we change the rules for a majority-vote budget process. Things will be bad if we vote no, but they are already bad, and they’ll be worse down the line if we go this way. California Budget Project, League of Women Voters, Health Access, SEIU, AFSCME, and progressive democrats across the state agree on this. What position the party takes this weekend could make or break these props, and our state. Stand up to the pressure!
Hilary Crosby for Controller
Hilary is exactly the change our party needs. She’s a CPA and auditor of nonprofits with a long history of Democratic activism. She’ll shine a light on the party’s finances and spending habits and raise big money from the grassroots and other untapped sources, so the party will be more accountable to voters and activists. She’ll train county committee treasurers to raise more money and keep good records, and she’ll take the Finance Committee out from behind closed doors. This strikes me as the only party office race where we have a stark choice between the status quo and a new direction. More about Hilary
Karen Weinstein for Women’s Caucus Chair
Karen has been fighting for women’s rights for over 40 years, and she’s a strong progressive voice in local Democratic politics. She has great ideas, and organizes to make them happen, which is just what the Women’s Caucus needs. She produced the first ever pro-choice film before Roe v. Wade, graduated from the Emerge program, and serves with me on our local National Womens Political Caucus board. I’ve found it frustrating that the Women’s Caucus, the largest caucus in the state, doesn’t seem to do much. As a member of the caucus, I’ve never gotten a communication from them. As a delegate and party activist, I can’t tell what they’re doing to help get women elected or advocate for issues that matter to us. Something major needs to change, and electing Karen would be a great start. Please wake up for the early morning Saturday meeting to vote for Karen and the rest of her slate. Men and women can vote, not just delegates.
Jennifer Longley for CYD VP of Membership
Jennifer also has a long and celebrated history with CYD. After I stepped down as VP of Membership, I endorsed her to succeed me, and she did a great job. She couldn’t run for re-election because she decided to focus on her home club San Francisco Young Democrats, and after a year or so rocking out in that roll, she’s back for more to keep serving CYD. Jennifer is experienced, hard-working, easy to get along with, professional, and principled. I’m excited for her to get back into CYD, and I hope you’ll support her.
Jenn Pae for API Caucus Vice-Chair
Jenn is one of the best organizers I know, and always ready to take on a challenge, fight for big issues, and stand up for what’s right. She was president of the United States Students Association, she was the top vote-getter to be an Obama delegate from Barbara Lee’s district, and she will bring all that energy and enthusiasm to the Asian/Pacific Islander Caucus. This is another caucus that could use a breath of fresh air and some new leadership to energize and engage API voters, and mobilize and strengthen API communities. You don’t have to identify as API to vote for Jenn and the rest of her slate at 4pm on Friday! Spread the word and drop by to vote.
