Candidate for
Democratic Party Central Committee; Assembly District 13

I became interested in serving on the DCCC over the past two years as I've observed a decline in political participation among younger voters and people of color in San Francisco. Many individuals are choosing not to vote, and others are not even registered to vote.

This is a troubling sign for the local political system and the inclusion for which it has historically stood. Not only does this weaken the voice of certain groups on important local issues, but it diminishes our city's role on the vanguard of visionary, progressive urban policy.

The local Democratic Party, under the leadership of the DCCC, must reconnect with both younger voters and people of color. This means stressing issues that are important to all San Franciscans--not only those who have traditionally been politically active:

1. Working to keep San Francisco an affordable place to live for all San Franciscans.

2. Preserving neighborhoods with distinct character while allowing this dynamic city to continue to evolve.

3. Maintaining a clean and safe local environment which includes enhancing transportation options within the city (working for a dependable, efficient Muni system, better bicycle access, and greater availability of taxicabs).

4. Ensuring San Francisco remains a diverse, tolerant place to live.

5. Rebuilding a local government that is open, efficient and trustworthy.

As a committed political activist, I've worked on several fronts to forward these issues. In the process, I have learned to build bridges between communities of interest within the city and to reach out to otherwise disinterested San Franciscans.

My presence on the DCCC will introduce the perspective of young voters into local politics, as well as the interests of those who have traditionally been marginalized in the traditional political system-- people of color, women, and the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community.

I pledge to be an agent of change on the DCCC to create a more focused and independent local Democratic Party. My presence on the DCC would result, in its own small way, in a more energized, inclusive political system in San Francisco.