Last night I delivered the following remarks at the Central Committee meeting of the Democratic Party of Multnomah County. I am reaching the end of my two-year term as the Multnomah Democrats’ 2nd Vice Chair, a term which I started after a two-year term as their Technology Officer. It’s been a surreal experience for me to be an Officer in the largest county-level party in Oregon, especially as, even four years ago, I never had a plan to become seriously involved in politics as more than a canvasser and blogger. Now I’m an outgoing Party officer, as well as still being: a state caucus chair, a state standing committee delegate, a state central committee delegate, a former candidate for DNC member, and an active participant in the state party’s efforts to build more rural outreach. As the ads say, “life comes at you fast.”
Four years ago, the Central Committee surprised me by electing me Technology Officer over two other highly qualified candidates. Two years later, the Central Committee elected me 2nd Vice Chair by acclamation. These four years serving as an Officer of the Multnomah County Democrats, for me, have been an honor and a privilege.
I look back on these four incredible, historic, tumultuous years, with pride in the work we did together.
TOGETHER, we rose to the challenge of COVID to conduct our regular business meetings with more participation than when we were meeting in person.
TOGETHER, we built a tech team, created a mobile friendly web presence, migrated to a better email service, and fortified our office equipment with two desktops and four chromebooks.
TOGETHER, we built the most progressive platform in the State, including articles specifically to address Oregon’s historical bias against Black citizens and Native Americans.
TOGETHER, we helped to re-elect Governor Brown, elect Secretary of State Fagan, secure legislative supermajorities twice, and secure seven electoral votes for our next President, Joe Biden.
Being an officer has been life-changing, and led me to discover talents and abilities that I never realized that I had, or that I had dismissed as inconsequential.
These years have been the greatest of my life so far, and I cannot thank you enough for putting your trust in me. I can only hope that I have lived up to your expectations.
And so, colleagues, I wish to conclude my work as an officer the way that I began it: by asking for your help.
Next week we will elect seven new officers of the Party. They will need your talent, time, labor, and guidance in everything they do. This is, after all, a volunteer driven party. Everything from getting out the vote through keeping our office clean is only possible because folks like you stepped up and pitched in. Please consider joining the tech team, the Platform Committee, the Campaign Committee, the Budget Committee, the Fundraising Committee, or the Celsi Committee. I promise you your work WILL make a difference for the Party, and not only that, it could very well transform you as it has transformed me.
Later, I will ask for your vote. But for now, let me say, as your officer: “Thanks for all that you do.”