The Sumner County Democratic Party held its biennial leadership elections on Saturday April 6 in Gallatin. The following officers were elected:
Hana Ali – County Party Chair
Sibyl Reagan – County Party Executive Vice Chair
Rick Yamin – Secretary
Lexie Smith – Treasurer
Len Assante – Immediate Past Chair
Jacob Murrell – Vice Chair for Canvassing
Linda Weaver – Vice Chair for Phone B
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In addition, numerous district vice-chairs were elected as were precinct captains and a communications officer. New bylaws were also approved. The meeting was presided over by Zach Young, Goodlettsville City Commissioner.
Congratulations were received by Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Mary Mancini and Director of Party Affairs Maria Brewer. Outgoing officers Len Assante (Acting Chair), Tony Jackson (Chair), Michelle Harbin (Acting Exec Vice Chair), and Dawn Leady were thanked for their service. Key Volunteers Lexie, John, Larry, Steven and others were also thanked.
SCDP to co-host James Mackler reception. Click HERE to RSVP.
From James:
My name is James Mackler. I am running for U.S. Senate in Tennessee to restore respect, honesty, and, most importantly, integrity in Washington. Our country has become so divided that our leaders refuse to work together to solve our most important problems. I know first-hand the strength of teamwork and the benefits of diversity to accomplish even the most difficult mission.
As a military veteran and Tennessee National Guardsman, I know that true leadership comes from a sense of duty – an obligation to protect and work for the benefit of others. The best results are accomplished when we recognize the value in one another and the unique contribution of each person. True leaders hold themselves and others accountable. These are values that I learned serving my country and will continue to carry as your next U.S. Senator.
Without change I am worried about the future for my family and yours. My wife and I want to raise our two daughters in a nation that celebrates the best of America: an open and welcoming place that is driven by opportunity and ingenuity; a country motivated by courage, not fear; a society where we seek justice, strive for equality, and embrace our neighbors.
I am disappointed by politicians sitting in silence while their colleagues propose giveaways to benefit corporations over hard-working families.
I will be a servant leader. I will be a Senator who truly represents all Tennessee families and is dedicated to the best of our American ideals in both word and deed.
Some will say winning in Tennessee is impossible. But I have never shied away doing the right thing just because it was difficult. I have the vision, the motivation and the drive. I learned long ago that the best way to conquer adversity is to improvise, adapt, and overcome.
That is where you come in: I am calling on Tennesseans of every background and affiliation to join me and support my run for U.S. Senate. I cannot do it alone; but together we can send the message that we demand integrity, service, and true leadership in our country.
Let’s get started.
To learn more about James and to get involved, click HERE.
If you are reading this, you likely know that the biennial reorganization convention of the Sumner County Democratic Party is set for 10am April 6 25 at the County Administration Building in Gallatin. What you may not know is what this process is for and what it entails.
The bylaws of the Tennessee Democratic Party (TNDP) stipulate that each county party in the state “reorganize” every two years as the start of preparations for the next election cycle. This reorganization is to occur in the first quarter of odd-numbered (non-election) years. The purpose of reorganization is just that -to reorganize the local party. This involves holding election for the various offices of the county party, making any changes to the bylaws governing the county party and determining the Executive Committee and any other committees the membership determines are warranted.
The key word there is “membership.” This is not a regular party meeting called by the party chair or executive committee, rather this is a convention called by the state party to allow local party members to set their own leadership and agenda. The Chair of the Reorganization is usually not the county party chair. No official business of the party other than election of officers and consideration of bylaws changes is permitted during this convention.
Here’s how it will work. First, all members of the party are called to convention. You may have received a postcard, a phone call, seen a news release or read about the convention on social media. At the convention, all members sign a credentials form that affirms they are party members in good standing. (Tennessee does not register voters by party, so this affirmation is done by the word of the signer.) When the convention is called to order, the Chair will require the report of the credentials committee and then the elections may begin.The office of Chair is filled first, voted on by all party members. Next is the Executive Vice Chair and then Secretary/Treasurer. After these officers are selected, the convention will break up into caucuses by county commission district to elect 24 vice chairs. Each will elect one male and one female vice chair.
After the convention closes, the new Chair may then convene a general meeting of the party to conduct such business as is deemed necessary by the Chair and Executive Committee.And that’s it. Reorganization allows new voices, new leaders and new energy to regenerate the party for the coming elections. It is a “democratic” (both “Big D” “little d”) process that allows each county party to determine locally how they will operate. If you want to make a difference locally, under the guiding principles of the Democratic Party, then reorganization is for you.
Hope to see you there!
What: SCDP Convention for Reorganization
When: Saturday, April 6, 2019, 11am
Where: Sumner County Administration Building, 355 N Belvedere Dr. Gallatin, TN
Convention Chair: Honorable Zach Young
Who: All Democrats registered to vote in Sumner County
Why: Elect officers and conduct other business as allowed by the bylaws of the Tennessee Democratic Party.
There is never any cost to attend or to be a member of the party.
The next general meeting of the Sumner County Democratic Party will be Saturday, March 16, 10am. Our guest this month is Justin Kanew, former congressional candidate and founder of TNHoller.com, a new political news service. Justin will speak to us about the purpose and mission of TNHoller and how we can help their efforts in spreading our message.
Doors open 9:30am. Coffee and doughnuts will be served. This event is free and open to all Democrats. For more information, email us at stillblue at sumnerdems.org.
Join us on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Sumner County Administration Building Commission Chambers 355 N. Belvedere Dr, for the biennial reorganization of the Sumner County Democratic Party. At this party caucus we elect new officers and approve new bylaws. All officer positions are open. All regional vice chair positions are open. All Democrats registered to vote in Sumner County, TN are welcome and may participate fully. The Hon. Zach Young, Goodlettsville City Commissioner will preside. Immediately following the caucus, a regular meeting of the Sumner County Democratic Party will convene to discuss goals for 2019. Doors open 9am, proceedings begin 10:00am. No cost to attend. Snacks provided.
