Jackson

Candidate for Secretary

Candidate Website: https://www.facebook.com/SecretarySpansail

Candidate Email: etoileshine [at] gmail [dot] com

Self-Identified Gender: Female

Candidate Bio/Statement:

I was born and raised in the Rogue Valley. After almost 10 years in Portland, my husband Zac and I returned home in 2013 to have our two boys ages 3 and 5. Our family has experienced the struggles younger people face in today’s world. Becoming a stay at home mother in 2013 let me engage locally to begin organizing. From health care for all, immigrant rights, opposing Jordan Cove, or tenant issues, I’ve found a community of local organizers I’ve learned a lot from. I am proud of the work done in our county party – growing our membership and working hard so that power and resources are distributed to the many not consolidated among a few. I am inspired by what we are accomplishing for social, racial, climate, and economic justice. I’m committed to action and positive change in our state and local parties by continuing to defend democratic processes and organizing at the grassroots level. This is how we will transform the Democratic Party into a Party which stands with all working people.

Candidate Questions:

1. What do you think are the most important responsibilities of the position you are running for, and how do your skills and experience prepare you for fulfilling those responsibilities?

The role of our secretary is to accurately record the minutes from each of our meetings, maintain accurate records of the committees, and perform duties as directed by the Central and Executive Committees.  Making these records as accessible as possible to our membership is also important. To that end my attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and over five years as an administrative manager will enable me to not only fulfill the responsibilities, but I hope to exceed the expectations of our committees.  Lastly, it is imperative that the Secretary is present – since my election as an SCC delegate in January 2017 I haven’t missed a meeting yet. You can count on me to be there and listen to you!

2. What work does the Democratic Party of Oregon still need to do to become an inclusive organization, and how will you work to achieve that goal?

Although the last 2 years have shown improvement in this area – we have several new caucuses that are working to create more space for people of color and youth, I think that we as Democrats and Oregonians have a long way to go.  I will continue to support the work of the caucuses to diversify our ranks, but also support more trainings and resources to County Parties on creating more inclusive, welcoming spaces. If we aren’t creating these spaces locally in our counties, we can’t expect people from those areas to be willing to get involved with the State Party.  I believe it is imperative that individually, locally, and at the state level we constantly exercise and increase our understanding and empathy for people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, ages, and physical abilities. Reaching out to people of all backgrounds and just listening goes a long way in this. Last but definitely not least we need to continue the work we’ve led nationally, at the state, and in at least some county parties to empower and raise up our new leaders who represent these more vulnerable communities.  

3. What electoral strategies do you think the Democratic Party of Oregon should employ to assure that candidates up and down the ticket in all 36 counties are successful?

If we want to assure that candidates up and down the ticket in all 36 counties win, we should have a greater feedback loop and equal support to all counties.  As a constituent in CD2, it is clear that this hasn’t always been the case. Although we are unlikely to win certain races, if we don’t put equal support into those counties and districts we certainly will NEVER win.  All county parties need to work harder to be visible and present in their communities – standing up for working class folks and all of our most vulnerable, whether they are children, immigrants, LGBTQ+, disabled, or people of color.  In the areas of our state where Democrats are outnumbered I truly believe that working diligently to publicly support these groups, our numbers will grow and we will get the support and votes we need to shift those areas from red to blue!  The Party should continue its work on improving the VAN database and making it accessible and user friendly. The better understanding users have the more they will be able to utilize it to win elections throughout the state. The Democratic Party could also facilitate more ways for cross promotion of the state and county parties.  Whether by hosting lobby days for our State LAIs that counties could promote to all local Democrats or by doing road show events, there are many possibilities for increasing participation, awareness, and Democratic votes!