On Thursday afternoon, I filed with the Bristol Democratic Party Chairman to run in Monday night's caucus to elect committee members.
I was told that, because each precinct (he called them wards) elects 6 members, and, with 45 minutes left until filing closed, and only 5 members from my precinct had filed, I was guaranteed a seat. He called me back after filing closed to verify that I would be the sixth member.
With the exception of the Commonwealth's Attorney, and a school board member or two, just about all of our citywide elected officials are Democrats, so obviously I'll be working to help maintain that in the upcoming year, and work to elect Democrats to the offices we don't hold.
I also look forward to hearing from candidates for statewide office, assuming they visit our Committee (Chap Petersen and Phillip Puckett sent representatives-Petersen's regional manager, Puckett's wife-before the primary in 2005, and it's my understanding Deeds came by at some point). That would hopefully include Harris Miller, James Webb, and whomever else may run for the Senate.
I love campaigning and politics probably more than rules, procedures, etc., but I definitly need to know how the arcane end of the governmental spectrum works, too.
And, who knows? If all goes well, a couple years down the road, I may just run for the City Council and see if I can change some things...
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Also, a big than you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I'll return the favor whenever y'alls rolls around. Also, I had a great day and evening that I won't soon forget.
-Neal
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8 comments:
Congratulations on your involvement in the political arena. I happen to be one of your counterparts on the other side of the aisle. My name is Charlie and I am a student at Emory and Henry.
I can't speak from experience in your party, but mastering the internal workings of your local party will be invaluable.
At any rate, your involvement is commendable and do you mind if I add your blog to my blogroll?
Oh yeah, the 7th was my birthday as well, I've turned the big 33. LOL
Go right ahead and add me, I'd appreciate it!
By the way, I've been looking at E&H, but Ill probably go to va highlands community college 2 years then ETSU for 2 years.
It's hard to go wrong with VHCC. In fact, I graduated with an AAS in General Studies from there before going to EHC. However, way back when in 1991, I went to ETSU. It's a good school as well. What are you going to major in?
Either Political Science or Journalism.
I also like the idea of being a HS teacher (if the politics thing doesn't work out)
I hate using this to communicate through comments, but from what you mentioned about running for a seat on the city party committee, you have a pretty bright future in the Party.
Thank you very much! And I wish you best of luck for things on your side of the aisle.
Although like Charlie, I am from the other side of the aisle, I do congratulate you on your position.
I think being involved in local politics, particularly at a young age, is invaluable and will lead you to high places. I am a member of our GOP committee here in Smyth County---the youngest I have to say. I do wish more younger people like us found it interesting. Some of my friends could care less and remark at how exciting I find politics.
A couple other things I'll offer about your comments on the elected officials in Bristol. You can find which party the constitutional officers represent on the SBE web site. They have a lot of info. there, just wish it was better organized. City/town council candidates in VA usually run as non-partisan candidates but each still can align with politics. Although committees do have the right, provided the local charter allows it, to nominate candidates.
With school boards they are all non-partisan elections. When I say non-partisan I mean that the ballot will not identify a party, not the people can't be political. Not only can an employee of a school system not be a member of the governing school board, none of their immediate family members can work for the board per VA law. Here our GOP chairman had to resign from the school board so they could just consider an in-law for employment. Pretty tough rules on nepotism.
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