Response to ‘SJC Democrats shouldn’t endorse non-partisan races’

I’m writing in response to Ed Lutz’s letter regarding the San Juan County Democrats’ endorsements.

It’s true that not all Democrats in the county voted on endorsements. This is something done by the Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) and other officers of the SJC Democratic Party, not the general membership.

I wasn’t happy with all of the endorsements either, but as a PCO I only had one vote. This is the way representative democracy works.

People who want to be involved with the SJC Democrats are encouraged to come to the meetings and participate, or they can contact their PCO and let their preferences be known. PCOs are listed on the SJC Democrats’ website, www.sjdemocrats.org.

With regard to nonpartisan endorsements, I’m guessing Mr. Lutz believes that a partisan endorsement will influence a nonpartisan candidate. I don’t believe that’s the case.

I think people have a right to know who their party favors if that’s important to them. and I don’t believe it affects the way that County Council people do their jobs. People who don’t wish to get involved in partisan politics probably won’t pay attention to endorsements anyway.

The SJC Democrats don’t always vote to endorse nonpartisan candidates, but this is how we decided to vote this time.

We look at the positions that a candidate takes on certain issues and use that as a guideline. We have worked with Jamie Stephens, who has been very active with the SJC Democrats, the 40th LD Democrats, and on the state level as our State Committeeman. Many people have expressed dissatisfaction with Bob Myhr’s record for attendance at County Council meetings and we took that into account.

People look to endorsements as a guideline. Our endorsements help people know who we think would be a better representative in the county.

Sharon Abreu

Democratic PCO

Eastsound