Seddio Leaves and I run

Frank Seddio resigned as the Democratic Party Chair on January 15th, urging the district leaders to select Rodneyse Bichotte, who was subsequently voted in as the new chair.

In this same meeting, three new rules were adopted.

1) County committee officers are no longer allowed to vote in the executive committee. This had been a path of corruption during the Vito days, before Seddio. Though not practiced during Seddio's tenure, it was only made an official rule at his departure.

2) Only one meeting per year is mandatory. Reform voices in the party had pushed for two voices to help improve transparency, accountability, and communication. For the last few years there were two. But I can't say that any of these goals were met by having the extra meeting. Leadership found ways to circumvent participation and challenges in these meetings, per the rules. See number 3. Honestly, the meetings feel mostly like a sham.

3) Resolutions can no longer compel action. This was one method where a lowly county member such as myself could be heard and where the voting of such lowly members can compel action of the committee. Back in September this exact scenario played out, led by NKD, forcing the finance committee to convene for audit purposes. I don't know if that actually happened. I do know that as of last month, the Kings County Democratic Committee only had about $40,000 in the bank and more than $200,000 in debt, including $50,000 owed to Frank Seddio.

Rule changes 2 and 3 above seem like an effort to limit inclusion which motivates me to continue my role as county committee member. I'll show up, keep us engaged, do what I can to help bring about a more engaged Democratic party in Brooklyn.

This month I will begin petitioning again to get my name on the ballot so that I can retain this volunteer role, filling one of four spots representing my electoral district, AD52/ED32. I will be carrying other like-minded committee candidate names on my petition forms, collecting signatures for them as well.

Malynda Rascoe has been my co-committee member this last term and we regularly attend the meetings together. I entrust her with my proxy when I cannot attend and trust her judgement. She's been a Boerum Hill resident for over 5 years now.

Susannah Scherzer and her son Max Scherzer moved to Brooklyn just after Max was born nearly three decades ago. Susannah has been active in our community for years. Max is currently pursuing his Masters of Policy Administration at Columbia University. They hope to fill the remaining two member spots, ensuring our Electoral District has full representation at County Committee.

Jesse Pierce is running for District Leader of AD52 and has the inclusive, community centered intentions that the executive committee of KCDC desperately needs. I add value by being a body and showing up, being a voice, and casting my single vote when I'm allowed. Having Jesse as one of our Assembly District Leaders (we have two) would give our reform-minded movement a super charge.