The following commentary by Democratic City Committee Chair Robin Druckman was published in the Stamford Advocate on March 3, 2024.
ROBIN DRUCKMAN
Determining direction of Dems
There is an election for the Stamford Democratic City Committee (DCC) on Tuesday, March 5, the outcome of which will determine the direction the party will take over the next two years. This includes the upcoming presidential election in November, for which all of our state assembly candidates, Congressman and U.S. senator, face re-election and the 2025 municipal races, including mayor.
What has captured attention for the March 5 election is the decades’ long practice of self-endorsing, more commonly known as double dipping. Double dipping is a practice by which one serves on both the DCC and the Board of Representatives (BOR). Many on the DCC, including myself and the 37 candidates running on the Democrats United for Stamford slate, oppose this practice because it is undemocratic, unethical, and inconsistent with the values of our party.
Stamford Dems for Responsive Government, the slate backed by BOR Majority Leader Nina Sherwood/Reform Stamford, instead chose to welcome double dippers onto their slate. In fact, in more than half of the city’s districts, 41% of its candidates are/will be double dippers if elected. They are choosing to take advantage of the very system they once opposed, rather than doing what is right.
Majority Leader Sherwood and many members of Stamford Dems for Responsive Government were behind last November’s failed Charter Revision, which voters resoundingly rejected because they saw it for what it was — an attempt to grab power, sow confusion, and obstruct and impede our city’s progress.
It is hard to see their campaign for the DCC as anything other than another power grab and there is a reason why they are so determined: The Stamford Dems for Responsive Government/Reform Stamford is a vocal minority. They have never run a city-wide race. In election after election, this group runs a shadow campaign, supporting only their candidates while often actively working against those endorsed by the DCC.
In contrast, candidates running on the Democrats United for Stamford slate are personally invested in their campaigns, are strong advocates for the progress underway in our city, and active and engaged party members. They are new voices, experienced campaigners, collaborative problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. They all went door to door to gather the signatures needed to qualify for the ballot (unlike some of their opponents who did not get any of their own petition signatures). They’ve all raised money to fund a citywide campaign that connects with voters, working hard across the city to knock doors, make calls, and earn the support of fellow Democrats. In recent weeks, they’ve spoken with thousands of Democratic voters and the money they’ve raised together has funded a mail campaign, walk cards, and lawn signs.
This is the unglamorous hard work necessary to win elections — despite it being vilified by Stamford Dems for Responsive Government/ Reform Stamford. But these efforts are what a strong party is all about.
Our DCC is revered across the state for good reason. Our unparalleled party infrastructure allows us to connect with thousands of voters every election cycle, giving us invaluable insight into the issues of most importance. In recent elections, we’ve had the highest voter turnout of Democrats of any city in the state. And we have a proud legacy of recruiting and electing the very best candidates, many of whom have gone on to serve our state in higher office, including as governor, U.S. senator, attorney general, and state Supreme Court Justice. Which is why the DCC, and who sits on it, is so important.
At this critical moment in our state’s and country’s history, upholding our values and fighting to protect our democracy and rights should be our number one priority — not a self-interest driven power grab.
As chair of Stamford's Democratic Party, my message to you is simple: join me in supporting the Democrats United for Stamford candidates on Tuesday, March 5, and ensure that our party remains strong, engaged, and accountable to you, the voters.
Robin Druckman is chair of Stamford Democratic Party.
Candidates running on the Democrats United for Stamford slate are personally invested in their campaigns, are strong advocates for the progress underway in our city, and active and engaged party members.
Comentarios