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2008 West LA Democratic Club Elections 
New Officers with Governor Michael DukakisCandidate StatementsKelley Willis - President
I've served as the Club's president for the past year, the first year since 2001 with no statewide elections. It gave us a chance, as a community, to catch our breath, rest up, and get ready for this year. Because 2008 is going to be a long, strange trip though new election territory, starting with the presidential Primary season.
Our club, through its Board and members, brought the state convention for Dem Clubs to our area this year, bringing our Club to state-wide attention of party leaders and candidates.
Our Club continues to be the Democratic utility for the community. We need our Club to be a bedrock resource for its members, through regularly scheduled meetings in 2008, presenting topical speakers and informative panels of experts on the new Democratic agenda. Members on our committees should work with our elected representatives to create and promote legislation. We should grow our membership to include more youth and a stronger cross-section of LA's diversity. And improving the Club's financial status, through fundraisers and voluntary monthly donations, will allow the Club to support an HQ for the 2008 election cycle, and to support more candidacies like Jerry McNerney's, who overthrew Richard Pombo in November. We can strengthen our club and our party by reaching out to help grow more clubs, in LA and California.
I am proud of our Club, its members and what we've done. I believe I can lead it to new levels of strength and participation in the community and in the Party.
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Alan Bail - 1st Vice President: in charge of Political Action
Alan's first political activism came in high school, working in Tom Bradley's first run for mayor. Alan became active in the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, serving as President in 1972 - 73. He has worked in numerous local and national campaigns.
Alan graduated from CSUN with a degree in political science, and Loyola Law School, where he was Student Bar Association President.
Alan worked for the California Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General, representing state agencies and employees when they were sued. He was the Attorney General's representative on the L.A. County Commission on Life Support Policies, and represented former Councilman Mike Woo on the L.A. City Council Committee on Immigration. He was a volunteer Election Day poll observer in New Mexico in 2004.
Alan lives and works in Mar Vista; his legal practice focuses on civil litigation, civil rights, and representation of small businesses.
Alan has been a member of the West L.A. Democratic Club for several years. He hopes to focus on unifying Westside Democrats toward our common goal of electing Democrats to office at all levels - and then keeping up the heat for enactment of laws and policy that meet our progressive policy goals.
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Cara Robin - 2nd Vice President: in charge of Club Operations
Its been a great year for the Operations committees!
Our e-letter has a new look and were working on updating our website. Our membership drive is very successful, with renewals and new members joining everyday. We look forward to 100s of new members in 2008, helping us elect a Democratic President and a stronger Congressional majority.
We had high-profile events and speakers in 2007: Representative Dennis Kucinich, Governor Michael Dukakis, General Wesley Clark, Susan Lerner (CA Clean Money), Rick Jacobs (Courage Campaign /Brave New Films), our always-informative General Meetings focusing on local and state issues, annual July Beach Party/BBQ, and two terrific fundraisers: HAiR at the Met Theatre and our annual Holiday Party/Silent Auction. Our big August event, as hosts and organizers of the California Democratic Council Convention, attracted hundreds of people, top-flight speakers and local, state and national electeds.
This year well have a Headquarters to operate and local candidate forums and rallies to mobilize the troops and Get Out The Vote!
As my candidacy is unopposed, I ask for your vote of confidence. And I thank all of our wonderful Volunteers who made last year happen! Looking forward to working with you all in 2008!
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Suzanne Kite - Treasurer
I am Suzanne Kite, and I'm running for the office of Treasurer of the West L.A. Democratic Club for 2008.
As you may know, I've been very active in our Club since the spring of 2004, when I began registering voters in Venice. Later that summer, I was asked to be the co-manager of the WLADC section of the Kerry for President headquarters. The rest is history: In 2005 I was elected to the Board as a Member-at-Large, a position I held for three terms. This past summer, I was also asked to be Events Chair. Continually, I have been active on several committees and volunteered to participate and help wherever and whenever needed.
I have been very involved in most every aspect of our Club. I am seeking your vote because I want to stay involved, and I want to be Treasurer because this will give me an opportunity to use my skills in a different capacity. I am very detail-oriented and a dedicated proofreader, both skills absolutely necessary for this job.
I would appreciate your vote!
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Julie Goodman - Secretary
Hi, Im Julie, and Im running (unopposed) for re-election as Secretary of the West LA Democratic Club for a second year. I offer the Club a great track record, my hard work and plenty of experience. Im excited to participate in the Clubs activities as we help elect a Democratic president in 2008. I will be grateful for your vote of confidence, and I forward to working with all members of the WLADC. Thank You!
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Greg Good - At Large
My name is Greg Good and I seek your support for Member-at-Large on the Executive Board.
As many of you know, I have spent the past year serving as the Vice President of Political Affairs. During that time, we successfully re-aligned and re-constituted the political committee structure in a manner that is more manageable, more efficient and, ultimately, more effective. Additionally, we held a successful committee retreat and have been actively engaged in numerous local action campaigns, including the New Century Campaign for hotel workers rights and a Living Wage on Century Blvd. Perhaps most importantly, I feel that an ethos of action has been assumed by the Club and the political committees that will fuel our efforts heading into this monumental year.
Unfortunately, I am not able to continue in the role of V.P. of Political Affairs. However, based on my performance in that role, and based on my experience in local politics, campaigns and non-profit management (which I, unfortunately, am not afforded the space to describe), I hope that you will support me in my bid to serve you as Member-at-Large.
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Suzanne Scarmack - At Large
For the past three years, it has been my privilege to serve on the Executive Board of the West L.A. Democratic Club. I have especially enjoyed my duties this past year as Member at Large, which included spearheading the delegate check-in procedures and staffing for the CDC Convention, helping with this year's membership drive, and participation in the Local Issues Committee and its activates. This will be a critical year for us as we work together to elect a Democratic president. I hope you will give me opportunity to work with you in this effort by electing me to a Member at Large position for 2008.
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Tim Goodrich - At Large
As a young veteran, co-founder of Iraq Veterans Against the War, founder and director of a federal level political action committee, and a union employee, I believe I bring valuable experience to the West Los Angeles Democratic Club.
In October, I was appointed as a board member and it has been a pleasure to serve you. In my short time on the board, I have authored and passed a WLADC sponsored resolution in support of educational benefits to the California National Guard, helped make the holiday party a great success, and much more.
I envision the West Los Angeles Democratic Club as a prosperous one that will be at the forefront of the movement as we elect a Democratic President in 2008. With the Presidential elections and a new President, many citizens are sure to be involved and I would like them to see the WLADC as their premier choice in Democratic clubs.
I look forward to continuing to serve you and supporting the club. With your vote, I know we can accomplish great things and repair the damage that has been done in the last eight years.
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