Per an email that you may have gotten this morning, Ian Carleton is resigning as state chair:
After three rich and exciting years of serving as Chair of the Vermont Democratic Party, it is time for me to move on. As of this Saturday, I wish to resign from my position as State Chair. Our able Vice Chair Judy Bevans, with whom I have already discussed this decision, has graciously agreed to serve as acting Chair until such time as the Party wishes to hold a special election for Chair (see Article XX of the VDP Bylaws), or until this November when the Party is statutorily required to undergo complete reorganization.
I've heard a lot of discussion about the state organization, its effectiveness and its vision. Can anyone here shed any further light on how things are running at the state level and how well it's working?
I honestly don't have a good handle on it, all I would say is that the state-wide campaigns seem to be rather lacking in inspiration or vision in some cases, which of course should not necessarily be blamed on the state party.
The most concerning trend I have seen is that the state party has seemed to rely on an attitude of expectation that all Dems will march in line, contribute and work hard for our candidates. Now, that's not totally unreasonable, but when it's the only justification you're offering, it can be less than inspirational.
There are strong cases to be made for the Democratic platform and vision in Vermont, but I'm not seeing that case being made. Candidates who can illuminate that vision for voters would be one way to go, but there also seems to be an opportunity to inspire more on a party level. Grassroots outreach seems to be limited to asking for donations, not actively engaging and empowering people on the local level, nor does it seem to reach out to expand the party base very effectively.
As good democrats we should always keep our eyes open to opportunities to engage in selecting leaders and setting new visions. Is this an opportunity for needed change? |
250-1
55-1
