Washington County Democratic Party welcomes LDS Caucus, seeks Committee candidates

by Paul Dail

In December of 2014, The Independent reported that with the disbanding of the Democrats of Southern Utah PAC and change in the structure of the Women’s Democratic Club, the Washington County Democratic Party was looking to unite local Democrats under one banner. After taking a little downtime post-election, the Party is back in action. On Saturday, March 7, the Washington County Democratic Party is hosting the LDS Democratic Caucus. In the bigger picture, the Party has put out the call for candidates for several positions on the Executive Committee.

In December, Washington County Democratic Party Chair Della Lowe told The Independent, “The more people who can stand behind the Washington County Democratic Party and work with us, the better off we are.” Along these lines, they are excited to be hosting the LDS Democratic Caucus at the home of Bev and Ed Christy on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

According to the LDS Democrats website: “LDS Democrats aims to promote the full participation of Latter-day Saints in the Democratic Party … We are proud that we are a home for LDS Democrats who are conservative, moderate, liberal, and progressive. As a big tent, we are a living example of the power that is achieved when bipartisanship, compromise, and tolerance of ideas are put before limited, specific visions. Our goal: Encourage more Latter-day Saints to participate and feel welcome in the Democratic Party, identify as Democrats, or vote for Democratic candidates.”

The Washington County Democratic Party is calling this gathering at the Christy residence “an informal discussion about the values we share as Utah Democrats.” Discussion will include bringing a LDS Democrats chapter to southern Utah, as well as addressing concerns such as education, human rights, equity/fairness, and protecting the environment. For more information on this event, you can visit http://www.thewashingtondems.com/lds_dems_caucus.

The Washington County Democratic Party is also seeking candidates for the Executive Committee, including the positions of Chairperson, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Any registered Democratic Party member is eligible to run for the positions. In a press release from the Party, they stated that currently no Party officers have applied to run for a subsequent term.

“The future of our Party depends on YOU,” the release stated. “The Democratic Party in Washington County and the State has grown and remains a voice for the voiceless in Utah. We hope that you will volunteer to run for a top spot and keep our Party vibrant.”

The new officers will be elected at the Biennial Organizing Convention on Saturday, March 21 at Fossil Ridge Elementary School. A list of duties accompanying each office can be found at http://www.thewashingtondems.com/executive_committee_duties.

Anyone who would like to run for office or is seeking more information can contact either Randy C. Thomson at (435) 339-0200 x31 or email [email protected] or Della Lowe at (435) 339-0200 x11 or email [email protected].

The Party is also hosting their monthly social, Talks and Tapas, on Sunday, March 8, at the home of the current Party Chair and her husband, Della and Mike Lowe. For more information on this event, visit http://www.thewashingtondems.com/t_tmarch.