More on the FCDP Endorsement of Jones

I received an email from Suzanne Goldsmith-Hirsch today with a more detailed announcement of the party's endorsement of Robyn Jones. If this were any other race, my self-appointed role would involve pushing the Jones candidacy at this point. That's not my current agenda, but I figured that it should be noted.

In the meantime, add Ms. Jones to the list of candidates with websites. Like Blue Bexley, there are multiple URL's that can get you there, but for simplicity's sake I'm replacing them all with the easier-to-remember www.jonesforbexley.com - even in the letter below (w/permission):

Dear Precinct and Block Captains, and other interested Democrats and Democrat-leaning voters,

The Franklin County Democratic Party voted last Wednesday to endorse candidate Robyn Jones for Mayor of Bexley. Their vote was based on the unanimous recommendation of a committee which included me and the other ward leaders (Cynthia Ruccia, David Neubauer and Marc Fishel) as well as four party representatives from various sectors.

We interviewed the three candidates (out of a field of 8) who sought party endorsement: Robyn, Bill Minckler and Bill Harvey. Frankly, all three seemed to be intelligent and thoughtful candidates but it was our assessment that Robyn has the most relevant experience, from her time on the City Council, the best track record of getting out in the community and talking with people about what's going on in Bexley, a strong history of working with the party (she is one of the few candidates in recent memory to run explicitly as a Democrat for City Council) and most importantly, a demonstrated ability to campaign hard and win. It was our assessment that that will be very important in such a splintered field.

Robyn also has a unique and relevant set of skills and background: she is a former public school teacher (14 years) as well as a lawyer with 13 years' experience at the Ohio Dept. of Taxation. She is well-versed in the issues surrounding real estate taxes, tax abatement and development. Here's a link to her website:

http://www.jonesforbexley.com

Why does party affiliation or endorsement matter in the Mayoral election? Our municipal elections are non-partisan, after all. I think it matters because

a) It is a strong indicator of a candidate who shares some of our most essential values, such as compassion, the role of government in strengthening communities, and the importance of equal opportunity for all, and

b) Electing strong Democrats at the local level strengthens our party's ability to field, support and elect Democrats at the state and national level. In some cases, municipal office is the first step to higher office. In others, these local office-holders can bring leadership and momentum to our local organizing efforts.

I don't think we should inject national politics into a local mayor's race. But I do think that party affiliation (and endorsement) is an important factor to consider when choosing a mayor or city councillor.

Robyn is hosting a "tailgate party" at her house, 825 Vernon Road, at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, September 29. I encourage you to attend and find out more about Robyn. Further, please consider hosting a coffee or other casual gathering where your friends and neighbors can meet Robyn and get a sense of her candidacy. If you agree that Robyn deserves your support, then let's try to put the organization we have been building to work on her behalf!

Thanks for your time,

Suzanne

Note to other candidates: I will publicize any and all campaign events including fundraisers like Ms. Jones' tailgate. Just send me the info.