The election of the Jefferson Democratic Party board was an ugly sham. Unknown to most of the members was the fact that the top four positions were to be elected by the precinct committee officers …
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The election of the Jefferson Democratic Party board was an ugly sham. Unknown to most of the members was the fact that the top four positions were to be elected by the precinct committee officers (PCOs), not by the individual Democrats attending the meeting. Therefore, it was a shock when Bruce Cowan was replaced by a woman totally unknown to party members.
How was that done? It was done by a far-left group working to get the majority of the PCO positions this summer, a job that most rank-and-file did not realize the importance of. To his own demise, Bruce invited and encouraged these “independents” to join the party and get involved. That is the definition of inclusive.
Unbeknownst to Bruce, these folks were not looking to be part of the Democratic party but rather were plotting its takeover, all done in secret. Why secret? Because their views would not have won openly. They chose a slate of candidates and a platform that is reflective of only their views. By furtively taking over PCO positions for the sole purpose of forcing their agenda on Jefferson County Democrats, they were by their own actions, exclusionary. So just like with the Electoral College our voices are not only diminished, but wholly shut out. Now this group calls for unity. Hogwash.
I will not support Linda Callahan, because I feel our party deserves better. What I will do is work to thwart their legal but unethically prepared agenda. I will also work those precincts against PCOs that participated in the sham to make sure they are ousted at the next election. I will be active in requesting Callahan’s resignation. I invite everyone to participate. Let’s reunite the party.
MELINDA BRYDEN
Port Townsend
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Leader reported June 8 that 40 people filed for 29 Democrat PCO positions, including 10 contested races. The Leader reported on the interest in the PCO races in a story on July 13 and reported on the results for those elections in August. The Leader also reported on Nov. 30 that the party was being reorganized, and that only PCOs could vote at the meeting Dec. 4.
