David
12-03-2007, 04:24 PM
‘Why make an issue of it?’
By Mildred Torres-Ferguson
It is standard practice that immediately following each local election, political parties meet to decide who to support for leadership roles on Meriden’s City Council and Board of Education. Last week the Democrats met in an effort to determine the leadership of the Board of Education.
My support for Mark Hughes for the position Vice President was an effort to provide residents with a smooth transition in the future. Mark is more than qualified for this position. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work with a specialty in children, adolescence and families. He’s worked directly with children from our community for twenty two years at the YMCA and is currently employed as a high school social worker.
Prior to the nomination process this past summer, I clearly communicated my reasons for this recommendation to not only each Democrat on the board but also to Rob Kosienski. As no opposition was voiced, I brought it to the table again last week. Obviously some board members are now opposed to the change in leadership.
I never assume to have anyone’s support. I explain my reasoning, and those who do not feel I’ve made a valid argument should vote against it. However, as Chairwoman of the Meriden Democratic Town Committee, I will not allow an elected official(s) who runs on the Democratic ticket to say that the party has done nothing for them and they have no obligation to the party. That is simply not true. The Democratic Party works hard for every candidate running on the ticket and this is consistently confirmed by the election results.
Although I stand behind the statement that “No one person is bigger than the party,” I should have phrased it differently. We teach our children that “there is no ‘I’ in team.” Perhaps that would have been a better way to state my position.
The Democratic Party in Meriden is strong because of our common belief in Democratic principles. These principles resonate among our community and although we do not always agree, it is my responsibility as Chairwoman of the Town Committee to defend these principles and the future of our party.
In addition to my role as Chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee, I am also a mother of three. I would never jeopardize the educational structure of our city.
I have never been a candidate for public office, but I do make phone calls and knock on the doors of voters with many of the candidates. When the topic of Board of Education arises, voters consistently express a need for change in leadership. I attempted to build consensus by putting a Democrat in a future position of leadership, create the change residents asked for and also keep Kosienski in a leadership role by offering the Secretary position. Although it was unsuccessful, it is important to note that party leaders have always been involved in these decisions.
So, why are some choosing to make an issue of it this year?
On Wednesday I will support whichever leadership team the Board of Education Democrats endorse. Why? Simply because I am part of a team.
Mildred Torres-Ferguson is chairwoman of Meriden’s Democratic Town Committee.
By Mildred Torres-Ferguson
It is standard practice that immediately following each local election, political parties meet to decide who to support for leadership roles on Meriden’s City Council and Board of Education. Last week the Democrats met in an effort to determine the leadership of the Board of Education.
My support for Mark Hughes for the position Vice President was an effort to provide residents with a smooth transition in the future. Mark is more than qualified for this position. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work with a specialty in children, adolescence and families. He’s worked directly with children from our community for twenty two years at the YMCA and is currently employed as a high school social worker.
Prior to the nomination process this past summer, I clearly communicated my reasons for this recommendation to not only each Democrat on the board but also to Rob Kosienski. As no opposition was voiced, I brought it to the table again last week. Obviously some board members are now opposed to the change in leadership.
I never assume to have anyone’s support. I explain my reasoning, and those who do not feel I’ve made a valid argument should vote against it. However, as Chairwoman of the Meriden Democratic Town Committee, I will not allow an elected official(s) who runs on the Democratic ticket to say that the party has done nothing for them and they have no obligation to the party. That is simply not true. The Democratic Party works hard for every candidate running on the ticket and this is consistently confirmed by the election results.
Although I stand behind the statement that “No one person is bigger than the party,” I should have phrased it differently. We teach our children that “there is no ‘I’ in team.” Perhaps that would have been a better way to state my position.
The Democratic Party in Meriden is strong because of our common belief in Democratic principles. These principles resonate among our community and although we do not always agree, it is my responsibility as Chairwoman of the Town Committee to defend these principles and the future of our party.
In addition to my role as Chairwoman of the Democratic Town Committee, I am also a mother of three. I would never jeopardize the educational structure of our city.
I have never been a candidate for public office, but I do make phone calls and knock on the doors of voters with many of the candidates. When the topic of Board of Education arises, voters consistently express a need for change in leadership. I attempted to build consensus by putting a Democrat in a future position of leadership, create the change residents asked for and also keep Kosienski in a leadership role by offering the Secretary position. Although it was unsuccessful, it is important to note that party leaders have always been involved in these decisions.
So, why are some choosing to make an issue of it this year?
On Wednesday I will support whichever leadership team the Board of Education Democrats endorse. Why? Simply because I am part of a team.
Mildred Torres-Ferguson is chairwoman of Meriden’s Democratic Town Committee.