Paul McNamara

Greetings Fellow EDC Democrats!

In February, we saw a continuation of the momentum that kicked off the year.  It is not only encouraging, but also exciting to see the possibilities this momentum could produce for the year.   Our new meeting format has generated a number of comments.  Most of them have been good but some included suggested refinements.  While we strive to continue to improve the club and its workings, the most important thing is that we are increasing the participation and active involvement of the club membership.   I would offer this is the key to any organization’s success.  Additionally, we started our survey program to find out how the club is performing and what direction we should be heading in.  The response has been strong and very informative.  The E-Board will be looking at those results this month and we hope to have some feedback at the March meeting.  Also, our Issues Forum continues to grow not only in importance, but also in popularity.  One of the tougher decisions we have had is prioritizing what issues to tackle and how much time to allot to each one.  Both Chris Nava and Rick Moore have done a great job in working through the issues, the speakers and the prioritization. That said, your feedback and input is always welcome.

Club Product – Political Activism; Club Engine – Membership 

One only needs to look at the EDC website, to see how many issues directly affect the club membership.  One also only needs to look at the magnitude of those issues and see that not one person or even one club is enough to respond to them with the resources they demand.  This is an election year and the results of the election and how we respond to the various issues will impact our lives directly.  The community and by extension our country, needs your help and needs it now.  The direction and definition of who we are as a government is at stake.  I would ask you to consider thinking of a way of how you could make an impact no matter whether it is big or small.  And if you can’t think of one, talk with Chris Nava or Grace Sloan for ideas and then make the commitment!  In this way we can fulfill the challenge of JFK to not ask what the country can do for you.  And not all commitment that helps has to be in the political arena.  Jason is preparing his membership drive activities, and he needs help too.  Talk with him and let’s see how far we can go! 

Council of Clubs – Central Committee  

We attended both meetings this month and there continues to be a lot of activity in work.  Of note is that the central committee voted to support term limitations for San Diego County Supervisors.  It was a thoughtful debate taking into account the long run of some candidates in office balanced against the “blue” trending of the county.  On a more festive note, we now have two tables for the Roosevelt Dinner, which is Saturday, April 10^th.  Again, this is a great time to see some of the local Democratic luminaries in a setting of camaraderie and sense of purpose. It is not too late for a ticket.  Also, I am pleased to report that at the council of clubs recommended EDC as the SDCDP club of the year (to be confirmed by the Central Committee).  This is a result of all of your hard work and activism last year.   It truly deserves a hearty “well done!” 

In sum, our great start continues, let’s maintain it through the year and continue to turn North County from red to blue.

Respectfully,

Paul McNamara

President