DA France 2019 National Elections - Meet the Candidates

Posted by Robin Guinot
April 10, 2019

DA France Comms Team

The DA France Elections Board is pleased to present the list of candidates for the upcoming DA France National elections. Please continue reading to see all of the candidates and their statements.

ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the American Church in Paris from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. To RSVP and for more details, please see here.

Early voting by online ballot will also be made available to DAF members via email. This is optional. You will receive your Absentee/Early Voting ballot soon with instructions on and deadlines for early voting. One can either vote in person by attending the meeting or by voting early. Watch this space for more election information.

2019 National Leadership Committee Election
Candidate Statements

NATIONAL CHAIR

Ada Shen, F

My name is Ada Shen and I am running for DAF Chair, and Voting Representative.

I currently serve on the DAF ExCom as GOTV Officer (“Get Out The Vote”), and as Database/IT Officer. I also serve on global teams, such as Voter Help and Bylaws.

Active with DA since 2007 from Beijing, I founded DA China. In 2017, my husband Emmanuel, a French national, and I moved to Paris. As GOTV Officer, I dramatically grew our voter engagement and participation by reaching out to the groundswell of those who rose up in the aftermath of 2016 – within DAF and our Caucuses (Youth, Diversity), with fellow activist orgs (PAGE, Indivisibles, Our Revolution), and across DAF Chapters. We expanded phone-banking, SMS and postcard campaigns, voter registration at protests, rallies and special events, hosted voter outreach on campuses and in the community throughout the fall — and connected it to the social media conversation.

Efforts like this, and citizens like you and me, helped our nation, Democrats, and Democrats Abroad break records in 2018. In 2020 we must do more. If elected I pledge to lead DAF to #Resist the ongoing assault on American values and political norms and also to #Win in 2020.

FIRST VICE CHAIR

Jonathon Holler, M

My name is Jonathon Holler and I am running for reelection as Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad France.

Throughout my involvement with DAF, I have worked to make it more open and more effective and have voted within the Democratic Party Committee Abroad according to the progressive beliefs that I share with our community here in France.

In 2016, I created an official Youth Caucus at the national level to better welcome members of a vital demographic to our party. These past months I co-chaired a steering committee for the creation of the local Paris Chapter of Democrats Abroad France. I have organized voter outreach, conferences and soirées (the 2016 Youth Caucus Election Party with more than 600 attendees for example) and represented the Democratic Party on television and the radio and in public functions. Within Democrats Abroad, I have voted for an endorsement of the Equal Rights Amendment, for resolutions to make national elections fairer and more transparent, and for changes to DA’s bylaws make them more inclusive to members of the transgender community.

I am asking for your vote so that we can continue together to make DAF an effective vehicle for political change.

SECOND VICE CHAIR - CHAPTER LIAISON

Meredith Wheeler, F

Hi! I’ve been an active DAF member for 16 years from my home in the Tarn (near Toulouse).

The Toulouse Chapter was the second to be formed in France (just after Nice) in 2003, and I was one of the founding members and original Chairs. As other chapters arose, I tried to support them. In Feb 2018, while chapter Chair again, I started periodic WebEx calls for chapter leaders to discuss the particular challenges that small chapters face. These calls have proved worthwhile--and continue.

My best achievement within DA will always be the Obama Bridge Project—to which Susan Vaillant of DAF Strasbourg gave the magic tagline: Yes We Span! That project to photograph Obama supporters at famous and scenic bridges (the bridge being a metaphor for him) went viral--and people on every continent took part.

Stanford class of ’74, I worked many years as a writer/ producer for ABC News in New York and London, with Peter Jennings, Sam Donaldson, and Barbara Walters. My journalism background is handy. I serve now as admin on the DAF Facebook page. Later in London I trained and worked as a psychotherapist.

Originally from Northfield, IL, I vote in Manhattan.

TREASURER

Brooke Burns, F

I am running for re-election as the Treasurer of Democrats Abroad France (DAF), and for Voting Representative.

For the past two years, I have proudly served in the position and advanced the capacity of the DAF Country Committee to serve its members quickly and efficiently. Although my central project has centred on digitalising much of the reimbursement and payments for members, event spaces, and GOTV efforts, I have also worked to ensure efficient communication and organisation of national resources like pins, t-shirts, and postcards. I maintain a positive working relationship with the DAF chapters, as well as neighbouring country committees.

In addition to carefully managing the DAF resources for the past two years, I have taken part in numerous GOTV events, phone banking, demonstrations, and DAF fundraising local to Paris.

In my next two years as DAF Treasurer, I will establish a system for easily developing sustaining donations for DAF, help guide the treasurer of the Paris Chapter following it's official launch, and continue to build out the fundraising, organising, and GOTV capacity of all the chapters in France.

Thank you for your continued trust in my capacity to serve you as DAF Treasurer and Voting Representative.

SECRETARY

Marjorie Bernstein, F

I have had the honor to serve you as Secretary since 2017. I offer you my continued commitment to DAF and submit my candidacy for a new term as your Secretary. I will carry out my responsibilities with diligence, perseverance, and diplomacy.

I came to Paris 40 years ago as a Computer Project Manager for Xerox. I have a Mathematics degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I worked in multi-national, multi-cultural teams worldwide, and strive to find grounds of agreement when differences block communication.

I have three sons, born in Paris, attended French schools; all three are Democrats and THEY VOTE. SI NON, EN GARDE! ! !

I attended the US Embassy Voter registration workshop in 2016 and 2018, assisted in the Get-Out-The-Vote campaigns, the Global Presidential Primary in Paris, and the Global convention in Berlin. Full of passion, I'm always ready to raise money for DAF with grace and tenacity, and served Democrats Abroad as Treasurer for 8 years.

I offer my qualities of thoroughness and enthusiasm to continue to serve Democrats Abroad France and I ask for your support and your vote for the position of Secretary.

COUNSEL

Julia Gregoire, F

Born in France and raised in America, I am a member of the Paris, New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island bars and a graduate of Brown University and Boston University Law School. As an active lawyer in both countries, I am well-equipped to ensure DAF’s compliance with the relevant laws and regulations on both sides of the Atlantic. I am also prepared to work hard to enhance DAF’s role as a member of the international DA organization and a supporter of the US Democratic Party.

My current practice specializes in the intersection of French and American legal issues for businesses and individuals. In my previous practice at two large American firms in Paris, I advised corporate clients on cross-border disputes and data protection compliance. While working in New York as a human rights lawyer, I served in politically tense situations, helping develop public defenders’ offices in Haiti and Bolivia and assisting with advocacy efforts for disenfranchised Haitian-Dominicans in the DR.

My experience positions me as the strongest candidate to serve as Counsel, particularly in today’s climate in which Democrats must work harder than ever to protect American institutions and to take back the White House and Senate in 2020.

DATABASE/IT MANAGER

Max Dunitz, M

My name is Max Dunitz, and I am running for the position of Database/IT Manager and Voting Representative.

I arrived in the Paris area this fall to pursue graduate studies in applied math and will remain in France for the foreseeable future (including the fall of 2020). This fall, I joined the Youth Caucus and helped organize and create VOIP infrastructure for our phonebanks for stateside campaigns.

I have long been supporting voter engagement efforts with IT support. I have written software to help local activist groups text volunteers and make their phone banking events more accessible, I have performed many database management, NGPVAN, and NationBuilder tasks for candidates for local office, and I created a web database to help volunteers turnout Democrats living in Hong Kong.

I have performed just about every task at a Democratic field office and have taken leadership positions in progressive activist groups such as Fossil Free MIT, Sunrise Boston, and Cambridge Area Stronger Together. Although I prefer campaigning to sitting in front of a computer, I am always happy to put my computer science degrees to use for a good cause.

Thank you for your consideration.

GOTV OFFICER

Claudia Varney, F

I wish to represent, build and grow Democrats Abroad France as GOTV officer and as a voting representative.

I have previously served as the co-chair of the Youth Caucus, and as Member-At-Large of the Executive Committee of DA France. I organized the Paris edition of March for Our Lives and helped to lead the student outreach for getting out the Paris student vote. I know from first-hand experience that political advocacy works, and that building and strengthening communities and registering and empowering voters is crucial to constructing a powerful political force to be reckoned with.

I am a lifelong activist and Democrat - and as a 25 year old French-born American from California, I will bring a global perspective and energised approach to Democrats Abroad France.

It is more important than ever to engage with voters abroad and bring them - along with the issues that affect them - to the table, while also building a community abroad that continues to grow, resist, engage and thrive.

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Robin Guinot, F

My name is Robin Guinot. I am candidate for National Communications Coordinator of Democrats Abroad France.

I have been a member of DAFrance since 2017, when we founded the Lyon Chapter. I was elected chapter Vice Chair and, in 2018, assumed the responsibilities of Chair.

Since being appointed to the new position of National Communications Coordinator in June 2018, I have worked to:

Federate our national and chapter communications, including creating a more coherent “branding”
Extend DAF’s social media presence to boost our reach to members and potential members
Improve our web page layout and content to drive engagement by our members
Provide ongoing communications support for the chapters
Introduce a social media management tool to distribute election information more efficiently to support our GOTV efforts

I am excited about how we can use these platforms to improve communication to and among our members as well as to engage the progressive community of Americans across France. And, of course, to mobilize Democrats living in France to vote in the critical 2020 elections!

I would like to build upon my experience to continue to contribute to the growth of DAFrance!

Thank you for your consideration.

Issues, Programs and Events Coordinator

No candidate

Membership Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator

No candidate

VOTING REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES

Note that of these candidates, nine Voting Representatives will be elected who, in addition to the National Chair and two Vice Chairs, will comprise DAF's Voting Delegation in affairs of the international Democrats Abroad organization. This elected Voting Delegation must be gender balanced, meaning as equally divided between men and women as practicably possible.

Scott Baker, M

Being both a past Chair and past Vice Chair of the Riviera Chapter, I, Scott BAKER, have had a rewarding experience within Democrats Abroad – France. Leading our executive committee, I have provided the Riviera chapter opportunities for American political discourse and strengthening our fight against the political influences that want to concentrate power to a selective few. A prime example is our monthly Political Wines that have been replicated by other chapters and recognised at the DPCA leadership level. Consequently, I am continuing to dedicate time and energy to carry the torch within DAF so that Americans can benefit from the resources that Democrats Abroad can provide.

* * * * * * *

Amy Below, F

My name is Amy Below, and I am running for Voting Representative.

I have been honored to serve the Democrats Abroad France community as an elected national Member-at-Large; Chair of our Education Policy Group; Co-Chair of the Paris Steering Committee; and by creating, organizing and delivering last year’s popular 6-part American Government Seminar Series. Before arriving in France about 5 years ago, I taught American Government and Politics, Economics and other social science courses for 16 years in California’s public high schools.

Currently, aside from my work at an international marketing firm, I’m also teaching “Introduction to U.S. Law” and “U.S. Constitutional Law” to 2nd year law students at Université Paris Nanterre.

As Americans abroad, we need to stay ever-vigilant that our Constitutional rights are being protected. Indeed, the current administration has sought to restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Americans and could seek to further restrict our specific rights as Americans abroad. It has never been more essential to fight for the democratic - and Democratic - ideals that we believe in.

If elected Voting Representative, I will faithfully and fervently represent the needs and desires of the membership of Democrats Abroad France to the DPCA.

Thank you!

* * * * * * *

William Below, M

My name is William Below, and I’m running for Voting Representative.

I have been living in France for more than 30 years. With four children born in Paris, I am proud to have created four Democrats. Although I have closed down that specific recruitment process, getting more Democrats to vote from abroad (and on US soil) is the most important task of our organization. We’re already making a difference with just under 7% of non-military Americans abroad voting (2016). Imagine what we could do if we increased that by just 5%... or 10?

Like you, I am sickened by what our government has become. Taking back the House is a start back towards a government of values. But, as Pete Buttigieg said, we also need to understand why someone like Trump could come within cheating distance of the White House. Republicans are in no position to redress these issues. Democrats are, and we will.

As a longstanding member of Democrats Abroad, I would be proud to represent this tenacious and focused organization as one of your Voting Representatives. As such, I will strive to embody the plurality of voices of DA France with both allegiance and integrity.

Thank you.

* * * * * * *

Marjorie Bernstein, F

I have had the honor and privilege to serve you as National Voting Representative for the past 2 years. I always kept my cool and often kept my smile. I diligently fulfilled my responsibilities: researched the issues, understood the pros/cons and cast a vote in the best interests of DAF.

I participated in DPCA meetings online. I did not have the financial means to attend in person, nor the freedom to travel due to family responsibilities. I WAS THERE, online, night and day! When the roll call began in TOKYO, I proudly responded 'PRESENT' from France.

You can count on me again, to be present online, night and day, for the upcoming DPCA meeting in Washington DC, May 17-19.

I am currently serving as DAF Secretary, and am running for a second term. I have also served as Treasurer for 8 years.

I came to Paris 40 years ago as a Computer Project Manager. I have a mathematics degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I have three sons, born in Paris, attended French schools, all three are DEMOCRATS, and VOTE!

I offer my qualities of thoroughness, dedication, and enthusiasm to serve DAF and ask for your vote as National Voting Representative.

* * * * * * *

Brooke Burns, F

I am running for re-election as the Treasurer of Democrats Abroad France (DAF), and for Voting Representative.

Thank you for your continued trust in my capacity to serve you as DAF Treasurer and Voting Representative.

* * * * * * *

Ryler Calabrese, M

Hello, everyone! This past January, I relocated to Paris from Tallahassee where I’d been working at Florida State University.

I’ve been politically active my entire adult life but did not get intimately involved in Democratic politics until 2015 when I organized the local volunteer campaign for Bernie. I have stayed highly engaged in the party since, becoming a Precinct Captain and serving on the Steering Committee of the Democratic Executive Committee as Chair of Party Organization. I also helped found and co-direct a chapter of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida.

I am currently on the Steering Committee of the global Progressive Caucus of Democrats Abroad (proDA) and hope to help start a country chapter in France.

I am comfortable around bylaws and administrative protocols (reading, writing, and amending them) having had to deal with them in various organizations (political, educational, business). I am familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order and have frequently participated in formal meetings of various sizes including conventions.

I’m running for a National Voting Representative position because I have a strong interest in working at the international level to help Democrats Abroad continue to move forward in a progressive direction.

Thank you for your consideration. Solidarity!

* * * * * * *

Anna Dell'Era, F

I am a concerned American citizen and Democrats Abroad France Strasbourg member. I have resided in France since 1992. An active Democrats Abroad member during the Obama campaign in 2008, I painstakingly phonebanked in an Dems Abroad- Swiss branch apartment in Basel, Switzerland, made frequent trips to Strasbourg, France and was a proud and humble invitee to President Obama’s Town Hall meeting in Strasbourg in April, 2009. During President Obama’s second campaign, I battled a life threatening illness and was unable to actively participate in campaigning efforts. However, I made sure to execute my absentee voting procedure. I made sure that my vote got counted!!

According to a State Department report of 2016, 3-6 million Americans reside abroad. We need those votes.

Americans abroad need to be aware of existing portals that can contribute to living a productive, aware, and meaningful life here while maintaining our political integrity. Different challenges occur that require networking. As an American with a track record of different experiences and challenges, I can offer compassionate advice concerning the political infrastructure of France, Germany and Switzerland…..challlenges concerning housing, insurance, or employment. I also have an avid interest in the Diversity section of Dems Abroad and in helping to establish a Chapter precinct in neighbouring Haut-Rhin section of France, for Americans who reside near the Swiss border.

As a National Voting Representative, I will bring my experiences and challenges to the table, tirelessly work to support the initiatives of Democrats Abroad Political Committee, work closely with the designated party sub-groups to assure that DA fulfills its goals and responsibilities, reflect a progressive stance, demonstrate professionalism, diplomacy and provoke mutual respect.

* * * * * * *

Max Dunitz, M

My name is Max Dunitz, and I am running for the position of Database/IT Manager and Voting Representative.

Thank you for your consideration.

* * * * * * *

Douglas Glucroft, M

I am asking for your support to be one of DAF’s voting representatives to the DPCA.

I have been a member of Democrats Abroad since 1986, and for many years served as an officer and member of the executive committee of DAF (including as chair from 1999 to 2003). It has been wonderful to see how DAF has sprouted into multiple chapters, increased its membership steadily and become an ever-stronger player within the DPCA.

For much of my career, I have been a lawyer in private practice in Paris. For the last year five years, I have been a senior director in a corporate legal department. I running for a position as a voting representative because I want to be sure that DAF is always fully and effectively represented at DPCA meetings, and therefore I would be pleased and honored to join the DAF voting delegation for DPCA meetings. We are one of the largest country committees in the DPCA, and we must never lose an opportunity to have our views and votes counted in the DPCA.

Thank you.

* * * * * * *

Kaitlin Marie Hickey, F

My name is Kaitlin Hickey and I would like to present my candidature for the position of Voting Representative. I joined Democrats Abroad France in September 2018 when I moved to Paris to pursue my Fulbright grant, and I have been actively involved with various GOTV initiatives, such as voter registration at Shakespeare & Co. the RBG film screening, phone banking and post card writing events.

Prior to moving to Paris, I worked as a legislative intern for Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in D.C. where I attended congressional briefings, wrote policy memorandum for senior staffers in health and judicial issue areas, and drafted constitute correspondence. I believe that my administrative and organizational skills, as well as my energy and flexibility, would be directly conducive to serving the needs of the Executive Committee.

Furthermore, I intend to be present in person for the DPCA meeting in Washington DC from May 17 - 19 and for the Congressional Door-Knock from May 20 - 21.

At present, I believe that serving as a Voting Representative would be the most valuable contribution I can make to DAF and I would be honored to serve in this capacity if elected.

Thank you for your consideration !

* * * * * * *

Gabriella Lopez, F

I propose my candidacy for a National Voting Representative.

We are facing one of the most challenging periods in our history. We can, however, make a difference, bringing optimism and hope to a new generation. Promoting and protecting the right to vote is crucial. We need to muster all our resources to register and ensure maximum turnout of American democrats living abroad for the upcoming elections. It is a wonderful responsibility and the urgent task before us.

I am highly motivated and energized! My work as an architectural historian reflects meticulous organization, critical thinking, and integrity - qualities I will bring to the position if elected. I’m a team player who looks for consensus and not polarization. I’m currently a doctoral student at Lumière University Lyon 2.

I would be honored and grateful to have your vote.

* * * * * * *

Meagan Lopez, F

I am Meagan Lopez, and I would be honored to be your voting representative.

As the newly elected Vice Chair for Democrats Abroad Paris, I would love to further use my voice to represent you. In December, I left the New York Times as their Global Digital Business Director to start my own independent media consultancy. I have lived abroad for nine years, but, like most of you, feel a strong sense of duty to our nation in its time of great need. I became a director for a ground-breaking creative arts therapy program for survivors of the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. There, I have seen up close our nation’s gun violence epidemic — and I have also seen how a community of people united can turn toxicity, fear and violence into a demand for action and positive change.

NOW, more than ever, is the time we must do just that. It is imperative that we maximize our voices and votes as Democrats Abroad in Paris, that we fight for justice and the issues that affect us all. We must take our country back. My priorities are climate change, women’s issues, gun regulation, fair taxation for expats, and ensuring that Democrats win in 2020. Let’s do our part.

Thank you!

* * * * * * *

Jo Lowrey, F

My name is Joséphine (Jo) Lowrey and I have lived in Paris for over 30 years, now.

My voting states is Vermont, my last US residence, but I have voted the Democratic ticket in Washington state, California, New York and Massachusetts.

I have marched for civil rights and against the Vietnam and Iraq wars, as well as for civil rights. I have had a professional career before, during and after raising three French/American (democratic) children.

I would like to represent and contribute to the DAF organization as a National Voting Representative.

* * * * * * *

Anna Marie Mattson, F

I will fight WITH you against Trumpacrats, Trumpies, Republicans and FOR TRUE change in the Democratic Party. Elections were lost because of voter suppression, gerrymandering and disconnected Americans. This needs to be stopped.

I am FOR grassroots movements and a party that listens and heeds to the will of the people. And good riddance to the Electoral College and voter registration altogether! I will truly represent your will and be there for you.

I do have experience with the DA International organization and that is why I am running for Voting Representative. Since 2003 I have attended international DA meetings particularly representing the Military whether by presenting resolutions, by creating awareness to Veterans issues or by taking chocolates and donations to wounded warriors at Walter Reed and Landstuhl. I am on the Steering Committee of the Veterans and Military Family Caucus in formation in France and DA. My father fought in World War II.

DAF experience includes Vice-Chair, At-Large, Media, DPCA leadership, DNC Conventions, organizing debates, phone-banking, resolutions and military planks for our platform, cheering up wounded soldiers and laying wreaths at cemeteries.

People say I walk the talk. I promise not to ever disappoint you nor the female, Latino soldier suffering from PTSD who voted Democrat.

I appreciate your support. I am fired up, ready to go!

* * * * * * *

Louise Meyers, F

Statement not available

* * * * * * *

Didier Moutou, M

My name is Didier David Moutou, and I am running for the position of Voting Representative for Democrats Abroad France (DAF).

I was just appointed a couple weeks ago as the Outreach Officer handling GOTV & Database/IT for the DAF Paris chapter.

An unapologetic progressive who stands for his ideas, even in my conservative family, I know too well how change, no matter how badly needed can morph into a hazardous challenge when not sufficiently advocated for.

There are so many issues that we need to push forward as democrats, but there are three that I believe to be central to a healthy functioning democracy: universal healthcare, public education and fair elections.

Home base is in "bean town", aka Boston, but I have been working in the Paris area for the past 12 years. On a personal level I am married with two awesome kids, an information technology professional during the day, and an audio mastering engineer at night.

Thank you for your time and of course vote!

* * * * * * *

Claudia Quiros, F

I have been involved in Democrats Abroad since the birth of the Lyon chapter, where I have just been elected as a Member-at-Large. I believe in the power of using our civic duty to fight for the principles we hold dear. For me as a young person, these ideals include environmental justice, dealing with crushing student debt, fighting for racial and gender equity, and getting money out of politics.

My current position working at the World Health Organization and our commitment to “Health for All” has confirmed my view that health is a human right, and universal health care is not a “pie-in-the-sky” ideal.

I am running for Voting Representative because I believe in the power of contributing my voice as a citizen abroad and ensuring transparency of the voting process in Democrats Abroad. As a voting representative, I pledge to fairly represent the votes of our members at the governing body level.

Many thanks for your time.

* * * * * * *

Leela Rasa, F

Hello, my name is Leela. Having been an expat the majority of my life I have little experience with organising politically. However, I have been a member and leader in various volunteer student organizations throughout my high school and university studies that have given me relevant experience. These experiences include Member of the City of Edmonton Youth Council my senior year, Volunteer Coordinator for my university’s honor society, and the elected Chair of the Student Program Advisory Committee. I have basic experience with Robert’s Rules and various form of organizational governance structures, which is why I think I would be a good candidate for a Voting Representative position.

I have recently become active in Democrats Abroad, attending all the events that my schedule has allowed for and I look forward to getting more involved in the near future as I finish my masters in June of this year and will continue to live in Paris.

Observing US politics from a far has been one of my favorite hobbies but I would love to try to actually get involved in the democratic process. I think my background provides me with both the aptitude and interest for the for the often-tedious work that is reforming and maintain our democratic processes.

* * * * * * *

Alex Rehbinder

Currently co-Chair of the Youth Caucus of Democrats Abroad France, I am submitting my candidacy for National Voting Representative.

As co-Chair and member of the DAF executive committee, I have rallied a community of students and young professionals alike to effectively engage in our democracy. I have organized informative and social events, providing Youth Caucus members a space to discuss their future and ideals. I have organized phonebanking and postcarding events in Paris to gain voter support in Get Out the Vote initiatives and in key congressional races, giving help to party campaigns when they needed it most. As a Voter Assistance Officer, I have registered and provided midterm voting assistance to as many expats abroad as I could.

As voting representative, I will continue to increase membership and provide a voice to those who need it the most. DAF will remain a platform for ideas, information, and engagement. I will ensure this is the case.

I hope I have your support.

* * * * * * *

John Esteban Rodriguez, M

Hello all! An immigrant to the state of Georgia at age seven, I have lived in Paris for the last year and a half pursuing a master’s program.

First introduced to politics upon joining a mayoral campaign in Athens-Clarke County my freshman year, I have acquired different experiences in electoral politics, campaigning, voter registration, and grassroots organizing. My understanding of politics is informed by my position as a minority growing up in the deep South.

Involved in various student organizations, including the Roosevelt Institute, the LGBT resource center, Students for Justice in Palestine, and the struggle against Campus Carry, I have a background on organizing and campaigning for progressive causes.

In 2016, I helped organize for Bernie during the primaries. I was subsequently hired as a Field Organizer for a grassroots consulting company organizing for the Clinton campaign. I was in charge of a group of canvassers and get out the vote campaigns.

I am running for National Voting Representative because I want to ensure that all members of the Democratic party, especially progressive members, have fair, proportionate representation when it comes to the official Democratic platform and the presidential nomination process.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Jason Siegel, M

No statement available

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Scott Stroud, M

As one of the early members of the DA Toulouse chapter, I was active on the Toulouse ExCom from 2007 to 2017. After a two-year break I am back and eager to work with Democrats Abroad as Chair of the Toulouse Chapter. I am also a candidate to be a national voting representative.

I’ve been in Toulouse for over 31 years and am the father of two. I’ve worked at the ENAC for many years as an English teacher.

Democrats Abroad has an important role to play in educating and motivating Americans on issues that affect our lives and those of future generations.

And of course it goes without saying that we must work on our Get Out The Vote campaign over the next two years, registering more people than ever before, bringing in the votes from abroad to help Democrats win back the White House.

I am aware of the responsibilities that go with being a national voting representative. I’ve already attended several international meetings, including a DPCA meeting in London, another one in Washington and an EMEA meeting in Kiev.

It would be an honor for me to offer my time and energy as a national voting representative.

* * * * * * *

Salli Swartz, F

Dear Democrats Abroad France. It is my honor and pleasure to run for election to the position of DAF Voting Representative. I believe I have the qualifications and experience to serve DAF well in such capacity and I love Democrats Abroad.

Regarding my experience, I have served DAF both as Counsel for two terms and as Executive Vice Chair. I have also served as Co-Chair of the Democrats Abroad Global Women’s Caucus.

As I hope many of you know, I am reliable and you can count on me to get the job done well and efficiently. My motivation is to make DAF the best national committee worldwide by increasing membership and assuring that our members are registered to vote and vote in Federal elections and to represent the views of DAF members as a DCPA voting representative. I also offer my assistance to the national officers in any manner they deem appropriate or desirable.

I commit to attending in person (or by webex) all of the DCPA international and EMEA Regional DCPA meetings and to vote as instructed by the DAF executive committee if such voting instructions are given.

If you have any questions about my candidacy, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. A more detailed biography is available on my firm’s website:www.artuswise.com.

I look forwarding to putting my experience to work for DAF and working with all of you to take back the Senate and win the White House in 2020.

* * * * * * *

Deyi Tcherdakoff, F

Hello. I’m Deyi Tcherdakoff from California. I’d be honored to be elected DAF Voting Representative.

Resident in France since my ‘97 MBA at INSEAD, I am currently Senior Advisor to the Dean and President of ESSEC (constructing international partnerships), and am a steadfast, resolutely active member of the Franco-American community.

I served 3 years as a Director at the American Chamber of Commerce in France, am VP Comité Paris-Chicago, advise Paris based Internet magazine “Inspirelle”, served 7 years on the Board of the American Association of Women in Europe (Treasurer, Nominations Chair).

I am Engaged. I advocate: quality health and education for all (youth, life-long learning, training) towards sustainability and the future of work (rapidly evolving); inclusiveness to bridge divides, disparity; well-planned governing (not self-aggrandizing politicizing, racist fear-mongering); a healthy well-distributed economy; public safety; resource allocation with measurable performance (ROI); a dignified approach to International relations; transparency (re-building of public Trust); reform of dysfunctional current systems; true equality, freedom of choice for women, LGBTQ, US Citizens abroad – all taxed, voting citizens deserve equal consideration.

If elected I will: use my experience to serve (bridge-building cooperation, fund-raising, member advocacy); listen to your concerns; help our collective voice of reason be heard.

Thanks much and best.

* * * * * * *

Claudia Varney, F

I wish to represent, build and grow Democrats Abroad France as GOTV officer and as a voting representative.

I have previously served as the co-chair of the Youth Caucus, and as Member-At-Large of the Executive Committee of DA France.

I organized the Paris edition of March for Our Lives and helped to lead the student outreach for getting out the Paris student vote. I know from first-hand experience that political advocacy works, and that building and strengthening communities and registering and empowering voters is crucial to constructing a powerful political force to be reckoned with.

I am a lifelong activist and Democrat - and as a 25 year old French-born American from California, I will bring a global perspective and energised approach to the Paris Committee.

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Joseph Voelker, M

I joined DA France shortly after moving to Nice at the end of 2014, having previously been a member of DAUK. I have served on the DAF Riviera Chapter executive committee since 2015 as variously: member-at-large, treasurer, and chairperson (currently).

As a lifelong Democrat, I volunteered for the 1993 presidential campaign and for various state and local campaigns in Loudoun County Virginia. I trained as a lawyer and have been a managing editor for what is now Bloomberg BNA. In recent years, I was Director of Marketing, Communications and Development for a prominent UK educational institution.

I enjoy a good political discussion and debate, but believe that we, Democrats, must work together constructively to take back control of government in the United States at local, state and federal levels.

I confirm that I would be able to participate in the DPCA meeting on May 17-19, 2019.

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Jerry Zellhoefer, M

My name is Jerry Zellhoefer and I am running for DAF National Voting Representative.

My lifelong commitment to progressive change started with opposing the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings in California. I fought against racial and gender discrimination in healthcare, employment and housing and refused the VietNam draft. As a conscientious objector, I performed alternative service as a social worker where I became active in my union.

My electoral experience ranges from registering voters, knocking on doors, GOTV and recruiting volunteers to coordinating/implementing electoral strategy for thousands of workers and their families while heading a Central Labor Council.

I was elected to the Executive Board of DA-Belgium after moving to Brussels in 1986. I joined DAF upon re-locating to Paris in 1991 – working on “down ticket” races in non-presidential election years. As part of “Paris4Bernie” I mobilized for the GPP, and like Bernie, subsequently worked to elect Clinton after the primary. I’ve been involved in Our Revolution since, focusing on efforts to win Medicare for All.

Having retired in 2010, my employment was in the trade union movement, internationally at the ICFTU, as the AFL-CIO European Representative and as the U.S. Worker Delegate to the International Labor Organization.

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Carol Zimmerman, F

I am putting myself forward for the position of National Voting Representative if you believe that I qualify and can fulfill the requisites of said position in a manner advantageous to Democrats Abroad France.

I am a recently retired attorney with over 40 years of experience in civil and criminal litigation and pro bono representation of the needy and the handicapped.

Having written multiple briefs and pleadings (as well as art reviews) and argued thousands of cases in court, I believe that my verbal and writing skills as well as discipline are more than adequate.

I reside part of the year in Paris, where I attend the Democrats Abroad meetings as well as some of Our Revolution (and why can we not find some better meeting of the minds?) and part in New York City, where I have continued pro bono assistance, as well as yearly travel to Hong Kong. I have lived in London, Buenos Aires and Italy as well.

I am a life-long Democrat and although I have not been as active as I should have been, given the obligations of a law practice and raising a (wonderful) son, I now have the time, energy, freedom and motivation to devote much more of my time to working towards a more democratic and Democratic future.

As I am a 'free agent' I am able to travel when and where I choose, and certainly intend to be able to attend all annual meetings, including the upcoming one in Washington D.C.

I am happy to provide any further information that you need to assess my qualifications.

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