The nominations period for the 2021 Strasbourg Chapter Elections has now closed. Please find below statements for some of the candidates standing for the Leadership Board, including some for specified offices.

The Annual General Meeting for the Strasbourg Chapter of DA France will take place on March 7th at 6PM — RSVP here. Elections are underway via electronic ballot available to all members of the Strasbourg Chapter from February 27 to noon, March 7. Please join us on March 7 to hear the election results and meet the new leadership team.

New members are welcome to join and vote prior to the close of voting. To join: www.democratsabroad.org/join. You must be a US citizen 18 years of age or older by November 2, 2021. 

If you are a member of DAF Strasbourg Chapter and do not receive a link to the online election but would like one, please contact the DA France Strasbourg Election Board - Barbara, Vivianne, and Ada at [email protected]

CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR CHAPTER CHAIR 

PATRICK GANNE

Bonjour, my name is Patrick GANNE. I am declaring my candidacy to serve on the Democrats Abroad Strasbourg Board and to run for Chapter Chair.

I have been a member of the Strasbourg Chapter of Democrats Abroad France for longer than I can remember. I have served on the Democrats Abroad Strasbourg Board for the past four years. I wish to continue my service to our community, our nation and my fellow Democrats. 

I have assisted in the planning and execution of numerous events in pre-Corona 19 times and it is my intent to continue doing so once we are free to publicly and safely meet in person.

As a Candidate for Chair of Democrats Abroad Strasbourg I will bring whatever meager talents and experience I possess to the position and dedicate myself to making the Strasbourg Chapter of Democrats Abroad France the absolute best that it can be.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR CHAPTER SECRETARY

STEVE MESZAROS

I’m originally from Maryland, have lived in the Alsace for 20 years and joined DA in 2004. I consider it vital to get as many Americans as possible out to vote and donate in the coming election cycles – even more so than in the past due to the fractured state of our nation and the unending saga of Trumpism. 

To this effect there are several things I consider important for the Strasbourg chapter in the coming months:

• Increasing activities again as soon as the pandemic allows. This includes both social events and events providing political information, lectures, and discourse.
• Increasing contact with local media to make Americans in the area aware of the Strasbourg DA chapter and attracting new members.
• Cooperating with DA Switzerland and DA Germany to build a critical mass for larger, more attractive events.

CANDIDATES FOR CHAPTER COMMS OFFICER 

KEVIN MORGAN-ROTHSCHILD

I write to you today for your consideration as Communications and Social Media Officer of the Democrats Abroad Strasbourg Chapter. 

In 2019, I started to feel more and more disturbed by the situation in our home country. Briefly, I considered moving back to get involved in the upcoming election, ultimately, I decided to stay in Strasbourg and continue my life here. During the summer of 2020, I discovered this chapter via Facebook. Becoming a part of the movement to elect a Democratic candidate for president of the United States fulfilled my untapped desire from years prior.

Throughout the months of August to October I worked to encourage followers of our page to vote in the November election. Additionally, I co-organized two debate bingo games. This is why this February; I ask to join the board of Democrats Abroad Strasbourg chapter so that we can keep working to preserve democracy together.

CANDIDATES FOR CHAPTER LEADERSHIP BOARD

CRAIG GOODMAN

This last election has clearly shown us, if there was any doubt, that small numbers of votes can prove to be decisive.  Our votes from abroad may well have been the few thousand here and there that helped the Biden-Harris team win.  With this in mind, I want to continue to serve.  A US citizen, American born and educated, I have lived in France since 1987; first in Paris, and since 1998 in Strasbourg.  My two children attended school in the French public schools' Anglophone international section.  I am a career musician, professor at the Haute Ecole des Arts du Rhin (HEAR); Conservatoire, and artistic director of an international festival in Denmark. I believe in France's societal model as well as the importance for the US to revive, enhance and expand its promising identity.  

 NEXT STEP: ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER?