The DA France Normandy Election Board is pleased to announce the candidates for DAFR Normandy Chapter leadership!
Members of the DA France Normandy Chapter area will receive a ballot by email. Electronic voting will end on March 15 at Midnight.
For questions, please contact the Normandy Election Board at [email protected].
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These are the positions that are up for election: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications Officer, GOTV Coordinator, Events Officer, Volunteer Coordinator, Youth Coordinator and two Members at Large.
Candidate Statements
Candidate(s) for Chair
Maite Penna
During the first administration of the current occupant of the White House I stepped into the role of chair of the Normandy Chapter of Democrats Abroad France because I felt it was important to ensure that he would be a one-term president. With the 2020 election and the January 6 insurrection I was sure that we had succeeded in consigning him to the graveyard of history. Unfortunately, we were very wrong and the orange-faced oupire has risen from Mar-a-Lago, this time with a new familiar accompanied everywhere by a mini me, and a host of minions, some with familiar faces, some of them very evil, some merely stupid, but all willing to unquestionably do the bidding of their dark overlord. As a former federal employee, the evisceration of agencies with important, even vital, functions angers me. It is time to rise up and stand fast against rule by diktats, therefore I again propose my candidature for chair of the Normandy Chapter of Democrats Abroad France.
Candidate(s) for Vice Chair
Judith Crews
In 2021 I saw an email saying “Run for Something” that persuaded me to give something back to Democrats Abroad France right then and there. So I ran for something and became Chair of the Normandy Chapter. Now, four years later, with US Democracy under extreme threat from criminal attempts to destroy the Constitution, and as we witness the worst presidency we have ever known, more than ever I want to continue giving back to Democrats Abroad. In coordination with the Chapter Chair, and taking into account the geographical challenges of this chapter, I know we can nonetheless mobilize resistance via online group discussions and meetings, brainstorming to develop resistance plans as well as joining up with the many initiatives already in place among Democrats Abroad worldwide and here in France. There are so many small, simple actions that can make such a big difference: meeting regularly and in person with a few Chapter members at a time, phoning elected representatives relentlessly, sending messages and letters to like-minded friends and acquaintances to encourage wider resistance, using social media to communicate broadly and intelligently. My goal for the next two years? Working together with you to help save our democracy.
Candidate(s) for Secretary
No nominations were received.
Candidate(s) for Treasurer
Marjorie Simpson
I am Marjorie Simpson-Rousseau, a native New Englander transplanted to France by way of Virginia 13 years ago.
I am declaring my candidacy for Treasurer of our Normandy Chapter of DAF. I joined DA Normandy in 2017, first to meet other Americans, then to see what I could do to help after the Trump insanity. When I last declared candidacy for member at large, it was in response to the previous Trump debacle. I thought then , never again. Yet, here we are, in even worse dire circumstances than before.
My work life has included auto mechanics, finance/accounting with an emphasis on credit and collections, and massage therapy. I refinish furniture for fun, am a pro at removing wallpaper, a newbie garden designer, and I sing.
I don't have experience in politics, but am willing to learn more. Ours has been a quiet chapter as I have experienced it over the past eight years, but I would love to see that change!! I am ready and willing to do whatever I can to help make that happen, and am up for whatever adventure that may bring.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Candidate(s) for Communications Officer
No nominations were received.
Candidate(s) for GOTV Coordinator
No nominations were received.
Candidate(s) for Events Officer
No nominations were received.
Candidate(s) for Volunteer Coordinator
No nominations were received.
Candidate(s) for Youth Coordinator
No nominations were received.
Candidates for Members-at-Large (listed in alphabetical order)
Harold Surguine
Dear Fellow Democrats Abroad
I wish to run for member-at-large. I am a retired English teacher and textbook author.
Among my leadership experience: President of TESOL-France; Director of TESOL Program AUP Paris; Program/Project manager: Languacom, ISSEC (more upon request).
The Trumpian trance has distracted Americans from common concerns. These include the cost of medical care, housing and education. Many also worry about public safety, the environment, fiscal responsibility, campaign funding and the justice system.
While the top 1% household income bracket benefits ($1,000,000* in the US vs €100,000 in France), many suffer.
So, in contrast to J.D. Vance, I don’t think Americans need to be told a story, but rather, to paraphrase Barack Obama, their stories need to be listened to.
Thus, good communications systems are essential. Many are incensed with Trumpian provocation. Instead of letting him set the agenda, Democrats should provide an alternative. A clear strategy to learn Americans’ preoccupations needs to be established. Then, practical, fiscally responsible means to address these issues can be presented for public debate.
If elected, I will do my best to help achieve this goal.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Harold Surguine
Rebecca Grossberg
When Jimmy Carter lost in 1980, I was in kindergarten in NJ. When my teacher asked who knew what had happened the night before, I said “ Jimmy Carter won”. I cried when she said it was Regan. My parents said you had to choose the lesser of the two evils. Right now, there is only one evil.
I feel lost about the state of the US. I’m scared for my family, my gay friends. I’m scared for my Franco-American children.
Although I feel powerless and wonder what an American expat can do, I was reminded that we need to stick together and speak up when we can.
I have lived in Lille for over 20 years, have a strong network and am active in the American Club. It is especially important to make sure that Europe knows how dangerous this is for the world. This presidency’s decisions have already had a major impact on energy poverty, energy prices, war. So I will continue to get out the vote and speak to the local reporters who have me on speed dial. What else can I do ?