Dems Press Release
Leaders in Third Council District to Choose Nominee for Special Election
NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The New Rochelle Democratic City Committee members within Council District Three are seeking candidates for the position of City Council Member. The Third District was vacated on August 4th, with the sudden and tragic passing of Council Member James Stowe.
“No one can fill Jim Stowe’s shoes, but there are many talented and dedicated residents of the Third District,” said Patricia Carter, the Democrats Third District Leader. “We are committed to an open and inclusive nomination process aimed at choosing the very best
representative for our community.”
Citizens of the Third Council District who are interested in seeking the Democratic nomination should submit a resume and cover letter no later than Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 to:
Sarah Dodds-Brown
11 Slocum Street
New Rochelle, New York 10801
sdoddsbrown@hotmail.com
Candidates should also be prepared to address the Third District’s Democratic leaders in- person on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 between 7 and 9 p.m.
A special election for City Council will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010, with the winner serving the final year of the current City Council term. An election for a full four-year Council term will occur in November 2011.
Under the terms of New York State Election Law, the Democratic Party District Leaders representing the Third Council District will choose the Democratic nominee in this special election. Democrats will use the attached criteria as a guide, with the goal of choosing the individual who will best represent the diverse interests of Council District Three, participate in the successful and inclusive governance of New Rochelle as a whole, and contribute to a shared vision for the future of our city.
For questions regarding this process, applicants are advised to contact Sarah Dodds-Brown at 917-439-6190.
NEW ROCHELLE DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE COUNCIL DISTRICT THREE CANDIDATE SELECTION CRITERIA
Community Service: Applicants should have a record of significant involvement in community or civic affairs.
Knowledge: Applicants should possess a good general understanding of municipal government and of the issues confronting New Rochelle as a whole and the Third Council District in particular.
Understanding & Connection to Third District: Applicants must be residents of the Third District (see attached map). Applicants should have a good understanding of the history and unique composition of the Third District and should be personally committed to the strong advocacy that the residents of the Third District expect and deserve.
Integrity: Applicants must be committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct and must have a professional and personal record consistent with such a commitment.
Communication Skills: Applicants should be able to speak comfortably, clearly and persuasively in both one-on-one and large group settings, and should be able to relate respectfully to individuals of diverse views and circumstances.
Beliefs & Political Involvement: Diversity of opinion and independent thinking are encouraged, but applicants should demonstrate a principled belief in the values of the Democratic Party and be generally supportive of the overall record of the Democratic City Council. Direct participation in the Democratic Party organization or campaigns will be considered as a positive credential, but is not essential. Applicants must, however, support Democratic running mates in future campaigns and join the Democratic Committee of the Third District, if they have not already done so.
Time & Energy: Applicants must possess sufficient time and flexibility in their personal and professional schedules – and sufficient energy – to accommodate the demands of Council service, estimated to be roughly 30 hours per week.
Relationships: Applicants should have a broad network of friends, colleagues and/or acquaintances upon which they can draw for assistance and support in the upcoming campaign.
Campaign Skills: Applicants must be able to devote significant time to campaign activities, including walking door-to-door, meeting in small group settings, and otherwise organizing election-related activities. Candidates must be self-motivated and fully engaged in their own campaigns.
Campaign Financing: Applicants should have friends, colleagues or other networks upon which they can draw for campaign contributions and/or the ability to use their own personal funds to support their campaign. It is not uncommon for City Council campaigns to cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
2011 General Election: Applicants should be prepared and able to make a longer-term commitment to service on the City Council and to seek election to a full four-year term in 2011.