A WORD FROM OUR CHAIR

There are many reasons why I'm proud to be a Democrat, not least of which is our party's record of fighting for fair policies for all.  As a member of the LGBTQ community and a valley native, I know all too well that certain attitudes and policies can make a person feel unheard and disrespected.  My husband and I have been together for more than twenty-five years, but not until Federal law caught up with the will of the people in 2015 were we allowed to make our commitment official - and legal.  

Policy shapes opportunity.  When it's inclusive and compassionate, legislation can open doors to more people, offering the full potential of our democracy.  When restrictive and based in bigotry, policies can deny people everything from fundamental respect to essential needs.  This was the case with policies that allowed localities to decide how to allocate the benefits of the GI Bill after WWII, too often denying Black service members equal access to housing.  Also unjust are laws that prevent women from making the health decisions that are best for themselves and their families.  In a sense, policies that fail to address climate change or gun safety similarly do a disservice to our children and the generations to come.

Being a Democrat is so important to me because it means standing up for everyone, regardless of what they look like, where they come from, or who they love.  It also means demanding sensible approaches to commonplace problems that effect us all - and not being afraid to make bold and ambitious plans for the future.  As someone whose family has been here for many generations, I know our valley has a troubling, complex, and storied past, but as a pragmatic optimist, I choose to put my energies and vision on where we can go from here. With open hearts and minds, a little imagination, and a lot of hard work, there is no reason that Front Royal and Warren County cannot be a model of modern, small town life: prosperous, green, and welcoming.  

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Be a part of shaping this vision by volunteering, becoming a member, or talking with me directly at outreach.warrendems@gmail.com.