CYD Candidate Questionnaire
Please submit your completed, typed, questionnaire in word format by email to President Jennifer Longley(president@sfyd.org) no later then 8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 17, 2009. A digital photograph is also requested. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and please visit www.sfyd.org to familiarize yourself with the SFYD bylaws. THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK! The 2008/2009 Officers & Board of the San Francisco Young Democrats
Information: Election Day All candidates will have an opportunity to speak at the Wednesday, Jule 8th, 7:00 pm general membership meeting of the San Francisco Young Democrats (SFYD) At the SFYD membership meeting, candidates will be given between 3-5 minutes to speak and take questions. The exact speaking time will be made available after the application deadline and will depend on the number of candidates running and the position you apply for, as well as the balance of our April 8 meeting agenda.
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
1. Name as it will appear on the ballot: First Name Middle Initial or Nick Name DEAN 2. 3. 4. 5. Last Name IGNACIO
Office Sought: SECRETARY Are you the incumbent? Yes Are you a Voting Member in Good Standing of SFYD? Yes How many years have you been a member of SFYD or other YD Chapters?
5. Contact Information: Home Address: Campaign Phone: Campaign Email: Campaign Website:
825 Bush Street, Apt. 403 415-292-4919 deanignacio@gmail.com
POLITICAL BACKGROUND
Beginning with the most recent position, please list previous leadership and elected roles in the Young Democrats and other relevant Political or Leadership Organizations. Office/Role Elective/Appointive? Dates Held Leadership Role (if any)
San Francisco Young Democrats San Fernando Valley High School Commission
Elective Appointed
Jul 2008 Present June 2000 June 2001
Secretary Representative of U.S. Grant High School
QUESTIONNAIRE 1) Why are you running, and what makes you qualified for this position? I am running for reelection because I wish to continue to provide assistance in the technical and creative needs and collaborating with leadership in moving the San Francisco Young Democrats forward. 2) What are the main challenges facing the California Young Democrats as an organization in the context of this position? How will you address those issues if elected? If you are the incumbent, please list at least three concrete accomplishments in the office. Upon observing the credentials meeting at the California State Convention this past April, I had expressed concern over the attempted disenfranchisement of delegates, as it felt like a brokered convention. The main challenge I believe the CYD faces is the lack of unity. As Secretary, I will address the issue by certifying every vote cast by members the SFYD and collaborating with leadership delivering accuracy and free of bias. After almost one year of joining the SFYD, I have acquired greater knowledge of my interest in Democratic Politics. I had assisted in certifying the votes of the SFYD during the 2008 United States Elections and most recently, the Statewide Special Election of 2009. In addition to my regular duties, I collaborated with the Obama Campaign Headquarters in San Francisco in creating a welcoming atmosphere through artwork and displays. 3) Identify two challenges facing young people in the context of the position you seek? What specific commitment will you make to address these issues if elected? The two challenges I believe that young people face today are their undiscovered potential in American Politics and their (our) financial plight for a higher education. If reelected, I will address this issue upon the wishes of those who desire for I too am alongside them. 4) If elected, what ideas and commitments would you put forward to engage more of California’s, and San Francisco’s, young people in the political process? What specifically would you do? Upon the success of the Volunteer Symposium, I would like to propose another venture, perhaps in the form of a stand in the fair such as Folsom or Castro. Such exposure will benefit SFYD tremendously, as these events have become immensely popular among our age group. If reelected I would like to seize the opportunity to meet new people and informing them about our great organization. In addition to that prospect, I would like for all members of SFYD past and present to assist in resuming Ball in Blue after its unavoidable derailment. Since the possibility
of a huge turnover is becoming true each and every day, I wish for all of us at leadership to collaborate into making this year’s or the next Ball in Blue the best one there is for SFYD. 5) Please describe in sufficient detail at least one of your accomplishments that has improved the lives of young people. These examples should illustrate effective skills and capabilities which apply to the office you are seeking. These accomplishments may have occurred at any time in your personal, professional, or public life. Seven years ago, I was a substitute art teacher at McAteer High School for one day and my assignment was to teach calligraphy to ninth graders. As I was teaching them, they were so engaged with something new and aside from the institutional imposed curriculum. I would like to take that energy I demonstrated to the students into informing and spreading the word about SFYD and moving our organization forward.
EXPERIENCE Please list or describe your current and past activities in the community in which you have acquired skills relevant to the office you are seeking. Include your roles in the activities and when you were involved. Involvement consists of many areas such as family, neighborhood, community, employment, or public life. Please explain how your experiences would make you an effective advocate for young people as a CYD office holder. I lived a fairly quiet life back in North Hollywood. And since gaining my independence eight years ago, I have learned numerous things and values that make each and every one of us strive to live every single day. I am motivated, detail oriented and above all a team player. Throughout my work experience, I have assumed the leadership position, while seeking input from all my colleagues. If re-elected, I promise to invest my energy and knowledge, alongside a new group of young leaders and young thinkers in moving the San Francisco Young Democrats forward into the core of our Democratic cause: the pursuit of social progress and economic prosperity. -