Barbara Tracy
Jane Fleming Kleeb Brian Thomas Osborn Joe Orsi Tom Tilden Adrian Sanchez and others running for seats, we have posted questions for discussion here in the virtual meeting. Anyone running for a seat may answer, anyone in the group may post more questions and ask follow ups. We ask that everyone refrain from finger pointing and focus on what he or she has planned for the party. Thank you for your participation.
Question 1: To those running for a seat: Much work will be needed to retain the growth seen in the Democratic Party and to heal divisions that have grown. If elected, what steps will you take, to retain new delegates, new party members, continue growth, and to make the party welcoming to all who wish to participate? Please refrain from discussing previous chairs or other candidates for chair. Please be specific about your vision. Please state the seat for which you are running.
Hi guys, Jane Kleeb running for Chair...
I have solid experience bringing people together of all background to work on a common goal--this was true on the pipeline fight but also when I worked for a union to get Obamacare passed and running an AmeriCorps program, the national Young Democrats of America and an eating disorders foundation. I first and foremost would get us from behind the computers and into the streets. Nebraskans in rural and urban towns need to see Dems active in the issues and community events important to them. I would creat shirts for us that say "Democrats Stand With You..." So when we attend a Medicaid or school or climate change rally we can show our party pride and support. We can also do community service projects together to build trust and community so when we hit rough patches we can lean on each other as people instead of getting in small fights that happen way too often in large groups. I also want to create Voter Reg goals for each LD and an "adopt a candidate" program where Dems can sign up to be attached to a down ballot campaign so we can distribute volunteers to help the entire ballot! Essentially I want to make politics fun, connected to the issues we care about and use both of those factors to help get Dems elected!
BTOsborn - Candidate for NDP State Chair
First off, I would give credit where it is due. The growth seen in the Nebraska Democratic Party this election cycle has more to do with the Bernie Sanders Revolution than any other reason. An influx of fresh, young, energetic and idealistic activists, many of them becoming involved in a political party for the first time in their lives, have put forth an effort not seen in generations. Many of them are already indicating their disillusionment in the process. Some have already jumped ship. If the NDP is to retain these new Democrats we must reward them for their efforts. They must fill positions within the party that offer them genuine opportunities to utilize the talents and skills they possess to realize the goals they had set for themselves when they became active in our party.It is not a matter of what I, Brian Osborn, will do as Chair of the NDP. It is a matter of what kind of environment I will nourish that allows them to excel. I will delegate, to those demonstrating responsibility, whatever "authority" the Chair has to allow them to become autonomously effective. My role will be more of a guide, than that of a leader. Many of these new additions to our party already have an innate ability to lead. They don't need to be led.Those members of the established party, those that have labored hard to advance the party will be welcomed as mentors to help guide the newcomers so that they can attain great accomplishments. Those that go forth, kicking and screaming, denying the changes that we must achieve to mold our party into an effective political entity, more concerned with their own authority and sense of entitlement, will probably find me as obnoxious as they always have.It is not about "me," it is about "we."
Question 2: To those running for a seat: Communication and the technology to aid communication has been unacceptable during this process. Without pointing fingers at people who may have made errors, if elected, what is your plain to improve technology and communication in the Nebraska Democratic Party? You may point to those you know have the ability to help and will do so. Please state the seat for which you are running.
Jane Kleeb, running for Chair!
We can do monthly google hangouts for updates to keep folks informed and engaged. For the meetings held several times each year, we should ensure folks can see the meeting online and participate. We have access to technology to make this happen and we should use it since folks who live further out west often get left out or if your a busy parent, grandparent, student or professional you might not have the extra driving time to get places so this will help. Meeting face to face is critical so choosing locations as accessible as possible for drive time and ability will be a focus and goal. We need to streamline some info on the website and all of our public documents like Platform, etc could also go into a google docs folder. Lastly, if you are a candidate, access to the voter file is 100% key and knowing how to create walk lists for your volunteers. I will ensure we have not only a staff person dedicated to this but a team of volunteers (looking at you Ted Kessler) that are answering requests by candidates who might not have money for staff to do these functions.
BTOsborn - Candidate for NDP State Chair
My experience has largely been involved with technology. I served six years in the U.S. Navy as an AFTA trained DIFAR tech. (Google those terms, it would take too long here.) I then remained in Italy for eight years, three of them writing commercial software for Olivetti, five as a field engineer for Raytheon (later Memorex-Telex) supporting Top Secret communication equipment for the U.S. Air Force and working with distributed data within the airlines reservations systems for Alitalia. Back in the states, I achieved a BFA in Visual Communications and Design. I had my own company for a while, doing graphic design and web development. Later I developed reports, as a technical writer, for an organization that oversees the power grid in the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada.I have long proposed that the NDP become less dependent on face-to-face meetings due to the onerous travel demands placed on officers, delegates and committee members. Many of our new adherents are supremely talented with social media skills. They are the ones that would develop the networking systems that would render the NDP a more cohesive organization. Tele-conferencing, list-serves, Facebook, Twitter ... the whole range of modern communications would come into play enabling us to better communicate with, and distribute information to our activists in the field and to the public.
Questions 3: To those running for a seat: If elected, what will be the key to working as a team with the other elected officers despite differences? Please state the seat for which you are running.
Jane Kleeb here running for Chair
...some of my first answer is relevant here. Additionally, I can work with folks I disagree with...I will also ensure my voice is heard. A strong progressive and populist voice is needed in our party. We should run to those values not away from them. As a party when we have difference we can do two things (this is what Pres. Carter preached one time in his small town church)--you can use a piece of wood to build a bridge or a fence. We have to build more bridges inside and outside the party while standing our ground on values. And just to do my part to dispel myths, as a leader on the pipeline I disagreed with some of the unions in our state. Some unions agreed with me. I've know many of the leaders in our unions for years. We've worked on clean energy jobs, health care reform, card check and workplace safety all together. Folks who say myself and unions can't get along are simply trying to stir up trouble and build fences...let's build bridges!!
BTOsborn - Candidate for NDP State Chair
I am considered difficult to work with by some. I readily admit to having little patience for those that are dishonest, unfaithful, or who won't do their jobs. If you faithfully perform your duties as described in our Constitution and Bylaws, if you prove your ability to accomplish the goals that are set for you, you will find me very easy to work with.I relish a good argument. I despise the concept of "go along to get along." We are Democrats, we tend to disagree with one another. That doesn't mean we must become enemies. It only means that spirited discussion leads to conclusions that, unlike those dictated by a despotic ruler, will appeal to the greatest number of us, and that is what democracy is all about.If you do a search on-line, you can find numerous places where I have stated my opinions on a plethora of topics. As Chair of the NDP, my voice would be that of the party, as expressed in its Platform and Resolutions. In private, you'd get the benefit of my voice as a registered Nebraska Democrat - just one of many. Most importantly, I would ensure that the voices of each and every Democrat in this state had an NDP which would serve as a soapbox from which to shout out the truth.
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