I'm Susan Silodor and I'm running for Vice-Chair of the Multnomah County Democratic Party.

For those of you who don't already know me, I'd like to share some of my background as well as the reasons for my decision to run for this office.

I grew up with parents who were active in the peace movement of the 1950s and sixties, and today, I am so very grateful to my parents for showing me that personal convictions are what make a person whole. I spent my entire career working with nonprofits. I did everything from program development to fundraising at all levels, management and volunteer management. From all of this, I learned that working with volunteers - bringing people together to build a vibrant entity - was, and is, one of the things I most love to do.

I was elected Chair of the Multnomah County Democrats Health Care Work Group and have since gone on, with the partnership of other members, to form the Health Care Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon. We have followed legislation and worked on behalf of Measure 50 - Healthy Kids. And now, we're forming a steering committee to devise a plan for future health care reform action. I was also recently elected to be an alternate to the State Central Committee.

I'm running for Vice-Chair because I'd like to be part of the rebuilding effort that will occur with the reorganization. I have the skills to help with expanding and enlivening our volunteer base and program, and I'm anxious to reach out to all the constituencies within the county to create a more diverse party.

I'm also very much a believer in working as a team, especially in a grassroots organization where every voice is important. I look forward to working with you all.