Charlottesville Democratic Party, P. O. Box 586, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Dear Democrats:

At the June meeting of the City Committee, we decided that we would try to develop a “Statement of Principles” for the Charlottesville Democratic Party. This document would not be a platform of specific policy positions; but rather a statement of those values that unite us as Democrats – a statement of why we are involved in politics, and, implicitly, how we differ from Republicans.

Following the vote of the City Committee, I appointed a committee of interested Democrats to write such a statement. I asked David RePass to chair the Committee; the other members were Julie Jones, Connie Jorgenson, David Saunier (long-time City resident, but now living just across the line in the County), and Karen Waters. They spent many hours comparing the efforts of other Democratic committees across the country. We had a meeting last week at which all Charlottesville Democrats were invited to offer their thoughts.

The Committee has worked hard to draft a statement, which we will consider at the meeting of the City Committee on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at 7:00 PM in the Charlottesville General District Court at 606 East Market Street. We will take it up early in the meeting, so please be prompt!

I am enclosing with this letter a copy of the statement. I hope that you will read it carefully, and that you will make an effort to come to the City Committee meeting. It is an important matter for the Committee.

We have heard much in recent years about the Democratic Party having lost its voice... of standing for nothing... of forgetting its roots. The drafting of this statement is an important step in reminding us of why we are Democrats. I hope you will come to the Committee meeting on Tuesday, as we take another step on the road back.

If you have questions about the draft, please contact David RePass, either by e-mail at der@cstone.net, or by telephone at 984-0935.

Lloyd Snook (electronic mail, September 24, 2003)

Chair, Charlottesville Democratic Party

Who are Democrats?

We are women and men from every walk of life. We are members of every religion, every race, every sexual orientation, and every segment of society. We are the Party of inclusion.

We are the Party that puts into practice our belief that all people are created equal. We are a community of caring people who believe that by working together through democratic government we can achieve beneficial ends that we cannot achieve individually. We look to the future, not the past. We want to build a better world for future generations.

Equality of Opportunity

We believe that everyone should be given the opportunity and the support needed to fully realize his or her potential. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or social status, should have an equal opportunity to compete for jobs. We are committed to the principle of equal pay for equal work.

Quality Education for All

We believe that public education is the cornerstone of American society. Providing public education, of equal quality in every community, is essential. Democrats have led the way in initiating preschool programs, providing job training and expanding college opportunities.

Civil Rights

We believe that the gains of the civil rights and women's movements have benefited all Americans and must not be lost. As Democrats, we continue to fight against discrimination.

Voting Rights

We believe that the right to vote, and to have that vote accurately counted, is fundamental. Easy and equitable access to the voting booth is essential.

Workers' Rights

We believe that everyone who works should earn at least a living wage.

We support the right of workers to unionize and bargain collectively.

We believe that all workers are entitled to a safe and non-hostile working environment

A Voice for the Voiceless

The Democratic Party has long been the champion of the disenfranchised and the powerless. We provide the opportunity for those who have not been heard to be represented.

Welcoming Immigrants

This is a nation of immigrants and descendants of immigrants. The Democratic Party has always welcomed new immigrants and the ethnic diversity that they bring. We believe in equal opportunity and the protection of due process for all immigrants.

Equal Justice for All

We believe that everyone is innocent until proven guilty and that everyone accused of a crime should have the right to equal courtroom justice.

The Right to Privacy

We believe that there is a Constitutional right to privacy, and that government should not intervene in an individual's medical decisions. Furthermore, we believe that the intimate details of adult lives and relationships should not be regulated by government.

Caring for Each Other

We believe that society has a moral obligation to provide lifelines for those who need help. The Democratic Party has led the way in establishing universal programs (such as Social Security) in which we all contribute to protect each other from falling into poverty.

We believe that everyone should have access to affordable, high-quality health care.

Improving Quality of Life

We believe that government can and should help improve people's quality of life in such ways as:

Helping families (assuring quality day care and providing for family leave).

Ensuring an adequate supply of affordable housing.

Providing accessible transportation for all.

Ensuring safe, violence-free neighborhoods.

Supporting the arts.

Responsible Free Enterprise

We believe in the free enterprise economic system, but we know that it must have rules and referees. Some regulation is necessary to prevent corporate cheating, to protect consumers and to provide for fair competition.

We encourage the development of businesses that benefit local communities.

Open Government and Transparent Decision Making

We believe in open government and we deplore secret, closed-door decisions. We encourage public participation, and we believe that every citizen should have equal access to the decision process. Citizens who participate should be listened to and their views should be given full consideration.

Sensible Progressive Taxation

We believe that taxes are the price we pay for good government and quality services for all our citizens. Democrats work to ensure that tax dollars are carefully appropriated and spent efficiently. We believe that individuals with higher incomes should contribute proportionately, and that the tax system should be simple and fair.

Fiscal Responsibility -- Balanced Budgets

Democrats are fiscally responsible and do not run large deficits year after year. We believe that it is immoral to pass on crippling debt to our children and grandchildren.

Separation of Church and State

We believe in the Constitution's wise provision separating church and state. Religion is a personal choice and government should not intervene.

Protecting the Earth

We believe that we have an obligation to protect the earth, and to ensure that our air and water are clean. We have seen that both environmental protection and an expanding economy can occur simultaneously. We encourage conservation, the development of renewable sources of energy, and alternative means of transportation. We believe that sustainability must be a major consideration in growth and development.

Democrats Think Globally

We share the planet with many others whom we should regard with respect. We believe that the United States should be a considerate world neighbor and should cooperate in multinational endeavors to solve worldwide problems. We should work to protect human rights in all nations and to assist peacefully those nations that are struggling to become democracies.