Loyd for Delegate
Friends,
My name is Loyd Henion and as you Probably know I would like to be a delegate to represent you at the national convention. Almost two years ago I ran for Mayor of Albany. I have attached a copy of the pamphlet that I used during my campaign. I invite you to peruse the pamphlet as I believe it will give you considerable insight into my background. Although I didn't win the election I did learn a lot about issues that were of concern to people throughout the community. I started by interviewing all the heads of the city government and ended by listening to people in every neighborhood of Albany. I put my heart into the campaign, and although I lost, I did quite well, and I feel rewarded for the experience. The campaign effort forced me to learn what people are thinking and it how and why I could help address their needs. The experience also helped me so visualize,formulate and promote a plan that when realized would make Albany a great place for future generations.
After I lost I the mayoral race I realized that there were other, and perhaps even more fruitful ways to bring about my dream for Albany as well as many other communities in Linn County and Oregon. I became active in the Linn County Democratic party and soon saw that the values of Democrats in Linn County were not being heard. Republicans held a 6,000 voter registration advantage and there had not been a trued Democrat elected in Linn County for many years. When the previous chair resigned I was asked to take up the challenge of trying to build the party in Linn County. To be frank, I rather reluctantly accepted as I knew it was going to be a full time job and more work than I had planned for in my retirement years. I now realize it was a job that I was meant to do. We have narrowed the gap to 1900 voters ( R's over D's) and I have had a major role in recruiting strong candidates for two county commissioner positions and two representatives to the state legislature. I really believe that we can sweep the republicans out of office in all of these positions. In doing so we will help to bring about progressive leadership for both Linn county and the State of Oregon. Our candidates are exceptional.
My major goal at this point is to build the county party. If we do this well we can demonstrate to the people in Linn County that we are not only relevant to communities throughout our county but our role also extends to state, regional, and national politics. We can help to shape communities, one at a time and in doing so we are transfiguring the nation for the good of all the people.
So why am I running as a delegate to the National convention? It comes right back to party building in Linn County. My desire is to share, step by step, everything that happens at the convention. Though daily updates and blogs I want to let all the Linn County Democrats experience vicariously what I see, feel and observe. I want them to feel that they are there, after all it is my fellow democrats in Linn County who are my true champions. My hope is that I will be able to transmit ideas that are presented at the convention that will help us further develop at the local level. My real purpose is not to go to have a great time (although I hope I do) but to bring back ideas and a spirit that will energize us into action.
Two last points.
I have always enjoyed bringing people together. Since being Linn County Chair I have had the opportunity to form a "Jimmy Carter Oregon" committee. Our purpose is to bring Jimmy Carter to Oregon to dedicate a Peace park in Eugene and to deliver seminal talks about what it takes to once again become the nation that promotes and models peace. This committee encompasses democrats from Lane, Linn, Benton, Marion and Polk counties as well as Veterans for Peace and Habitat for Humanity. It hasn't happened yet but we have not given up on this goal. A second and ongoing effort that I helped form is a four County compact. Linn County has joined with Benton, Marion, and Polk in a compact that sponsors and promotes candidate forums as well as issue oriented forums. We successfully staged three such forums during the primary season. Polk County hosted the Secretary of State forum, Marion County the Attorney General forum, and Benton/Linn the US Senate forum.
Finally, I was instrumental in helping to entice President Clinton as well as Senator Obama to Albany. I chatted with both Chelsea and Terry McAuliffe about the importance of the Mid-Valley to the Clinton Campaign and talked to the Obama campaign about the ease of a stop at Albany. Not since FDR, had a President been to Albany. I only wish Bill had enough time to take a ride in my all eclectic car. I was grateful to have my picture taken with Him. The point of getting both of these campaigns to Albany was really to build our party and to help our local candidates. Our candidates were able to engage many people in the lines and the Linn County Democrats registered many new delegates.
I end my candidacy campaign by saying that if you vote for me you will be voting for helping to turn a red county blue. That is the real reason I want to attend the National convention.
Gratefully,
Loyd Henion,
PS: To my surprise, I was elected on the first ballot. I will forever remain grateful fro the confidence people have placed in me. I will work hard to deserve that trust. I only wish that all the hard working Linn County Dems could join me in Denver. I will be leaving on August 24th and returning on August 29th. I believe this convention to be one of the most important in American history. We must not and can not fail to unite the party. I will do my utmost at the convention to be a delegate that works to heal any reaming wound that may be lingering from the campaign. I am very exited about being a part of our nation's future. I am so excited it is difficult to contain my emotions. I must say over and over, thank you and thank you.
Loyd
