Another election season is here and what a better time to talk about local politics than now. In these "off-year" elections, we don't see the typical distractions that too often come with national or even statewide elections - candidates swooping in for their campaign stops and hitting the same talking points stop after stop. Rather, voters will choose their school board directors, township or municipal supervisors, and representatives across our cities and counties whose decisions directly impact our communities. Voters will be electing local candidates who already belong to our community.

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But there is one slight distraction lingering in the background that I'd like to clear up, and that's the fact that our Democratic Party is a persistent, growing, and evolving effort to move our communities, working families, peoples of all backgrounds and creeds, forward. Yes, we are diverse because we are inclusive. Yes, we represent many voices and varying view points. This is not a weakness; but one of the biggest strengths of a broad coalition.

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There's a saying in community organizing; if everyone in the room agrees, then there's not enough people in the room. So do we always agree with one another? No. But do we welcome all perspectives who share the common goal of moving our communities forward? I'm proud to say we do.

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Rachel Shaw

Westmoreland Democratic Committee Chairwoman

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