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Goals and Qualifications

The 48th Ward Democratic Party is OUR LOCAL PARTY!

As Democratic Committeeman for the 48th Ward, I will:

Create an open endorsement process

  • All endorsements will be done through an open process, with all candidates being considered. Endorsements will be based on the vote of the members of the 48th Ward Democratic Party
  • As leader of the Edgewater/Rogers Park Democracy for America (DFA) Group, I have presided over endorsement sessions for candidates at all levels, including Forrest Claypool, Debra Shore, Alexi Giannoulias, Martha Mills, Christine Cegelis, Mike Quigley, Dan Kotowski, Dan Seals, John Pavich, Amanda Howland, Joe Moore, Greg Brewer, Naisy Dolar, Michele Smith and Leroy Jones, Jr.

Allow open membership

  • All Democrats living in the 48th Ward will be actively encouraged to join the 48th Ward Democratic Party. The process for joining will be made clear and accessible to all.
  • As leader of the Edgewater/Rogers Park DFA Group, I have organized numerous outreach efforts, including door-to-door flyering about our events, internet outreach, and membership mailings.

Work for open meetings and an active party

  • I will have monthly meetings with guest speakers where we will take action on issues of importance to Democrats in the 48th Ward. These meetings will be publicized and will be open to all Democrats.
  • As leader of the Edgewater/Rogers Park DFA Group, I have organized over 45 events in the last year alone to educate voters and support Democratic candidates.

Implement modern communications

  • I will have a fully functioning website where ward residents can find information on candidates, issues, party structure and platforms. The site will include listings of all Democratic political events in the ward, both official 48th Ward Democratic Party events and grassroots events organized by ward residents. On the website, you will be able to join the group, subscribe to email newsletters, RSVP for events, and make online contributions.
  • As leader of the Edgewater/Rogers Park DFA Group, I have maintained an active, up-to-date website with events, candidate information, event RSVPs, news and commentary since the group's founding in 2005.

Communicate regularly with all Democrats in the ward

  • I will have a quarterly newsletter that will be mailed to all Democrats to keep them up to date on issues and candidates, and to let them know how they can participate in the party
  • In my professional career I have produced informational newsletters and other publications, including a weekly publication with a 5,000-person distribution list.

Insure efficient, well-run elections

  • I will continue the 48th Ward's tradition of efficient, well run elections. I will work to register new voters and to ensure that all votes are counted and that all voters are informed of their polling times and locations.
  • As a leader of the Edgewater/Rogers Park DFA Group, I have participated in all facets of the election day procedures, and am well-versed election day procedures and the voter registration process

About Sandra Verthein

Since 2002, Sandra Verthein has worked as a Civil Engineer for Parsons Brinckerhoff, an internationally recognized engineering consulting firm. Prior to that she was the database administrator for Fourth Presbyterian Church and Co-Artistic Director of Stage Left Theater. She became active in electoral politics in 2003 during the Howard Dean campaign and co-founded the Edgewater/Rogers Park Democracy for America group in January 2005. She is a member of IVI-IPO, DL21C, Sierra Club and the American Canoe Association, and is a DNC (Democratic National Committee) Democracy Bond holder. In March, she was recognized by DNC Chair Howard Dean for her work on organizing several fundraisers in conjunction with Gov. Dean's visit to Chicago. She was Township Chair and Finance Committee Co-Chair for the Christine Cegelis congressional campaign, and moderator of Democracy for Illinois, a coalition of DFA groups in Illinois. Sandra was born and raised in Minnesota, and has lived in Chicago since 1988. She has been a homeowner in Edgewater since August of 2003.