Who We Are
A Bit of Our History
During the 40 years preceeding 2004, Door County and northeast Wisconsin was a dominantly Republican area with virtually all contested political offices held by Republicans. The Democratic Party ofDoor County (DPDC) was then small and had internal divisions that restricted its growth.
In 2004, some local party members, along with an influx of recently settled retired members, gathered to reorganize, and renew this local unit to make it an effective voice in the political arena. Ben Meyer was elected Chairman and Kathy Navis was elected vice-chair. Under their leadership, the difficult task of reorganization and establishing a functioning county-wide system, focused on addressing public concerns, finding candidates for public office, and informing the membership of news and views from state and national Democratic Headquarters.
After two years, Ben and Kathy stepped down and were replaced by Estella Lauter and Mary Horn as co-chairs, and Bill Perloff as vice-chair in 2006. The new team added a monthly newsletter, which is edited and published by Bill Perloff, and several standing committees to do the work of this organization.
In 2010, Allin Walker was elected Chairman of DPDC,. Bill Perloff remained as Vice-Chair and Editor of the Newsletter. During this period, DPDC recruited and supported several candidates for local and state offices. While the public support grew for Democratic candidates, none have been elected to state offices. Doctor Steve Kagan was elected Congressman from our district in 2006, and re-elected in 2008.
The DPDC (we’ve been known to call ourselves Door Dems) is an active and vigorous organization focused on electing Democrats to local, state, and Federal offices in an area dominated by Republicans in the past. The DPDC has grown with good leadership and experience and is an effective voice in the political dialogue.
The Democratic Party of Door County and its members share a common set of core values that underlie ideals for relationships of people to each other, to their government, to other nations, to the environment, and to the rights and responsibilities of the hallmark of democracy – freedom.
Policies are the means by which these values are translated into actions, such as support of issues and candidates for public office. But it is the underlying values that define us.
These values include:
Some needs are too basic and too critical to be left to unregulated private interests. All people need and deserve access to health care, education, safe supplies of food and water, clean air, a living wage, personal security and access to transportation. Taxes are our investment in a civil, democratic society.
without regard to age, ability, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or economic status. Equality requires justice for all and respect for civil liberties. No one is above the law.
Stewardship of the environment is necessary for the common good of people everywhere. Our most fundamental responsibility is to preserve the world for our children and future generations. We all live downstream.
It implies the right to make personal decisions about moral, political, religious, philosophical and medical issues, and the obligationto make those choices responsibly. The quality of our decisions depends heavily on access to multiple sources of sound, accurately-labeled information. The best kind of freedom is being able to make well-informed decisions.
International cooperation and sufficient military forces to repel external threats are essential, but our greatest strength derives from leading by example. We support other countries in their efforts to achieve conditions that will enhance their security. Treat your neighbor as yourself at home and abroad.
- March in local parades
- Support election campaigns
- Encourage voter turnout
- Advocate for our values
- Educate the electorate
- Represent Door County at District and State Conventions
- Staff a local office
- Hold periodic public forums
Our activities are overseen by Executive Board and Committees for:
- Advocacy
- Elections
- Events
- Policies
- Membership
Our expenses are modest. The budget is replenished by membership dues and occasional FUNd Raisers (yes fun IS emphasized).
Consider joining us in the following ways:
VOLUNTEER. You don’t have to be a member, to be a volunteer. And, there are lots of opportunities. Pick the level of effort and commitment that’s comfortable for you. Feel the satisfaction. Share in the fun.
GET CONNECTED. Be informed or express your views or interact. Visit our Connection pages. Or leave a message in any Comment field.
JOIN THE PARTY. – we really do have our fun side. Become a member.
