To the Members of the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee; Hon. Chris England, Chair of the Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee; Democratic Officials of Jefferson County, Alabama; Friends and Donors:
Greetings!
Ten years ago the members of the Jefferson County Democratic Party elected me as Chair. At that time, the county could best be described as purple with an even number of democrats and republicans being elected in each election cycle. Since that time, we have put together a great team that has turned the county into a blue; defeating an incumbent District Attorney as well as defeating a long time Sheriff. All county wide elected officials are now Democrats and I’m very proud of this accomplishment.
In addition to electing democrats to each and every office, we have created a great web site, a workable Facebook page; and a widely circulated newsletter. We have established offices and hired staff when the state party did not have the funds or inclination to do so. We have updated our by-laws to be more inclusive with our communities and groups. We have increased the number of officers and delineated their job descriptions.
As we look to the future, we need to energize, mobilize, train and educate our members and volunteers. We need to have office space, staff and interns to lay the foundation of a truly vibrant party. Our sister state Georgia has shown the way, all we have to do is follow that course.
I have been involved in local Democratic politics since 1957 when I was only 5 years old holding signs on the back of a pickup truck. I have served on the county committee since I was 21 and served on the state committee as vice chair of youth affairs in the 1980s. I have served as President of the Young Democrats of Alabama and as General Counsel for the Young Democrats of America. I have had a great time during my career in Alabama politics and am honored to have served our county for the last ten years as chair.
But it is time for me to call it an evening. It is time for younger and more energetic people to be involved in leadership roles. I want to thank the members, the officers and the donors for all their support during the last decade and I look forward to working with the new leadership.
I understand the challenges we face in meeting as a body during the pandemic crises, so therefore I tender my retirement from the office of chair effective February 28, 2021. Pursuant to the By Laws, the Executive Vice-Chair shall call a meeting of the members to fill the vacancy forthwith after the vacancy occurs. The timing of my announcement should allow time to prepare a plan for filling the vacancy. Please note that I’m not going away, just taking a pause for right now.
Again, thanks for allowing me to be the Chair of the best county Democratic Party in the State of Alabama!
God Bless,
Richard K. Mauk