West Side Forum

Ready, Set, GO!2020 is upon us, and Democrats across the county are in high gear to prepare for this crucial election year. We need everyone’s involvement to ensure we keep riding the Blue Wave into November.  It will take a LOT of work to accomplish all we want to do locally, statewide, and nationally.  The West Side Democrats are poised to take on the challenge, but we need everyone’s help to achieve the following:NATIONAL GOALSElect a Democrat to the White HouseRe-elect Deb Haaland and…

On September 16, New Mexicans were met with a dichotomy of messages.  In Rio Rancho, Donald Trump rallied his base on another campaign stop, took credit for New Mexico’s oil and gas revenue, vowed to turn NM red in 2020,  and continued his message of division based on race. Hundreds of protesters against his message stepped bravely into an unpredictable environment just feet from the rally. Threats from the right had already been launched against some of our most beloved local activists throughout the…

Since 2012, the U.S. has celebrated National Voter Registration Day on the fourth Tuesday of every September.  In 2018, the holiday fell on September 25 and the campaign aimed to register 300,000 people. Much to everyone’s surprise, more than 865,000 people registered to vote on the national holiday, exceeding all goals and predictions and setting a record.   Can we surpass last year’s milestone?   Yes, we can.  How can you help with this crucial goal?  The Democratic Party of Bernalillo County (DPBC) and our own…

WEST SIDE SUMMERFEST - Thanks to the 12 volunteers who helped out at both booths at Summerfest - a WSD booth and a voter registration booth. (Photo shows volunteers Camille Varoz, Sue Wolinsky and Diana Shea with Mayor Tim Keller at the booth.) We had 9 people sign up for the WSD newsletter and we registered >20 potential voters. The big lesson learned is that most folks registered or updated the record ONLINE, using cellphones and 2 tablets that Liam Paul brought from the…

“We should soundly reject language coming out of the mouths of any of our leaders that feeds a climate of fear and hatred or normalizes racist sentiments, leaders who demonize those who don't look like us, or suggest that other people, including immigrants, threaten our way of life, or refer to other people as sub-human, or imply that America belongs to one certain type of people.” —Former U.S. President Barack Obama In the wake of the three shootings in 9 days that included double…

“Vision without action is merely a dream.  Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” – Joel A. Barker       When I put on my “2020 is Coming” button, it immediately connects me to the many dedicated and passionate people I have met since that horrible night in 2016 when the worst President in our history was elected to run our country.  That button was created by Nob Hill Indivisible – one of many groups in…

"Change is the only constant in life." — Heraclitus Change has come to the West Side Democrats. Flora Lucero was elected Chair of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County on April 6 and resigned as chair of WSD on April 24. During her tenure our membership increased from about 16 to 85. The number of people volunteering for WSD went from 4 to 16. Meeting attendance went from perhaps 12 to, in some cases, 80 or more, due to a series of programs about…

Hello Wonderful West Side Democrats of Bernalillo County - Wednesday, April 24 I will be stepping down from my position as Chair of the West Side Democrats of Bernalillo County (WSD). It has been an honor and privilege to serve you in that capacity. I am eager to work with you in my new role as Chair of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County. I look forward to connecting WSD with other groups across the County and opening collaborative networks to strengthen our local…

On Saturday, April 6, 2019, I was elected Chair of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County. I am humbled and honored by the outpouring of support I received leading up to and since the election. Many West Side Democrats showed up in real and meaningful ways and I would not have been able to make it through the day without your help! The work ahead of us is important. 2020 is coming and we must organize and mobilize to keep New Mexico blue and…

On Saturday, March 23, Democrats across Bernalillo County attended Ward Meetings and participated in the first phase of electing 2019-2021 leadership for the Democratic Party of New Mexico. My friends, 2020 is coming and the leaders elected Saturday will be working the frontlines as we march toward this important election. Thank you, each and every person who attended or participated in absentia. Thank you to Bill and Millie Peifer for the MANY hours of work that went into preparing for the Ward Meetings and…