New Westside Democratic Club Gets OK to Open for Business

By Paul Kozakiewicz

A new democratic club has been created to serve the interests of the west side.

The Westside Democratic Club was officially chartered in March. It covers all territories in the 12th Assembly District, which includes the Richmond, Sunset and West of Twin Peaks neighborhoods.

The president of the new group is Ron Dudum, a candidate for Sunset District supervisor last November. Other officers representing the democratic club are Executive Vice President John Shanley, who also ran for supervisor in District 4, Vice President Mary Hernandez, a school board member who is in charge of administration, and Criselda Bateh, vice president in charge of finance.

According to Dudum, the group was formed to capitalize on the political activism of the last election to push for more services for the west side of the City.

"In terms of services, we're shortchanged," he said.

The club intends to be a political voice for the west side, register voters, conduct educational programs and work for candidates that earn the club's endorsement. Sixty percent of the club has to vote for an official endorsement.

"We affirm our commitment to traditional Democratic party values of building a strong and diverse economy, honoring labor, providing human services and protecting the environment. We will work to make the city and county of San Francisco a place which is livable, accessible, affordable and reflective of the rich diversity of its residents," the club's by-laws state.

Another goal of the club, according to Shanley, is to act as a conduit for community input and to act as a bridge between political aspirants and residents on the west side.

"The good thing about the club is the opportunity to have candidates share their ideas with us," Shanley said.

The democratic club has about 25 charter members, most of whom live in the Sunset District. Outreach efforts are underway to increase the club's membership throughout the 12th Assembly District. Although the group only votes for Democratic candidates, people of any political persuasion are eligible to join the club. Dues are $25 a year, with seniors and students (16 years of age or older) getting a discount at $10 a year.

The members of the club will work on a number of committees that involve west side issues, including Ocean Beach, Sava Pool, Golden Gate Park, housing, transportation, youth and recreation. More committees will be created as the group grows.

According to Hernandez, after the committees complete their research and identify positions, it is important that the club's views are expressed to achieve desired results.

"We need a well-thought out and consistent message," she said.

The next meeting of the Westside Democratic Club will be held at 3925 Noriega St. on Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m.