Priorities
“Where there is Hunger, Law is not regarded; and where Law is not regarded, there will be Hunger.”
- Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1755
The Democrats of Franklin County seek sensible solutions as we establish our county as a force for equity, empowerment, and social justice.
The Democrats of Franklin County support candidates running as Democrats in Franklin County who adhere to the principles in this Franklin County Democratic Platform.
Representative government
Society's ills are corrected through civic discourse and the ballot box. The purpose of government is to afford all citizens the opportunity to attain their highest level of social, cultural, economic, mental, and physical well-being and: ★ Act on behalf of the public good ★ Create and execute policies that equally-promote and protect everyone’s human rights ★ Protect our shared environment ★ Promote justice, safety and security ★ Oversee the equitable distribution of scarce resources People deserve to choose their representatives in a manner that leaves them energized and excited to be part of the process. All segments of our county deserve access to government decision making to communicate their needs and aspirations. Our party-building and civic-engagement activities move Franklin County governments to better represent the people of our county. The Franklin County Democratic Cental Committee works with humility and determination, not arrogance and whimsy, to create better lives. We are committed to honest, open government. Managing the complexities of crime and violence, for example, requires multiperspective, multifaceted solutions involving legislation, education, healthcare, community action, and personal responsibility. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” — Thomas Jefferson, 1817
Freedom from abuse and bullying
The more diverse the perspectives, the stronger the decisions. We are committed to the inclusion and full-participation of all voices in our society, the Democratic Party, and the democratic processes of government — regardless of status within any protected class, such as age, race, gender, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics, preference of association, ethnicity, disability, illness, or language. Social and economic justice are paramount. Whenever the rights of any person are threatened, all of us are endangered. We take seriously our obligations to uphold the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Reconstruction Amendments in order to preserve, protect, and secure our basic human rights, civil liberties, and civil rights. We affirm the ideal of a world in which all peoples live peacefully with tolerance and good will toward others. U.S. foreign and domestic policies should promote that ideal. “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” — Benjamin Franklin, 1755
Free speech
We embrace the discussion of ideas, the expression of experience, and the differences of our neighbors, because an informed citizenry is essential for a democratic society. We oppose all forms of public censorship, whether in our public libraries or public schools. Public education provides accessible, affordable learning for all. Preparing people to think critically is the backbone of our democracy — and economy. Misinformation and misguided intentions have divided the people of Franklin County for far too long, resulting in divisions that stifle growth, prosperity, and opportunity for all of its diverse people. Expecting the best of ourselves, each other, and our community leads to government that trusts and empowers its citizens to help each other. “Freedom can exist only in the society of knowledge. Without learning, men are incapable of knowing their rights, and where learning is confined to a few people, liberty can be neither equal nor universal.” — Benjamin Rush, 1786
Public education
Individual educational attainment is important for the long-term economic sustainability of our society. The growing demands of globalization, technology, and cross-cultural understanding require a public education system that offers the challenges and opportunities to develop the full-potential of all students. Adequately funding free, universal public education, from preschool through post-secondary education, is critical for our civic society to meet future challenges. Bi-cultural, multilingual public schools improve equitable access to dual-language instruction. Career & Technical Education (CTE), and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) courses are critical for ALL children to become thriving students. “It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage; to accelerate and animate their industry and activity; to excite in them an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity, and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty, and virtue. If we suffer their minds to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives.” — John Adams, 1765
Future freedom
As stewards of Washington’s heritage and natural resources, we demand that our governing bodies transition to sound energy practices that protect our environment by addressing the problems caused by ongoing greenhouse gas emissions that overheat the planet. We deplore the concentration of food production in the hands of a few corporations and cherish our family farms. A fair and equitable economy supports families. Vibrant unions ensure worker dignity and middle class lifestyles. Organized labor and the right of all workers to collectively bargain must be protected and strengthened. Union apprenticeships and “learn as you earn” programs should be expanded. A sustainable economy and job growth depend on a positive climate for small business development. We support a progressive tax system. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin, 1736
Pursuit of happiness
We champion the right of our fellow Americans to pursue happiness in whatever form that may take. Every individual deserves the right to seek and cultivate physical, intellectual, and spiritual self-fulfillment. It is the responsibility of all levels of government to protect and the responsibility of individuals and businesses to respect our rights to: ★ Fairness, community, and equal opportunity for all ★ Full access to all places of public accommodation including parks, restaurants, businesses, and affordable housing. All businesses should adhere to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ★ Access to and opportunity to participate in and support the arts and humanities ★ The separation of church and state ★ Family, whatever its makeup. Through government, we sustain, enhance, and share the responsibility for assisting those families who cannot adequately provide for their members ★ Accessible, affordable, quality health care and the benefits of continued medical research. Local, state, and federal governments must adequately fund mental health services to make them readily available to all, regardless of means “We should begin by setting conscience free. When all...shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power...we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society.” — John Adams, 1785
