Windsor club expanding to Healdsburg

Originally established with a focus on all things Windsor, the Windsor Democratic Club over time has expanded its interest beyond the politics of the Town of Windsor.
Democratic clubs are chartered by the Sonoma County Democratic Party, with thriving clubs in Santa Rosa, the South County, Sonoma Valley, Oakmont, as well as the Latino Democratic Club and the Wine Country Young Democratic Club.
Each club, like the Windsor Club, has a particular interest implied by the club title, either geographic, ethnic, or demographic. With a unique perspective each club participates and offers local insight to the Central Committee of the County Democratic Party leading to the Committee’s decision to endorse candidates and ballot measures in each election cycle.
The Windsor Club has long included members from beyond the Windsor city limits. Like the club membership, the club has shown an interest in issues beyond the town’s borders. Scheduled meetings of the club are on the fourth Thursday evening of each month. Club programs feature periodic reports from current elected officials including State Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Jim Wood, and Supervisor James Gore.
Additional programs explore issues of significance to all residents of the northern Sonoma County region. Recent programs have included presentations from the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Russian Riverkeeper, LandPaths and Catholic Charities. Programs are offered to give the community a better understanding of issues that confront us, leading to a better informed choice when voting or forming an opinion. Although inherently political the club works to provide information prior to advocating for an issue or candidate.
With this expanded geographic focus the club began to discuss a more reflective name. In November the club voted to change the club name to the Windsor/North County Democratic Club.
Members wished to retain the original Windsor brand, which has become a positive local fixture, while formalizing its expanded scope. The initial formal foray into Healdsburg will take place on July 28 at 7 p.m. at the Villa Chanticleer at a club sponsored forum on a November Healdsburg ballot measure to change the existing Growth Management Ordinance.
The forum, as are all club events, is free and open to the public. The forum will feature a distinguished panel presenting differing views on this complex question facing Healdsburg voters. The forum offers the community an early look at what promises to be a hotly debated ballot question, which will fundamentally effect the city going forward.
The club is planning in August an evening program offering a platform to candidates running for office in North County communities. Stay informed of club activities by visiting www.windsordemocrats.org.
— Barry Hirsch is a Windsor resident