To Members of the Erie County Democratic Committee from Jim Eagan

With the upcoming reorganizational meeting fast approaching, I would like to take this opportunity to ask that you consider me for Chairman.

The principle of access is at the root of our party’s ideals and will be the foundation for my leadership. For many years I have worked with local and state politicians to guarantee their success. Now I am able to leverage my reputation to restore the weight of the Erie County Democratic Committee with Albany and statewide. I have a deep appreciation for the fact that Erie County needs a change. To unify our party we need a Chairman that will not be compelled to lead from within the traditional paradigm. As a lifelong Democrat, I will be the impartial leader needed to ensure collaboration both within and beyond our region.

My unprejudiced approach is why I am not presently seeking traditional party endorsements. I envision a Chairman who is not tied to any one faction, but one who will be a leader that works with everyone. In essence, the only endorsement I am seeking is yours. And if I earn this honor, I can promise unbiased leadership that is informed by a constituency to which I will be accessible and for which I will always be receptive.

This style of access is the guiding principle of the Democratic Party and will be a pillar of my leadership to guarantee widespread input that will energize our party with the diversity of opinions to reflect our heterogeneous community. Access is why I want to give members of the committee a greater role in determining what candidates are supported. We will make the committee more accessible to the community by increasing our visibility. We will provide greater insights to those running for office by developing a resource center that addresses their needs. I want to realize the committee’s capacity to act as a hub that provides the assets not only for traditional marketing, but also to amplify our candidates’ messages while maximizing the impact of our dollars. I will better utilize opposition research and online resources to engage in a two-way dialogue that prepares candidates to address the concerns of their electorate.

By reimagining the role of the committee we can inject the energy needed to give our neighbors a reason to be Democrats again. We will remind them that we a party that stands for empowering families, honoring diversity and realizing equality, reinforcing social systems and open government. This vision cannot be tainted by the proliferation of baseless allegiances. Instead, it must be informed by a commitment to consensus building and progress. It’s a cooperative style I have learned through working for the success of organizations I have been associated with, from financial service companies to a position on the Board of Directors of Erie County's SPCA. As recently as February, the County Legislature commended my responsiveness and unanimously asked Governor Andrew Cuomo to reappoint me to a five-year term on the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Board of Commissioners.

I have introduced myself as a candidate before and I hope that as the meeting approaches you have a better understanding of the transformation I envision for the Committee. But what you may not know about me is that I am the son of a former Lackawanna Public Works Commissioner, I had the fortune of growing up in a household with a deep appreciation for Democratic principles and I have gratitude for what the Democratic Party can achieve for Erie County. As a parent of two, I hope to see ideals such as the ones my father instilled in me amplified by those who have yet to discover our party or are looking to be persuaded to come back within the fold. We will need to harness the power of unity to mobilize Erie County Democrats once again.

As always, I welcome your comments and criticism. Please feel free to contact me on my cell phone at (716) 583-6000.

Warmest Regards,

Jim Eagan