Congratulations Scott Surovell

By: Lowell
Published On: 1/8/2008 11:05:41 PM

I was at the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) meeting tonight to watch the election for a new chairman.  My friend Scott Surovell defeated Steve Bunn, 217 votes (59%) to 152 votes (41%). More later, for now I'm watching New Hampshire.  Congratulations to Scott, and to Steve Bunn for running a good race.

OK, while we're waiting for the NH results to trickle in, a few more details on the FCDC meeting tonight.  Andy Hurst nominated Scott Surovell, saying that Scott is "not afraid to stand up and make himself heard."  Andy added that Scott is a team player who works hard even when he loses an argument.  Scott is a Democrat first and foremost, with a great deal of creative ideas and energy.  He will take FCDC to the "next level."

Bruce Nielsen seconded the nomination, saying that Scott will make FCDC a committee that everyone will notice, respect, admire, want to imitate.  Scott has a business plan and will lead the "blue team" to success in Fairfax County. Bruce reads an endorsement letter from Sen. Dick Saslaw.

Steve and Scott each gave excellent speeches.  Steve talked about FCDC as an umbrella, a forum for the "safe exchange of ideas," to coordinate efforts to elect Democrats "from the schoolhouse to the White House."  Steve talked about changing the way FCDC does business, better organizing to operate more efficiently, and enhancing the Democratic Party's image/"branding."  Steve emphasized that 2008 would be a "year of great consequence," including the Virginia presidential primary on Feb. 12.  FCDC needs to operate more efficiently, and he will work to make that happen with his energy, time, creativity and patience.

Scott talked about his grandparents moving to Virginia and fighting the Harry Byrd machine.  He noted that Democratic Party politics is "in my blood."  He highlighted his accomplishments as Mt. Vernon committee chair, and said that Dave Albo is "terrified of Mt. Vernon."  He emphasized the importance of FCDC operating on "all cylinders," pointing out that if it doesn't, we end up with people like Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling in office.  He said "this isn't a social club," it's a vehicle to elect Democrats.  "We're gonna take this committee to the next level."  "I've got a lot of energy, we're gonna do great things" and "you're gonna be proud."

P.S.  Steve Bunn was nominated by Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross.  The nomination was seconded by Faifax firefighter John Niemic (spelling?).

P.P.S.  Both Judy Feder and Leslie Byrne were in attendance.

Comments



glad to hear it (afausser - 1/8/2008 11:35:41 PM)
This is great news for FCDC. Scott will do an amazing job.


It's awesome news for FCDC (Lowell - 1/8/2008 11:41:15 PM)
With Scott's election, I truly believe that FCDC will move to the next level.  That could prove crucial in 2008, 2009 and beyond, as Fairfax has 1.1 million people and can almost singlehandedly tip Virginia one way or the other.  This is huge.


Congratulations! (Ingrid - 1/9/2008 12:18:52 AM)
Good choice.  Congratulations, Scott!


AWESOME - SPECTACULAR - THRILLING (Lee Diamond - 1/9/2008 12:42:54 AM)
Congratulations to Scott and to FCDC members for electing him.  This is a great result for all of us who are committed to excellence in our work.  This result will maximize our chances of winning VA in a Presidential for the first time since 1964.  The Republicans have to be worried.  Virginia is a swing state!


A great night for ALL Democrats! (LAS - 1/9/2008 1:59:33 AM)
With Scott at the helm, the FCDC will truly be a force to be reckoned with throughout Virginia. Scott works harder than just about anybody in the Commonwealth; he's smart, driven and tenacious. Oh yeah, and then there's that energy thing. He's got lots of that.  

"This isn't a social club," he said earlier tonight. So true. We are in the very serious business of electing Democrats and Scott NEVER forgets that.

We in Mount Vernon are so gosh-darned proud of him that we are pretty much beside ourselves with joy tonight. That joy is tempered somewhat by the knowledge that we are losing him to the greater good. Scott has left some very large shoes to fill.

Sigue la lucha!  



Congrat's to Pete Fribie in PW County (Lowell - 1/9/2008 3:04:41 PM)
Last night, January 8th, the Prince William County Democratic Committee held their re-organization meeting and had a Democratic Presidential straw poll.

The committee elected Pete Frisbie to serve a full two year term has chairman. Frisbie, at 28 is one the youngest chairs of a local political party committee of any party in Virginia.

Mr. Frisbie was first elected to this position in April 2007.  During this short time frame, the PWCDC achieved many significant accomplishments. The committee launched a new web site, created an internship program that saw a number of participants from high schools across the county and from students on their summer break from college, an increase in Democratic performance throughout the county in the 2007 election results, recruited a significant number of volunteers to participate in numerous campaigns, and for the first time in 12 years picked up several Republican held elected offices while at the same time successfully defending all Democratically held incumbent offices.

He has been an active member of the Committee since 2004, when he led the Young Democrats. Some of Committee goals for the next two years include: significant grassroots organizing activities, expanded community outreach efforts, continue to increase youth participation in the political process and expanding on the Democratic electoral victories in Prince William County made over the last three years.

Elected has Vice Chairs were; for the 1st Congressional District- Mr. Kevin English, the 10th Congressional District- Ms. Cindy Kennedy and the 11th Congressional District - Ms. Ernestine Jenkins. Also elected were Mr. Jim O'Connor and Ms. Dottie Holley as Recording Secretary and Corresponding Secretary.  Mr. Bill Westhoff was elected as the Treasurer.

In the presidential straw poll ballot, the standing room only crowd voted for the candidates who will appear on the Virginia Democratic Presidential Ballot on February 12th. Hillary Clinton received 40% of the vote, Barack Obama received 32% of the vote, John Edwards received 17% and Bill Richardson rounded out the voting by receiving 11% of the vote.

The Prince William County Democratic Committee meets the fourth Thursday of the month at the McCoart Building in Woodbridge at 7:30pm.  Meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome.

For more information please visit the committee's website at www.pwcdems.com



FCDC Blue Team (totallynext - 1/9/2008 3:42:53 PM)
Great Job - were here to work!


Leslie Byrne has (Lowell - 1/10/2008 4:01:46 PM)
her thoughts on Scott's election.


Way to go, Scott (bigforkgirl - 1/10/2008 8:19:31 PM)
I've long worried about FCDC-it seemed stuck as a county organization.  I avoided going to the meetings, quite frankly. It was sad, because district committees (at least mine) flourished.  Scott gets it--running FCDC more like a business, with goals, objectives and timelines is what is needed, and Scott can do it.  Scott is a lead, follow or get out of the way guy--he can take the team to the next level. Thanks for running and winning, Scott.