05.28.08
dembones for SD5 Committeeman
From its inception in 2005, Eye On Williamson has brought to light issues of concern to working families in Williamson county. During this time, our blog has accumulated a loyal readership of Democrats and Independents tired of failed Republican “leadership”. You have applied pressure and demanded more accountability, and won a few concessions. Together, our impact on the community is beginning to make a positive difference. We are grateful for all your focus and determination.
Throughout this time, I have been known only by my pseudonym, dembones. The issue of anonymity is polarizing among bloggers. Those who write under their given names claim that to do otherwise is to be afraid to place one’s reputation on the line for one’s public positions. I have remained of the opinion that my professional career, which has absolutely nothing to do with politics, must be kept separate from my political opinions.
For two years, this has been an acceptable position, as I have worked behind the scenes within the Texas Progressive Alliance, the netroots at large and the local Democratic party. These activities, along with career and family obligations, have kept me from having the time to write as extensively as I would like.
Fortunately, there is the incredible talent and work ethic of wcnews, the founder of this site and the one who writes the majority of the posts here. Everything this blog has accomplished is thanks to his tireless, twice- or thrice-daily postings. It has been rewarding to work together assisting in editorial matters and generally handling the technical issues. Mostly, I (along with our growing list of regular readers) enjoy reading his consistently high-quality posts.
Much of my effort over the past few months has been behind the scenes. I contributed mightily to the local Barack Obama campaign leading up to the March 4 primary. Some have credited me with helping to produce a 13-point win for Obama in Williamson county. Next, I was asked to handle the task of credentialing the delegates and alternates at the county convention. This massive undertaking involved more than 500 hours of labor, involving dozens of dedicated volunteers. It was the largest Democratic convention
ever held in Williamson county, and though it involved long lines and a lot of waiting around, it will be remembered as a turning point in local political history.
In the last two months, I’ve been deeply involved in organizing the delegation to the state convention, now less than two weeks away. Getting to the state convention is a real milestone for me, not only because of the effort that began on February 6 in support of Barack Obama, but because I am for the first time myself a candidate for a significant office within the state Democratic party.
My name is Brian Hamon, and I am a candidate for committeeman from Senate District 5. I intend to bring the desire for change within the Democratic party to its executive committee. One can easily look back at my positions expressed on this blog over the past two years and see that I am a proud liberal that feels that corporations and their lobbyists have seized control of government and produced a society that scarcely resembles the America of the textbooks I read when I was a student in Texas public schools.
Working families, after being largely cut out of the prosperity of the 90s, are groaning under the strain of foreclosure, unemployment, decaying schools, skyrocketing health care and energy costs, pending ecological disaster and a tax burden that regressively constrains those of us that take home a paycheck while exempting the wealthy.
I’m proud to announce that these positions have earned me the endorsement of the Campaign For Change. In addition, my technical and grassroots organizing skills have earned me the endorsement of current SD5 committeeman Bill Holcomb.
The election for committeeman will take place at the Texas Democratic Convention in Austin on June 6. About 270 delegates from the 14-county district will decide between me and two other announced candidates. If elected, I will work hard to recruit quality candidates for public office, demand accountability from TDP staff and build our grassroots organization throughout the district. My record of effectiveness includes my work on this blog and my efforts to produce exciting news for Democrats in Williamson county. Texas’ best raw increase in votes for Governor from 2002 to 2006, our sensational turnout in the 2008 Democratic primary, and the promising future for Williamson county Democrats on the ballot in November are the direct result of the intense dedication of many individuals. In some ways, I’m a beneficiary of being at the right place at the right time.
However, the accomplishments of this blog and my accomplishments as a political organizer run parallel. This is a movement I am proud to represent. We believe in the promise of democracy, of working within the system in order to improve it, and of transparency and accountability at all levels of government. I plan to bring this movement to a new level of visibility by joining the State Democratic Executive Committee and working toward statewide victories for Democrats in Texas.
PDiddie said,
May 28, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Congratulations on coming out (of anonymity) and best of luck in your contest.
gregry17 said,
May 31, 2008 at 9:37 am
Good Job Brian. For six years now I have been talking to people about Barack Obama. Your work in this campaign is incredible. Most people cannot fathom the dedication, committment, and sacrifice involved in an American campaign for change.
I have been in Bell County most of this week where I was distressed to learn the magnitude of lies that have been spread about our candidate and the general public’s willingness to propogate these Tall Tales.
We have only begun to spread the truth about Obama and his vision for change. I appreciate your dedication and hope our efforts will be fruitful in November. Should I get moved up from alternate you will have my support.