Biography

Antonio Bermudez hasn't had the chance to write his bio yet.

2010-2011 Candidacy Statement

I am declaring my intention to run for the position of Director of Community Relations for the Cornell Democrats. Although I have only been in the club for one year I feel that I have learned much that qualifies me to hold this position. Since, my first meeting in Cornell Democrats I have attempted to become as involved as possible in the organization. As a member, I immediately began attending the executive board planning meetings. I wanted to help steer the club in a direction I felt would benefit it. As soon as I heard about an opening on the executive board, I jumped at the opportunity to fill the position of Speaker’s Chair. And now next year, I would again like the opportunity to serve the Cornell Democrats.

After a year of executive board meetings, I have learned just how important it is for the Cornell Democrats to keep ties with the Cornell community, other Cornell organizations, and the regional Democratic parties. A close relationship with other organizations on campus can benefit your own group in many ways. For one, can help when bringing speakers. A close group can help the Cornell Democrats bring a hard-to-get speaker and/or cosponsor the speaker. Close relations with the Cornell community at large is necessary in promoting Democratic ideals on campus as well as convincing members of the Cornell community to vote in elections. Keeping close relations with the surrounding regional Democratic parties is also very necessary. Part of the DNC’s 50-State Strategy is getting Democratic candidates elected in every election. By working with the surrounding Democratic parties, the Cornell Democrats can help campaign for Democrats who may be fighting a tough election or re-election battle.

Next year is an election year for a hurting Democratic Party and this makes the job of Director of Community Relations even more important. As Director, I plan of building very strong ties with all the progressive groups on campus from COLA to Kyoto Now to the Cornell Progressive. My vision is to create a get-out-the-vote coalition with progressive groups on campus. By doing this we can multiply our influence on campus by having all the groups help us increase voter-awareness and the necessity to vote for Democratic candidates. Being a member of the Greek system at Cornell, I also plan on bettering the relations between the Cornell Democrats and the fraternities on Cornell. The Greek system is somewhere where the Cornell Democrats can do a large voter-awareness drive. By closely working with all the groups on Cornell as well as the local Democratic Parties, we can educate voters on the importance of voting Democratic and stop the Republicans from taking power back.