AMY TIDD, GUEST COLUMNIST

The Democratic Party is the party of the people, the party of Thomas Jefferson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. We fought for many of the things in America that give the average person a better life, like Social Security, the minimum wage and equal rights. Through President Kennedy, we began the space race that has made Brevard County such a great part of history. For these reasons, I am a proud Democrat, and proud to be elected the new chair of the Brevard Democratic Executive Committee.

Our forefathers understood that a balance of power would lead to a government that would represent the interests of its citizens and protect democracy. The voters of America understood this in the last election, and elected a Democratic-led House and Senate. Because of this, there is once again a check on the runaway powers of the presidency.

Brevard County has become a county represented by just one party in Tallahassee and Washington, except for Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson. This worked to Brevard's advantage in the past when there was a Republican majority, but now limits Brevard's message because the majority has shifted. We believe that Brevard would be strengthened by having representative of both parties working for the people in county offices, state offices and in Washington. With Democrats in control of Congress and with the likelihood of a Democratic president being elected in 2008, being represented in the House by a Democrat would be in the best interests of our county. GOP Rep. Dave Weldon's election in 1994 coincided with the Republicans taking control of Congress. Now that Democrats control Congress, Brevardians can strengthen their voice in Washington by electing a Democratic House member.

Why elect Democrats? What do Democrats stand for? What do Democrats believe in? For over 200 years, the Democratic party has fought for equal rights for minorities and women, worked for a cleaner environment, and fought for justice for all Americans. For more than 200 years, the Democratic Party has represented the interests of working families. Today, Democrats continue that fight with a firm commitment to the values that we all share as Americans: A secure nation that is a leader in the world, strong economic growth and new jobs, affordable health care for all Americans, and a better education for our children.

We are urging for all citizens in Brevard to get involved in the political process. And we welcome Democrats to join the Brevard Democratic Executive Committee, which meets on the third Wednesday of the month at the Agricultural Center on Lake Drive in Cocoa. In March, we are honored to host Cathy Stanton, the great, great granddaughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the leaders in the fight to bring the vote to women. Please join us.

Tidd lives in Port St. John.