Resolution debate moves democracy forward for Cook County DFL

There was a great turnout for the Cook County Democratic-Farm-Labor (DFL) county convention on Saturday, March 19. Fifty-four delegates and about a dozen more observers were on hand at the Cook County Community Center, including Minnesota House 3A Representative Rob Eklund as well as DFL 3rd Senate District Chair Paul Fish.

Elections were held for Cook County DFL positions. Anton Moody retained his seat as chair. Elected to serve as vice-chair was Pat Campanaro.

Tina Krauz stepped down as the Cook County DFL outreach and inclusion officer. Chair Moody said, “We were very sad to see her step down. She was behind the effort to hold precinct caucus night at multiple locations throughout the county in hopes of driving a stronger turnout. And turnout they did.

“A direct result of the successful caucus night was in the seating of a full host of delegates to the county convention, and in turn, the ability to seat our full amount of delegates to the Congressional District 8 and state conventions,” Moody said.

Sue Hakes was elected to take Krauz’s place. Moody said, “We are excited to have her aboard and know she will work hard to continue the positive work of Tina.”

Jerry Hiniker and Paulette Anholm will remain with the Cook County DFL as secretary and treasurer respectively.

County convention delegates faced a challenge this year. They had to follow a new rule regarding resolutions. Only 20 resolutions could be forwarded to the state convention for consideration and 34 were sent to the county convention from the precinct caucuses.

Moody said that resulted in “a long, but healthy conversation” to winnow the resolutions down to what should be passed on.

Resolutions passed along involved issues ranging from opposition of copper nickel mining to education reforms to single payer healthcare resolutions.

Moody expressed appreciation to everyone who took part and said, “We are excited to head to Duluth in early May to meet with our fellow Congressional District 8 and State District 3 delegates and to keep the local voice of democracy moving forward.”