On Feb. 6, for the first time, I attended the Democratic-Farm-Labor caucus at City Hall in New Richland. During the 2016 election I became truly immersed in politics for the first time. During that year I was a senior in high school and really didn’t know where to focus my attention. After the election in 2016, I decided it wouldn’t happen again.
For the first time ever, I actually did some research to find out where I could participate in the political process during 2018. A great place to look to find ways to get involved in local politics can be found advertised in the NRHEG Star Eagle, which is where I, coincidentally, became aware of the caucus on Feb. 6 along with the special election held on Feb. 12.
During the caucus, many things were discussed. Although it was not as large of turnout as the 2016 caucus, according to my neighbor Barb, who was in charge of running the meeting, it was still very productive. I, along with another fellow New Richlander, were selected as delegates to represent our city at the county convention happening March 3 in Waseca.
As the caucus began we cast our votes for who we as DFL members would prefer to see as the Democratic candidate for Governor. Included in this process we elected DFL officials for New Richland and also voted on amendments that will be considered for the party platform. All of the amendments were approved through a voice vote with unilateral approval among those present. Yours truly even added a resolution; an amendment to increase funding for secondary education.
This was an amazing first experience in local politics for me. As my first experience I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with or be any prouder of the community I am apart of. I would like to personally thank the New Richland and local DFL groups for providing people with a great opportunity to be involved with politics on the local level.