Dear Central Committee Member:
Tonight you will once again be called upon to fulfill your responsibility as a member of the Central Committee as you vote to select an individual for appointment to a state delegate seat. This time it is the seat of Delegate Jane Lawton, my delegate in District 18 and my dear friend.
Circumstances have required that this selection process be completed just 12 days after Jane’s death. For all of us who knew, worked with and loved Jane, this compressed time frame has made a difficult process that much more difficult. I thank you for your efforts and for your careful, reasoned and objective deliberations as you make this important decision.
Despite the very short time since Jane’s death, a remarkable group of qualified individuals have stepped forward to seek this appointment. Any one of them would bring honor and dedication to the position if they were selected.
However, there is one person who, in my view, stands out as the one best qualified to carry on Jane’s important work. That individual is Roz Pelles.
Roz has an extraordinary background of service to her communities-nationally and at the state, county and local levels. Although Roz is just becoming known by many, her endorsements are numerous and impressive. Adam Yalowitz, former student member of MCDCC, credits Roz with his becoming involved in politics. Steve Jones states that, though he is overworked and busy with two young children, Roz encouraged him to join the process and inspired a generation of young people.
In the letters of support on her behalf, certain phrases are repeated over and over: “consensus builder,” an “inspirational and brilliant leader,” “a listener,” “well-informed on the issues,” “caring and compassionate.” The list of her qualities goes on and on.
In addition to these fine qualifications, two significant factors have caused me to support Roz:
Jane Lawton’s family supports Roz’ succeeding Jane based upon the friendship and working relationships between Jane and Roz, the values that they shared, and the depth of talent and experience that Roz possesses. They are confident that she is the candidate best suited to carry on Jane’s important work.
Jane was greatly concerned about the decrease in women legislators from the
The appointment of Roz Pelles to this District 18 Delegate seat would be historic. Roz would be the very first African – American female delegate in the Montgomery County delegation. What a wonderful way to honor Jane and her life of public service!
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will join me in supporting Roz Pelles.
Sincerely,
Karen C. McManus
