Dear Rus and Lloyd,

In 1998 Emily Couric asked me to become more active in Democratic politics in Charlottesville and the state. I agreed, mainly because of the profound respect I had for her. At the time, I expressed to her that I believed I would have a greater impact on social change working from the outside, but that I'd give it a try.

Along the way I have met some outstanding people who are very active in the party. Some have inspired me, in Emily's physical absence, to remain involved. Nila, Ed Wayland, Joy Johnson, Ben Thacker-Gwaltney, and Dave Norris to name a few.

In my response to Lloyd's comments I did not mean to imply that low income people were disenfranchised in Charlottesville. I was actually quite explicit in this regard. Since my approach is underappreciated, let me set the record, as I see it, straight.

Yes, the poor are disenfranchised. So are women and so are people of color. I also believe that democratic chairs of local and statewide party's should not publicly endorse candidates. This may sound like I am just a sore loser, but in fact, I am not. I was David Simmons delegate in 2000 and would have been quite happy to see him with the nomination. He's an outstanding individual.

My complaint, though it may seem " negative" to some, is two-fold: The actions taken by Lloyd Snook to publicly endorse a candidate and Lloyd's continuous resistance (masked as innocent ignorance) to include families and low income residents in the Democratic process are inappropriate and a detriment to some of our local citizens. Therefore, I call for Lloyd's resignation as party co-chair. At the very least, I ask that he not seek the nomination again when it comes time to elect the chair in December.

It's time that we, as the party of inclusion, give someone who holds the interests of families, women, and people of color a voice and the power to make our elected process more inclusive.

While I would love to attend the meeting at Rus's office, I can not due to work out of town. Please let me know when the next meeting is and I will be sure to be there!

Viva La Democracy,

Camille Cooper (electronic mail, March 11, 2002)