Sara Kruszka has officially qualified for the Aug. 6 ballot for Democratic State Executive Committeewoman in District 15. She is running on a platform of greater transparency for the state Democratic Party as well as a promise to bring the state to the counties when it comes to party building, finding candidates, and competing in elections, locally and statewide.

Kruszka is a community engagement coordinator, bookkeeper and web designer for a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy and building book culture in the Upper Cumberland. Before that, she worked at the City of Cookeville as a customer service clerk and support services technician for the city-owned utilities.

A 2009 graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a degree in political science, Kruszka currently serves on the executive committee for the Putnam County Democratic Party and is a member of the Democratic Rural Caucus.

"I believe the Democratic Party needs to do more," Kruszka said. "Our political system is at its best when two sides can have a reasoned debate and find solutions after considering all angles and viewpoints. I believe iron sharpens iron, and we need the best possible solutions for tackling the issues facing Tennesseans right now, especially in this district."

The 15th District consists of Cumberland, Jackson, Putnam, Smith, Van Buren and White counties.

"The first question I get asked is what is the State Executive Committee, and it's a good question, because it's one of those obscure elections that shows up at the bottom of the primary ballot. But essentially, it is the Democratic party leadership for the state of Tennessee. We elect a committeewoman and a committeeman from each state senate district to direct the party for the next four years, and also to help local county parties organize and stay on top of what's happening at the state level."

Kruszka said she decided to run after seeing what she described as a disconnect between the local county parties and the state organization.

"I feel that the state needs to do more to be readily available to the counties," Kruszka said. "And part of that falls on the Executive Committee, who should be making regular trips to the county party meetings, along with meeting with leadership, determining needs, and providing resources for each party."

She said she is committed to working tirelessly to build the party, get out the vote, and help recruit and elect Democratic candidates at every level of government. She believes that change starts at the grassroots level and that the state party and executive committee members need to provide resources, training and support.

While this is a Democratic position that will only show on the Democratic primary ballot, Kruszka has a strong desire to tone down rhetoric between parties.

"Some of my closest friends are Republicans and this process of running for office has introduced me to so many people, who I may not always agree with, but who I respect. We see so much division at the higher levels, but here, we're neighbors, family, coworkers, and friends. I think it's important that we don't lose sight of that, no matter what happens in August or November."

For more information, visit votesaratn.com.

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