Lauren explains why she’s a Democrat: “I became a Democrat before I realized I was a Democrat. In early high school, I was active with the American Red Cross as an HIV/AIDS instructor and would teach teachers how to talk to their classes about safety. I was always active with LGBTQ+ rights. My political activism is thanks in large part to my parents, two very highly active Republicans in the town where I grew up. I always knew that civic service was my responsibility as a citizen. I am still a Democrat because I believe that there is no group of people more deserving than any other of the riches that this country can offer and it is our responsibility to everyone to make sure they have equitable access to live happy, healthy and productive lives.”

Manolin “Manny” Tirado has been a member of the Warwick Democratic Town Committee since 2018. He is currently active in several veterans
organizations, and is a former member of the Greenwood Lake Planning Board. Manny enjoys boating, swimming, and traveling the world, and he can (and will) talk to everyone — he is our membership recruitment wizard. Manny identifies himself as an “FDR Democrat.” He believes that “all levels of government, federal, state, and local, have an obligation to protect civil liberties and our environment, and to regulate the economy to ensure fairness and equity in the marketplace for all the stakeholders in our nation.”

Chris writes fiction and is also an amateur cartoonist. When asked why he’s a Democrat, Chris replied: “I believe the true vision of the United States has never been fully realized, and that none of us are truly free until off of us are free. I think we can achieve that dream if we work at it and live by our morals, and that the Democratic Party is the best opportunity to realize that here in Warwick.” He added, “In my view, the Democratic Party is not a “big tent” as people tend to say. We don’t have a tent. The Republicans have a tent, and we Democratic voters are the people left outside. I try to remember that always, and that we may not agree on a lot of things, but we all agree that we shouldn’t have to be rich, white, or male to have an equal say in how our government treats us.”

Chuck Dill has been a member of the WTDC since 2022. His career as a geologist spanned from 1971 to 2017. Chuck previously served as the recording secretary for the Cedarcrest Home Owners Association in Florida, New York. He believes in the Democratic Party’s attitude regarding the concerns that are currently facing America, and is confident that the Democrats can address those concerns.

In addition to his talents as a cook, amateur gardener, and occasional woodworker, Greg is a professional musician, music producer, and recording engineer. He produces background music for television, and plays guitar with The Claudia Jacobs Band, a Long Island-based blues band. Greg has been a Democrat all his life. He explains, “Whenever it came time to vote, I always found that the Democratic Party candidates were running on values, ideas and principles that matched my own. I am active in the party because I believe the stakes have changed. I’m watching as the democratic principles this country was founded on are being eroded by a concerted effort on the part of the conservative movement to restrict voting rights, take away women’s rights, widen the gap between the rich and the poor and consolidate power among the wealthy.” Greg is most concerned about preserving our basic human rights and freedoms, mitigating climate change, and ensuring affordable health care for all Americans.

A self-professed student of the School of Life, Jeanne feels strongly about her role as a Democrat, pointing to the words “We The People,” that begin the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. While she never served in the Armed Forces herself, she comes from a long line of military service members. She is both a fabulous cook and an amazing baker (no easy feat!). She loves taking care of people, feeding them, and offering a helping hand. She also has an uncanny knack for finding a person’s doppelganger! She can match up a look or mannerism to someone, whether it be from another person, a voice, or even a cartoon character!

Chris has been a lifelong Democrat. She grew up in a heavily Republican area, but both of her parents were Democrats and taught her that all people are equal, regardless of their faith, race, or economic situation. Chris was a strong supporter of Robert F. Kennedy, Sr., and worked on McGovern’s campaign. Since that time, she has been involved in numerous political campaigns since 2016. She is most concerned about securing economic stability for all, but especially for children, strong, common-sense gun regulations, and environmental policies in light of the threats posed by climate change. Chris ran for judge three times. Chris also ran the NYC Marathon, and is a proud adoptive parent of two children and four grandchildren. Ask her about the time she won a contest by telling a dirty joke!