Viewpoint: 'I am being blocked' from the May primary election

I am being blocked from being included in the primary election this May. Unsurprisingly, I think that’s problematic. I’m telling my story to hopefully bring some awareness to an outmoded and non-inclusive local political system.

I am a son of the South Bend’s west side and a lifelong Democrat, which almost goes without saying on the west side. The families, churches, organizations and politics I grew up with and around centered on two intertwined and clear messages: Everyone is invited because everyone needs to do their part.

As a 32-year-old father and veteran, that call to service has been and remains my compass. I served in the Army from August 2009 to June 2014, training in Kuwait and touring through Iraq. When I returned, I became active in the Wounded Warrior Project because I knew how compassionate care is critical for my fellow veterans.

I also founded the local Be You Movement, which focuses on inspiring people from all walks of life, especially those with the heaviest loads, to be successful. Through the organization, I have supported our unhoused community members, single mothers and children in need with donations of food and clothing. As a soldier and a resident of South Bend, I have seen the brutalities suffered by people written off, overlooked and left behind. My life’s work will continue to be making the world better for those folks.

Board of Election hearing:New state law and Democratic party likely to block South Bend council candidate from ballot

I recently filed to run as a Democratic candidate for a seat on South Bend Common Council representing District 6. There are two mechanisms for being certified to run as a Democrat: Voting in the last two primaries as a Democrat or with the county Democratic Party chair’s seal of approval. Even though I have always registered as a Democrat, I hadn’t voted in the last two primaries so I sought the nod from Chairperson Diana Hess.

I explained to her my political ideology, which is blue through and true. I explained how my family’s deep roots in District 6 can galvanize many who feel unheard by local and national politics. I explained how my Black and Latino background can unite constituencies and bring them to the political process and ballot box. I explained my awareness that I am a political novice and that I secured a mentorship from a former Democratic Party campaign manager. I explained how my age can bring younger faces to an increasingly older Democratic Party. I explained the importance of having a contested primary to create discourse.

Hess refused to certify me. I asked what objective and public criteria were used. For that, she offered me no explanation, but said that the party would not challenge my candidacy.

In Indiana, you can still file to run on a party’s ticket, and I did so. Barring a challenge, I would be on the ticket as the Democrat I am. Incumbent District 6 Councilmember Sheila Niezgodski didn't file a challenge, but former St. Joseph County Treasurer Mike Kruk did. That move is aimed at keeping Niezgodski unopposed in the primary without having to debate challengers, explain her vision for South Bend and engage her constituents. At its core, her attempt to push me off the ballot aggressively undermines democracy itself. Also at its core, we know it’s shady.

In a twist some folks see as surprising and others not, I am now actively being courted by the Republican Party to run on their ticket. I won’t. I’m a Democrat. At a time when the local Democratic Party needs more candidates, voters, and money, the fact the Republican Party is the one courting new faces should be one of the many wakeup calls from this whole ordeal.

According to the 2017 Racial Wealth Divide Report, the city of South Bend grapples with entrenched racial inequality. Given this reality, we need bold leadership to address present and persistent disparities. We do not need those entrenched with power, like Hess and Niezgodski, to subjectively gatekeep and sidestep the democratic process. Their decisions perpetuated systemic racism, and their choices weaken the Democratic Party so that they may maintain power and control. That’s not right.

I put my life on the line to protect the right to vote and for the right to run for public office. I love my country. I love South Bend. I pray that the St. Joseph County Election Board, represented by two Republicans and one Democrat, will authorize my candidacy and correct these recent shortsighted and painful decisions. Then, let’s come together and have an engaging and emboldening primary to ensure that the Democratic Party’s and South Bend’s better days are coming soon.

Bruce Mitchell lives in South Bend.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Bruce Mitchell says South Bend Dems blocking him from primary.