Candidates’ Statements

Erik Teetsov, Candidate for Chair, DAF Bordeaux 2019

I have lived in France, mostly in Bordeaux, for over twenty years. From 2013 to 2017, for two terms, I served as the
Bordeaux chair of Democrats Abroad, France. Before that I served as vice-chair when Trudy Bolter, the founder of
the Bordeaux chapter, was our leader. For the new term, starting in 2019, I am excited to be considered by the
Bordeaux Democrats as their chair for the next term. 2020 will be a crucial year for Democrats. We are already
seeing a field of potential Democratic candidates of extraordinary quality and diversity. As Democrats Abroad, we
must meet the challenge of getting as many Americans registered to vote in the November elections. I believe that
it will be a very close election and we can play an important role. It would be my honor to serve as Chair along with
our new executive team and all Democrats in the Bordeaux region as we make our overseas voices count in the
American political process.

Linda Martin, Candidate for Vice-Chair, DAF Bordeaux 2019

As a long-term resident in France, originally from the northeast of the US (Maryland, New Jersey, Maine), I have
participated on the periphery of the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad for many years. From very modest
political beginnings, I have become increasingly invested in American politics, as I believe is the case for many
expatriate Americans. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Americans in our region and sharing our ideas and aspirations--
through our gatherings and even by telephone as we reached out to Americans regarding elections. Today I propose
to increase my commitment at a time of particular challenge for Democrats and Americans. It would be my honor
to serve as Vice-Chair to support our executive team and all Democrats in the Bordeaux region as we make our
overseas voices count in the American political process.
Trudy Bolter, Candidate for Treasurer, DAF Bordeaux 2019

I’m an emerita Professor at Sciences Po Bordeaux and a film studies researcher- I give film lectures at Mollat, present
films at the Utopia, and love what I am doing.

I’m very proud of having founded the Bordeaux chapter of Democrats Abroad in 2007, served as Chair for three
terms, and, under charismatic chairs Erik Teetsov and Linda Lafourcade, served as vice-chair for two terms, Treasurer
for one.

I come from a progressive family (my father was an antitrust prosecutor under FDR). Teaching American history and
civilization, comparing ideal and reality, set alight a deep strain of political concern that led me to Democrats
Abroad.

I am running for Treasurer hoping to remain useful to DAF-BX and help to restore some of our long-fought values
that are now made to seem irrelevant.

Alix Sundquist, Candidate for Secretary, DAF Bordeaux 2019

I am running for Secretary of the Executive Committee because I want to do my part to help Democrats’ efforts to
bring back decency and competence to American government. The last two years have brought shame to our
country at home and abroad, and we need to act to restore the legacy of Barack Obama and our credibility
throughout the world.

My husband and I moved to Bergerac last year from Arlington, Virginia, prompted by our disgust with the chaos,
corruption and disgraceful behavior we witnessed daily in Washington. We know and love France, having lived
here seven years on Foreign Service assignments, first in Paris and then as Consul General in Bordeaux in the
1990’s. We became members of Americans Abroad immediately upon arrival, and I was warmly welcomed by
Bordeaux Chapter Chair Linda Lafourcade, who was a colleague during my tenure in Bordeaux and encouraged me
to submit my candidacy.

During my twenty-year service as a career diplomat, I was selected for a one-year assignment to the staff of then
Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ). As his legislative assistant for international affairs, I provided advice on a wide range of
foreign policy issues and drafted legislation, speeches, and OpEd pieces. I hope to use this experience to support
Democrats Abroad in its efforts to re-establish a government of which we can be proud.