South Windsor Delegate Prepares for National Convention

South Windsor resident Moh Sharma is a legislative aide on Capitol Hill who was selected to be a delegate at the Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Charlotte, N.C. from Sept. 4 - 6.

Sharma, a 30-year-old attorney, is a former clerk at the Superior Court in Rockville. She moved down to Washington, D.C., in September 2011 to work on a fellowship until she started her current position as a legislative aide.

South Windsor Patch sat down with Sharma on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming convention, how she was selected as a Democratic delegate and the state of politics in the country.

Q: How does a person become a delegate?

When I was living in Connecticut, I became a part of the Connecticut Democrats. The state party sent out ListServ [messages], one of the e-mails was an attachment that you clicked on a link to submit an application to be a delegate. It wasn’t something that I considered before, but I [asked], why not? You hear so much about the convention. … to experience that firsthand would be amazing.

The party gets the names and votes on them and I made it through the voting process. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend for the 1st District. It’s an amazing opportunity for citizens. More people should be aware of when it’s happening.

Q: Are we going to see you on TV in a funny hat?

[Laughs] I don’t think so, but who knows. I didn’t even consider that. [Laughs again]

Q: Do you feel that your presence at the convention will make an impact? How so?

I think so. Definitely. Representing our district. I know the procedure for the convention and I will be doing the duties [of being a delegate] to the best of my abilities. Growing up here [in Vernon and South Windsor] and having gone to school in West Hartford [at Kingswood Oxford], I know the district really well.

Q: These days a lot of people are disenchanted with the two major parties. What makes you proud of your party?

Unfortunately, the politics of politics is getting in the way of the business of both parties. People are getting wrapped up in winning instead of helping the people who elected them. As a whole, I’m proud of what the Democratic Party seeks to do and has done. I worked in a fellowship in the House and you see the politics play out there. The Democrats on the Hill are pushing forward the values they have to the best of their ability and I’m proud to be a member of the Democratic Party.

I’m hoping things get better.

The Convention

Q: Do you know other delegates going, or are you about to join thousands of strangers on the convention floor?

When we got selected, we had meetings together. I met some from Connecticut. But I’m looking forward to meeting people and having the full experience.

Q: What are you looking forward to most at the convention?

Three things. 1. Meeting the other delegates from across the country; 2. The energy that’s there. Everyone there from across the country excited to move forward; 3. Just experiencing it all. To vote to be in it and learn as much as I can.

Q: What would you want your neighbors to know about the convention?

I almost won’t know until after the convention. I just want them to know it’s going on and that it’s something to tune into. People are giving speeches and the President is speaking on the night of the 6th.

The Election in Her Town

Q: What is it like being a high-profile Democrat in South Windsor?

I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s a privilege to represent the district and a good opportunity to learn and experience the convention.

Q: Are you nervous?

I am a little nervous. But when I get nervous, I get prepared. I’ll know how to vote and how to get there and where to be. You’re always a little nervous when you do something new, but it’s exciting at the same time.

Q: If Obama asked you what issues really matter in South Windsor,, what would you say?

I think it’s the same issues that the entire nation is facing. Education, the economy and, unfortunately, taxes. The basics. But they’re more specified [for this area of the country]. Whoever gets elected has an incredibly hard job trying to take care of the whole country, with a lot of difficult issues for each community.
 
Q: What do you wish people in your town knew more about Obama?

I think the people in South Windsor are informed. What’s playing out with the election is that people are frustrated. I think, since I’ve been working on the Hill, I’ve had a different experience in terms of what’s going on there. The politicians are making it very hard to get things done. I think [people’s perception of Obama is] just frustration.
 
Q: What is the most surprising thing that you’ve seen or heard about the convention?

The schedule for the convention is intense. You are busy the whole time. I didn’t realize it. Also how many people who are not delegates who are still going as volunteers. It’s a hub for Democrats. I had signed up as a volunteer before I became a delegate.

Q: We’re going to kick off our election coverage in earnest once the conventions are over. What does Patch need to cover in South Windsor to get neighbors participating in this election?

Definitely profile the candidates. Interview different people in the community and see what issues are important to them. It’s important not just for politicians to hear what’s important to people, but for other members of the community to hear what issues are important to others in South Windsor. … For Patch to do that would be great.