By Haarika Raavi
Ocotillo City Reporter
Although many studies have already proven that red tends to be an apparent dominator, both in sports and areas of intimidation, this year’s Arizona Girls State Federalist Party might just be the decider on the contentious debate. On the second day of the 2024 session, the delegates, now official citizens of the mythical state, established a multitude of essential positions regarding the structure of their cities. In the meantime, elected Precinct Committeemen met with their respective parties to establish the foundations of the two-party system and the ideals upon which many candidates in the upcoming days will base their platforms upon.
This reporter found herself as a Federalist Precinct Committeeman, and across two different meetings which took course over the day, garnered much insight as concerns a multitude of the ideals and general spirit that those on the red side of the Federalist-Nationalist party lines find themselves.
The first meeting began with the induction of a clerk, with Maya Bustos of Sycamore City being selected amongst three candidates, proceeded by Jesmina Deguzman of Cholla City’s election to the position of Federalist Party Chair. After these positions were announced and therefore decided, the group proceeded to speak on the topic of the real-world issues which remained of utmost importance to them and could therefore be ingrained into the platforms which the mythical Federalist Party would be set to represent on the city, county, and state level.
Some of the varied topics discussed include prison reform, mental health services, voter reform and education for teens regarding voting rights, housing and homeless issues, abuse of opioids and other drugs, as well as safety in schools and standard of education.
However, the two themes upon which most ideals aligned amongst the group of around twenty-seven young women were the subject matters under poverty with education as a solution, including reproductive rights and the foster care system. Both issues are incredibly important to the youth of Arizona as both aforementioned discussions continue to be contentious and under constant debate.
Following rather intriguing discussion on these topics, three Precinct Committeemen were then decided to become leads of the Judiciary, Education, and Appropriation.
Towards the end of the initial meeting and well into the second, action was affirmatively taken in the development of the party’s platform, campaigning strategies, and spirit as all delegates from each city joined one of the three sectors to develop the basis of the Federalists. Spirits appeared to be high as the Precinct Committeemen have proven themselves to be widely motivated as they journey forth into the elections.
Common consensus prior to the general party meetings proves that the future looks bright for the Federalist Party of 2024 as they tackle fundamental issues which plague the minds of every Girls State citizen. Delegates from the Nationalist Party’s committee have positive expectations and optimistic high hopes, but as we move forward through the upcoming week, one can imagine that all we will end up seeing is Red.