Support. Innovate. Change

Early voting for the Democratic Primary has begun! Take this opportunity to cast your first vote this election cycle for President Obama. There are several other contested races in the Democratic primary – Michael Handley’s Democratic Blog of Collin County summarizes the contested races and gives a short review of TDWCC’s co-sponsored Democratic Party County Chair Candidate Debate.

We are still looking for volunteers to help us with our GOTV program – so if you want to make a real difference in turning out Democrats in 2012, email us at gotv@tdwcc.org for more information (details under volunteer opportunities). TDWCC will begin having more typical GOTV activities after the primary elections.

Events (please RSVP to gotv@tdwcc.org)
May 23, 7pm – Speaker’s Forum on War on Women – Screening of “Miss Representation.” Interested in learning more about the “War on Women”? The Adult Religious Education Committee of Community UU Church is sponsoring a May series on the War on Women. The third session will feature a screening of the acclaimed documentary “Miss Representation” about the influence of popular media. Admission is free and childcare will be available. Event location is at the Community Unitarian Universalist Church on 2875 East Parker Road in Plano. Additional programs on this topic will be on May 23, and 30.

May 29, Democratic Primary Election. Don’t forget to vote in the Democratic Primary election! There are several important contested primary spots including the local race for Democratic Party Chair for Collin County. Early voting starts on May 14 and runs through May 25. Details on the early voting and Election Day polling locations and hours can be found at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_information/index.jsp.

May 30, 7pm – Speaker’s Forum on War on Women – Culture and Social Media. Interested in learning more about the “War on Women”? The Adult Religious Education Committee of Community UU Church is sponsoring a May series on the War on Women. The fourth session will be led by Dr. Kim Knight, professor of Emerging Media and Communications at UT Dallas and will focus on cultural issues and social media. Admission is free and childcare will be available. Event location is at the Community Unitarian Universalist Church on 2875 East Parker Road in Plano.

June 3, 6pm – TDWCC’s Evening at the Ballpark. TDWCC is hosting a family friendly event at Dr. Pepper Stadium in Frisco. Join us as we watch the Frisco Rough Riders play ball! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at http://www.tdwcc.org/2012/04/29/tdwcc-evening-at-the-ballpark/. Remember by supporting TDWCC’s fundraising efforts, you are also contributing to the success of our Get Out the Vote Program. See you at the ballpark!

June 7-9 – Democratic State Convention in Houston. Join Democrats from across the state and attend this year’s convention in Houston. For more information, visit http://www.txdemocrats.org/2012/stateconvention.html. Be sure to visit the Ladies Room Hospitality Suite.

Volunteers Needed (email gotv@tdwcc.org for information)
Orphan Precinct Hosts. TDWCC is adopting a number of precincts without chairs (“orphans”) to turn out Democratic voters for the November elections. We are looking for two individuals to host an individual precinct – activities to include calling strong Democrats in the precinct about volunteer activities and Democratic events; host/organizing several house parties to make voter ID phone calls; and hosting a few precinct literature drops/blockwalks. The TDWCC GOTV committee will provide all phone/walk lists, scripts, and literature; publicize events; call for TDWCC volunteers and more.

Precinct Chairs. Part of TDWCC’s GOTV efforts involve supporting TDWCC precinct chairs, so if you are chair and would like support for activating your precinct through a phone bank, literature drop, blockwalk, etc., let us know so we can figure out how our organization can help you.

Voter Registration Drive Coordinator(s). We are looking for individuals interested in identifying some voter registration locations (Collin College, grocery stores, local festivals/events, etc.) and coordinating with the site for a registration table.

Amy Lawrence
TDWCC Get Out the Vote Committee Chair
Ph. 214-676-2331
Email: gotv@tdwcc.org
facebook.com/2012GOTV

Support. Innovate. Change.

Thanks to everyone who attended Monday night’s County Chair Candidate debate and all those who made the event possible. If you weren’t able to make the event, check out http://collindemsnews.blogspot.com/ later this week for the highlights. Let’s be sure and put this information on the candidates to good use and go out to vote in the Democratic Primary Election on May 29 (early voting from May 14-25).

We are still looking for volunteers to help host our orphan precincts – so if you want to make a real difference in turning out Democrats in 2012, email us at gotv@tdwcc.org for more information (details under volunteer opportunities).

Events (please RSVP to gotv@tdwcc.org)

May 4, 7pm-Midnight – 2nd Annual Celebración del Cinco de Mayo presented by Collin County LULAC #4537. Take an opportunity to network with people outside of TDWCC by enjoying an evening of entertainment, food, and music. Celebration is at Fairview Farms Corral Barn on 3314 N. Central Expressway in Plano. Cost is $10 advanced purchase or $15 at the door. Visit collincountylulac.org for more information – candidates are encouraged to attend. Don’t forget your TDWCC pushcards!

May 9, 7pm – Speaker’s Forum on War on Women – Political Component. Interested in learning more about the “War on Women”? The Adult Religious Education Committee of Community UU Church is sponsoring a May series on the War on Women. The first session will be led by Kelly Hart of Planned Parenthood of North Texas and will focus on the political component of this issue. Admission is free and childcare will be available. Event location is at the Community Unitarian Universalist Church on 2875 East Parker Road in Plano. Additional programs on this topic will be on May 16, 23, and 30.

May 12 – City and ISD elections in select cities in Collin County. Take the opportunity to make your voice heard in the local community by voting in municipal elections around the county. Early voting is April 30-May 8. Visit http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_information/index.jsp for more information on polling locations and ballots.

Mid-May (date/time/location TBD) – Information Session for TDWCC Orphan Precinct Host Volunteers. We will be hosting an information session with all of our orphan precinct host volunteers, walking through the types of activities we plan to conduct, the timeline for actvities, support resources, and other relevant topics. If you haven’t signed up to be a host because you weren’t sure what it might entail, here is an opportunity to get more information and find out how you can make a real difference in getting out Democrats to vote in the 2012 elections.

May 29, Democratic Primary Election. Don’t forget to vote in the Democratic Primary election! There are several important contested primary spots including the local race for Democratic Party Chair for Collin County.  Early voting starts on May 14 and runs through May 25. Details on the early voting and Election Day polling locations and hours can be found at http://www.co.collin.tx.us/elections/election_information/index.jsp.

June 3, 6pm – TDWCC’s Evening at the Ballpark. TDWCC is hosting a family friendly event at Dr. Pepper Stadium in Frisco. Join us as we watch the Frisco Rough Riders play ball! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at http://www.tdwcc.org/2012/04/29/tdwcc-evening-at-the-ballpark/. Remember by supporting TDWCC’s fundraising efforts, you are also contributing to the success of our Get Out the Vote Program. See you at the ballpark!

June 7-9 – Democratic State Convention in Houston. Join Democrats from across the state and attend this year’s convention in Houston. For more information, visit http://www.txdemocrats.org/2012/stateconvention.html.

Volunteers Needed (email gotv@tdwcc.org for information)

Orphan Precinct Hosts. TDWCC is adopting a number of precincts without chairs (“orphans”) to turn out Democratic voters for the November elections. We are looking for two individuals to host an individual precinct – activities to include calling strong Democrats in the precinct about volunteer activities and Democratic events; host/organizing several house parties to make voter ID phone calls; and hosting a few precinct literature drops/blockwalks. The TDWCC GOTV committee will provide all phone/walk lists, scripts, and literature; publicize events; call for TDWCC volunteers and more.

Precinct Chairs. Part of TDWCC’s GOTV efforts involve supporting TDWCC precinct chairs, so if you are chair and would like support for activating your precinct through a phone bank, literature drop, blockwalk, etc., let us know so we can figure out how our organization can help you.

College Outreach Coordinator. With two colleges in the area (Collin County Community College and UTD), TDWCC will be making an effort to find student volunteers to help with the 2012 Get Out the Vote effort. We are looking for one or two individuals to focus on volunteer recruitment from the colleges. Activities might include liaising with Democratic clubs, hosting/organizing a student event, and attending college events.

Voter Registration Drive Coordinator(s). We are looking for individuals interested in identifying some voter registration locations (Collin College, grocery stores, local festivals/events, etc.) and coordinating with the site for a registration table.

Amy Lawrence
TDWCC Get Out the Vote Committee Chair
Ph. 214-676-2331
Email: gotv@tdwcc.org
facebook.com/2012GOTV

The County Convention was held Saturday and delegates to the State Convention were chosen.
There is room for more at-large delegates, so if you are interested in going to the convention, call the DPCC office by Wednesday this week. 972-578-1483.

The State Convention is in Houston Fri-Sat, June 8-9 (June 7 evening is SDEC meeting). Details are on TDP website.

If you want to attend, we can organize some car pools and share rooms at the hotel — let us know if you are interested.

We had a table at the Convention and have some new members – welcome!

Sandra Miller
Willene Peterson
Sandy Elkins (renewed)
Lisa Paine
Marcelle Jones
Beverly Vasta

We hope to see everyone at the County Chair Debate – in place of our general meeting – to be held on 5th Monday – April 30, 6:45 p.m., Collin College – Frisco, 9700 Wade Blvd, Founders Hall Rm F148.

RSVP events@tdwcc.org so we can gauge attendance numbers,
Thanks!

Barb Walters, TDWCC President
president@tdwcc.org
214-477-5183
www.tdwcc.org

Educate Activate Elect

We hope you come out to Plano Convention Center and help elect delegates for the Democratic State Convention and hear from our local Democratic candidates. TDWCC will have a booth at the convention with information and sign-up opportunities for our GOTV efforts. Convention details can be found at www.collindems.us.

Buses are being organized for transportation from Dallas to Austin and back for the April 28th War on Women Rally in Austin. Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia and US HD33 candidate Domingo Garcia have kicked in $200 towards the cost of the buses. The cost per person depends on how many sign up. The best-case scenario is $27.36 per person (round trip).

If you’d like to sign up, there are three steps.

1. By Friday, March 30, send an email to Cindi with the subject line “Apr 28 rally”. Please include your name, address, phone number, and the number of people in your party.
2. On April 1, you’ll receive an email letting you know the exact cost of the ride.
3. Payment is due by April 14.

Notes:

• Please know that once you have made that reservation all of us are counting on you to follow up with payment. If she does not receive the payment in full, then she will have to cancel the bus; she is not able to absorb anyone’s cost.  You are on the hook for the cost once you reserve a seat. There will be no refunds unless she has  to cancel the bus for lack of money.
• The bus will pick us up at Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75230. Cars can be parked at the church all day at no cost. Boarding time is 10:30 am and departure will be promptly at 11:00 am.
• You should bring a sack lunch for the trip down. There will be bottles of water available and there is a bathroom on board.
• The rally runs from 4-6 pm, and we will board the bus to leave no later than 6:30 pm. So make your way back to the bus by that time.
• We will stop for dinner at Cracker Barrel in Round Rock about 30 minutes after we leave Austin.  This place can accommodate a bus and a large group.
• We will collect a gratuity of about $2 per person for the bus driver after we leave the restaurant.
• We should be back in Dallas at the church at 11:30 pm.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to me at cindi153@yahoo.com or call my cell at 972-841-9385

This is a “rain or shine” event.   Look forward to seeing everyone!

Cindi in Prosper

The state-wide TDW Convention is February 24-26 in Austin. The heart of the convention is Saturday, February 25, and it’s possible to attend just for the day. The annual business meeting starts at 9am Saturday morning and after that, there will be workshops to attend. If you register before February 15, the one-day registration cost is only $35.  Click here for more information and a registration form. You can also register via Act Blue.

Because of the court ordered change in the candidate filing period and the uncertainty surrounding the borders of the state senate districts, the Jack Ternan for Texas Senate campaign kick-off event formerly set for this Saturday, November 12, 2011, is being postponed.

The new, tentative date for the campaign kick-off is Saturday, December 10, 2011.  The event will still begin at noon and occur at Plano East Senior High School. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to RSVP at communicate@jackternanforsenate.com or at the campaign website:  www.jackternanforsenate.com.

From our president Barb Walters:
There is typically low turnout in a non-election year, but there are some important constitutional amendments that need your voice. I’ve written about my concerns of Prop 3 not passing (Allow the state to issue general obligation bonds to finance student loans).  I recommend voting YES == as opposed to the Tea Party stance which would do away with all loans on the off-chance a non-citizen would get one.

Below is an email from an educator asking for a “NO” vote on Prop 6 (Clarifying references to the Permanent School Fund) for your consideration.

The Democratic Blog is a good place to get details on the amendments and links to resources like the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group.

On Prop 6 — From an educator in the public sector:

“I am extremely apprehensive that the Texas state legislature is about to take over the Permanent School Fund and put it in general revenue for them to spend at will! I urge everyone who cares about the future of education in Texas to analyze AMENDMENT SIX! Early voting has already started, and the general election will be on Tuesday, November, 8 2011.

The legislature has tried many tactics to take control of this money over the years, and I’m afraid they will succeed this time. This is a non-election year and they count on very few people turning out to vote. There has been almost no discussion on this amendment so please spread the word about AMENDMENT “6”. I encourage you to vote November 8, 2011 and Vote “NO” on Amendment 6. Please share this email to all on your email.
With regards,

Larry J. Taylor – Education Specialist – Field Service
Education Service Center Region XV”

From the Democratic blog about Prop 3 and then Prop 6:

SJR 50 – Would allow the state to issue general obligation bonds to finance student loans.
Proposition3: The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds of the State of Texas to finance educational loans to students.”

For – Would permit issuance of general obligation bonds to finance educational loans to students.

Note: This program would effectively continue an existing low-interest, fixed-rate student loan program (Hinson-Hazlewood, created in 1965 and managed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board), which had a dollar limit periodically renewed and raised. This raises the current limit of $125 million to $350 million; the program has a long record of success and a good repayment record. Free public higher education would be the best alternative, but that’s not currently in the cards. The market might one day blanch at these bonds, but they’ve been working well for nearly 60 years.

Proposition 6: HJR 109 – Would allow more money to be transferred from the Permanent School Fund, a pot of constitutionally guaranteed money generated from the sale of state property that goes to finance Texas public schools to the Available School Fund, which is the pot of money the Legislature is allowed to draw from to spend on Texas schools. It would allow the General Land Office to distribute revenue from the fund, and it would increase the market value of the permanent school fund, allowing schools to get more money.

The proposed amendment would appear on the ballot as follows: “The constitutional amendment clarifying references to the permanent school fund, allowing the General Land Office to distribute revenue from permanent school fund land or other properties to the available school fund to provide additional funding for public education, and providing for an increase in the market value of the permanent school fund for the purpose of allowing increased distributions from the available school fund.”

For – Would allow inclusion of permanent school fund real property assets in calculating the fund’s market value (now confined to the value of the fund’s investments), thereby increasing available monies ($300 million annually) for distribution to schools.

Note: The income from sales and leases of property and royalties that must currently be returned first to the fund would under this amendment be available for direct distribution to the permanent school fund, which lends greater flexibility to the fund. (see: House Considers Accounting Maneuver To Slightly Ease School Funding Crisis)

Please vote!

Barb Walters, TDWCC President

On Saturday, November 5, 2011, the Jack Ternan for Texas Senate and John Lingenfelder for Congress campaigns will canvass the homes of individuals who voted in both the 2008 and 2010 Democratic primaries. The campaigns will collect petition signatures and seek to activate local Democrats for 2012.  A candidate must either collect 500 petition signatures or pay a filing fee to appear on the March 2012 Democratic primary ballot. Jack and John would rather spend their campaign funds on voter outreach than fees, and they would appreciate your assistance with the petition drive.  Volunteers will gather at 9AM, and petitioning will likely last three hours.  If you are interested, please send an e-mail to communicate@jackternanforsenate.com.