Notes from the Chair, July 2011

Written by John Piety | 02 July 2011

We have the joint, co-sponsored (with the 35th District), Calvin Ball at Hawk Hill Farm on the 9th of July. On the 16th and 17th of July we will have a tent at Allyn Days—we need individuals to help. Finally, for now, we will have a tent at the Fair; there are a few open time slots. You will be asked to sign up at the next general meeting on the 13th of July.

I have asked folks reading this newsletter a number of times to please attend the general meeting. If you will allow me to speak to this request please read on. It is not hard for me to believe most of you understand why attendance is important, it's just that the majority do not follow through, then feel like only a few individuals dictate party policy and procedures. Can one expect any less if we do not have more help?

We have a ton of stuff you can help with: select or support good candidates, help decide how we should develop this support, work to get a good office, give ideas about policy and procedures, and most important of all, help move this county in a better direction! As some of you may know strange things are happening at the Port of Shelton. It appears we may have an opportunity to vote for someone that might make a difference. This is one very positive action you can take, so why not help!
Also, last meeting we had an excellent talk from Roger Erskine. He followed up on his plea at the 35th District meeting that we need to get organized like never before. I strongly agree that we are in a fight, witness the opposition candidate for governor. Wait until the money ads begin and then tell me what we do to respond. From my perspective, at that point it will be too late. We need to start now!

In this same vein, the Women Democrats presented an excellent opportunity to hear one of our great county democrats. Kathy Haigh spoke about the legislative session. What she had to say is good information for all of us. Not only was her talk interesting and informative, she provided a few inside baseball insights. One needs to be there to hear these speakers, and hopefully others in the future!

What can the party do to succeed? The discussions we have at 6 pm, before the general meeting are part of the process to help answer this question. I happen to believe that the other party is doing a much better job than we are getting their ideas and plans out to the public, much to the detriment of this county in my view.

So, are we a debating society with very few members or are we formed to help democrats get elected? In addition, it is important we really vet anyone who wants to run as a democrat. You can only be part of this process if you contribute. Attending our meetings is one of the best ways to contribute. I would really like to see most of you there, so please try to attend if you can.

Another process that will be coming up is how the party deals with the final redistricting. It appears we will be going from a possible 57 PCO's to perhaps 35. Since the PCO's are the only people who can elect local officers in our party it will be important to determine if this is sufficient, and if not what can be done. It may be becoming necessary for the party to appoint these positions. How will this work? Your help and support is important if it is to work.

Still, not everyone has had a chance to pay their dues. If possible, if you have not paid your $25 can you please help us all by doing so. Michael is always available to collect your check or cash as best for you, also you can use pay pal on the website.