[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter for Friday, August 10 - Friday, August 17, 2007
Travis County Democratic Party Weekly Newsletter
tcdp_newsletter at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org
Thu Aug 9 16:58:47 CDT 2007
Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter
Friday, August 10 - Friday, August 17, 2007
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IN THIS ISSUE
- Senate District 25 Conference THIS Saturday
- Texas Jail Project Event on Sunday, August 12, 2007
- Texas Democratic Party News
- Constable's Notebook by Constable Bruce Elfant
- Indigent Care Collaboration
- Upcoming Primary: Important Dates
- Attention All Potential Candidates
- Can You Work 3-5 Elections Over the Next Year?
- Become a TCDP Sustaining Member
- Did you know?
- Calendar of Upcoming Events
- In the News
- Contact Info for TCDP Administrative Office
- Newsletter: How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe Your E-Mail
- To Subscribers Who Use AOL
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SENATE DISTRICT 25 CONFERENCE
Saturday August 11th, 2007 10AM-2PM
To all those who live in SD25. Just a reminder about this Saturday's conference that our two SD25 Reps. Michael Wilson and Zada Courage are putting together. It's not too late to RSVP so think about taking a Saturday morning drive and head on down to New Braunfels if you can.
Cost is free; lunch is provided.
On Saturday's Agenda:
A. DNC Delegate Selection Process
- How to get to the convention Rules and Regs besides sage advice
- We have 6 delegate and 1 alternate slot
B. Opportunities at Convention even if you aren't a delegate.
(We have heard from many people who went to the National Convention in Boston
that they would have just as soon not have been a delegate. There
were plenty of workshops and events open to all.)
C. State Convention
Becoming a delegate
Positions - Describe what they are and the duties connected to them.
Resolutions - Are there any we might want to suggest or develop?
Volunteering to help. We are in the territory of host city.
Shouldn't we be volunteering in some sort of host capacity?
D. Discussion of Senate District Committee and what it's function is.
E. VAN Training for Precinct Chairs
F. Changes in Election Law
G. Primary Preparation
We will be discussing timeline and duties of County Party.
H. Presidential Candidate Caucuses.
This will let future members of the caucuses start getting to know one another.
Cost is Free!
GVTC CENTER IS 36101 FM RD 3159, NEW BRAUNFELS (Between Hwy 281 and New Braunfels off Hwy 46) http://www.gvtc.com/contact/mainlocatormap.php
To help us plan PLEASE RSVP to
Zada True-Courage 210-872-4213, courage4courage at hotmail.com or
Michael Wilson, michael.wilson at sdec25.com
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TEXAS JAIL PROJECT EVENT ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 12, 2007
Jovita's Jailhouse Rock benefiting Texas Jail Project
Sunday, August 12, 2007 at 6:00pm-10:00pm
Jovita's Restaurant, 1619 South First Street
CONTACT: Diana at diana at texasjailproject.org
You are invited to Jovita's Jailhouse Rock, a benefit for the Texas Jail Project. The Texas Jail Project is about the people of Texas changing jails one county at a time. Join in for a night of wonderful music, poetry and conversation.
Performances by: Carolyn Wonderland, Jo Carol Pierce & spoken word artist Genevieve Van Cleve.
Featuring: Texas activist/author & TJP Co-founder Diane Wilson. Other speakers include Petra Montoya and others who've been affected by the conditions inside Texas city and county jails.
$10 suggested donation at the door
Please visit www.texasjailproject.org for more info.
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TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY NEWS
The Texas Democratic Party has a new office and web site. They moved from 707 Rio Grande to beautiful new headquarters at 505 W. 12th Street. Suite 200 just down the street from the capitol building.
To go with their new offices, the Texas Democratic Party has a brand new web site with the same web address, www.txdemocrats.org. It includes innovative tools and resources to help Democrats across Texas communicate with each other and organize in their own communities.
Some of the added features on the new TDP website include:
a.. Issue-specific information pages on what it means to be a Texas Democrat;
b.. Expanded list of Democratic elected officials -- from U.S. Representative to the local Justice of the Peace;
c.. Enhanced Letters to the Editor feature so activists can spread the Democratic message in their community;
d.. Exciting new Action Center section, where activists can create a personal profile page and use it to interact with other Texas Democrats;
Check it out!
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CONSTABLE'S NOTEBOOK BY CONSTABLE BRUCE ELFANT
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 1.8 million intersection crashes occur each year. Over 170,000 Americans are injured and nearly 1,000 die in accidents caused by drivers running red lights. In an effort to reduce injuries and save lives, a number of states have passed statutes authorizing red light cameras. While red light cameras are used in many states, their use has not been without controversy. Opponents of red light cameras have expressed concerns about a loss of privacy, that the cameras would be used primarily to generate revenue, and could actually lead to an increase in rear end collisions. Many of these issues are currently being litigated in a number of jurisdictions.
Several studies have found that by adding one second to a yellow light, accidents could be reduced by 40%. One study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that extending the yellow light reduced red light infractions by 36%. When red light cameras were added, remaining violations dropped by 96%. An analysis of New York City's red light program found that rear end collisions increased by a small amount, but "angled" crashes decreased by 60 to 70 percent.
Earlier this year, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott gave the green light for city officials in Texas to install red light cameras on roadways to ensure compliance with traffic laws. Last session, the Texas Legislature passed regulations prohibiting red light cameras from being used by cities to generate revenue or to enforce speed limits. Engineering studies will have to be completed for each intersection where cameras are installed and signs must be posted to let motorists know red light cameras have been installed.
Last month Austin officials announced the installation of red light cameras at M.L.K. and IH 35 and 11th St. and IH 35 for a two-month pilot project. During this time violators will not receive tickets or even be notified of violations. This year the Austin City Council will likely decide whether to continue and expand the use of red light cameras. If red light cameras do become an enforcement tool, citations would be mailed to vehicle owners who could face civil fines of $75.
As city staff evaluates the effectiveness of the red light cameras, they should also consider other strategies that have been used around the country including extending the time for yellow light signals and installing signal light counters to better alert drivers when lights will turn to red.
We all agree that far too many people run red lights and too many people are hurt or killed in red light collisions. One survey actually reported that 56% of Americans admitted to having run red lights. Austinites, however, don't have to wait until red light cameras are operational to begin approaching intersections in a safer manner. The safety of drivers, passengers and others should be of paramount importance whether "Big Brother" is watching or not.
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INDIGENT CARE COLLABORATION
In an effort to address the need for affordable health insurance, especially for small businesses, the Indigent Care Collaboration (ICC) has convened a team of Central Texas business, community, and healthcare leaders to launch a new initiative to identify potential solutions. The coalition includes Lone Star Circle of Care, Travis County Healthcare District, Seton Family of Hospitals, St. David's Healthcare Network, Austin Area Research Organization and the Shivers Cancer Foundation.
The group recently launched a web based survey to seek input from small businesses throughout the region, whether they currently offer health insurance to their employees or not. The survey link is: http://www.healthcarecentraltexas.com/
The deadline for completing the survey is August 10, 2007.
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UPCOMING PRIMARY: IMPORTANT DATES
The primary filing dates are now official. In addition, the TCDP has recently signed venue contracts for both our biennial Campaign Kick-Off Dinner (formerly known as The Filing Day Dinner) and the March County Convention so please mark your calendar!
Filing for all who intend to run in the Democratic Primary as a Travis County candidate is at The Travis County Democratic Party headquarters located at 1311-B East 6th Street. Our office is approximately six blocks east of I-35 on the south side of E.6th between Attayac and Navasota Streets. For the December/January filing period, office hours will be 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
First day to file FOR PRECINCT CHAIRS ONLY. (Precinct Chair filing begins 60 days in advance of regular filing)
Thursday, October 4, 2007, 9:00 - 5:00 p.m
First Day to File for Place on Ballot
Monday, December 3, 2007, 8:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Last Day to File for Place on Ballot
Wednesday, January 2, 2008. 8:30 - 6:00 p.m.
TCDP's Biennial Campaign Kick-Off Dinner
Friday, January 11, 2008
VIP Reception 5:30 - 6:15
General Seating Opens at 6:15
Program Begins at 7:00
University of Texas Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
2110 San Jacinto Boulevard
Primary Election Day
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Polls open: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Democratic Precinct Conventions
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
To begin at 7:15 p.m. or upon pct poll closing
TCDP's County Convention
Saturday, March 28, 2008
Convention sign-in begins at 9:00 a.m.
Palmer Convention Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
All these dates and more are posted on our online calendar. At the top of the calendar click on 'Next Month' to keep advancing: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php
For more information on filing, call the TCDP at 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org
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ATTENTION ALL POTENTIAL CANDIDATES
As the 2008 March Primary draws closer, the TCDP asks that all who anticipate filing for office during the official filing period next December call or e-mail the TCDP with your current contact info to include campaign mailing address, e-mail, phone number(s), web address, campaign manager, etc. The Party office has already begun receiving calls from local Dem Clubs and Organizations who would like to add candidate names to their contact lists and we would like to be able to assist these organizations with as complete a list as possible. But we cannot provide correct information if we have not first been notified of your intent to run being provided updated contact information. Please see below for a recent ask from the AFL-CIO to all potential candidates. Thank you. TCDP Staff: 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org
The Austin AFL-CIO Council will be hosting its annual Labor Day Celebration on Friday, August 31, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Texas AFL-CIO, located at 1106 Lavaca St., Austin, TX. Each year in conjunction with the Labor Day festivities, the Council publishes a Labor Day Program, made up of advertisements from elected officials, candidates, and businesses. The deadline to be included in the booklet is Monday, August 13th, 2007. The Labor Day Program serves as a large fundraiser for the Council each year. We will distribute our program to everyone attending the Labor Day Fish Fry. If you would like to place an advertisement in our program, please contact Catherine Tymniak at (512) 542-9744. Thank you in advance for your support.
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CAN YOU WORK 3-5 ELECTIONS OVER THE NEXT YEAR?
The most important item at the TCDP right now is to submit a comprehensive list of term-appointed Presiding Judges (a.k.a. Election Judges, the folks who work at your polling locations on Election Day) for a one-year term, August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008. There will be approximately 3-5 elections during this one year term depending upon where you live and whether there will be any run-off elections.
You must live in the precinct in which you work and you will be asked to work every election that is determined for your precinct. This means working the March party primary yet also includes elections for city council, independent school district boards, Austin Community College board, bond and state constitutional elections, etc. In short, you will represent the Travis County Democratic Party at party primaries, but you are expected to work, if possible, each and every election. Pay for the primary is set by the Texas Secretary of State. Currently the hourly rate for the 2008 Primary is $7.00/hour. All other election pay is $10/hour for presiding/alternate judges.
TCDP is now putting together a supplemental term-appointed list that can be submitted to the County Commissioners' no later than October because of the state constitutional election on November 6, 2007. We currently have 78 positions filled but we need 215 total. In other words, we are at 36% of having these spots filled but we would certainly like to achieve over 50% if not 100%.
And here is another reason to keep in mind why we need folks to sign up to be a Presiding Judge:
If we do not find people to work these polling locations and the county election folks have to help us recruit judges, the TCDP will be charged a hefty fee. For the 2006 Primary, the TCDP was charged more for this service than the Travis County Republican Party. We simply do not want that to happen again. We are sure that you would agree that the TCDP should spend more of its money reaching Democratic voters than recruiting judges during January and February of next year!
Election Judges are needed in the following precincts:
100's
106 107 110 111 112 113 123 132 137 140 141 145 150 153 154 156 161 163 164
200's
200 201 202 203 204 205 206 208 209 210 211 215 216 218 219 220 225 227 228 229 231 232 235 237 240 241 242 243 246 247 251 253 254 256 260 262 263 267 268 274 275 277 279
300's
301 302 303 304 306 307 309 312 315 316 317 318 319 321 323 327 328 329 330 331 333 334 336 339 342 343 345 346 347 349 350 351 355 356 359 360 365 366 367 370 371 373 375 376 377 378 379
400's
402 403 404 405 407 411 412 413 414 420 422 423 426 427 429 430 431 443 444 445 447 449 450 451 452 455 458 461 462 463 465 466
To find out what precinct that you live in:
1.. Click on the following link: http://www.traviscountytax.org/showVoterSearch.do. This will take you to the voter verification page of the Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector web site.
2.. On that page, click on "Search for Voter by Name."
3.. Put in your last name and first name in the appropriate boxes and click "Go."
4.. Find your name and the address where you are registered and click on the corresponding certificate number.
5.. Your precinct number will be under "Travis County Elections Polling Location Information" on the left side of the page.
To inquire about being appointed as an election judge for one year, please contact Garry Brown, 477-7500 or garry at traviscountydemocrats.org
On a related note, Travis County Elections is looking for bilingual (English/Spanish) election workers. For more information, please call Davia Prosser at 854-4996.
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BECOME A TCDP SUSTAINING MEMBER!
Since 2004, seven Republican-held offices within Travis County have switched to Democrats, and now, there are only three Republicans left! As you can see, the TCDP has stepped up to make Travis County even more Democratic!
Sustaining members are our lifeblood. They are the reason that we are open year-round (one of the five county parties in Texas), have two staff members, and our work has been so successful. We do not receive any funds from the national or state parties!
Stand with us and other Travis County residents and support TCDP by becoming a Member. We have two levels of membership:
Sustaining: minimum of $10.00 per month or $120.00 annually.
Finance Council: minimum of $84.00 per month or $1000.00 annually. Members at this level receive prominent listing in our publications and web site as well as at Travis County Democratic Party functions along with free admission to TCDP sponsored events.
The Travis County Democratic Party is dependent on your generosity for everything we do!
Susan Shelton, current precinct chair of pct. #160 who became a member in memory of Mary Ellen Murphy, July 18, 1902-July 13, 2007. "My Great Aunt Mary voted for the first time when women won suffrage, and she voted in every election since during her lifetime. She died five days shy of her 105th birthday. Rest in Peace, Mary."
To join the Travis County Democratic Party go online to: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org and click on "Donate" in the red box at the bottom left of the page. Or contact us at info at traviscountydemocrats.org or 512-477-7500.
Mailed donations for the Party should be made out to "Travis County Democratic Party" and sent to:
TCDP
P.O. Box 684263
Austin, TX 78768-4263
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DID YOU KNOW?
The Travis County Democratic Party has two other email lists- Activism and Events. These lists are used occasionally for folks who want to know more about action items and particular events respectively.
You may sign up for these lists at the following link: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/newsletter.php
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
The TCDP Calendar changes almost daily as we receive new information, so we encourage you to check the calendar often. Go to: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php
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Saturday, August 11, 2007
Senate District 25 Conference-Please see the information about this event earlier in this newsletter.
Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages Meeting
TIME: Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 11:00am-1:00pm
PLACE: Tres Amigos Restaurant, 1801 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy (AKA 360)
CONTACT: Bill McAfee at bmcafee at austin.rr.com
Please join the Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages for their weekly meeting.
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Sunday, August 12, 2007
Jovita's Jailhouse Rock benefiting Texas Jail Project-Please see the information about this event earlier in this newsletter.
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Tuesday, August 14, 2007
No Lake Travis Democrats Meeting tonight!
South Austin Democrats Meeting
TIME: Tuesday, August 14, 2007, 5:30pm Eat and socialize, 6:00pm Program
PLACE: Opal Devine's Penn Field, 3601 S. Congress Ave.
CONTACT: Alicia Del Rio at 947-6354 or ava1227 at prodigy.net
Please join South Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting.
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Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Sarah Eckhardt's Coffee Jolt Wednesday
TIME: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 8:00am-9:00am
PLACE: Location TBD
CONTACT: Sandra at sandra at saraheckhardt.com
You are invited to share your ideas with County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt.
Central Austin Democrats Meeting
TIME: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 at 6:15pm
PLACE: New World Deli, 4101 Guadalupe St # 100
CONTACT: Glen Coleman at 327-1066 or glenofaustin at yahoo.com
Please join Central Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting.
Keep Austin Blue Meeting
TIME: Wednesday, August 15, 2007, 6:30pm socialize, 7:15pm meeting
PLACE: Mother Egan's Irish Pub, 715 W. 6th St.
CONTACT: Sharron Hargis at sharron at keepaustinblue.org
Please join Keep Austin Blue for their monthly meeting.
Southwest Austin Democrats Meeting
TIME: Wednesday, August 15, 2007, 6:30pm Social, 6:45pm Program
PLACE: Hampton Public Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd.
CONTACT: Albert Gonzales at 280-4900 or email4agg at yahoo.com
You are invited to attend this month's Southwest Austin Democrats meeting.
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Thursday, August 16, 2007
Alonzo Reyes for Constable Precinct 4
TIME: Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 5:30pm-7:30pm
PLACE: Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 East 6th Street
CONTACT: Alonzo at 586-4626 or alonzoreyes4constable at yahoo.com
Admission free, donations accepted, sponsorships upon request
Please join in for the kickoff of the Alonzo Reyes for Constable Precinct 4 campaign.
Black Austin Democrats Meeting
TIME: Thursday, August 16, 2007 at 6:00pm
PLACE: Judge Richard Scott's office, 1811 Springdale Rd. #110
CONTACT: Richard Franklin at richardf3rd at yahoo.com
You are invited to join the Black Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting.
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IN THE NEWS
For up to date political news and commentary, please go to our web site at www.traviscountydemocrats.org and click on "Current News"
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CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TCDP ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Travis County Democratic Party Administrative Office
1311-B East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Web: www.traviscountydemocrats.org
E-mail: info at traviscountydemocrats.org
Chris Elliott - Chair
chair at traviscountydemocrats.org
Elizabeth Yevich - Executive Director
elizabeth at traviscountydemocrats.org
Garry Brown - Assistant Director
garry at traviscountydemocrats.org
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ph (512) 477-7500 Fax (512) 477-7769
MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 684263
Austin, TX 78768-4263
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This e-mail service is paid for by the Travis County Democratic Party,
P.O. Box 684263, Austin, TX 78768-4263
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