[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party E-Newsletter for Friday, February 9 - Friday, February 16, 2007

Thu Feb 8 16:47:06 CST 2007

Travis County Democratic Party Weekly Newsletter 

Friday, February 9 - Friday, February 16, 2007

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IN THIS ISSUE 

- Activism Weekend 

- Become a TCDP Sustaining Member

- 2008 Begins Now 

- Constable Notebook by Bruce Elfant

- Going to New York Soon?

- 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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ACTIVISM WEEKEND

Arms Around Northcross 

Saturday, February 10, 2007
9:30am
Northcross Mall, W. Anderson Ln. and Burnet Rd. 

Responsible Growth for Northcross (HYPERLINK
"http://www.rg4n.org/"www.rg4n.org) invites you to form a human circle
around Northcross Mall for just 10 minutes. Stand with your friends,
neighbors, and loved ones and send a powerful message to Lincoln Property
Company, Wal-Mart, and the City Council. 

Lock arms and show them how united you are against their plan to build a
225,085 sq. ft. 24 hour Wal-Mart Supercenter and a 300,000 sq. ft. parking
garage at Northcross Mall. 

RG4N asks that you wear red. Go to HYPERLINK
"http://www.rg4n.org/"www.rg4n.org for more information!

________________________________________

Stop the Coal Rush Rally 

Sunday, February 11, 2007
3:00pm
Texas State Capitol, 11th and Congress Ave.

Rick Perry is pushing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
to "fast-track" 19 new, dirty coal-fired power plants. With more than half
of Texans living in areas where the air fails to meet federal minimum
health-based standards, an additional 124.5 million tons of carbon dioxide
in the skies over Texas each year is the last thing we need.

The Texas Legislature has the power to ask the TCEQ to halt this unsafe and
unfair permitting process. Asking for a “time out” will give TCEQ scientists
time to adequately assess the cumulative health impacts of these proposed
coal plants and for our state to consider cleaner, cheaper, safer
alternatives.

More information, fact sheets, handouts, sample letters, and scripts are
available at HYPERLINK
"http://www.stopthecoalrush.com/"www.stopthecoalrush.com.  

*********************************************************************** 
BECOME A TCDP SUSTAINING MEMBER!

Are you happy that Democrats have taken over Congress?

Did you know that Democrats cut in half the Republicans’ majority in the
Texas House of Representatives?

IT ALL STARTS HERE!!!

Although much of Texas still votes Republican, Travis County is leading the
charge toward a new political landscape in this state.  In 2004, we did the
unthinkable - we took back three elected seats from the Republicans.  State
Representative District 50, a district judgeship, and County Constable
Precinct 3 all went from Republican held seats to Democratic.  In 2006, the
Travis County legislative delegation became completely Democratic for the
first time since 1992, and we took back the office of Justice of the Peace
Precinct 3 from the Republicans.  There are now only three Republicans
holding Travis County offices.  Great things are happening here in our own
backyard, much to the chagrin of Republicans everywhere.

If you agree, we encourage you to support your local Democrats by becoming a
Sustaining Member.  You can become one for as little as $10.00 per month or
$120.00 annually. 

For added recognition, you can join at the Finance Council level at $84.00
per month or $1,000.00 annually. Finance Council members receive: prominent
listing in our publications and website (updated list coming soon) as well
as at Travis County Democratic Party functions and free general admission to
TCDP sponsored events. 

The Travis County Democratic Party is funded and operates by donations of
local Democrats and progressives like you.  We are a separate entity from
the state and national parties and depend on you to fund our web site, our
e-mail service, office and staff and coordinated campaigns such as last
year's successful and award-winning True Blue Travis and much, much more!

You can become a Sustaining Member or Finance Council Member of the Travis
County Democratic Party and join online by going to: HYPERLINK
"http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/"http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org
and click on "Donate" at the bottom of the page.  Or contact us at (512)
477-7500 or HYPERLINK
"mailto:info at traviscountydemocrats.org"info at traviscountydemocrats.org.    

Mailed donations for the Party should be made out to "Travis County
Democratic Party" and mailed to: 

P.O. Box 684263 
Austin, TX 78768-4263

*********************************************************************** 
2008 BEGINS NOW!!!

Democrats have taken over Congress.  There won’t be a Bush running in any
election in Texas.  There are only 3 Republicans left in Travis County.

Don’t you want to get involved now?

The best way to being involved in the Democratic Process is by becoming a
Precinct Chair.  Your leadership is needed now to lay the groundwork for a
successful 2008.  

And just so you know, the Travis County Republican Party has 27 more
precinct chairs than we do.  C’mon Democrats!  Step up to the plate!

Interested?  Contact Garry Brown at TCDP at HYPERLINK
"mailto:garry at traviscountydemocrats.org"garry at traviscountydemocrats.org.   

Below is a list of precincts where we have vacancies.  The precinct numbers
are divided by legislative district.

If your State House Representative is Dawnna Dukes, District 46 

Precincts: 113  121  122  129  132  139  141  150  164

If your State House Representative is Valinda Bolton, District 47 

Precincts: 301  304  316  351  356  359  360  411  412  451

If your State House Representative is Donna Howard, District 48

Precincts: 163  232  253  279  345  370  371  373  375  376  378

If your State House Representative is Elliott Naishtat, District 49 

Precincts: 137  147  149  444  447  454

If your State House Representative is Mark Strama, District 50 

Precincts: 107  201  203  204  205  211  215  216  254  328  329  331  333
334  336

If your State House Representative is Eddie Rodriguez, District 51 

Precincts: 123  402  404  405  407  423  427  441  443  452

*********************************************************************** 
CONSTABLE’S NOTEBOOK BY BRUCE ELFANT

At a recent neighborhood association meeting I was asked about the role of
justices of the peace (JPs) in our judicial system. Last November Travis
County voters re-elected three justices of the peace (Richard Scott
northeast, Barbara Bembry northwest and Herb Evans central) and elected two
new JPs (Susan Steeg, southwest and Raul Gonzales, southeast) to serve
Travis County citizens.

The office of JP was first established in 1363 by King Edward of England and
was among the first offices established in the American colonies in 1620.
The first Texas JP was appointed in 1823 for the Colorado District of
Stephen F. Austin's first colony. Up to the time of Texas' admission to the
United States in 1845 real government in Texas consisted primarily of JPs
and constables. 

JPs are elected in precincts (Travis County has five JP precincts) to four
year terms. Unlike trial or appellate judges, JPs do not have to be
attorneys and unlike trial and appellate courts, litigants may represent
themselves. Of the 900+ JPs serving Texas' 254 counties, only about 50 are
attorneys. All Travis County JPs are attorneys. JPs and their staffs are
prohibited from offering any legal advice.

Justice courts have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor
cases punishable by fine only and such other jurisdiction as may be provided
by law. JPs perform the functions of magistrates and conducts inquests,
issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings,
administer oaths, perform marriages, and serve as coroner in counties where
there is no provision for a medical examiner. The justice court functions as
a small claims court in civil matters of up to $5,000 in damages. JPs also
have jurisdiction over matters involving foreclosure of mortgages and
enforcement of liens on personal property. 

Travis County JPs estimate that more than 115,000 civil and criminal cases
will be filed in the five justice courts in 2007. The vast majority of cases
are criminal cases comprising mostly of traffic offenses. About 10% are
civil cases and another 10% are truancy cases filed by school districts.

While JPs determine the outcome of civil and criminal cases, constables are
charged with the responsibility to ensure due process and enforce court
orders whether it is to serve notice of suits, execute arrest warrants,
seize money or property to satisfy judgments or evict tenants (or to put
them back in their apartments). 

Filing fees to initiate civil cases in Justice Court are $20 and issuance
fees are set by each commissioner's court. An index of Travis County
issuance fees may be found at HYPERLINK
"http://www.constable5.com/info/fees.html"www.Constable5.com/info/fees.html.

*********************************************************************** 
GOING TO NEW YORK SOON?

Emergency Summit to Impeach Bush for War Crimes 

HYPERLINK
"http://www.worldcantwait.net/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=382
7&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=223" \n

Saturday & Sunday, February 17 & 18 New York City

A great synergy between the movement to end the war and the drive to impeach
Bush is needed now.  Iraq spins out of control.  Bush escalates and
threatens still wider war with Iran.  The Bush program of torture and
illegal detentions continues.  These are War Crimes and Crimes Against
Humanity.

Bush's full program remains in effect.  NSA Spying, the Patriot Act, the
Military Commission Act; all continue.  And, all are illegal.  The whole
program of the Bush Administration must be thoroughly repudiated by removing
him from office before his term expires; otherwise, the whole direction he
has taken society will be condoned, legitimated, and made permanent. 

It is time to put impeachment back on the table.  A movement to Impeach Bush
for War Crimes can quickly advance the whole struggle; making ending the war
and removing Bush a reality.  As impeachment becomes imminent and his war
options grow more limited; the more his war crimes are exposed, the greater
the impetus for his removal and repudiation. 

On the weekend of February 17, activists, leaders, academics, writers
including Cindy Sheehan, John Nichols, Dennis Loo and more to come --
everyone who sees the need and opportunity to remove George Bush and his
regime from office for its crimes, and repudiate his program, will gather in
New York City to plan how to accomplish this in 2007. 

Help make this happen.  For more information, contact HYPERLINK
"mailto:summit at worldcantwait.org"summit at worldcantwait.org or 866 973 4463. 

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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: HYPERLINK
"http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php"http://www.traviscountyde
mocrats.org/calendar.php     

************************************

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Arms Around Northcross- please refer earlier in this email for this event

Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages Meeting 

TIME:  Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 11:00am-1:00pm
PLACE:  Tres Amigos Restaurant, 1801 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy (AKA 360)
CONTACT:  Bill McAfee at HYPERLINK
"mailto:bmcafee at austin.rr.com"bmcafee at austin.rr.com          

Please join the Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages for their weekly meeting.  Garry
Brown from the Travis County Democratic Party will be speaking on his
analysis of the 2006 November election.

************************************

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Stop the Coal Rush Rally- please refer earlier in this email for this event

************************************

Monday, February 12, 2007

League of Women Voters of Austin Meeting 

TIME:  Monday, February 12, 2007 at 12:00pm
PLACE:  Howson Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd.

CONTACT:  Carolyn Baker at 249-7012 or HYPERLINK
"mailto:cbaker1 at earthlink.net"cbaker1 at earthlink.net   

An update on what's going on at the Legislature will be given by W. Gardner
Selby, political reporter and columnist for the Austin American-Statesman,
at the February Day Unit meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Austin
Area. The public is invited to attend and participate in the discussion. 

Capital Area Democratic Women Valentine's Happy Hour 

TIME:  Monday, February 12, 2007 at 5:30pm-7:30pm
PLACE:  219 West, 219 W. 4th St.

CONTACT:  Megan Woodburn at HYPERLINK "mailto:cadw at cadw.org"cadw at cadw.org or
652-8240

Join CADW for a meet and greet happy hour. It's a great opportunity to get
to know many other smart and sassy women from all over town and relax
despite the hubbub of the legislative session.

************************************

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

South Austin Democrats 

TIME:  Tuesday, February 13, 2007, 5:30 p.m. Eat and socialize, 6:00 Program
PLACE:  Opal Divine's Penn Field, 3601 South Congress

CONTACT:  Alicia Del Rio at 947-6354 or HYPERLINK
"mailto:ava1227 at prodigy.net"ava1227 at prodigy.net   

You are invited to join SAD at their monthly meeting.  Speakers include,
Michael Wilson, SDEC 25, and State Representative Valinda Bolton.  There
will also be an officer election.

Lake Travis Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 6:30pm
PLACE:  Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek

CONTACT:  Ed Benjamin at HYPERLINK
"mailto:president at laketravisdemocrats.org"president at laketravisdemocrats.org

Directions: Enter Lakeway at either Lakeway Blvd or Lohmans Crossing from
RR620. Go to Lakeway Blvd and Lohmans Crossing (intersection with traffic
light at Exxon station). From Lakeway Blvd. turn right on to Lohmans
Crossing or, continue on Lohmans Crossing to first block Cross Creek (Police
Station). Turn left onto Cross Creek go about 1/4 block and enter driveway
on the right - that’s the Activity Center. 

You are invited to join LTD at their monthly meeting. Please visit our
website at HYPERLINK
"http://www.laketravisdemocrats.org/"www.laketravisdemocrats.org. 

February meeting of the Lake Travis Democrats will feature prominent Austin
attorney Dicky Grigg as its guest speaker. Wine and cheese will be served at
6:30 p.m., followed by Mr. Grigg

************************************

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

West Austin Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 7:00pm
PLACE:  Howson Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd. 

CONTACT:  Suzy Reid at 474-2696 or HYPERLINK
"mailto:info at wastaustindemocrats.org"info at wastaustindemocrats.org  

Please join West Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting. 

University Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at 8:00pm
PLACE:  UTC 2.102A on the UT Campus 

CONTACT:  Nick Chu at HYPERLINK
"mailto:president at udems.org"president at udems.org  

Please join the University Democrats for their weekly meeting.

************************************

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Judge Jim Coronado Debt-Retirement Fundraiser 

TIME:  Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 5:00pm-7:00pm
PLACE:  Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th Street

CONTACT:  Alfred Stanley at 474-4738 or HYPERLINK
"mailto:astanley at astanley.com"astanley at astanley.com  

You are invited to a fundraiser to help Judge Coronado retire his debt from
the 2006 3rd Court of Appeals race.

Suggested donation: $35 (all welcome)
Sponsorships: $125, $250, $500, $1,000

You may donate online at HYPERLINK
"http://www.judgejimcoronado.com/"www.judgejimcoronado.com. 

Black Austin Democrats 

TIME:  Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 6:00pm
PLACE:  Judge Richard Scott's Office, 1811 Springdale #110 

CONTACT:  Richard Franklin at HYPERLINK
"mailto:richardf3rd at yahoo.com"richardf3rd at yahoo.com  

Please join BAD for their monthly meeting. 

************************************************************************ 
IN THE NEWS 

For up to date political news and commentary, please go to our web site at
HYPERLINK
"http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/"www.traviscountydemocrats.org and
click on "Current News" 

************************************************************************ 
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TCDP ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

Travis County Democratic Party Administrative Office

1311-B East 6th Street, Austin, TX  78702

Web:  HYPERLINK
"http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/"www.traviscountydemocrats.org

E-mail:  HYPERLINK
"mailto:info at traviscountydemocrats.org"info at traviscountydemocrats.org

Chris Elliott - Chair 

HYPERLINK
"mailto:chair at traviscountydemocrats.org"chair at traviscountydemocrats.org

Elizabeth Yevich - Executive Director 

HYPERLINK
"mailto:elizabeth at traviscountydemocrats.org"elizabeth at traviscountydemocrats.
org          

Garry Brown - Assistant Director 

HYPERLINK
"mailto:garry at traviscountydemocrats.org"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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If you ever want to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your options, please
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"mailto:tcdp_newsletter-unsubscribe at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org"tcdp_new
sletter-unsubscribe at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org       

You will receive an auto-generated e-mail confirming your request. 

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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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