[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter for Friday, June 29- Friday, July 13, 2007
Travis County Democratic Party Weekly Newsletter
tcdp_newsletter at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org
Thu Jun 28 16:10:05 CDT 2007
Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter
Friday, June 29- Friday, July 13, 2007
(Please note that there will be no newsletter on July 5, 2007 due to the
July 4th holiday.)
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IN THIS ISSUE
- What is the Travis County Democratic Party Doing Now?
- TCDP Finance Council and Sustaining Members
- Give the Gift of Democracy
- Become a TCDP Sustaining Member
- You Have the Power!
- Save the Date! National Night Out, August 7, 2007
- 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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WHAT IS THE TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY DOING NOW?
Hello Travis County Democrats!
With all the work that the TCDP does during election years, you might think
that not much goes on during odd-numbered years like 2007. Not so!
TCDP has been working hard on the infrastructure of the Party to get it in
the best shape that it has ever been. For the first time in memory, we have
been able to keep on two full-time employees year-round which allow us to
concentrate on items that help the Party operate more efficiently. We have
worked on re-vamping the TCDP Membership Program, updating our computer
hardware, and redesigning software programs to suit the Party needs. It is
hoped that by focusing on these areas the Travis County Democratic Party
will be even more responsive to you, our hard-working Democrats.
The most pressing item at the moment 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.
TCDP's deadline for turning in the County Party's list of term-appointments
to the Travis County Elections Division is July 13th. By law, the Elections
Division must take our list to the Commissioners' Court to have it approved
during the latter half of July 2007.
Please see below for all information about Presiding Judges.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Yevich
TCDP Executive Director
&
Garry Brown
TCDP Assistant Director
Presiding Judge Information
We currently have 63 positions filled but we need 215 total. In other
words, we are at 30% of having these spots filled but we would certainly
like to achieve over 50% if not 100%. We have sent out request letters to
past Elections Judges and all of our 164 Democratic Precinct Chairs but as
you can see, we are still lacking. Therefore, we need you!
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.
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:
106 107 110 111 112 113 123 132 136 137 140 141 145 150 151
152 153 154 156 161 163 164
200 201 202 203 204 205 206 208 209 210 211 215 216 218 219
220 223 225 226 227 228 229 231 232 235 237 240 241 242 243
246 247 251 253 254 256 260 262 263 267 268 274 275 277 279
301 302 303 304 306 307 309 312 315 316 317 318 319 321 323
327 328 329 330 331 333 334 336 337 338 339 342 343 345 346
347 349 350 351 355 356 359 360 365 366 367 370 371 373 375
376 377 378 379
402 403 404 405 407 411 412 413 414 420 422 423 426 427 429
430 431 443 444 445 447 449 450 451 452 455 458 460 461 462
463 465 466
To find out what precinct that you live in:
1. Go to www.traviscountydemocrats.org
<http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/> .
2. On the menu on the right side of the home page, click on "Precinct
Info."
3. Click on the second choice, "what precinct you live in."
4. In the "precinct search" box, you can put in your zip code, street
name, or anything else that is suggested under that.
5. Click "Go." Find your street and street number.
To inquire about being appointed as an election judge for one year, please
contact Garry Brown, 477-7500 or garry at traviscountydemocrats.org
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TCDP FINANCE COUNCIL AND SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Member Updates for the period June 22 - June 28
New Sustaining Member
Donna Pauler
For a full list of member names, please visit the home page of our website
and choose from the blue menu on the left hand side of the page.
If you feel your name should be on the web list yet do not see it, give us a
ring! 477-7500
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GIVE THE GIFT OF DEMOCRACY
Are you having trouble finding that special gift for someone's birthday?
Do you want to honor a close friend or family member?
Give the gift of Democracy by donating in your friend or family member's
name to the Travis County Democratic Party.
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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 who are elected
to Travis County offices! 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!
As Blair Dancy, president of Texas Environmental Democrats of Austin, says,
"All politics are grassroots, but they all need organization. Austin and
Travis County lead the state by example, and our success all comes back to
the great people at TCDP. For the price of my family's monthly pizza
binges, I'm part of the Finance Council and able to help keep the Democratic
Party strong here in Austin. Every financially-able Democrat should
consider contributing to keep it this way."
To join the Travis County Democratic Party go online to:
http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org <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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YOU HAVE THE POWER!!
As Howard Dean said, you, YES YOU, have the power. You have the power to
have an impact at the state capitol and on national politics! Take a look
at this information:
- In 2006, Travis County provided for one-third of the Democratic
increase in the State House of Representatives this session by electing a
100% Democratic legislative delegation for the first time since 1992.
- It's no secret that Travis County is depended upon by statewide
candidates to put them in a position to win because Travis County is so
heavily Democratic.
- One-term Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn continues to be
unpopular. He consistently polls way under 50% in Texas. He has been
called the "least popular U.S. Senator" in the group of Republican Senators
who are up for re-election in 2008.
- Two parts of Travis County are still represented by Republican
Congressmen.
Get involved now and you can help make the following happen:
- Keep all of our Democratic state reps in office while other parts
of the state elect more Democrats.
- Put our candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of
Representatives in a position to win to continue changing the politics in
Washington DC!
- There are only three Republican county office holders left! Two
of them are up for re-election in 2008.
The strongest impact you can make is by becoming a Precinct Chair! We only
have 44 vacancies left out of 210 precinct chair positions!
Make your voice heard in how your county party is run! All Democratic
Precinct Chairs in Travis County automatically become members of the County
Executive Committee, which is the governing body for Travis County
Democratic Party. In addition, you'll receive all the support you need to
turn out the Democrats to vote in your neighborhood. There is so much to do
to get ready for 2008. The excitement is building. Come be a part of it!
Interested? Want to learn more? Contact Garry Brown at TCDP at
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
122 129 132 139 141 150 164
If your State House Representative is Valinda Bolton, District 47
301 316 351 356 412 451
If your State House Representative is Donna Howard, District 48
279 370 371 373 376 378
If your State House Representative is Elliott Naishtat, District 49
137 149 444 454
If your State House Representative is Mark Strama, District 50
107 203 205 211 215 216 254 328 333 334 336
If your State House Representative is Eddie Rodriguez, District 51
123 401 402 404 405 407 427 441 443 452
To find out what precinct that you live in:
1. Go to www.traviscountydemocrats.org
<http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/> .
2. On the menu on the right side of the home page, click on "Precinct
Info."
3. Click on the second choice, "what precinct you live in."
4. In the "precinct search" box, you can put in your zip code, street
name, or anything else that is suggested under that.
5. Click "Go." Find your street and street number.
AFTER FINDING OUT WHAT PRECINCT YOU LIVE IN, CHECK THE LIST ABOVE TO SEE IF
A PRECINCT CHAIR IS NEEDED IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
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SAVE THE DATE! NATIONAL NIGHT OUT, AUGUST 7, 2007
Neighborhoods throughout Austin are invited to join with thousands of
communities nationwide on Aug. 7, to participate in the 24th Annual
'National Night Out'. APD officers, EMS and fire fighters will join City
Council Members and other city officials in attending neighborhood parties
throughout Austin. Events are planned to promote crime prevention and drug
prevention awareness and to strengthen the police - community partnership.
On Aug. 7 - a Tuesday -- from 6pm to 9pm, residents are asked to turn on
their porch lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with
their neighbors, police officers, EMS, and fire fighters.
To officially participate in National Night Out events you must complete the
National Night Out Application and mail it to: Austin Police Department,
Community Liaison Office, P.O. Box 689001, Austin, Texas 78768-9001. You may
also fax the application to 974-6222.
For more information, contact Rosie Salinas at the Community Liaison Office
at 974-4900 or by e-mail at nno at ci.austin.tx.us.
Applications are available at
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/downloads/07app.pdf
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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
************************************
Friday, June 29, 2007
Mikal Watts for US Senate Fundraiser
TIME: Friday, June 29, 2007 at 7:30am-9:00pm
PLACE: Zax Restaurant, 312 Barton Springs Rd.
CONTACT: Jay Harvey at jharvey at wincklerharvey.com
You are invited to a fundraising breakfast honoring Mikal Watts in support
of his 2008 U.S. Senate Campaign.
Please RSVP to Jay Harvey at jharvey at wincklerharvey.com or to James Street
at jstreet at tjsg.com.
Democracy for Texas Movie Event
TIME: Friday, June 29, 2007 at 7:30pm
PLACE: Arbor Cinema, 10000 Research Boulevard
CONTACT: Fran at info at democracyfortexas.org
To no one's surprise, Michael Moore's new documentary has stirred
controversy. Sicko is an indictment of the current state of health care in
America. Moore takes on the uncaring nature of pharmaceutical giants that
think only about the bottom line and demonstrates how other countries
provide universal coverage.
At the Cannes Film Festival, the movie got a twenty-minute standing ovation.
The Bush administration is already attacking it, and you can bet the entire
health care industry will try to stop any real reform.
Ticket price: $8.75 for adults, $6.25 for seniors (60 and over) and children
(11 and under), $7.25 for students. The student rate is available only at
the box office.
Ticket purchase: Tickets are available at the Arbor box office beginning at
11 a.m. Friday, or you may purchase tickets online now at www.Fandango.com
<http://www.fandango.com/> . There is a $1.00 per ticket processing fee at
Fandango.com.
IMPORTANT: If you purchase your tickets on Fandango.com, you must bring the
same credit card to the theater that you used to purchase the tickets. It is
also a good idea to print your confirmation and bring it with you.
The movie is expected to sell out, so you are strongly encouraged to
purchase your tickets in advance.
After the film, they'll meet at Manuel's next door to share reaction (and
chips and salsa) and hear from representatives of organizations, including
Health Care for All Texans, who are working to improve health coverage for
everyone. If for some reason you can't make the movie, feel free to go to
Manuel's early and save us a table.
RSVP: Please let DFT know you're coming by signing up at
http://dfalink.com/event.php?id=20840.
************************************
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages Meeting
TIME: Saturday, June 30, 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.
************************************
Monday, July 2, 2007
Texas State Employee Union Conversation w/ Sen. Kirk Watson
TIME: Monday, July 2, 2007 at 6:00pm-7:30pm
PLACE: Texas State Employee Union Hall, 1700 South First St. (Across From
Jovita's, rear building)
CONTACT: Vicki Bradley at vickicbradley at aol.com
All are invited to participate with Texas State & State University Union
(TSEU) members in a conversation with Senator Watson about public policy as
it relates to improving state and state university services.
Remaining time will be devoted to discussions about our goal to block walk
25,000 homes by November 08, in conjunction with fostering and expanding the
number of TSEU members who are precinct chairs, currently 10.
************************************
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
The following Democratic Clubs are not meeting tonight:
Capital Area Progressive Democrats and Stonewall Democrats of Austin.
Asian American Democrats of Texas
TIME: Tuesday, July 3, 2007, 6:30pm Eat, Drink, Socialize, 7:00pm Meeting
PLACE: First Chinese BBQ Restaurant, 10901 N Lamar Blvd.
CONTACT: Ramey Ko at ramey.ko at gmail.com
Please join the Austin Chapter of the Asian American Democrats of Texas for
our monthly meeting.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Larry Joe Doherty, Candidate for U.S. Congress,
District 10- http://www.larryjoe.info/Biography_page.htm
Larry Joe Doherty, attorney and former judge of the television courtroom
series, Texas Justice, will discuss his candidacy for the Democratic
nomination to challenge Republican Michael McCaul for the 10th Congressional
District in the 2008 election.
For more information about the 10th District:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas's_10th_congressional_district
************************************
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
The Travis County Democratic Party office will be closed today in observance
of Independence Day. Happy July 4th!
Democracy for Texas will not meet tonight!
************************************
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Sarah Eckhardt's Hokey Pokey Party
TIME: Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 10:00am-12:00pm
PLACE: Location TBD
CONTACT: Sandra at sandra at saraheckhardt.com
What the heck is a Hokey Pokey Party? It's a gathering of people of any (or
no) political affiliation to "talk politics" without taking themselves or
each other too seriously.
Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages Meeting
TIME: Saturday, July 7, 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.
Austin IMPEACH NOW Forum
TIME: Saturday, July 7, 2007 at 4:00pm
PLACE: First Unitarian-Universalist Church, 4700 Grover
CONTACT: Laura Hitt at laurahitt at austin.rr.com
On July 7th (7/7/07), many peace activists are coming together to put on an
impeachment forum - The Austin IMPEACH NOW Forum. The distinguished speakers
will be discussing:
1. WHY it's morally important to pursue impeachment of Bush & Cheney.
2. WHY we can impeach...Identifying the list of impeachable offenses.
3. AND HOW we can make a difference in the impeachment process!
Get there early (3:30pm) to enjoy music, book signings and an "I MISS
AMERICA" Pageant by CodePINK. Visit www.austinimpeach.org for all the
details and to get the official flier.
The speakers include:
Elaine Brown - Author of A Taste of Power and The Condemnation of Little B,
co-author of the biography of Jamil Al-Amin (formerly H. Rap Brown), slated
for publication in 2008; Green Party candidate for US President, and the
only woman to ever lead the Black Panthers.
David Lindorff - Journalist and co-author of The Case for Impeachment: The
Legal Argument for Removing President George W. Bush from Office.
Dennis Loo - Co-author of Impeach the President: The Case Against Bush and
Cheney; Associate Professor. Media & crime; social movements; social theory.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Larry Everest - Author of Oil, Power & Empire: Iraq and the U.S. Global
Agenda; organizer of International Commission of Inquiry on Crimes Against
Humanity by the Bush Administration.
Moderator:
David Ferris - Adjunct Professor of Government, Austin Community College.
************************************
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
There will be no Lake Travis Democrats meeting tonight!
South Austin Democrats
TIME: Tuesday, July 10, 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.
Austin Tejano Democrats Meeting
TIME: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 5:30pm-7:30pm
PLACE: Casa Garcia Restaurant, 1000 South Lamar
CONTACT: Sylvia Brittain at austintejanodemocrats at yahoo.com
You are invited to a meeting of the Austin Tejano Democrats.
************************************
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
West Austin Democrats Annual Summer Party
TIME: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 6:00pm
PLACE: Home of Suzy and Bill Reid, 1104 Wayside Dr.
CONTACT: Suzy Reid at 474-2696 or info at westaustindemocrats.org
In lieu of their monthly meeting, West Austin Democrats invite you to their
annual summer party. Ham, watermelon & soft drinks will be provided. Members
can bring side dishes, desserts, and preferred beverages.
************************************
Thursday, July 12, 2007
There will be no Capital Area Democratic Women meeting today!
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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 <http://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: www.traviscountydemocrats.org <http://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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******************************
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P.O. Box 684263, Austin, TX 78768-4263
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