The last two days of voting in the 2019 Municipal Elections are upon us - it’s crunch time. While much has been made of the fact that there are only two races in this year’s elections - turnout within the two districts where there is voting has been extremely light. These are important elections that will help to decide how our city is governed for the next four years…
When turn out is light getting out the vote is critical. If you’ve got a few hours over the next two days… contact our endorsed candidate Sue Sgambelluri to offer your help. Her opponent may be well funded but ultimately it’s the number of people who vote who will make the difference, so make those phone calls and remind your neighbors that it’s time to vote. You can also contact the Monroe County Democratic Party to see what you can do to help Democrats win on Nov. 5. And, of course, if you live in District 2 or 3, get to the polls - every vote counts.
A big thank you to Christie Popp for coming to our Breakfast last Friday to share her expertise on immigration enforcement with our membership. She gave us a brief overview of the changes that have occurred since the 2016 elections and of how immigration enforcement is handled on the local level as well as the potential costs to the community of current policies and took the time to answer our questions as well.
Those who want to know more are encouraged to like Popp & Bullman, Attorneys-at-Law on Facebook… the website has a wealth of information on the subject. In addition, seek out the American Immigration Lawyers Association Election Guide. With the 2020 elections approaching and immigration at the forefront of national debate, the AILA 2020 Election Guide provides an easily accessible resource for AILA members, Congress, and the public. The Guide shows each presidential candidate's positions and proposals for reforming and modernizing America's immigration system.
And finally, attend the Public Discussion On How Local Immigration Enforcement Impacts Our Community at Monroe County Public Library Auditorium from 7:00 to 8:30pm on November 6 where there will be time for a much more thorough discussion of the topic. An educated public is the best advocate for those who are vulnerable in our community.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Voting Information for the 2019 Municipal Election
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES:
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6:00 - 8:00pm
DWC Training: 2020 Offices up for Election,
Monroe County Democratic HQ, 116 S Madison St Suite A. Bloomington
We will take a look at the offices up for election, their requirements, how to file, filing deadlines and what qualifications would be useful to have. How might you be uniquely qualified for a particular office? Questions - contact us at [email protected].
**ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE:
Jillian Kinzie is heading up an ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE with the intent of having a finished document ready for review by the membership so that we can have a finalized process ready prior to the start of the 2020 Election season. If you are interested in contributing to this process please email us at [email protected].
**DWC Steering Committee Membership:
Nominations for the DWC Steering Committee are now open:
December is fast approaching as are elections to the DWC Steering Committee.
The following positions will be up for election:
Vice Chair:
Treasurer:
and 5 at-large positions.
The Steering Committee is a working board… we meet on the third Saturday of the month at 10am. If you have questions about serving on the Steering Committee, about duties of the officers and at-large members, would like to nominate yourself or someone else for the Steering Committee, or you are a member who would like to serve on the Nominating Committee to help develop a slate for the December elections, please contact DWC Chair Carolyn VandeWiele at [email protected].
**Are you creative, skilled at writing, a social media expert?? - THE DWC NEEDS YOU!!
We are looking for a few good women to join our Monday Morning News and Social Media Team to help keep our membership informed - if you can help - contact us at [email protected].
Your thoughts are always welcome: We welcome your thoughts on DWC events and issues….Please share your thoughts on this organization as we move forward, in our community and our state. For those brilliant ideas that come in the middle of the night! Email [email protected].
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Voting Information for the 2019 Municipal Election:
Only registered voters in City Council Districts 2 and 3 will have an election in 2019:
Absentee Voting by Traveling Board:
October 17 is first day for a voter who is confined at a private residence because of disability or illness or who is caring for such an individual may vote before the absentee traveling election board
Monday Nov. 4 at midnight is the deadline for the traveling absentee voter board to visit and vote a voter who is confined because of illness or injury
Call Election Central to set up a visit from the Absentee Traveling Board.
Absentee in Person aka Early Voting:
Absentee in Person voting began in Monroe County on: Monday Oct. 21
Hours:
Mon. Nov. 4 8am - Noon
All in-person absentee voting will be at Election Central, 401, W. 7th St., Suite 100
Monday Nov. 4, at noon is the deadline for a voter to vote and absentee ballot-in-person
Election Day Voting will be at the poll based on the voter’s registration address
Poll site information is available at https://indianavoters.in.gov/
Election Day voting is on Nov. 5 from 6:00am to 6:00pm
Note: all full-service license branches will remain open from 8:30am until 8pm on Nov. 4 solely for the purpose of issuing driver’s licenses and state identification cards to be used as id on election day.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
State Senator Mark Stoops announces his retirement:
Dear friends and colleagues,
I would like to announce that I have decided to retire from the Indiana Senate in 2020. I want to thank all of you for your support over the years as I served on the Monroe County Council, as a Monroe County Commissioner, and now, ending my second term as State Senator. I can’t say how honored I have been to be elected by you to these important positions representing our shared values and interests.
In his announcement letter Mark gave some important information to the candidates who might follow him:
I am confident that we will see some great candidates choose to run for the Senate seat. Bloomington and Monroe County have a deep bench of tried and true progressives ready to take that next step. For my part, I found that my background in local government was critical to managing and understanding legislation as it moved through the process. Good ideas are great, but knowing how to implement and fund them, and what needs to be in place to turn those good ideas into reality is important.
But above all, the Democratic state legislators we choose from Bloomington must play an important role as leaders and knowledgeable proponents of progressive ideals, promoting an alternative reality to the current Republican supermajority’s war on the poor, war on women, war on public schools, war on the environment, and war on common sense. Democratic legislators from Bloomington need to be able to communicate why turning Indiana into a 3rd world country to attract business is maybe not the best economic strategy…
Next year, in November of 2020, when a new State Senator from Bloomington and Monroe County is elected, I wish him or her the same incredible support that I have always felt from the people of this district. It is truly the best district in the State of Indiana. I am honored by the trust you have placed in me over the last 20+ years of elected office.
The Monroe County Democratic Party will hold a caucus on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 6:00pm in the Nat U Hill Room of the Monroe County Courthouse. Monroe County Council District 1, Monroe County Party Vice Chair and Monroe County Party Treasurer.
Caucus for Monroe County Council District 1
To be eligible to run for this position, candidates must reside in Monroe County Council District 1. Candidates must file a form CEB-5 with the Party Chair at least 72 hours before the caucus.
Eligible electors for the caucus for Monroe County Council District 1 are only Precinct Chairs representing a precinct in District 1.
Caucuses for MCDP Treasurer and Vice Chair
To be eligible to run for these positions, candidates must reside in Monroe County.
Candidates must email MCDP Secretary Sofia McDowell at [email protected] and state their intention to run at least 72 hours before the caucus.
Eligible electors for these caucuses are all Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs in Monroe County.
Any questions about the caucus can be addressed to Jennifer Crossley at [email protected] or 219-805-1311.
Thank you in advance for this important service to both community and party.
MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Please contact Kaisa at [email protected] to sign up for a shift (or two) or if you have any questions. Ongoing Tabling at the Farmers Market Saturday mornings
BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS: A great way to get involved and learn about how government works in Monroe County and Bloomington and to make a difference in your community:
CITY OF BLOOMINGTON B&Cs
The office of the City Clerk announces a vacant position on the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability. This position is available for city residents 18 years of age or older. The BCOS promotes economic development, environmental health, and social equity in the community for present and future generations. The commission gathers and disseminates information, promotes practical initiatives, and measures, monitors, and reports on the community’s progress towards sustainability.
For information on this position, or other commissions that have vacancies at this time, contact the office of the City Clerk or check https://bloomington.in.gov/boards to see the nature of the board or commission, recent minutes and actions, and how that particular vacancy is filled.
MONROE COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL B&Cs
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners invites you to apply to serve on a Board or Commission! There are immediate openings on a number of these bodies, including: Animal Management, Environmental Commission, and the Human Rights Commission. For information on each of them, see https://www.co.monroe.in.us/boards/. The application is available here: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1533065264_74301.pdf. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thomas ([email protected]).
EVENTS
Tuesday, November 4, 2019 8:00am - 12:00pm
LAST DAY TO EARLY VOTE
Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Bloomington
Absentee in-person voting ends at noon on Monday Nov. 4
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 6:00am - 6:00pm
ELECTION DAY
If you live in City Council District 2 or 3 and you have not early voted, vote at your precinct today. You can find your precinct at indianavoters.com
Tuesday, November 5, 2019 6:30pm
Election Night Party
MCDP Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
Join fellow democrats at MCDP headquarters for an election night party! We’ll start at 6:30pm on Tuesday, November 5th right after the polls close. The results will be displayed so we can Sue and Ron’s votes as they come in.
There will be free pizza, non-alcoholic drinks, and beer and wine available, but please bring a dish (or drink) to share if you’d like.
If you have any questions, contact Taegan at [email protected] or at 812-272-3439
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 7:00 - 8:30pm
Public Discussion On How Local Immigration Enforcement Impacts Our Community
Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
The Immigration Justice Task Force is hosting a public discussion on how local immigration enforcement impacts our community. It's important for us to be informed and engaged!
https://www.facebook.com/events/734502143663388/?active_tab=discussion
Thursday, November 7, 2019 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Democracy For Monroe County Monthly Link-Up - “13th” Movie
Cascades Inn, 2601 N. Walnut St., Bloomington
Social Time 6:00-6:30pm, Movie 6:30-8:00pm
For the November Link-up DFMC will show the movie 13th. A thought-provoking documentary in which scholars, activists, and politicians analyze how the Thirteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was used to criminalize African Americans and create the U.S. Prison boom. The movie was directed by Ava DuVernay, who also directed Selma.
Friday, November 8, 2019 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Indiana Senate Democrats Caucus Fundraiser
Nick’s English Hut, 423 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Bloomington's own Sen. Mark Stoops and the rest of the Senate Dems will be in town. Visit with fellow Democrats in town and have a few drinks, some great food, and a fun evening. Individuals get in with a suggested contribution of only $20, which will go to support 2020 campaigns.
Thursday, November 14, 2019 7:45am - 9:00am
Wake Up! with United Way "Re-Imagining Health Care in Monroe County and Beyond"Federally Qualified Health Center: A Solution to Critical Health Challenges
The Mill, 642 N. Madison St.
Co-hosted by United Way and IU Political and Civic Engagement
Guest Speaker: Nancy Richman, Ph.D.,MPA., Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine
Cost: $10 This covers the cost of breakfast and remaining proceeds going to United Way of Monroe County
https://www.monroeunitedway.org/WakeUp
Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:00pm
Caucus For County Council Member District 1, MCPD Vice Chair and Treasurer
Nat U Hill Room, Monroe County Courthouse
See announcements section for the full details
Sunday, November 17, 2019 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Training for Redistricting Reform Advocates
First Friends Church, 3030 Kessler Blvd. East Drive, Indianapolis
The Indiana Coalition for Redistricting Reform (All IN for Democracy) is holding advocacy training Sunday, Nov. 17th from 3 - 5 p.m. at First Friends Church, 3030 Kessler Blvd. East Drive in Indianapolis. Julia Vaughn will cover new redistricting reform talking points, provide some fresh ideas for actions and activities and talk about what is at stake as well as our strategy for the upcoming year.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Vickie Dacey ([email protected]). If you are not able to attend in person, the training will be webcast over Zoom. The link will be distributed a couple of days before the event, so sign up with Vickie if you would like to receive it.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6:00 - 8:00pm
DWC Training: 2020 Offices up for Election,
Monroe County Democratic HQ, 116 S Madison St Suite A. Bloomington
With the Municipal Elections over it’s time to start concentrating on 2020. We will take a look at the offices up for election, their requirements, how to file, filing deadlines and what qualifications would be useful to have. How might you be uniquely qualified for a particular office? Questions - contact us at [email protected].
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 9:00am-2:00 pm
Red For Ed Action Day
Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Hosted by Indiana State Teachers Association, The Indiana Student Education Association, IREP (Indiana Rising Education Professionals and Invest in Education IN.
For one day only, legislators are back in session to organize for the upcoming General Assembly. Kids, educators and public schools need to be the top priority. Let's remind lawmakers that we are still here, activated and ready to advocate for our kids, our schools and our future.
To learn more about Red For Ed in Indiana, visit InvestInEducationIN.org.
Event information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/512299189339936/
Saturday December 7, 2019 11:00am-12:00pm
Isabel Piedmont Smith Constituent Meeting
Bloomington City Hall, Room #135
The meeting will feature a discussion of issues coming before the City Council. All city residents are welcome to attend Council Member Piedmont-Smith's meetings
Note: There will be no Constituent Meeting in November
ACTION ITEM(s):
1. Check in with Sue Sgambelluri’s campaign and find out how you can help her win on Nov. 5. Help her get out the vote on Nov. 5 - help out on Election Day by handing out information at the polls or make calls to get out the vote. You can contact Sue at [email protected].
2. IF YOU LIVE IN BLOOMINGTON DISTRICTS 2 OR 3, GET OUT AND VOTE and get your neighbors out to vote as well. Early voting at Election Central ends at noon today with precinct voting on election day - Nov. 5. Turn out for this election is likely to be low so even a few votes may make a significant difference.
3. STAND UP FOR INDIANA PUBLIC EDUCATION:
From the North White Classroom Teachers Assn. of ISTA - Why November 19th is so important:
For THE COMMUNITY:
1. Public schools give students access to equal learning opportunities.
2. Public schools have the power to unite a community.
3. Public schools prepare students to become great employees.
4. Great employees build strong communities.
5. Schools build relationships.
For STUDENTS:
1. Students deserve classrooms that are conducive to learning.
2. Students deserve access to school counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.
3. Students deserve educators who know the students by name and have built family relationships.
4. All students deserve the same quality education.
5. Students deserve the opportunity to learn and interact with the neighbors of their community.
For TEACHERS:
1. It allows teachers to have a voice in education policy.
2. It gives teachers an opportunity to learn and lead.
#RedForEd
4.
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
Todd Young:
https://www.young.senate.gov/contact/email-todd
(202) 224-5623
Mike Braun
https://www.braun.senate.gov/contact-mike
(202) 224-4814
(317) 822-8240
Trey Hollingsworth
https://hollingsworth.house.gov/contact/
(202) 225-5315 (U.S. House) or (812) 288-3999 (Jeffersonville Office)
BECOME A DWC MEMBER or RENEW your membership!
The DWC is dedicated to inspiring, recruiting, training, supporting and funding women to increase the number of progressive, pro-choice women in the political arena. We ALL help with this mission, together, collectively. Make sure you have full rights and privileges of membership.
Only $20 for one year’s membership.
Join online here: https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership
Do you have news items? Send your items of interest to us at [email protected]
Deadline for MMN is noon on Sunday.
Paid for by DWPAC - Democratic Women's Political Action Committee
Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/