Our next meeting is on Wed. April 1st at Front Range Community College.

More details to follow.

Posted by admin as Events at 2:36 AM UTC No Comments 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERSA Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held April 1, 2009 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:10 p.m.

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD APRIL 1, 2009

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Jonathan Singer who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting. Thirty eight members and guests were present.

Thirty-three adult members and guests were present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jake Williams, a possible future candidate for HD-12, was introduced, and he explained why he felt he would be a good candidate for State Representative.

Ray Rodriguez spoke in support of SB170.

Marilyn Hughes encouraged people to submit their names for positions on the City of Longmont election oversight committee.

Shari Malloy announced an organizational meeting of the Peace Support Group.

2009 ELECTION STATISTICS

Joel Davidow, Chair of the Boulder Democratic Party reported on information gathered by the Party’s Data Team, and praised the impact that Boulder County voters had statewide on election results. 09.7 percent of registered voters in Longmont voted. The makeup of registered voters in Longmont is now 34% Democrats and 31% Republicans.

The percent of votes receive by Democratic candidates in Longmont was: Obama – 58%; Udall – 56%; Shaffer – 57%; Pommer – 54%; Weissmann – 64% and Markey – 63%!!

OTHER PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Jonathan then introduced a number of representatives from complimentary progressive organizations in the area, who then spoke about their organizations:

Progressive Democrats of America. Kathy Partridge and Ira Chernus: this groups was started in 2004 by Jucihich supporters. They are now focusing on health care for all, putting a stop to golbal warming and clean-transparent elections.

Longmont Citizens for Justice and Democracy. Strider Bentson: Have demonstrated against the Iraq war at 6^th and Main every weekend for seven years. Focusing on scrutiny and the issues surrounding the City Council.

Boulder County Democratic Party. Joel Davidow: focuses on electing Democrats to office and enacting policies that support our beliefs.

Organizing for America. Nita Lynch – developing grass roots support on federal issues; presently holding house parties for economic recovery and pledging for support of the federal budget.

A question and answer period followed.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Front Range Community College. Watch the web-site and e-mails for the agenda.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD May 6, 2009

A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held May 6, 2009 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:15 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Jonathan Singer who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting. Twenty six members and guests were present.

Thirty-three adult members and guests were present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Erin Eagan of Progress Now Colorado talked about the history and present purpose of this group. They got started doing on-liine organizing and communications. They are now working to maintain the energy and enthusiasm of various groups by providing them support. As part of this, they are sponsoring Camp Progress all day on May 16^th. This is a kick-off training session on the model of “Camp Obama”, and will have a number of out-of town organizing experts leading the training session. For more information, or to register, go to www.progressnowcolorado.org.

Matt Jones, a possible future candidate for HD-12, was introduced, and he explained why he felt he would be a good candidate for State Representative.

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

Jonathan reported that LAD had been asked to formally support passage of this act in Congress. A large number of organizations had already signed on to support the act, including most of the unions, and the SEIU was heading up the campaign to gather support in Colorado. Jonathan read a proposed resolution that had been sent out by the organizers for LAD’s consideration, and discussion followed. It was noted that a vote for the resolution would be a vote for the principle behind the Act, since it will not be known for some time what actual language makes it through Congress. It was also noted that the radio and TV ads in opposition are misleading; for instance, the current proposal does not eliminate secret ballots, in simply would no longer require them. The group discussed whether to support the various statements in the “Whereas” clauses of the resolution, but concluded that a vote should be taken on the entire resolution as presented.

Jonathan noted that LAD bylaws required a 2/3 vote of those present to take a position. Following considerable discussion, and upon motion duly made and carried by more than two thirds of a show of hands, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

: we, the undersigned organization, urge our Colorado decision makers to support the Employee Fee Choice Act as the most significant and necessary piece of legislation since the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. This is a historic opportunity to restore balance in the workplace and protect the right of Colorado workers to pursue the American Dream., under our broken labor laws, penalties against employers who engage in anti-union activity is minimal; and in 2005 the median time between the resolution of an unfair labor practice against an employer was 659 days; , in 2005 alone, over 30,000 workers received back pay from employers that illegally fired, coerced, bribed or otherwise discriminated against them for their union activities; and, every 23 minutes a worker in the U.S. is fired or otherwise discriminated against for trying to form a union; and during organizing drives, 91% of employers force their employees to attend mandatory closed-door anti-union meeting on paid company time; and, workers who belong to unions earn, on average, 30% more than nonunion workers and over half of all Americans say they would join a union today if they had a fair chance; and, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, unionization raises wages for minority women more than education, seniority and job training combined; and, unions have historically been one of the few legal and democratic vehicles for workers to advocate for better wages, benefits and working conditions; and, our economy is in shambles and working people are struggling to make ends meet while bankers and failed financial institutions are being bailed out at taxpayer expense; and

C.U. REGENT

Jonathan introduced the C.U. Regent for the 2^nd Congressional District, Joe Negeaus, who spoke about issues, primarily financial, facing the higher education institutions in Colorado. Primarily because of TABOR, they face drastic budget cuts that could result in closure of smaller schools and community colleges. The federal ARAR Act contains grants that will keep things afloat for two years, but state legislation will be needed to fix the problem before that money runs out.

A question and answer period followed.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Front Range Community College. Our local representatives to the state legislature will talks to us about what went on in the Capitol this year, and what their plans are for next year. Watch the web-site and e-mails for more details.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

Posted by Secretary as Minutes at 8:00 PM UTC No Comments 

I. Upcoming Meeting May 6 at Front Range Community College

a. CU Regent Joe Neguse and the Future of Higher Education in Colorado

b. Discussion and Debate of the Employee Free Choice Act

II.  Activist Items

a. Cinco de Mayo at Roosevelt Park

b. Death Penalty

c. March in Greeley

d. Immigration Legislation in Colorado

III LAD reaches the 21st Century?

I. 

a.

When: May 6, 2009 from 7-9pm

Where: Front Range Community College (East Building – Community Room) 2191 Miller Drive, Longmont, CO

 What:

Please join the Longmont Area Democrats and CU Regent Joe Neguse to learn about and discuss the future of higher education here in Colorado. The state legistlature initally looked at cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from our world renowned institutions such as CU and CSU.  Come and hear from the 2nd Congressional District representative Joe Neguse about the value of these insitutions and the financial peril they find themselves in almost every economic downturn.

b.  But first … the Longmont Area Democrats have been asked to endorse the Employee Free Choice Act.  Everyone is encouraged to discuss and debate the merits of this piece of federal legislation on May 6.  You may also post on this website your questions, concerns, and options (if you have them).

NOTE: If you wish to make an announcement at LAD, please contact me beforehand and we will work to make sure that some time is set aside (keep it topical).  You can email me at jonathan.singer@gmail.com

II

a. Cinco de Mayo … on Dos de Mayo

Longmont Area Democrats are going to be hosting a voter registration table at Longmont’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration. 

When: May 2, 2009 12p-6p

Where: Roosevelt Park

What: Voter Registration

Why: Just because the Presedential election is over doesn’t mean that people haven’t moved, turned 18, or changed their party affliation (talk to Arlen Specter).  Please help us register new and old voters alike.  If you are interested in helping for an hour or more email Jonathan Singer at jonathan.singer@gmail.com or call him at 303-875-4727.  Visit http://www.longmontcincodemayo.org/ 

Also, there will be plenty of exciting food, music and cultural events that are fun for the whole family.  If you can’t volunteer, stop by our booth and say “hi!”  

If you don’t think them Democrats are cool enough, you can also volunteer for the general event with Marja Johnson at mjohnson@bouldercounty.org

b. Death Penalty 

Right now the Colorado State Legislature is debating the creation of a cold case unit with the funds used for the death penalty.  I have received several emails from Longmonters supporting  this issue.  The LAD has not endorsed this but it merits consideration.  If you support this legislation let your State Senator know ASAP as the Senate adjourns in about a week!  Below is the body of an email sent to me.

 ”Right now, Colorado has a backlog of more than 1,400 unsolved murders that can’t be investigated for lack of funding.

 But there’s a bill moving through the state legislature that would change that. House Bill 1274 would repeal Colorado’s death penalty law and shift the cost savings into solving the backlogged cases.

 Our state Senator, Brandon Shaffer, needs to hear from you on this critical bill. So please take a minute and call or email him and ask him to support HB 1274 to help solve cold cases and put an end to the death penalty in Colorado.

His contact information is (303) 866-5291 and his email is brandon@brandonshaffer.com

Thanks for your time and consideration for this important piece of legislation. ”

c. Unity March on May 2 (Just in case Roosevelt Park isn’t exciting enough).

Several LAD members will be carpooling up to Greeley on May 2.  If you are interested, please email jonathan.singer@gmail.com.

Join May 2 Unity March in Greeley!

Reconstructing Our Communities Uniting Our Families Unity March! Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 Starts at the Island Grove Park – 514 N. 14th Ave, Greeley, Colorado Respect for Human Rights! Just & Humane Immigration Reform! For a better Greeley, in a better world! For More Information: alfrentedelucha@gmail.com, 970.388.0834 or 303.887.2795 Denver! Meet at one of these points to Caravan or take a Bus to Greeley at 9:30 AM, Saturday, May 2nd, 2009! Aurora—16th & Dallas or Denver —12th & Mariposa (Lincoln Park) You are welcome to bring Food or Donations for Greeley families affected by ongoing immigration Raids! Denver Contacts: Homero 303.437.7805 & Nacho 720.621.7468

d. Immigration Legislation

As some of you may know Bob Norris has been working with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.  He is encouraging folks to call their state reps to defeat SJM 09.

FACT SHEET:

Senate Joint Memorial 009

“Memorializing Congress and the Federal Government to

Make Changes to and Enforce Immigration laws”

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

STRONGLY opposes this Memorial

What does this memorial propose?

1. SJM 009 urges greater involvement by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Colorado state and local law enforcement agencies along with a significant expansion to Colorado’s immigrant detention capacity.

Why is this memorial harmful?

1. Expanding the role of local police officers in immigration work damages community trust in law enforcement. As the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police note in their statement on immigration, when local law enforcement becomes an immigration law enforcement arm, there is a sharp decline in immigrants reporting crimes, due to fear and a lack of trust of the police. This lack of reporting leads to less safe communities for all Coloradans.

1. Deputizing state and local law enforcement as immigration agents leads to discriminatory policing. In early April, 2009, the Congressional Judiciary Committee investigated 287(g) programs after several reports, including recent findings by the Government Accountability Office, revealed serious concerns with how law enforcement agencies were abusing the program in its implementation. 

Expansion of beds for immigrant detention is neither a cost effective nor humane solution in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform. Those being held in immigrant detention have not been charged with a crime but, rather, a civil violation. They are awaiting the US government’s decision on whether or not they are lawfully in the country. In the absence of meaningful reform to our immigration laws, the state of Colorado should consider more humane and cost-effective alternatives to mass expansion of immigrant detention.

Get the facts by clicking the link below and reading the legislation verbatim.

 http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2009A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/504C1671A2BC3C0C8725753E0054CF90?Open&file=SJM009_01.pdf

Posted by President as Announcements, Legislature, Multicultural at 1:31 AM UTC No Comments