We wanted to first of all, thank all of you who voted in today’s election.
As we’ve noted before, these are challenging times that we are living in. I asked a 23-year-old man who worked for a glass repair company last week if he had voted. He said, “Honestly, I work all the time. I come home, spend some time with my kids, eat dinner and collapse at the end of the day. I really should vote, but I haven’t had a chance to even look at my ballot. And frankly, I don’t think they care about people like me.”
There was also the 90-year-old man who voted in every election there ever was. But last year, his wife got sick and he’s spending all of his time still working at his home and caring for her. He didn’t get sent a ballot this year, and he’s not sure why. But he also wasn’t sure he could follow up with the Clerk to get one either. He said, “maybe they don’t care what a 90-year old man would vote for anyway.”
Two stories, two very distinctly different people in the same election. I know that I care about those two strangers that I spoke to this week. I want the voice of a young man who really works hard to provide for his family to be a part of who gets elected or what issues pass or fail. I want the years of experience of a 90-year-old man who always voted to be part of my political conversation. And I am sad that these two souls represent all the other people who don’t feel they have a voice.
Your vote is your voice. The guy who drives the Lexus to work everyday and that young man who I spoke to both cast one vote each. One is not more powerful than the other based on what they wear or what they drive. But when you truly have nothing and are struggling in these times, your vote might be all you have. And when you don’t vote, you simply add to the silence.
Don’t let the cynicism of a system that has conventional models of power tell you your vote won’t count. Don’t let a bit of fear that you don’t know the ballot keep you from voting. Ask. Learn.
Then vote. There are a few more hours until the polls close. Please vote.
Posted by Marisa Dirks as Announcements at 2:35 PM UTC
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By John Bigger
President, Longmont Area Democrats
In the aftermath of another city election cycle, it is critical that we, as Longmont citizens, unite in support of our newly elected and existing city council members. Whether we like it or not, we aren’t going to agree on everything. In fact, many of us will find more disagreement than agreement with one another, but it’s this ideological diversity which allows a community to better serve the whole of its populace rather than catering only to any one faction. As Longmont continues to grow and become increasingly diversified, it will transform itself and provide an even greater variety of opportunities for citizens and business interests. Attempting to squelch diversity will only serve to further divide our community while contributing to the deterioration of Longmont’s ability to effectively serve the needs of its citizens.
Regardless of political persuasion or ideology, it is incumbent upon each of us to work together in the years ahead in order that we may better serve the whole of Longmont and to maximize its potential as a truly a great city!
To that end, we would like to extend our congratulations to the following candidates who earned election night victories on November 1:
- Dennis Coombs, Mayor
- Sarah Levison, At-Large
- Brian Bagley, Ward 1
- Bonnie Finley, Ward 3
Please join us in supporting these newly elected/re-elected public officials as well as current city council members Katie Witt, Alex Sammoury and Gabe Santos.
Posted by President as Announcements at 10:32 PM UTC
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By John Bigger
President, Longmont Area Democrats
As many of you know, major oil interests have descended upon Longmont to take advantage of the hydrolic fracturing (fracking) “opportunities” available thanks to mineral rights below and adjacent to Union Reservoir. On Tuesday, November 15, a large group of concerned, passionate citizens presented their concerns to Longmont’s City Council. As large as this group of citizens is, it is not nearly large enough to fight the moneyed, big oil interests.
We need YOUR help!
Get educated, get involved and get going, Longmont!
- Get educated!
Learn the facts surrounding the many dangers inherent in the practice of hydrolic fracturing:
http://www.earthworksaction.org/hydfracking.cfm
http://www.rodale.com/fracking-2
Two documentaries you MUST see:
- Get involved!
Watch this space for announcements of events in theLongmontarea.
- Get going!
With big oil interests fighting to destroy our natural resources, there is no time to waste. Hoping for the best won’t cut it – we need your help!
Join us!
Posted by President as Announcements at 9:39 PM UTC
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Join us – Eat, drink and be full!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
***6:30pm***
723 Main Street
Longmont, CO
You are invited to share in the sheer, unadulterated exhilaration that is the LAD Annual Holiday Pot Luck! Bring food, drink, good vibes and yo’sef and help us celebrate this now somewhat long-standing tradition!
We will also VOTE on the 2012 Board of Directors so please be sure to join us for this important and fun Holiday Event.
Doing our part to put the PARTY back in Party Politics!
LAD will provide:
1. Non-alcoholic beverages
2. Solid, far-out vibes
What YOU need to Bring:
1. A dish to share
2. Your table settings
3. A warm hat, scarf, mittens and or a blanket to be donated to the Longmont OUR Center.
The Longmont Area Democrats
wish you and yours
a Happy Holiday Season!
Posted by Marisa Dirks as Announcements at 4:57 PM UTC
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