“Saddam Hussein also challenged President Bush to a debate. The Butcher of Baghdad vs. the Butcher of the English language.”
Jay Leno

Ok, it’s more of a forum than a debate …

LAD Monthly Meeting: Colorado State House Forum

Join the Longmont Area Democrats as we get a chance to hear from our Colorado House Candidates.

Who: House District 12 Candidates Jake Williams and Matt Jones;

House District 11 Candidate Deb Gardner

Where: Longmont Front Range Community College – Community Room map

When: Wednesday, March 3rd,  7pm-9pm

What: Get a chance to hear and ask questions of your local House Candidates.  3×5 cards will be distributed at the beginning of the evening  for you to write down questions for the candidates.

Info: Visit Deb Gardner at http://www.debgardner.net/

Visit Matt Jones at http://www.mattjonesforcolorado.com/

Visit Jake Williams at http://www.jakewilliams.org/



Other Events

February 27

What: El Comite de Longmont’s First Annual Fundraising Dinner

When: Saturday Feb. 27, 6pm to 8pm.

Where: Pinocchio’s Restaurant, 210 East Ken Pratt, Longmont

Who: St Vrain School District Presiden John Creighton  as well as Marta Moreno, Executive Director, a board member, and one of the three thousand clients assisted every year.

Details: Tickets are $40.00 paid ahead of time.

Tickets available from the El Comite office or from a board member.

Call Bob Norris – 720 244-2683  or email  nrkathleen@qwest.net

March 6th

What: Community Organizer Training (with Change that Works)

When: Saturday,  March 6th, 9am-4:45pm

Where: Longmont Public Library 409 4th Ave.

Details: Ever wonder what it takes to organize a campaign around an important issue? Need help understanding the world of new media or grassroots organizing? Come and learn experienced community members. Light lunch will be provided

Event is Free!
Please RSVP: Jonathan Royal 970 227 8272



March 16

CAUCUS

What: The Democratic Party CAUCUS

When: March 16 (registration starts at 6:15pm )

Details: Caucus is very different from a primary.  Please go to http://bouldercountydems.org/Election2010/Caucus/ to learn more about how and where your Caucus is.  You will get the opportunity to make the first step in electing our next US Senator and other candidates.

Meet with your neighbors and get involved with your local Democratic Party Activists.

You can also make your voice heard on the your Party’s Platform.  Go to http://bouldercountydems.org/Election2010/Platform/

Posted by President as Announcements, Uncategorized at 1:17 AM UTC No Comments 

Who’s in Charge?

We the People Are!

Make Your Voice Heard!

February 20, 2010:

Communitywide Forum

Duane Physics G2B47, Colorado Ave,

Across from Folsom Field CU, Boulder

Morning session:

9:30-10:30 AM: The Economy

10:40-11:30 AM: Health Care

11:40 AM-12:30 PM: Healthy Democracy

Join Boulder County Democrats, elected officials, activists and professionals in the field in exploring currentissues of utmost import.  Core Democratic Party values and key policy recommendations must be clearly defined and voiced so that the will of the voter can be represented effectively by our elected Democraticofficials.  Help us determine or 2010 BCDP Platform. Together we can empower the will of Democratic voters tohelp drive our state and federal legislative agenda.

For further information email: platform@bouldercountydems.org

Posted by President as Announcements, Forum, Issues at 9:47 PM UTC No Comments 

“Too bad you can’t go to caucus for (insert candidate name here)”

That’s what you’ll be hearing if you have moved since the last election and have not updated your voter registration.

Announcements:

1) Voter Registration Deadline Looms

2) Betsy Markey in Longmont Tomorrow (Sat. 1/16)

3) Other Events

4)  Senator Kennedy’s former Senate seat is in danger of going to a Republican

1)

Affiliation Deadline Looming for Caucus Attendees
Due to Holiday Tuesday, January 19th Last Day to Affiliate before Caucus

In 2008, the Colorado Democratic Party saw a huge surge of voters attending Caucus for the first time to help elect our President Barack Obama. With the 2010 Caucuses weeks away, Pat Waak, Colorado Democratic Party Chair released the following statement:

“We are encouraging voters across the state to attend their caucus this year and have their voices heard at the grassroots level. Caucus is the very first step in our democratic process where average citizens can talk with their neighbors about who they want to lead our party and our state.”

Voters who will  attend Caucus this year on Tuesday, March 16th need to be affiliated with the Democratic Party by Tuesday, January 19, 2010 to participate. Due to the Martin Luther King holiday voters have an extra day to affiliate.

If you live in Boulder County, you can go to:

http://www.bouldercounty.org/clerk/elections/index.htm

Weld County:

http://www.co.weld.co.us/redesign/ClerkandRecorder/index.html

to check your voter registration and update your info.

2)

Betsy Markey in Longmont

What: Markey’s “Coffee on Your Corner”

When: 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday 1/16/10

Where: Buzz Coffee, 1139 Francis St.

3)

Other Events:

When: Jan 16, 7pm

What: Andrew Romanoff House Party Fundraiser
Hosted by John Bigger, Judy Bigger and Shari Malloy

RSVP: By email: jbigger1@comcast.net. Please RSVP as soon as possible

Where: 810 Megan Ct., Longmont

When: JANUARY 27, Wednesday 6pm

What: Screening of the Documentary “Papers”

Where: Vance Brand Auditorium (Skyline High School, Longmont)

When: FEBRUARY 13, Saturday (Registration starts at 11:30)

What: Building to Be The Change
Conference covering Healthcare, Climate Change and Ending Corporate Personhood, among other topics.

Where: First Plymouth Congregational Church, Englewood
For more information: www.btc-usa.org

4)

Senator Kennedy’s former Senate seat is in Danger

https://coakley.zissousecure.com/contribute/PFP/Colorado4Coakley

Did you know that people in Massachusetts are voting on Tuesday?

Many of you may not be aware that I grew up in Massachusetts.  I learned about the values of community and hard work in towns like Dedham and Brookline.

On a class field trip to the JFK Library, I was inspired by the unfettered optimism of the Kennedy family.

Although I now live in Colorado, I continue to believe in the idea that we all have to pitch in to make our country great.

Martha Coakley embodies these values.   I believe in working hard to protect our nation’s children.  Under Martha Coakley’s work as a County DA, the Child Abuse Protection Unit continued to serve as a national model for prosecution of crimes against children.

So many others from outside of the Commonwealth have decided to fund her opponent, therefore I feel like I can’t just sit by and do nothing.  Republicans think they can shut down the Senate with just one more vote.  If her opponent wins what else will happen?  I don’t want to see the Party of Pat Robertson and Rush Limaugh gain a foothold anywhere.

You can Donate at

https://coakley.zissousecure.com/contribute/PFP/Colorado4Coakley or go

to http://www.marthacoakley.com/blog/details/neighbor to help her and the United States Senate protect the values of peace, populism, and prosperity for all.

Best Wishes,

Jonathan Singer

President LAD

note: if you are receiving this as an email and wish to unsubscribe hit “reply” and type in the subject line: “unsubscribe”

Posted by President as Announcements at 10:09 PM UTC No Comments 

“Meet and Greet Senator Bennet“
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 8-9 AM
Where: Cafe Luna- 8th and Coffman; Longmont
This is not a fundraiser

Even if you have chosen sides in this race, take this opportunity to talk with
Colorado’s hard- working member of the United States Senate.  Your opinion
counts!

Posted by President as Announcements at 1:17 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 

Legislative Process training And Tuition Equity

When: Monday January 26, 2009 7-9 PM

Where: Community Room at Front Range Community College in Longmont.

Presenters: Julie Gonzales, CIRC Policy Coordinator and Bob Norris, CIRC Policy Committee

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by content as Announcements at 11:35 AM UTC No Comments 

As amended 2-5-08 BY-LAWS

LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted by content as Announcements, General at 10:50 PM UTC No Comments 

A friend of mine, who was sure he was registered to vote, got an unpleasant surprise after sorting out a minor traffic ticket. Apparently voter registrations are ‘taking longer to processs’ these days.

Check your registration status RIGHT NOW online:

Boulder County Clerk Voter Registration Page

Do it right now.

Remember, we live in a RED STATE.

Do it right now. Click Here.

If you’re SURE you’re registered, check anyway. If you’re suddenly NOT registered, please let me know. Especially if you have hard proof.

Posted by admin as Announcements, Forum, General at 12:53 AM UTC No Comments 

Good public turnout at the 2008 Commission hearings on health care is important. At these meetings citizens can speak directly with the 2008 commissioners. The commissioner’s recommendations will have an impact our our health care decisions for years to come.

The meetings are set up around the Congressional districts but the CD 4 meetings (Longmont is in this district) are being held in Lamar and Silverthorne. Citizens are free to attend meetings at other CD districts. Here is a list of meetings with the commissioners that Longmont citizens might find it easier to attend:

October 4, 2007 5:00pm-8:00pm Congressional District Hearing – Boulder Millennium Harvest House, Ballroom 1345 28th Street, Boulder 80302

October 4th 5:00pm-8:00pm Congressional District Hearing- Lamar Lamar Community Building Multipurpose Room 610 S. 6th Street, Lamar 81052

October 11th 5:30pm-8:00pm Congressional District Hearing- Greeley UNC Campus, Lindau Auditorium

October 12th 5:00pm-8:00pm Congressional District Hearing- Silverthorne Silverthorne Library, Blue River Room 651 Center Circle, Silverthorne

October 12th 5:00pm-8:00pm Congressional District Hearing- Fort Collins Lincoln Center, Mini Theatre 417 W. Magnolia, Fort Collins 80521

October 13th 1:00pm-4:00pm Congressional District Hearing- Brighton TBD

Posted by admin as Announcements, Legislature at 10:47 PM UTC No Comments 

People interested in the Union Annexation (LifeBridge) issue should attend the City Council meeting Tuesday night April 24th 7:00 pm. The Council meeting will be held at the Council chambers, 350 Kimbark St. The council will be voting on the 2nd reading for the ordinance outlining metro tax districts for “mixed use” development. The Lifebridge development is asking for metro tax district status. The proposed ordinance will be published by the city attorney on the website. For more information on the meeting click here

Posted by content as Announcements, General at 3:13 PM UTC 1 Comment