What:  Fort Collins Office Opening
When:  7:00pm, Friday, May 28th
Where:  419 Canyon Avenue, Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO 80521

On a more somber note, tonight I received note from Angelique Layton that her
longtime friend, Ivan Meek, passed away today.  Ivan and Angie are not only LAD members;
Ivan made a great presentation to LAD at my first meeting as President in
January of 2007.  The presentation still resonates in my head because it
exemplified the kind of person Ivan was to me.   It was a bi-partisan
presentation filled with facts, figures, and other nerdy statistics.  However,
what underpinned it all was the desire to make sure EVERYONE’S vote counted.

Ivan was a template for integrity (and not only because served as a board member
for Coloradoans for Voting Integrity).  His stoic exterior almost betrayed his
fiery fervor for Election Reform and justice of all kinds.  I remember him
patrolling the State Capital in Denver on Governor Ritter’s Inauguration bending
Sen. Brandon Shaffer’s ear on voting issues.  All the while, he was good-natured
and polite, listening to Sen. Shaffer as to when Ivan could make his pitch to
the Senator.    The pitch was made.  Trust me.  “No” was not an option.

At first glance, his grimacing exterior would lead you to believe that he was
unhappy.  It’s not that he was unhappy; it’s just that he was always
thinking.  Thinking of ways to make a more just world,
thinking about how to approach the next legislator, thinking about what YOU were
saying.  His slight frown always had a smile curling at the edges.  His
gravel-toned voice had warm tinge that showed he cared about his common man (and
woman).  Just this March, he wrote a letter to the Daily Camera about his 80
year old neighbor that missed out on her chance to vote because of mail-in
ballots.
http://camera-letterstotheeditor.pmpblogs.com/2010/03/18/ivan-c-meek-no-all-mail-elections/

Ivan’s presentation to LAD included a great speakers from Longmont. 
This presenter and Ivan worked as election judges in 2008.   They
were working on the ballots late one night, and on their way home they turned
around to go back to the County Clerk’s Office.  They knew there were voting
inconsistencies that needed the Clerk to address.   And the Clerk did address
them (remember that thing I told you about not taking “No”?).  We could be sure
2008’s results were more accurate because of these two men.  People asked me
why this Longmont presenter was not an LAD member.  I told people Ivan’s
friend and colleague was a Republican.  Ivan did not put politics before
principle.

Regardless of whether you knew him or not, the issues he fought for are still
omnipresent.  We still need to count votes correctly.  His passing means there
must be a passing of the torch.  There will never be another Ivan, so we must
stand together to bring his ideals to reality.  Go to Coloradoans for Voting
Integrity http://www.cfvi.us/?q=node/1 when you get a chance.

Lastly, I have a personal admission to make.  I knew about a month ago that Ivan
was not doing well.  I knew that might not have another opportunity to talk to
him and I missed it.  A lot of people talk about doing things if “time
allows” … as if time controlled our actions.  Allow some “time” this
week to email or call a friend you haven’t spoken to but keep meaning to.
Tonight I am emailing one of my old college buddies who I haven’t spoken to in
years.     Just to say “hi.”

Below is a youtube link to a Denver Post interview of Ivan Meek.  Keep him and
his family in your thoughts.   The services will be at the Louisville United
Methodist Church in the next few days.  I will keep people updated on
www.longmontdems.org as to the details.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbKXuQKQ2-I&feature=player_embedded

I. VP in Weld County 4-30-10
II. Upcoming LAD Meeting 5-5-10
III.  Other Events
a. Cinco de Mayo / Immigration March
b. Help Betsy Markey 5-2-10
c. Romanoff Event

I.  Vice President Biden was in Weld County today

with Rep. Betsy Markey, Sen. Mark Udall, and Gov. Ritter.  I was pleased to see so many people come out to see them at UQM.  UQM is a local business that makes electric and hybrid engines.  They were able to expand their business and hire more workers in large part due to a government grant throught the ARRA (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act). 

The federal government helped to spur American ingenuity into American prosperity.  I am glad that our Longmont City Council was invited to this premier event, and even more excited that they came to support local business in addition to the Vice-President Biden’s ARRA. If companies like UQM and Abound Solar continue their great works (spurred in part by the federal government), they will have to change the name of the Carbon Valley to the Carbon-free Pinnacle!

-Jonathan Singer, President LAD

II Next LAD Meeting – How to Get Big Money Out of Politics

When: EARLY START TIME! 6pm , May 5th, 2010
Where: Front Range Community College (Classroom Building – Community Room)
Who: A movie from MoveOn.org, Jim Hoffmeister – Clean Campaigns Colorado, and YOU
What: Come early for a potluck to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  Bring a dish to share and your own table settings (let’s make this zero waste).
At 7pm we will start our regular meeting.  MoveOn.org is holding Forums across the country about home to democratize our democracy.  We will learn about the problems of the coroporate influence on democracy, and work to come out with our own solutions.

MoveOn Organizers will also be there.  You can RSVP at http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=103225

III Other events

a.  March in Longmont for immigration reform

What: Join the May 1, 2010 in solidarity for our brothers and sisters in Arizona and for a better future for all of us and for this country!  Fair and humane immigration reform now!
When: 11:00 AM to noon
Where: Meet at 487 17th Street just east of Main (We will start to gather at 10:00 AM)  March will go down Main Street to Longs Peak.

What: Help Deb Gardner and the Longmont Area Dems at the Cinco de Mayo Celebration (or just stop by and say “hi.”)
When: May 1, 12p-7p
Where: Roosevelt Park, 700 Longs Peak Ave, Longmont
Contact: Deb Gardner if you would like to help her out at deb@debgardner.net

b.
Help Besty Markey in Longmont

Longmont Volunteer Meeting
Sunday,May 2nd at 4:00pm
Longmont Free University
Bring a snack come help lay the foundation for her Longmont Canvass kickoff to Saturday, May 15th at 10:30am

c.
Team Romanoff Steering Committee Meeting

When: Tuesday, May 4, 6-7 pm
Where: Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave, Longmont 80501
Meeting Room A

When: Saturday, May 1, 10-11 am
Where: Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder 80302
Boulder Creek Room
www.AndrewRomanoff.com

Note:  I have been receiving a lot of updates for Romanoff Events directly from organizers, but none for Michael Bennet.  The LAD will remain neutral in this race.  However, if you want to promote a local Michael Bennet event, please email us.

Note 2: The LAD is supported by local individual donations.  We are spending an extra $60.00 for the room next Wednesday.  If you are not a member, please bring $20.00 for the year.  If you are rich, please bring more
No one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.

Longmont Area Dems Go Higher (Education)

When:

May 6, 2009 from 7-9pm

Where:

 Front Range Community College

http://www.frontrange.edu/FRCCTemplates/FRCC1.aspx?id=3173

Classroom Building (Community Room)
2121 Miller Drive
Longmont, CO 80501

 What:

a. 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).

Click this link for details.

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 atjonathan.singer@gmail.com

This is an excellent opportunity for you to influence the person who will be making a key decision about commuter rail in Longmont.

Check out this link if you missed the original post.

Your President,

-Jonathan

The RTD is likley to decide the fate of FasTracks in Longmont this March.  Will our tax dollars go to waste?

Please join the Longmont Area Democrats for an engaging forum with experts and elected leaders at Front Range Community College on February 4, 2009.

Who:

Colorado Senate Majority Leader Brandon Shaffer

Longmont Mayor Roger Lange

Longmont Transportation DIrector Phil Greenwald

Where:

Front Range Community College 2190 Miller Drive (off of Pike and Hover) in the Community Room

http://www.frontrange.edu/FRCCTemplates/FRCC1.aspx?id=3173

When:

7pm to 9pm

What:

Our speakers will describe the most recent FasTracks developments and provide answers to audience questions.

Why:

In 2004 many Longmont residents gathered signatures, voted, and paid taxes ever since to bring a rapid transit line to our city (myself included).  Now the RTD is thinking about reneging on that deal.

1) Learn about the issues.

2) Ask questions of our experts and leaders.

3) Learn about what YOU can do to make sure Longmont residents get what they paid for.

Note: Become part of the solution for only $15.00!

LAD meetings are free and open to the public.  Bring a friend!  But we do have to pay Front Range Community College for the space.  Annual memberships are only $15.00.  Join up on February 4!

A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held January 7, 2009 at Longmont Free University, 505 Main Street, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:10 p.m.

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD JANUARY7, 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 adult members and guests were present.

VOTING PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES

Angie Layton led a panel discussion on voting principles and procedures and lessons learned in the 2008 election cycle.

Mary Eberle set forth 12 Fair Voting Principles.

Ivan Meeks discussed The Democracy Technology Project

Dan Martin discussed his experience as an election judge and resolution team member

Joe Richie discussed the activities of The Colorado Election Reform Commission

Pat Waak discussed the 2008 election from the perspective of the state Democratic Party leadership.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, February 4, 2009. The location will probably be at Front Range Community College, and will be confirmed by e-mail to the members.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

The Annual Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held Decemb34 3, 2008 at Front Range Community College,, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:45 p.m.

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD DECEMBER 3, 2008

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Hughes who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

In excess of fifty-nine adult members and guests were present. President Hughes thank all of the members and guests present for supporting the annual pot-luck dinner.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The City’s FastTracks Committee needs volunteers. More information is available on the City’s web-site.

On December 13^th, the local Obama Team will meet to discuss what they can do next.

On January 6, 2009 there will be an open forum on health care. More information to follow.

BETSY MARKEY

Newly elected Congresswoman Betsy Markey spoke to the audience and responded to questions.

THANK YOUS!!

Boulder County Democratic Party Chair Deb Gardner thanked everyone for all of their hard work during the campaigns. State Senator Brandon Shaffer also thanked all those who assisted him in his campaign.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

President Hughes announced the slate of director and officer candidates put forth by the nominating committee and called for additional nominations from the floor. None were made. Following motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, nominations were closed and the following officers and directors were elected to serve during 2009:

President Jonathan Singer

Vice-President Tom McCoy

Secretary Jack Wolfe

Treasurer Bob Roy

At-Large Director Marilyn Hughes

Web-site Content Editor Rich Hansen

NEXT MEETING

The meeting then discussed possible locations for the member meetings during 2009. Suggestions were made to meet at Longmont Free University, the City Library, Front Range Community College, and Carol Rademacher’s meeting space next to Santiago’s in the 1100 Block of Francis Street. No conclusion was reached, and President Hughes announced that the Board of Directors would decide and would post and e-mail the location for the January meeting to the members.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:55 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held November 5, 2008 at the Longmont Democratic Campaign Headquarters, 360 Main Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501, commencing at approximately 7:05 p.m.

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD NOVEMBER 5, 2008

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Hughes who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

Twenty-eight adult members and guests were present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bob Norris reminded everyone that the City’s “Sustainability Harvest Fair” will be held Saturday, November 8^th at Skyline High School. Hunter Lovins from the Rocky Mountain Institute will be speaking. More information is available on the City’s web site.

Marilyn announced that the LAD annual Potluck Dinner and Annual Meeting at will be held December 3^rd at Front Range Community College. Watch the web-site.

THANK YOUS!!

Marilyn thanked Deb Gardner and the Boulder County Democratic Party for setting up a campaign headquarters in Longmont, and allowing LAD to use it.

De Gardner said that the thanks need to go to all of the volunteers. We need to continue to nurture the sense of community that shown throughout the campaign. Marilyn responded that we need to find some way to better communicate with those members who do not use e-mail.

NOMINATION OF OFFICERS

President Hughes announced that the nominating committee had nominated a slate of officers and directors for the coming year to be voted on next month at the annual meeting:

President Jonathan Singer

Vice-President Tom McCoy

Secretary Jack Wolfe

Treasurer Bob Roy

At-Large Marilyn Hughes

Web-page Content Editor Rich Hansen

Marilyn then advised the members that additional nominations could be made from the floor at the December 3^rd annual meeting.

BRAINSTORMING

President Hughes then led those present in a brainstorming session to come with ideas for a new meeting place (since the Public Works Building would become too expensive in 2009), ideas for speakers or programs in 2009, fund-raising and activities that the members might want to undertake.

PARTY

President Hughes declared the brainstorming session and official meeting adjourned at 8:36 PM, and invited everyone to stay to continue the discussion and celebrate all of the victories in Tuesday’s election.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be the Pot Luck Dinner and Annual Meeting on December 3, 2008 at the Front Range Community College

Respectfully submitted,

The American healthcare system is at a critical junction, we all know it is broken and in desperate need of some form of revision. The numbers of uninsured is at record numbers, the numbers of underinsured are growing and the costs for healthcare are skyrocketing. All of the principal stakeholders are under enormous pressure to solve the healthcare problem. Healthcare outcomes in the U.S. are in most categories below average and costs per individual are the highest in the industrial world.

Large employers struggle to be competitive in the world market with the burden of healthcare costs on their shoulders. Smaller employers can’t afford to offer healthcare to their employees and all of us want the widest range of choice in our healthcare providers.

Healthcare has always been a moral and economic issue. Most Americans would agree that all people should have access to quality healthcare, which is the universal part of the equation. It is the economic part that is contentious, how do we control escalating costs and develop a sustainable system that benefits us all.

There are no easy answers to this economic part, but the fact remains that if we don’t solve this portion of the equation we are facing catastrophic consequences. Medicare and Medicaid are facing unsustainable financial problems. Rising healthcare costs are increasingly challenging the general population.

We need a national, state and local dialog on healthcare, we need reliable data on costs associated with healthcare solutions. We need a collaboration of stakeholders to identify the problems and develop solutions. We need to raise the public awareness to the possible solutions, and somehow gain the political will to fix a broken system. No matter how good your personal healthcare situation is you are still on a sinking ship!