Current Working GroupsBuilding a Data Base of Progressive ActivistsAnn Rohovec reported that all information from the phone campaign to reach 2004 election volunteers has been added to the data base, and the overall total of people who want to be on the PVA contact list is nearing 700. Thirty-four email addresses of interested people have proven to be wrong, and Ann would welcome help in making some phone calls to get those addresses straightened out. She can be reached at arohovec@zianet.com Building AlliancesAnn Gutierrez reported that Building Alliances activities will be returning after the holidays, including a proposed workshop in Las Cruces with Roberto Chené, national leader in alliance building across racial and ethnic lines. Curbside Recycling in Las CrucesBrigitte Hines thanked PVAers for their participation in the two Neighborhood Walks for Curbside Recycling, where pilot neighborhoods were encouraged to fully participate. The Neighborhood Walks found high support for the recycling program, support which will be crucial as the city moves toward a final decision on going city-wide with curbside recycling. Executive CommitteeDon Kurtz urged any interested people to attend and participate in Executive Committee meetings, including the next one on Tuesday, November 15th, at 5:30 at the Mesilla Park Recreation Center. He reminded us that suggestions for PVA Unified Actions should be submitted to unifiedaction@pva-nm.org as early in the month as possible, and that the final choice of each months action will be made at the Executive Committees monthly meeting. Comments or suggestions about PVA meetings and activities can be communicated to Executive Committee members, whose names, phone numbers, and emails are available at http://www.pva-nm.org/wg_exec.htm Framing IssuesMartha Loustaunau reported on activities of the Framing the Issue group, which developed the subtitle for the Legislative Agenda for our Nov. 10th Legislative Roundtable (A Fair and Secure Future: Where Common Sense Meets Common Ground) and which has been actively reframing numerous issues in progressive terms, as in Government is the ultimate expression of community, diversity without divisiveness, generosity of spirit, and many other excellent formulations of our political values. To get involved with this exciting group, contact Martha at mloustau@nmsu.edu or Monica Torres at mftorres@nmsu.edu New Working GroupsElections/Secure the VoteJohn Nelson has offered to coordinate a new group which will make information about elections (dates, deadlines, etc.) readily available, and which will actively recruit poll judges and other poll workers for upcoming elections. If you want to get involved with the “Elections/Secure the Vote” Working Group and/or if you want to be a Poll worker for the County or the Democratic Party contact John Nelson nelson505@earthlink.net or Mary Helen Ratje mhratje@comcast.net Other Organizations/Candidates/AnnouncementsMarch Against TortureCharlotte Williams reported on the recent March Against Torture, and thanked PVAers for their participation in that march and for signing the Amnesty International petition calling for an end to US torture of prisoners. There was excellent coverage of the march on KRWG-TV, but unfortunately Representative Steve Pearce refused to meet with her, despite Charlottes persistent efforts. To join Charlotte in this work, contact her at lascpro@aol.com Grassroots PressSteve Klinger talked about his fine local newspaper, the Grassroots Press, and urged people to write articles for the paper. To submit articles, place an ad, or subscribe to Grassroots Press, contact Steve at sck01@comcast.net Candidates for Las Cruces City CouncilWoody Jenkins, a candidate for city council in District 5, spoke about his long record of public service and his vision for the city, especially in terms of sensible planning and his desire to establish livable neighborhoods in Las Cruces. To contact Woodie, or to help in his campaign, contact him at wjenk82125@aol.com Reed Larsen, a candidate for city council in District 3 spoke about his views on local governance, particularly the importance of making major decisions reviewable by voter referendum, and of requiring developers to pay infrastructure costs up front, before development. To contact Reed, or to help in his campaign, call him at 522-1427. Rally in the ParkMoira Kanim announced that there will be a Rally in the Park to kick off the 2006 midterm election campaigns on Saturday, November 5th, from 2-4 pm at Pioneer Womens Park. Speakers will include Dr. Nancy Baker and Beatrice Ferreira. Chris Schaeffers Puppets and the Peace Crane Wall will also be featured. For information, contact Kate Mott kazanmott@aol.com Green Party of Southern New MexicoRupert Clark reported that funding for the new bunker buster nuclear warhead, reported on at the last meeting, has been canceled, but that it may be resurrected in later legislation. He will keep us posted on developments. For information on state and local Green Party activities, contact Rupert ruporch@netscape.net Las EsperanzasJeanne Abkes of the Las Esperanzas neighborhood organization (the neighborhood in the Mesquite Street area) discussed the recent Supreme Court decision which would allow private developers to use eminent domain to condemn land for their own projects. This is a particular concern to residents of old Las Cruces neighborhoods as downtown renovation activities begin to heat up. The remedy is state legislation to protect property owner rights — if youd like more information, contact Jeanne jmabkes@yahoo.com American Association of University WomenDolores Halls announced that the New Mexico chapter of the AAUW has received a grant which will provide for issue forums in towns and villages of New Mexico, and she invited suggestions and the participation of interested people. The AAUW will also be involved in Get Out the Vote activities in the 2006 election. For information, contact Dolores dhalls@nmsu.edu Governor Bill Richardson and Lt. Governor Diane DenishGayle Radom brought petitions to get Bill Richardson and Diane Denish on the 2006 ballot. A special effort will be made to collect signatures at polling places for city elections in on November 8th. If you would like to carry petitions for these two candidates, or help with the election day effort, contact Gayle g_radom@msn.com Vagina MonologuesSarah Amador announced a February production at NMSU of Vagina Monologues, and invited us to audition for parts in the play — which has roles for women of all ages and backgrounds. Proceeds from the play will go to the Womens Studies Program and the Feminist Student Organization at NMSU, as well as to Amigos de las Mujeres de Juarez. For more information, contact Sara samador@nmsu.edu League of Women VotersVicki Simons brought copies of the LOWVs Voter Guide for the November municipal elections, and the Whos Who, which contains contact information on all elected officials from Doña Ana County. Information on the League, including an electronic version of the Whos Who brochure, may be found at http://www.zianet.com/lwv/ AFSCMECathilia Flores reported that the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees organizing campaign at NMSU is continuing with enthusiasm and success. She especially thanked PVA members for their support. For more information about AFSCME and the NMSU campaign, contact Cathilia cathilia@gmail.com Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Master PlanJanet Darrow reported on a meeting tonight at which the citys Master Plan for parks and recreation was presented. The study and recommendations, compiled by an outside consulting firm, reflect strong citizen interest in open space and trails as well as improvements to the city’s swimming pools. Continued public input will be important to realize these goals, and to prioritize budgetary aspects. A citizen input meeting will be held this Wednesday (Nov. 2). at 6pm at City Council Chambers, and public comments will be accepted until Nov. 11th. Copies of the Master Plan are available at City Hall, at Branigan Library, and can be downloaded from the City of Las Cruces website. Contact Janet janetdarrow@comcast.net for information about upcoming steps in the process. Committee to Beat PearceCharlie Scholz discussed the status of current efforts to unseat Representative Pearce in the 2006 election — theyre still looking for a candidate. To participate in the groups activities, contact Charlie at cscholz@zianet.com for details.
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