Loss of a FriendRhonda Brown died October 7, 2008. We remember her as a tireless and fearless campaign organizer who worked hard for what she believed in. We will miss her. Special Post-Election PVA MeetingOur next meeting will be held Thursday, November 6, 7 p.m., at Munson Center. We will be going back to our roots—our format will be the same as for our very first meeting, in the wake of the 2004 campaign. Everyone who attends will have two minutes to comment on the results of the 2008 Campaign or anything else they want. No one will speak twice until everyone who wishes has spoken once, and when we’ve said all we want to say, we’ll go home. This is a special meeting and our last until January 24, 2009. Voter ProtectionPeter Ossorio announced that he is looking for 40 more people to complete the roster of volunteer poll watchers and challengers. Training sessions will be held at 5:30 p.m. on October 25 and 29 at Democratic Headquarters. For more information, email Peter at ossorios@zianet.com. Health Security Act of New Mexico—Special ReportMary Feldman brought us up to date on the status of the Health Security Act. In spite of the Governor’s nonsupport, the bill is gaining serious backing. Many legislators have voted for the bill, 29 cities and counties have declared their support, 135 organization around the state are on board. The legislators now need to hear from the public. For more information, contact Mary at hn2487@earthlink.net. Department of Peace and NonviolenceChris Aquino was here from Albuquerque to urge us to join in a grassroots movement to create a cabinet level Department of Peace and Nonviolence. HR 808 is now before the Congress. It would establish a department to increase our ability to strategically develop and apply practical, cost-effective, and proven means of resolving conflict before it erupts into violence. HR 808 would create
For more information, contact Chris at cinemabuddha@msn.com. Unified ActionTerry Miller presented this month’s Unified Action. It calls for participants to speak with five friends about the state and local legislative candidates OR take someone to vote—early or on election day. Details about the Unified Action are here and information for new participants is here. Recycling—Curbside!Terri McBrayer reported that curbside recycling efforts are moving in a positive direction. Two companies (Friedman Recycling Co. and Waste Management, Inc.) are interested in bidding for Las Cruces’s recycling business. For more information or to get involved, call Terri or Al McBrayer at 575-541-9667 or send email to amc0337@aol.com. Southwest Voter Registration ProgramThis nonpartisan Get Out the Vote effort needs drivers to take voters to the polls. Voters in need of rides are being identified by a group of 25 students who meet at the Quaker Meeting House with their personal cell phones in hand. For more information send email to Tim Reed at tphipps@zianet.com. Vote by Mail HeadachesRenee Murray expressed her frustration and deep concern that she and many others have not received an Absentee Ballot, aka vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot. As luck would have it, Lynn Ellins, Supervisor of Elections for Doña Ana County, was in the audience and provided explanations and guidance. Points of interest:
Lynn Ellins for County ClerkLynn asked for our support in his campaign for County Clerk. For more information, send email to Lynn at lellins@ziagold.net. Judge Lisa Schultz for RetentionLisa reminded us that she is up—-not for re-election—-but for retention. Lisa spoke of her experiences as District Judge and her commitment to working with juveniles and their families. Scott Krahling for County Commission District 4Scott Krahling asked for our support and welcomed volunteers to his campaign. For more information or to contact Scott, visit his Web site, scottforcommissioner.com. Las Cruces AcademyLou Ellen Kay spoke about Las Cruces Academy, a private school emphasizing science, math, and language arts for gifted and academically advanced students. The school will open in August 2009 for students from kindergarten to third grade. Lou Ellen announced a “Cherries and Chocolate” fundraiser for the school:
Tickets are $50. Participation is a way to demonstrate community support for the school, a prerequisite for obtaining the grants that will be needed to fully fund the school. Progressive Democratic Alliance Will Focus on Criminal JusticeAl Kissling announced that the next meeting of the Progressive Democratic Alliance will focus on the needs for reform of the criminal justice system.
Steve Fischmann for New Mexico SenateSteve welcomed volunteers to his campaign in a tough race against an incumbent. For more information, visit Steve’s Web site, stevefornmsenate.com. Walk, Knock, VoteTheresa Westbrock urged us all to stay focused and positive in these last days of the campaign—no matter how chaotic and stressful circumstances may be. She invited volunteers to sign up and join her for Get Out the Vote efforts. For more information send email to Theresa at twestbrock@gmail.com. Greg Sowards for County Commission District 5Greg asked for our support in his campaign for County Commission. For more information about his experience and viewpoints visit Greg’s Web site, ShortBaldHonest.com. Representative Nate Cote’s Re-election CampaignNate returned to thank volunteers and ask for continued support for his re-election campaign. For more information visit natecote.com. Leticia Benavidez for County Commission District 5Leticia asked for our support of her campaign for County Commission. For more information, email Leticia at leti4commissioner5@q.com or call her at 575-523-5712. ACLUEmily Carey announced several upcoming events sponsored by the ACLU’s Southern Regional Office and Border Rights Project.
Emily also announced a $12,000 ACLU scholarship which is awarded to high school seniors who are actively engaged in protecting civil liberties. For more information, call Emily Carey at 575-527-0644 or send email to ecarey@aclu-nm.org. March of Dimes Fundraiser with Great MusicBob Diven announced a fundraiser for the March of Dimes and promised the music will be outstanding…. Bob will be singing Broadway show tunes along with five other talented musicians. Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information, visit BobDiven.com. David Gutierrez for County TreasurerJill Johnson, David’s opponent in the primary, spoke in support of his candidacy. For more information send email to Jill at jaj1130@msn.com. Representative Joseph Cervantes’s Re-election CampaignJoseph asked for our support in his campaign for District 52 Representative. He cited his commitment to health care, infrastructure, and education, as well as parity for our half of the state. For more information, send email to cervanteslaw@zianet.com. AnimalsAlan Solomon reminded us that animal protection is in a critical state in our county. He urged us to contact our city commissions with our concerns. For more information, email Allan at solomonpix@aol.com. —Please note the change of date—
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