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April 2009 |
Volume 1, Number 4 |
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In This Issue ? A Five Star Meeting ? Become a Precinct Chair Next Meeting Thursday, May 21 Luby’s Cafeteria Program: To be announced Garage Sale Saturday, May 16 Donations and help needed-for info or pick-up call: Stephanie Arens at 569-1866 Annetta Pope-533-5307 George Senn-696-1434 Officers: President: George Senn 696-1434 or 882-1600 Vice President: Mary Cantrell 781-0736 Secretary: Frieda Rodriquez 337-3361 Treasurer: Joe Ballog Membership Info: ? Dues $10 Per Year ? Pay at the meeting or mail to: WCDA 76308 Websites: http://www.txdemocrats.org/ http://tdw.org/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/ The White House – see the latest news from Washington http://www.texasyds.org/ Contact Us wichitacountydemassoc@ yahoo.com Phone: 696-1434 Other Democratic Organizations 2nd Monday each month Luby’s Cafeteria 11:30-1 Next Meeting: May 11th MSU Democrats Todd Hensley-214-502-9007 For more information Contact John Richie for time and place of meeting: jrichie3692001@sbcglobal.net 704-5256 |
A FIVE STAR MEETING The First Star was little Miss Miriam Jensen. Miriam Jensen; a student at Fain Elementary School was selected to attend the Lone Star Leadership Academy on the recommendation of her principal, Clarisa Richie. Now however, only half her tuition was paid because of family economic factors and Miriam’s stepfather losing his job. Mary Cantrell turned to the members of our Association for help. With heart-felt admiration for this family, our members collected funds for the remaining tuition and provided an additional $100 to cover other expenses. The Jensen’s send their thanks and extreme gratitude for our generosity. The Second Star was Todd Hensley – (MSU Democrat’s President) asked the members of our Association to sign his petition against the Concealed Guns on Campus bill pending before the Texas Legislature. When asked why he was against this bill, Todd stated his dad was shot and killed before he was born forever altering his life. The Third Star was a great presentation by Allyn Arnold describing his roles and responsibility as Wichita County Chairperson. We were amazed about the fact he collected fees from candidates filing for office, which would be used to pay his expenses. He is charged with “selecting” candidates to run for open offices in an up-coming election. Precinct Chairpersons, Poll Watchers and Election Judges are other responsibilities he is charged with to recruit, train and monitor. He also has many reports that must be filed accurately and by specific deadlines or he is fined. Then if funds are not handled properly, he would be fined and he could actually go to jail. We all owe Allyn a big “THANK YOU” for his dedication to duty. The Fourth Star included an equally exciting and informative presentation by Treasurer Joe Ballog on our designation as a General-purpose Political Committee (GPAC). Joe talked us through why we are a GPAC and the maze of reports plus specific “do’s and don’ts” required by the Texas Ethics Commission. His reporting requires a minimum filing every six months except during election years. Reporting for elections becomes hectic as reports are filed before and after elections. Joe too would be fined if a report were filed late. We enjoyed his insights into his responsibilities and the seriousness with which he carries out his duties. Joe we appreciate your dedication. The Fifth Star: A SERIOUS FUND RASIER implemented by our Executive Committee. Our goal for this Fund Raiser is $90,000. These funds are for Our Association ($5,000), Candidates ($60,000), Rapid Response Team ($10,000), There are two major components of this Fund Raiser: ? Major Contributors – 150 contributors to donate an average of $300 = $45,000. ? The Phone Bank – 2,800 contributors donating at least $20 each = $56,000. TOTAL = $101,000 POSSIBLE This is more than just a fund raiser: - Our goals are to: ? Energize ? Join in support of our Party and our Candidates ? Engage more volunteers ? Have ample funds for strong campaigns ? Back our candidates with our physical presence ? Present a united front Becoming a Precinct Chair – A Grassroots Leadership Position
The strength of the Texas Democratic Party is derived from the passion and hard work of grassroots Democrats who take a leadership role in their Precinct Chairs are the lifeblood of the Democratic Party. They sit on their county's Executive Committees, help conduct Party business in their counties, and play a critical role in contacting Democratic voters in their individual precincts. There is no more important job in the Democratic Party. A precinct chair should be an outgoing, self-motivated person who likes people. To be eligible for the office of precinct chair, an individual must meet these requirements:
Some of the duties and responsibilities include: organize the precinct and get to know the people in the precinct, be a member of the County Executive Committee, get voters to the polls, bridge the gap between voters and elected officials, organize and conduct the precinct convention. Training will be provided to all precinct chairs. The rewards will be well worth any efforts you may put forth. Please give some thought to taking on this important position. If you are interested in becoming a Precinct chair, please contact Allyn Arnold, Democratic Chair for |