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Good afternoon,
Last Monday night marked the third gathering of New Trier residents interested in learning more about potential campaign reforms for Illinois. Patrick Keenan-Devlin outlined the complex issue of public financing of political campaigns. This reform measure is presently the law in 9 states. To many political observers, public financing could be the most effective action for reform but also the most difficult to get passed into law, due to lack of public support. With the state budget deep into a deficit, convincing the public to pay for political campaigns is a tough sell no matter how worthy the cause. Patrick also discussed other parts of the "Lincoln Reform Act," and his audience left with a
better understanding of these measures and with hope that some aspects of them will become law. |
If you think choice is safe in Illinois - think again!
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There's a campaign going on in Illinois to defeat choice.
Come learn what you need to do to protect that right. Guest speakers will be the Hon. Alexi Giannnoulias, Illinois State Treasurer and Terry Cosgrove, President and CEO Personal PAC (the event's sponsor). They will discuss HB 2354, the Reproductive Justice and Access Act -- how it will ensure that Illinois women have the right to a continuum of choices throughout their reproductive lives and how you support it. This free event will be held Sunday afternoon, May 17 from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at 1070 Westmoor Rd. in Winnetka. The hosts are Gerri Kahnweiler, Debby Karton and Mary Stowell. RSVP Shawna Shillar at 312-422-0005 or shawnas@personalpac.org
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Want to see more young people involved in the electoral process? Here's how you can help. |
Join Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, the Honorable Jeri Thomson, secretary of the United States Senate,  Rep. Julie Hamos and other distinguished guests for dessert and coffee Sunday, evening May 17th from 7pm to 9pm. You'll be helping to support of the Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE), an organization founded by two New Trier graduates, Matthew Segal and Bobby Campbell. The party will be held at the home of Wendy Abrams, 45 Lakewood Place, Highland Park, IL. Hosts include Nancy Grant, Nancy Pred, Julie Hanna Goodman, Dr. Jack and Marcia Melamed, Susan Berghoef, Beatrice Cummings Mayer, and Wendy Abrams. The suggested donation is $100 and Host Level is $250 SAVE is a national non-profit organization founded and run by young people. It works to bring young Americans into the political process by breaking down barriers to electoral participation and encouraging youth-led policy solutions. You can learn more at their website: http://www.savevoting.org/ or read about their newest initiative "80 Million Strong for Young American at: http://80millionstrong.org/ To RSVP contact Nancy Grant @ 847-446-4134 or at vascodegama@comcast.net |
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Reforms are in the works. But now isn't the time to just sit back and wait. |
Last week's visit to Springfield by a delegation of New Trier Dems carrying 2000 petition signatures for reform was an valuable experience for everyone involved. The attention given the delegation by both of the General Assembly's Democratic leaders  was a hopeful sign that reforms are in the works. Some of you who signed petitions may have already received a personal letter from the House Speaker in response. As grassroots activists, the New Trier Dems want our 2010 Democratic candidates to have a record of 09 reforms on their resume'. If you haven't already contacted House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton telling them you want real campaign reform, there is still time . Send them an email or a letter, or call their offices and leave a message. You can take the same action with your state representative and state senator. They may already be strong supporters of reform but the more messages they receive, the more credence their demands for reform will have. To get address and phone information for each legislator, click - here -. |
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Should the NTDO schedule more Monday night discussions? What subjects interest you?
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The people who attended the reform presentations said they got a lot out of them. We had some great presenters. And there are many more knowledgeable people we can invite in future months.
So what other subjects would you like to learn more about? The financial crisis? Healthcare reforms? The upcoming political races? Withdrawal from Iraq? Afghanistan? Cook County Government? Let the NTD forum planners know. Just click -- here -- and send in your suggestions. |
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About Us:
The
New Trier Democratic Organization is made up of hundreds of grassroots
volunteers dedicated to advancing progressive ideals through the
political process. We welcome your participation.
Sincerely,
Bill Crowley, Committeeman New Trier Township
We are located at 800 Oak Street in Winnetka,
IL. Ph: 847-446-8030 |
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