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NTDO NEWS
October 28, 2009 |
For those of you who missed the Annual Dinner last Sunday, this week's NTDO News includes a recap of a very enjoyable evening. Also there's good news about a new, more dynamic website for the NTDO. And health care reform is on the minds of the two leading contenders for the Democratic candidacy for the 10th Congressional District seat.
And speaking of health care and Congress, a plan that includes some form of public option is getting nearer to a vote in the Senate. But "Independent" Senator Joe Lieberman, a Democratic Party Caucus member and (for some reason) still a Democratic committee chair, is positioning himself to stop it from happening. Most likely he'll fail, but not before doing some damage to the momentum for substantial insurance reform. Joe, that strange little man from Connecticut and "almost running mate" with John McCain in last year's election, says he's concerned for his constituents. Interestingly, the large majority of Connecticut citizens favor a public option. But since Joe's state is headquarters for several huge insurance corporations, perhaps those are the constituents he's referring to.
Just think, if it weren't for the odd doings in Florida in 2000, Joe might have become our nation's vice president. Perhaps denying him that honor is the only good thing to come out of the 2000 Florida Presidential Election tragedy.
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Last Sunday's NTDO Annual Dinner was one of the best ever.
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This year's featured NTDO Dinner speaker wasn't a celebrity like Al Franken, or a presidential candidate like John Edwards or a powerful Senator like Dick Durbin or Russ Feingold. Featured comments came from our own Democratic Committeeman, Bill Crowley. His words were a humorous, warm, humble and insightful response to the praise and gratitude he had just heard from a series of speakers from the podium and the floor. Over 200 people were there to pay tribute to Bill's 25 years of service as our committeeman. A position, incidentally, that is unpaid.
Governor Quinn, Comptroller Hynes, Congresswoman Schakowsky, all of whom have known Bill for many years, expressed their sincere thanks not only for Committeeman Crowley's service but also for his loyal friendship. Representative Hamos and Senator Schoenberg each presented Bill with proclamations of recognition from the Illinois House and Senate and added their own personal gratitude for Bill's guidance and support as they pursued their political careers. Candidate Dan Seals also thanked Bill for his past mentoring and advice. And County Commissioner Suffredin presented a proclamation from the Cook County Board that he described as historic because it contained both his and Board President Todd Stoger's signatures on a document where they were in complete agreement!
Bill's son was given the opportunity to speak for himself, his sister and their spouses as he touched on the qualities that make Bill a great dad as well as progressive political activist.
There were also two other presentations on Sunday. One went to Peggy Slater for Volunteer of the Year, presented by NTDO President Priscilla Sperling and a gift was given to Joan Berman honoring her years of service, presented by NTDO member Les Ordman.
The proceedings were all held together by the master of
ceremonies, Commissioner Larry Suffredin, who did a masterful job of
keeping everything moving along. After Bill was presented with a memento marking his 25 years of serving New Trier there was a final highlight not on the program. It was a surprise (to Bill Crowley) announcement that a scholarship had been established in his name to be given annually to a New Trier High School graduate who has shown an exemplary dedication to public service and the promotion of good government. Bill's acceptance of this honor was clearly heartfelt.
All in all, it was an evening that left everyone attending feeling good.
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The New Trier Democrats have a brand new website ntdo.org. Check it out.
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The New Trier Democratic Organization has a new website -- ntdo.org. The site's new design is aimed at making our Internet home more usable for site visitors
-- whether they are a politically active volunteers, someone interested in
a specific issue or simply a New Trier resident looking for voting
information. Because the underlying structure of the site allows editing of the website's content directly by NTDO volunteers, the goal will be to keep information fresh and involving with frequent updates, encouraging regular returns by site visitors.
"All politics is local" and the more grassroots involvement our
website inspires, the better the chances for electing progressive
candidates across our state and our nation.
You're invited to explore the site and think about ways we might make it an even more effective tool in our battle to strengthen progressive government. Send your suggestions here.
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Upcoming events for
Democratic Primary candidates:
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 David Hoffman (candidate for the U.S Senate)
Mr. Hoffman will be presenting his positions on issues at a free
meet-and-greet reception on Sunday, November 1st at 4 p.m.
at the Deerfield Hyatt located at 1750 Lake Cook Road in Deerfield.
Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, e-mail Karen@HoffmanForIllinois.com.
David Hoffman is a former Inspector General of Chicago, former federal prosecutor under U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, lead prosecutor of the George Ryan case and member of the Illinois Reform Commission headed by Patrick Collins. He is running as a political outsider and reformer. For more information on David Hoffman and his campaign, click here.
 Julie Hamos (candidate for 10th Congressional District seat)
There will be a house party in Wilmette Sunday, Nov. 1 -- 3:00-5:00 pm
826 Park Ave, Wilmette
For further details, please contact Brian at campaign headquarters or call at 847-550-3777 for details.
Candidate Hamos is calling on Congress to include a robust public option as
part of health care reform and she is calling on citizens to help make
it happen by signing a petition for that reform. To read her comments, watch her video statement and sign the petition click here
Canvassing for the Hamos Campaign continues:
This weekend, Julie
Hamos and her campaign volunteers will be canvassing throughout the
district. If you want to join the Hamos team this weekend, contact Alex for Cook County or Ben for Lake County at campaign headquarters or call (847) 550-3777.
For complete information on all the events and volunteer opportunities coming up in Julie Hamos' Campaign, click here.
The Julie Hamos campaign headquarters are at:
3100 Dundee Road, Suite 109, Northbrook. 847-550-3777
 Dan Seals (candidate for 10th Congressional District seat)
Candidate Seals followed up the recent hosting of a Women's Health Care Forum with a personal commentary on the shortcomings of the present health care system in serving women. To read his comments click here.
Canvassing for the Seals Campaign continues:
Seals campaign volunteers are canvassing throughout the district. If you want to get involved in the Seals' canvass contact Erik at esmith@dansealsforcongress.com
The Dan Seals campaign headquarters are at:
405 Lake Cook Road, Suite 205A, Deerfield. 847-945-8900
 Patick Keenan-Devlin (candidate for 18th State Legislative District)
Patrick is having a Meet and Greet
at the home of Chris and Beth Dunn,
Wednesday Nov. 4, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
1616 Highland Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.
For details on the suggested contribution to attend or to RSVP contact edunn50@comcast.net or call 847-853-8586
For complete information on all the events and volunteer opportunities coming up in Patrick Keenan-Devlin's Campaign, click here.
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Make sure you're eligible to vote in the Dec. 6 Endorsement Meeting.
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The general membership meeting to endorse 2010 Democratic Primary candidates will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2pm. at the Winnetka Community House.
Only "members in good standing" will be eligible to vote.
To vote you must be:
- A registered voter in New Trier Township
In addition, as of Dec. 6, 2009, you must have done one of the following:
- Paid dues or paid to attend a NTDO fundraiser in the preceding 12 months. (If you dues aren't paid up, please do so by November 23, two weeks before the meeting.)
- Worked as an NTDO volunteer within the preceding 24 months.
- Worked as an election judge in New Trier Township within the preceding 24 months
NTDO members who have changed their voter registration address to outside New Trier Township may continue to be "members in good standing" if they continue to comply with criteria 1, 2 or 3 above.
Endorsement
requires a 60% vote of all NTDO members attending
the meeting. Candidates who are endorsed will receive the public
support of the NTDO including our grassroots efforts.
To renew your dues as a contributing member now, click here. |
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
Office hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. -- 9am-Noon
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