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NTDO NEWS
April 14, 2010
Last Sunday a crowd of about 80 people gathered at  the Winnetka Community House for the first NTDO Forum of 2010 featuring Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. For those of you who missed it, here's a recap:
After receiving a warm introduction by newly elected Committeeman Dean Maragos, Ms. Madigan began by thanking former New Trier Committeeman Bill Crowley for his very successful 25 years of dedicated service to the New Trier Dems. She then went on to talk about her earliest years in public service and how they lead her to her work today as "the people's lawyer" and to the initiatives her department is pursuing in that vein.
Her experience right out of college was teaching high school students in South Africa at a time of apartheid when Nelson Mandela was in prison. (She mentioned with pride, students who have stayed in touch, including a woman who is now a lawyer traveling all over world.) After returning from Africa, she taught at Wright College in Chicago. But it was her work on the staff of Senator Paul Simon and his encouragement that inspired her to run for elected office after receiving her Law degree. She described Senator Simon as a very down to
earth man; ahead of his time on many issues such as maternity leave. She said the Senator believed
we all have an obligation to try to change the world. His words made a lasting impression.
Today, her efforts as Illinois' Attorney General are targeting a wide range of crimes and injustices including consumer fraud (Her advice to debtors tempted by "debt settlement" advertising: "Stay away from it.), sub-prime predatory lenders, pay day loan exploitation, cyber bullying and "sexting," environmental lawbreakers and maltreatment of nursing home residents due to poor background checks of residence workers. She shared personal anecdotes and views on a number of these subjects and during the Q&A period, responded to questions about them from the audience.
One issue that has earned her special attention is the fact that hundreds of rape kits are notbeing processed after evidence is collected. She said she's heard a variety of excuses for this but none are acceptable. She has been pushing to change this situation. The Illinois House has now passed a bill (the Senate has yet to pass it) that would make it mandatory for police to process the kits within 10 days of an offense.
Like every other area of government, Illinois' budget crisis has affected her department. The budget crunch has her office's case load per staff attorney bigger than ever.Her office's funding was radically cut by Ex-Governor Blagojavich in the '97-'98 budget and remains under-funded. Their $34 million annual budget covers their entire operation including 700 employees. Last year as result of the work of her department, Illinois received $1 billion in settlements.
An important goal she defends
is a more "transparent" open government.
Her department has sued other governmental agencies to reveal
information sought by the public. And as for the budget cuts everyone is facing, Ms. Madigan advocates a continuous search for ways to cut unnecessary expenditures.
The audience's response to Attorney General Madigan as the New Trier Dems' first forum speaker, is an encouraging sign for the forums still ahead.
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Next Sunday, April 18 you can celebrate the appointment of State Rep. Julie Hamos to a statewide role and the swearing in of Robyn Gabel as our newest Illinois House member.
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U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky,
State Senator Jeff Schoenberg,
Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin,
and MWRD Commissioner Debra Shore
Invite our constituents to a civic celebration to honorState Rep. Julie Hamosas she leaves the General Assembly to become
Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare
and Family Services;
and to observe the appointment and swearing-in ofRobyn Gabelas the newest member of the Illinois House.
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2010_
Time: 4 pm - 6 pm
Location: Levy Center, 300 Dodge Ave,
Evanston, IL 60202
For questions or to RSVP, email rsvp@suffredin.org |
Wednesday, April 21 - David Hoffman keynotes a Northbrook reception for Dan Seals.
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State Senator Susan Garrett,
State Representative Elaine Nekritz,
David Borris, Louise A. Holland,
Marcia and Jack Melamed,
Karen Nystrom, and
Susan and Richard Wellek
invite you to a reception with
David Hoffman
former Inspector General for
the City of Chicago
in honor of
Dan Seals
Democratic Nominee for
U.S. Congress (IL-10)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
at the home of
Susan and Richard Wellek
1765 South Lane, Northbrook
Host $2400, Sponsor $1000, Patron $500, Supporter $250, Individual $125
To contribute in advance or in lieu of attending, please click here. Checks should be made payable to "Dan Seals for Congress."
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All contributions go to the Dan Seals for Congress campaign.Contributions
or gifts to Dan Seals for Congress are not tax deductible. We may
accept contributions from an individual totaling up to $2,400 per
election; $4,800 per election cycle. Federal PAC's may contribute up to
$5,000 per election; $10,000 per cycle. Federal law prohibits
contributions to the campaign from corporations, labor organizations
and national banks; from any person contributing another person's
funds; from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status; from
federal government contractors. Federal law requires us to use our best
efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and
name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an
election cycle. Click here to visit the Seals Campaign website. |
The New Trier Dems'
2010 Forum Series
continues on May 16
Governor Pat Quinn
RSVP Now.
| IL Governor Pat Quinn
Sunday May 16
4:00 - 5:30 PM
Winnetka Community House
620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka IL
Admission is free to all current NTDO members and their guests. -- Admission is $20 for all others.
To help the Program Committee assure there is enough seating please RSVPto the New Trier Dems or call 847-446-8030.
During
2010, the NTDO Program Committee has plans to host several forums for
the New Trier community featuring key public figures. Stay tuned for announcements of future speakers during the year.
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The Daniel Biss campaign is gearing up. Here are some ways to get involved:
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 Join Daniel Saturday, April 24, 8:30 a.m. at the Northbrook Village Green for an Earth Day clean up.The Biss team will meet there and be assigned to an area of Northbrook. Everything is provided, so just dress comfortably and wear a Daniel Biss t-shirt if you have one. They will also have buttons. To RSVP please email karen@danielbiss.com.
Walk with Daniel any day of the week - every week.
Daniel
is walking seven days a week now and always welcomes volunteers to walk
with him. It's not too hot yet so why not sign up for an afternoon and
meet some voters? Please contact karen@danielbiss.com to get on the
calendar.
Several Biss fundraisers are coming up. On May 15th, you can join Daniel for an afternoon at the home of Evanston 6th Ward Alderman Mark Tendam. For more info click here.
A New Trier Dems pizza party on May 23rd to help support Daniel's campaign. Please contact karen@danielbiss.com for more details.
June 6th
for a great event in Uptown in a turn-of-the-century mansion featuring a
picnic by Hot Doug's restaurant, a piano recital by Daniel's brother,
Jonathan, and other goodies. For more info contact Hot Doug's.
The Biss campaign now has office space.
The campaign has found a great office space in a storefront office on a busy street half a block from a bus stop and with lots of free parking. The place has plenty of space for volunteer activities and because it used to be a Hawaiian clothing store, the walls are painted funky colors. The campaign has almost reached their office fundraising goal so a donation of any size will help them reach it. You can donate right..... here.
Biss Campaign Office Space Wish List
3 desks with drawers
4 waste baskets
4 or 5 table lamps
gently used throw rugs
non-perishable office munchies (pretzels, etc.)
paper goods (napkins, paper towels, toilet paper)
If you have any of these to donate or lend, please contact karen@danielbiss.com |
If you're thinking of getting involved as a campaign volunteer -- here's a great way to start.
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The NTDO Political Action Committee is inviting anyone interested in playing a part in the upcoming campaign efforts to come to a training session on organizing sponsored by the DPOE (Democratic Party of Evanston) in conjunction with Organizing for America
The session is being given twice:
Saturday, April 17 from 10-12 in the morning
and again on
Wednesday May 5 from 7-9 in the evening.
Both sessions are at the DPOE office, 821 Chicago Avenue, Evanston,
Please RSVP Toni Gilpin
Executive Director, Democratic Party of Evanston.
847 494-7302 -- tonigilpin.DPOE@gmail.com
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Friday May 7 -- Mark your calendars for Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky's Annual Power Lunch with White House Correspondent Helen Thomas.
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 Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has just announced her 9th Annual Power Lunch for Friday, May 7th with special guest White House Correspondent Helen Thomas. Contact sarah@janschakowsky.org.
Details on on time and location coming soon.
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Are you a member of the New Trier Dems?
Your participation in grassroots political action will make a difference. -- Come join us.
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 When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process; participanting in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain free admission to select forums and events throughout the year including the upcoming forums with Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Governor Pat Quinn.
Come be a part of New Trier's grassroots political community. To learn more about NTDO activities you can do click here, or to become a contributing member click here or call the office at 847-446-8030.
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New Trier's David Terman is having a book signing for his new book The Fundamentalist Mindset - Friday April 16.
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This coming Friday at the Book Stall in Winnetka, at 6 p.m., David Terman will be signing his new book on the psychology of fundamentalism and the profound bearing it has on who becomes extremists and fanatics - now and in the past.
Join David M. Terman, M.D.
as he talks about his new book,
The Fundamentalist Mindset
April 16, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Book Stall in Winnetka, 811 Elm St.
Wine and Cheese will be served.
To RSVP call: 847/251-6383
He and Mari would love to to see you there.
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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,
Dean T. Maragos, 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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