In Honor of Women's History Month

Ninety-one years ago, Carrie Chatman Catt proposed the creation of a League of Women Voters to "finish the fight" to end all discrimination against women.  On February 14, 1920 her proposal became a reality.  The League of Women Voters in its first decade established itself in public policy advocacy by helping to pass legislation providing federal aid for maternal and child care programs and by working on the enactment of the Social Security and Food and Drug Acts.  The League of Women Voters was off and running!

The years have passed and in their wake rigorous studies of public policy issues have been completed; positions have been determined through consensus, then, advocated for on all levels of government; and, thousands of public forums and debates have been held across the country.  Millions have been registered to vote and provided with nonpartisan information on issues of public policy and community concern in order that informed voters could cast their votes at the polls on election day.  The League's "issue oriented" approach and policy of not endorsing any candidate or political party is respected and has held us in good stead throughout the years.

Never forgetting our past and mission, LWVPBC embarks on a new approach to study and action offering opportunities for contributions of time and talent on many levels.  2011-2012 will showcase League members, seasoned and new, in a format that focuses on issues of concern to Palm Beach County, the state of Florida, and the United States of America...a New League-with a place for you!

This month we honor the women who began the fight in 1929 and cheer on those LWVPBC women and men continuing the effort into 2011-2012.  Let's demonstrate our support by attending the LWVPBC sponsored presentation of "Susan B. Anthony-the Invincible" this month; by responding to the request for a Friend of the League contribution; or, by registering for the Legislative Seminar and LWVF convention in Tallahassee this month.

Your participation in LWVPBC activities this past year and your continued financial support indicate your pride and endorsement of this League of Women Voters and its mission.  Together, we salute Carrie Chatman Catt, Susan B. Anthony and all those who came before us as we carry the banner forward into the 21^st century.

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is off and running!

Warmly in League,

Kathe

 Click here to print calendar 

MARCH

APRIL

LWVPBC ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Getting Ready for the New League 

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County's Annual Business Meeting to elect board members and approve program and budget will be held on Wednesday, April 13 from 10AM to noon at the Children's Services Center, 2300 High Ridge Road, Boynton Beach (I-95 & Gateway).

Former state representative Carl Domino will be our guest speaker.

In order to prepare for this important meeting, please view (and print if you wish) the following links:

• Nominating Committee Report  
• Budget Summary 
• Board Recommendation to Continue Study 
• Review of Current Positions 

You will notice that the 2011-2012 Board Slate does not include Officers.  At the June, 2010 national convention, LWVUS offered local League's the opportunity to explore various board organization models in an effort to entice new leadership.  Their rationale is that Leagues today need more focused, flexible and streamlined alternatives to accommodate changing lifestyles and busy schedules.

An LWVPBC Transition Team has worked since October to find a leadership model that suits the requirements and needs of our League.  The streamlined model they have chosen allows for the selection of a Spokesperson, Secretary and Treasurer at the first meeting of the new Board.  This model has been recommended by League of Women Voters US and has already been adopted by other Leagues across the country.  It functions through smaller, focused teams and reduces leadership pressure on just a few people.   

In this era of ever-changing technology and schedules that are busier than ever, we are about to embark on this change to create a NEW LEAGUE with a PLACE for YOU.  The streamlined league focuses on maintaining critical year-round activities that increase community involvement, generate visibility, build awareness of our mission and attract members; while retaining our trusted reputation of nonpartisanship consensus-based decision making and volunteer engagement.  Stay tuned for more information.

IMPORTANT:  LWVUS is allowing Leagues to delay changing their by-laws until a decision to retain the new model is approved by the membership at a future Annual Meeting.  

At the Annual Meeting, you will receive a detailed packet containing all relevant information for consideration.

Last Call to Legislative Seminar/LWVF 2011 Convention!

Kathe Thompson

At last count, there are nineteen of us attending the Legislative Seminar, March 23-24 and the LWVF State Convention on March 25-26.  Sixteen of us will travel on a League bus which will depart from Miami-Dade on Wednesday morning, March 23, picking up League members from Broward, PBC and Orange counties as it makes its way to Tallahassee.  We'll be there in time to check into the Doubletree and don our dressy clothes for a reception/dinner on the top floor of the capitol Wednesday evening!

If you plan to join us, the deadline for registering for seminar and convention at the $175 price is March 4.  This date will be the last day the League will pay for the registration fees of any LWV Palm Beach County participant.  Register today at:  thefloridavoter.org.  Participants can send a copy of their registration confirmation to treasurer, Anne Jiovanazzo, for reimbursement.

Many believe this visit to Tallahassee is what League is all about.  Come along and find out if you agree!

Participants:  Friday, March 18, 12 Noon-1:30 PM is the preferred date to meet before our departure for Tallahassee on March 23.  During this time we will finalize hotel roommates (and cancel extra hotel rooms,) determine which legislators we will visit during the Seminar and discuss our approaches to them; review the LWVF Convention Packet and divvy up which workshops we will attend.

The bus cost has NOT been finalized as the number riding from each county has not yet been determined.  The $55 quote was with 57 riders but may increase if the number of riders is less than that.  I will keep you informed!  We will have only ONE pick-up location in PBC and it will be off the Turnpike on Boynton Beach Blvd.  The exact location:  TBA.

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Celebrate Women's History Month with Susan B. Anthony

Bea Perkins 

Leaguers have a wonderful opportunity to hear Sally Matson as Susan B. Anthony on March 10 at 7pm to 8pm at the Palm Beach Atlantic University, Persson Recital Hall in West Palm Beach.  Sally is from Andover, MA and presents a living-history dramatic performance of Susan B. Anthony who was a prominent women's rights activist and suffragist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Susan B. Anthony was also active in reforming women's property rights and the wage gap and was one of the League's founders.  She became the foremost representative of women's suffrage, which was granted by the 19th Amendment 14 years after her death.

Our League is partnering with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches and our host, The Historical Society of Palm Beach County.  Refreshments will be served following the performance.  We would like to have a large audience of League members.  If you wish to attend, please write a check for $9 to LWVPBC and send it to Bea Perkins, 3566 Woods Walk Blvd. Lake Worth, 33467.  Tickets will be given out at the door of the Persson Hall.

Directions: Persson Recital Hall is inside the Vera Lea Rinker Hall located at the corner of Dixie Hwy. & Acacia, two blocks north of the Norton Museum between Belvedere and Okeechobee. Parking is on the street or in the first lot on your left after turning onto Acacia from Dixie Hwy. Do NOT park in the second lot. If you have a question, please call Bea at 561-966-4073.

Welcome Coffee & Orientation:  New Members and Guests 

When:            March 17th, 10 AM to Noon

Where:           Home of Simma Sulzer

                      332 Glenbrook Drive, Atlantis

Tell a friend(s) and join us for interesting updates about the League.

Please call Simma at 561-968-7399 to RSVP and for directions.

For more information on membership, contact Membership Chair Elayne Goodman at 561-455-2822.

After the close of filing for municipal elections, more than 36 municipal candidates automatically won election when no challengers filed against them. 

For others, elections will be held on Tuesday, March 8^th.  Several municipalities will also have referenda questions on their ballots.

Click here for a list of municipalities, candidates and referenda questions. 

Visit the Supervisor of Elections website for additional information including absentee ballots and precinct locations.  www.pbcelections.org

Palm Beach County Charter Study

Take a Good Look at The Palm Beach County Charter.  The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Charter Committee dares you to educate yourself and discover your Palm Beach County Charter, January 2009 edition.  From March through June, 2011 the VOTER will feature "explanations and summaries" of all the information contained in the Charter Articles I through VIII, which were added in 2010.

We also invite you to submit, to our committee, any "thoughtful questions, opinions, or suggestions for changes" to the Charter after you have read our VOTER articles.   

Terrific news!  As of this writing, the Palm Beach County Commission has announced it will tackle a review of the Charter this year, and hold public workshops around the County.  We will let you know when the public hearings are scheduled.  Our committee and League members have an opportunity to speak up for any changes we find consensus on at the end of our study.  

Our committee has studied the Charter and we offer our first installment, in our own words! 

Palm Beach County Charter - Preface:   

The Palm Beach County Home Rule Charter begins by giving a general introduction to the Charter, establishing a Home Rule charter option on Nov. 6, 1984 in a General Election. There were four main changes as follows: 

• Establishes true home rule*
• Provides initiative procedures that allow voters to create new local laws and modify or amend local laws.
• Provides a process to modify or amend the charter itself.
• Provides voters with a process to recall County Commissioners.

*True home rule gives the Board of County Commissioners the ability to create local laws,         through local public hearings.  They do not have to go through the Florida Legislature, unless it        conflicts with a State Law or the Florida Constitution.

Charter of Palm Beach County, Florida - Preamble:  

(The Charter Preamble states...)

"WE, the voters of Palm Beach County, Florida, believing that government decisions affecting local interests should be made locally rather than by the state, and, in order to bring our county the full home rule benefits of more responsive and efficient county government and improved cooperation between the municipalities and the county, do ordain and establish this home rule charter for Palm Beach County, Florida."

Article I (Submitted by: Anna Ridolfo)

Creation, Powers and Ordinances of Home Rule Charter Government

Sec. 1.1 Creation and General Powers of Home Rule Charter Government

Sec. 1.2 Conflict with State Law

Sec. 1.3 Scope of County Ordinances; Conflict with Municipal Ordinances

Sec. 1.4 Conflict with Independent Special Districts

Article I has two objectives.  First, it establishes that Palm Beach County is a home rule charter county with powers of self government as granted by Florida's Constitution now and in the future.  Second, it addresses the limits of the county's powers in relation to state laws, municipal ordinances, and ordinances of independent special districts.  Below is a brief outline of the prevailing powers of the various government entities:

Conflict with powers of the State:  State laws and the Constitution of the State of Florida always supersede any powers granted by the home rule charter.

Conflict with powers of Municipalities: Municipal ordinances usually prevail over the county's ordinances.  However, the county ordinances prevail in:

• Matters relating to protection of wells.
• Matters relating to schools and county owned beaches, parks, solid waste disposal, and county law enforcement and impact fees for county fire rescue services and public buildings.
• Matters related to impact fees for county fire rescue services and county libraries.  County ordinances do not limit impact fees collected by municipalities for similar services.
• Matters relating to roads which are not the responsibility of municipalities. Further, the county must credit the municipalities for fees collected for similar services. Fees collected by a municipality for a library would be an example of a similar service.

Conflict with Independent Special Districts:  The home rule charter does not affect pre-existing districts created by general law or a special act of the Florida legislature.

In summary, Article I of the home rule charter requires the county to recognize and respect the rights that the state grants to cities and special districts.

NOTE:  All "thoughtful questions" for the committee should be addressed to RSLitchfield@comcast.net.

Next Charter Committee Meeting:  Friday, April 1^st @ 1 PM - Delray Beach City Library on Atlantic Avenue.

Any correspondence submitted to this committee will be addressed at this meeting.

Charlotte Nash

At the General Meeting on January 8^th, it was determined that our League would continue to participate in the LWVF study on Transportation.

In early February, a committee met to outline the next steps for us to pursue.  

To familiarize ourselves with the issues in Palm Beach County we realize that there is a wealth of information easily accessible on the internet.  We intend to pursue these topics: 

• FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation).  This is the agency which has the responsibility to plan and oversee transportation projects throughout the state.  We will familiarize ourselves with the current thinking on short and long range planning.  This will include the current status of funding for transportation projects.

• MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization).  The MPO in Palm Beach County has the final word for the kinds of transportation projects that are finally approved for action in the County. The MPO consists of elected officials including County Commissioners and City Councils. The MPO has a staff of professional planners and engineers.  The MPO meets monthly and it is our intention to monitor these meetings. 

Committee members who were able to attend this meeting included Justine Postal, John Foley, Gerda and Ted Shay, and Nathalie Schnier.  Charlotte Nash agreed to chair the committee.  Two of our committee members will be attending the State Convention in March.  We expect additional guidelines for the transportation study as a result of the convention.  Our next meeting will be after the state convention.

If you are interested in joining the Transportation Committee, call Charlotte Nash at 561-276-4898 or info@lwvpbc.org.

Social Issues   

Peg Ekberg  

With March filled with so many exciting activities, the Social Issues Committee will not meet. However, through e-mail, telephone calls and conversations, we will discuss what the new board would see as our future work.

The committee and some board members have discussed being part of Palm Beach County's Wellness Campaign that Paulette Burdick championed at the January 8th Program Planning Meeting.  As I understand the program, individuals would sign up to eat nutritiously, increase their amount of exercise and compete to lose inches.  We could have our own "Civil War" - the north county against the south.  As I learn details, I'll be in touch with those who are interested.  I would love to hear from any of you who would like to participate.  This could be a summer project.

The Homeless and Prevention issues are still with us.  The 4:30 pm hour did not seem to bring new friends to our last meeting.  With all the activities we all do, meeting once a month seems too often.  Please e-mail your thoughts to me at info@lwvpbc.org.

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An Explanation of the League and Nonpartisanship   

It is not uncommon for outsiders, and even some members, to question how the League can be nonpartisan yet advocate on positions that, in the slice of time that is now, appear to be partisan.  In the highly partisan climate that has developed in recent years, the League is one of the very few political organizations that is not in either the liberal/Democratic camp or the conservative/Republican camp.  And we have members of all political persuasions and encourage them to get involved in politics.

So, members may be partisan but the organization is not.  All this is hard for many to wrap their minds around.  The League is nonpartisan in that we do not endorse or support any political party or candidate for office.  We don't rate legislators, we don't track their votes and we don't threaten them if they don't vote our way.  Voter service is one of our main missions and we publish nonpartisan voter guides and hold candidate forums to help voters educate themselves beyond TV ads.  Education is an important League function, and we try in our meetings and in this newsletter to inform our attendees/readers and stimulate them to think about issues in our world.

However, the League is also an advocacy group, and we have positions on issues that have been developed over the years since our founding in 1920 and are the result of study and consensus of the local Leagues nationwide.  These positions are updated from time to time, but are basically consistent.  The positions and platforms of the political parties, on the other hand, do change and at times they resemble our League position, or not.  But the League doesn't change or drop its positions because they are currently those of one party or the other.  And, we do speak out!  An example is health care. The League has a position on comprehensive health care for all Americans.

President Truman liked that idea, too, and President Eisenhower delivered a special message to Congress on January 31, 1955 recommending a comprehensive health program for Americans. Lyndon Johnson got Medicare passed and that took the pressure off for awhile.  But President Nixon encouraged HMOs as a way to rein in costs and provide health care for more people.  Then, President Reagan came along and decided the free market was the best way to manage health care and the Republicans have basically supported this idea since.  But clearly both parties have been on both sides of the issue.  The key is not to confuse politics with position advocacy.

(Reprinted with permission from Susan Gilbert,
Newsletter Editor, LWV Berrien & Cass Counties, Michigan)

Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation - Public Hearing   

Susan Litchfield  

On Wednesday February 2, 2011, as representatives of the LWVPBC, other League members and I attended, a Legislative Delegation Public Hearing to give support and to stand up for The Children's Movement of Florida.  This organization is a citizen-led, nonpartisan movement to educate political, business and civic leaders and all parents in the state about the urgent need to substantially improve the way we care for our children.

Palm Beach County state legislators attending the hearing were:  

Delegation Chair, Representative Joseph Abruzzo; Vice-Chair, Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff; Senators Lizbeth Benacquisto and Maria Sachs; and Representatives Steve Perman, Pat Rooney, Mack Bernard, Bill Hager, Jeff Clemens, Irving Slosberg, and George Morattis.

Speaking on behalf of The Children's Movement of Florida was Mr. Tom Ramiccio.  He spoke as an advocate for children, pressing our legislators to boost state services that help children, even in a time of funding shortfalls.  The top agenda items included:  (1) Health Care for children; (2) Developmental  Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for Children with Special Needs; (3) Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK); (4) Parent Skill-Building; and (5) Florida Mentoring Partnership, a mentoring program to connect children with caring adults.

Mr. Ramiccio stated that, "Today, 64% of children live in homes with two working parents, and that if a child does not learn to read by the third grade, that child has a lesser chance of graduating High School." There were other children's agencies also appearing as presenters, everyone fighting for children and the services provided them by state and local funding.  In my opinion, we all need to stick up for the next generation now, or pay later!

To learn more about The Children's Movement of Florida, go to their website: www.childrensmovementflorida.org.

Taste of Caribbean Luncheon a Huge Success

What a wonderful afternoon 78 people had at the Building Bridges "Taste of the Caribbean" meeting!  The room was decorated with bright, cheerful colors and pictures of swaying palm trees.  Then there was the lunch:  samples of hot vegetable salad, curried and jerk chicken, peas and rice, and delicious meat pies.  This was topped off with the most delicious fruit-topped cream tarts. 

The Building Bridges Committee is our LWV group that is participating in National League's commitment to reach out to diverse groups, identifying the goals we have in common, and sharing services and resources.  Building Bridges hopes to offer similar events in the future so that we can continue to learn about other groups that have significant populations in Palm Beach County.

Nancy Gau welcomed the members and guests and congratulated them on the many different faces and many different groups represented.  As she stressed the importance of diversity and teaching tolerance, Nancy encouraged the guests to read the quotes on the tables and walls.  Then she read her favorite quote that was written after the tragedy in Tucson.  All present were moved.

Committee member, Elayne Goodman introduced two professors from Florida Atlantic University who told us about the rich culture and literary talents of the islands.  The speakers, Mary Ann Gosser and Elena Machado, were excellent, particularly in the way that they engaged the audience. 

The meeting ended with Karen Wilkerson stating that the League respects our diversities and embraces our unity.  She quoted President Jimmy Carter: "We are not just a melting pot, we are a beautiful mosaic."  She thanked those present for being part of our mosaic.

The next step the Building Bridges Committee will be taking is to make appointments to meet with key community leaders to learn which League services they would like to access, and what coalitions can be formed on studies projects, and topics.

If you would like to be part of this exciting work, please contact either Nancy or Karen 561-276-4898 or info@lwvpbc.org.

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Twenty Public Hearings on FairDistricting

Senator Gaetz, a member of the Senate Reapportionment Committee, announced that 20 hearings around the state will be held for citizens to give their input on the new district lines.  Legislators will be at each meeting to listen and learn from Floridians.  Software can be used by the public to draw different district lines.  As soon as Palm Beach County dates are available, we will publicize them. As you know, the League does not have a position on where the lines should be drawn, but the lines must follow the rules set forth in Amendments 5 & 6.  We will be watching!

The House has not named a Reapportionment Committee and Speaker Cannon has joined the lawsuit challenging Amendment 6.  Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act requires that any change to the law dealing with the rights of voters must be pre-approved by the U.S. Department of Justice to insure that the change does not make things less fair for racial minorities.  Governor Crist sent a plan to the Department of Justice outlining these constitutional changes in new districts.  

When Governor Scott took office, he recalled Governor Crist's action and the result is a slowdown of the whole process.  Is this a denial of the voters' mandate to the legislators and elected officials?  The Florida League along with its 30 local chapters will continue to closely monitor our call for timely and open progress on implementing the people's voice.

For your information, The St. Petersburg Times has a new website that will track the progress of redistricting:  InsideTheLinesFLA.com.   

"Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better."  Richard Hooker.  

Note: Thanks to the Tallahassee LWV for the above information. 

National (LWVUS) News     

Bea Perkins   

Happy 91^st Birthday!  On February 14, 1920, Carrie Chapman Catt first proposed a League of Women Voters to work to end all discrimination against women.  This date was six months before the ratification of the l9th amendment giving women the right to vote.

The heart of our mission, strengthening our democratic system and increasing the public's participation, has not diminished.  Today, we are a grassroots organization of 140,000 supporters and more than 800 Leagues in all 50 states.

Throughout our history, the League has worked to facilitate the civil exchange of different points of view and improve the functioning of government.  This month, the LWVUS will continue our reform efforts by speaking against attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and Presidential Public Financing.  There is much to do in the coming months, so keep up the good work in your communities!

Elisabeth MacNamara, President, LWVUS

Stop Efforts to Repeal The Affordable Care Act

After the U.S. House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the League sent a letter to the Senate urging the body to oppose repeal of the Act.  Our Lobby Corps visited Senate offices to reinforce our message.  While a majority supported repeal, the margin was closer than expected.

League Fights to Protect Public Financing System

The LWVUS supports retaining the public finance system for presidential elections.  Although the House voted in favor of repeal, prospects in the Senate are a bit better.  The League spoke by issuing our letter to the House, joining a coalition, blogging on our views and urging members and citizens to oppose eliminating this system.

League Urges Senate to Reform Rules

Since proposed rules changes are being considered, the League urged Senators to ensure openness, accountability, decision-making capability and effective performance.  LWVUS sent a letter and joined with coalition partners to promote these ideas.  The Senate agreed to stop "secret holds," cut down on the number of executive-branch appointments that need confirmation, and cut back on post-cloture dithering, while leaders pledged to reduce the use of the filibuster.

Leagues Promote Fair and Open Redistricting

Leagues are hosting public events, preparing testimony, educating the media, engaging key allies and leveraging new technology to ensure districts are drawn in the open and that there will be public hearings. These new maps will lead to more representative and transparent democracy.

When:            MONDAY, March 21, 2011, 2:00-4:00 PM

Where:            "505" Teen Center, 505 SE 5^th Avenue, Delray Beach

Topic:  American National Security Since 9/11

This briefing was written by Gregory F. Treverton, director of the Rand Corporation's Center for Global Risk and Security.  Mr. Treverton has worked in the area of National Security serving on the staff of the first Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and on the National Security Council staff.  In 2009, while serving as vice chair of the National Intelligence Council, Mr. Treverton authored the highly regarded book, "Intelligence in the Age of Terror."

U.S. National Security priorities were expanded after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 to include waging war in Afghanistan and Iraq, tightening border security, pursuing cyber threats, halting nuclear proliferation, and attempting to snuff out homegrown terror.  All have had a vast impact upon the U.S. economy.

Some of the discussions points to be considered are:

• How has the U.S. security agenda evolved since 9/11
• In what ways will this agenda shape the American way of life in future years?
• Have restructurings in the intelligence community been successful in addressing distinct challenges of terrorism and non-state actors?
• How significant is homegrown terrorism?

Bob Ricles will be the presenter of American National Security Since 9/11 at the meeting on March 21st.

Great Decisions 2011 Briefing Books may be purchased from The Foreign Policy Association by calling (212) 481-8100 or by going online to www.fpa.org.

Great Decisions meetings are open to everyone, but to be fully meaningful attendees should be informed by the Briefing prior to the presentation.  Of course, discussion is open to all.

Future Meeting Dates, Topics, and Presenters for 2011: 

Four hundred thousand Americans participate yearly in this program.  Please become one of them.  You will gain a better understanding of global topics affecting you and all Americans.  

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What's Happening in Palm Beach County

The following community-related event may be of interest to our members:

Note:  If know of a nonpartisan event that would be of interest to our members, please email it to info@lwvpbc.org.  Appropriateness for inclusion in the VOTER will be at the discretion of the editor.

Donations

Thank you to the following for their generous donations:

Dues Reminder 

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