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League of Women Voters of Kent
e-VOTER
November 2011
 
In This Issue
From the President
Holiday Brunch Dec. 3
New Member Spotlight
National Education Study
Highlights from Candidate Meetings
LWV President MacNamara and Clean Air Act
Tallmadge League Hosts Postelection Analysis from Bliss Institute Nov. 17
Take Action: Oppose Termination of Election Assistance Commission
Planning for 2012
Observer Corps
Save the Date
Join the League
Volunteer Opportunities
Catch Up on League Reading
Directory of Portage County Public Officials
Up-to-Date with LWV Ohio
Up-to-Date with LWV US
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Welcome to the November 2011 issue of the Kent League of Women Voters' e-newsletter. We hope you find it informative.
Roberta O'Keefe, President, LWV Kent
Kent LWV President Roberta O'Keefe
   

 

It has been a busy fall season. Our opening potluck dinner at Christine Bhargava's home in September was a wonderful kick-off to our year. Our speaker, Roger Cram, gave a very interesting, if somewhat disturbing, presentation concerning human trafficking. Thanks to Christine for hosting this gathering and to Barbara Watson who made the arrangements for our program. I am pleased to report that Kathleen Chandler has agreed to chair our study committee on human trafficking and a number of members have signed up to serve on the committee. Kathleen will be scheduling her first meeting soon, now that the election is over.

 

2011 Kent LWV Kick-Off
Kick-off meeting at the Kent home of Christine Bhargava: left to right, Jane Preston Rose, Roberta O'Keefe, speaker Roger Cram, Edith Chase and Mary Elizabeth Leinthal, Roger's wife

On Oct. 24 and Nov. 3, we did our National Education Consensus study. Stacy Yaniglos did an outstanding job of pulling this study together in a very short time. We were very fortunate to have Debbie Krutz, treasurer of Kent City Schools, and one of our new members, Lori Slattery, director of instructional programs for Kent City Schools, consult on the study. They met with committee members, answered our questions and provided invaluable assistance. Thank you to all who worked on the committee and to the 22 League members who attended at least one of the two meetings. We were also happy to welcome two League members from Northern Portage who wanted to hear the presentations.

 

A big thank-you to our Voter Service Chair Kerry Macomber who coordinated a number of candidates' nights and the educational forum at Maplewood Career Center on the three state issues. And kudos to our League members Barb Hipsman-Springer, Jane Preston Rose, Terrie Nielsen and Barb Watson who moderated candidates' nights around the county as well as in Hudson.

 

Nena Hankins, Jan Rusnack, Melissa Long and I attended the brunch on Oct. 29 when LWVUS President Elizabeth MacNamara spoke. There were 11 local Leagues represented and each League had three or four members there. MacNamara's main topic concerned the Clean Air Promise and what she was doing to promote it in Ohio and around the country. She is an impressive spokesperson for our League. Her talk was interesting but perhaps even more interesting was the chance to ask her about our concerns locally and to hear from other local League members about what they were doing. Nancy Treichler, who is president of the Tallmadge League, and I connected at the brunch. She suggested that we ask the three League presidents from Summit County and the two from Portage County to meet and discuss how we might collaborate. I am very pleased to report that we will be meeting together at the end of November. Nancy also suggested that we share our newsletters, so we will be doing this as well.

 

I look forward to seeing many of you at the December brunch on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Rusty Nail. I know it will be an interesting program, and this is always a fun gathering.

  

 
Sincerely,
Roberta O'Keefe, President
League of Women Voters of Kent
    
  
voterchoicesHoliday Bruch set for Sat., Dec. 3,
at the Rusty Nail

 

  

Whether or not you are creeping around on Facebook or tweeting on Twitter, social media is affecting how the news is reported and how politics is practiced. The League's Holiday Brunch on Saturday, December 3, will feature a presentation by two speakers who are local social media practitioners in the news field, Record-Courier Editor Roger DiPaolo and Record-Courier Web Editor Brad Tansey.

 

The title of their presentation is "Social Media: Changing How We Get News and Participate in Politics." Did you know that 10,002 people LIKE the League of Women Voters on Facebook, including Barb Hipsman and Amie Cajka! The Kent League also is on YouTube and Flickr! Come and find out more about social media. You might LIKE it and the League on Facebook!

 

The event will be held at the Rusty Nail, 7291 S.R. 43 in Twin Lakes. It will start at 9:30 a.m. Brunch will be served at 10 a.m. You can even "like" the Rusty Nail on Facebook!

 

The cost is $18.75 including gratuity. A form will be sent to all members in the mail. You also can click here to print a copy. Make your check payable to the League of Women Voters of Kent, and mail it to Jan Rusnack, 1440 Loop Road, Kent, Ohio 44240 by Nov. 29.

 

 

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voterchoicesNew Member Spotlight: Mary Myers of Kent

 

My name is Mary Myers. My husband and I are both Kent State University graduates and have lived in the Kent area for the last 35 years. We have three grown children and two grandchildren, all of whom still live in Ohio.

 

For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of being employed by the Kent City School District as a special education aide. My experiences in the schools have been quite varied, ranging from working with children with severe autism and severe physical challenges, to those students with the mildest of disabilities. These children have probably taught me more about life than I could ever teach them. My husband is a special education teacher for the Akron Public Schools and has probably coached every sport imaginable. So, issues impacting the lives of children and education are near and dear to our hearts.

 

I have always had an interest in politics and current events and I found that the League of Women Voters has provided a great way to channel those interests. It has helped me to be well-informed about candidates and to hear all sides of issues.

 

After attending several candidate and issue nights, I decided to join. As I have become more immersed in the group, I have been welcomed by people from many walks of life and varied backgrounds, but the common thread among us seems to be a sincere desire to learn and to inform others. I have always believed that it's important to vote, that it matters how you vote, but most of all it's important to be an informed voter. The mission of the League of Women Voters seems to be just that: to educate the electorate and help them make informed decisions. I hope that as I become more involved with the League, I can help further that mission.

  

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National Education Study outlined federal role in education 

 

 
National Education Study
Lori Slatterly, standing, Kent Schools' Director of Instructional Programs and a Kent League member, presented background information before discussions at the Nov. 3 meeting.

On Oct. 20 and Nov. 3, Kent League members met to discuss the role of the federal government in funding education. Members were able to prepare for the meetings with a comprehensive packet of information. The thought-provoking presentations and discussions were precursors to a consensus process.

 

The first meeting focused on general and historical background and funding and equity issues. The November meeting looked at the need for core competencies and how they should be measured and implemented. Committee members were Stacy Yaniglos (chair), Polly Tucker, Jan Rusnack, Jane Rose and Roberta O'Keefe. They were assisted by Kent City Schools Treasurer Deborah Krutz and Kent League member Lori Slatterly, Kent School's director of instructional programs.

 

   

Highlights from Candidate Meetings

   

League members planned and assisted with candidate meetings this fall countywide--in Streetsboro, Rootstown, Aurora and Kent. Here are just a few photos: 

 

Issue forum 1

Listening to the presentations: left to
right, members Sue Whitehurst and Carolle Brode, Ravenna Mayor Joe Bica and member Nancy Moss in the background.

 

Voter Service Chair Kerry Macomber opens the issues forum at Maplewood Career Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rootstown candidate
Rootstown scouts from Troup 556 with moderator and LWV member Terrie Nielsen, Rootstown Chamber President Sabrina Christian-Bennett and Scout Master.

 

 

 

Rootstown 2
Candidates for Rootstown Township Trustee prepare for questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

voterchoicesLWV President MacNamara campaigning to raise awareness of threat to Clean Air Act; learn more about the Clean Air Promise 
 

 

Our National League President, Elizabeth MacNamara, was in Ohio recently to promote the Clean Air Promise. She met with elected officials, the media and League members from around the state. League members heard her speak at a dinner meeting in Columbus on Oct. 27 and at a brunch on Oct. 29 in Independence for League members in Northeast Ohio.

 

with meg flack
After the regional meeting, Kent LWV members joined LWV Ohio President Meg Flack for a photo: left to right, Nena Hankins, Jan Rusnack, Flack, Melissa Long and Roberta O'Keefe

The League is asking elected officials, community leaders and citizens around the country to promise to protect the health of children and families from air pollution. For too long, the debate has focused on overregulation and featured false assertions that environmental protections hurt the economy. Clean air saves lives.

 

MacNamara urged League members to write letters asking both Ohio senators to protect America's children and families from dangerous air pollution. She noted that Sen. Sherrod Brown is so focused on creating jobs that he is wavering on keeping the clean air standards strong. He needs to hear from his constituents about what we believe and how we want him to vote. She also stressed the importance of writing to Sen. Rob Portman to ensure that he is hearing our message.

 

What is the Clean Air Promise?

 

"I promise to protect America's children and families from dangerous air pollution.

 

"Because toxics and pollutants such as mercury, smog, carbon, and soot, cause thousands of hospital visits, asthma attacks, and even deaths.

 

I will support clean air policies and other protections that scientists and public health experts have recommended to the EPA to safeguard our air quality."

 

Through the Clean Air Promise campaign, the League of Women Voters hopes to inform and engage Americans on the issue of clean air and demonstrate what is at stake. Some public officials are trying to undermine the Clean Air Act and strip the Environmental Protection Agency of its ability to limit air pollution and the emission of toxins such as mercury, arsenic and other dangerous substances that threaten public health. The League is asking its members to make the promise to protect clean air and actively work to engage the public and all leaders to make the promise as well. Other clean air advocacy groups are expected to join the campaign in the coming days and weeks.

 

To watch the ad, click here. To learn more about the Clean Air Promise, click here. 

 

 

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voterchoicesTallmadge League hosts postelection analysis from Bliss Institute expert on Nov. 17  

 

 

Dr. Stephen Brooks, associate director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, will discuss the results and ramifications of the November election for Ohio at the Nov. 17 meeting of the Tallmadge League of Women Voters. Kent League members have been invited to attend.

 

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Tallmadge Library Meeting Room at the Tallmadge Library, 90 Community Road.

 

An associate director of the Bliss Institute, Brooks serves as advisor for applied-politics students, assists in the Bliss Internship program and coordinates the academic programs of the institute. With his work on local elections, he is a frequent speaker on local politics and campaign advertising, including commentary on radio and television and in newspapers.

 

The Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics is a bipartisan research and teaching institute dedicated to increasing understanding of the political process with special emphasis on political parties, grassroots activity and ethical behavior. The institute was established in 1986 to promote citizen knowledge and participation in the political process in which Bliss strongly believed.

 

 

  
voterchoicesTake action: Oppose termination of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission 

 

  

Soon there is likely to be a move to terminate the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) as part of the Senate appropriations process. With many continuing threats to the right to vote, now is not the time to kill the only federal agency that devotes its full resources and attention to improving our elections.

 

This legislation has no bill number yet, and it has not been debated; however, the move to end the EAC is expected on the Senate floor very soon.

 

Tell your senators to oppose the termination of the EAC. 

 

Elections are fundamental to a functioning democracy. The value of the EAC far outweighs its monetary costs; the costs of poorly run elections are intolerable. It is time for election administration to move into the 21st century--not back toward the 19th century.

 

TAKE ACTION 

  1. Send your senators a message now. Tell them to oppose the termination of the EAC. Say that Congress should not turn its back on federal efforts to ensure election integrity, improve voter access to the polls, and improve election systems.
  2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens--your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers--and encourage them to contact their senators.

 

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voterchoicesIt's not too early to start planning for 2012! 

 

  

Our annual program planning meeting will be Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. Although not all of the details are set, the meeting probably will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mental Health & Recovery Board office, 155 E. Main St., Kent.

 

We encourage all members to attend. Members review positions on local, state and national issues to see which need to be updated, continued or dropped. Issues range from education to city finances to environmental stances. In January, we will be looking at local and national positions. It is a great way for new members to learn about the workings of the League.

 

Finalized arrangements will be in the January email newsletter.

 

 

 

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voterchoicesObserver Corps

 

An important activity of the League of Women Voters is the Observer Corps. As Corps volunteers, League members regularly attend government meetings to observe proceedings. The Internet has made it a little easier on us! Here are links to the minutes for Kent, Ravenna and Portage County government units whose decisions affect our everyday lives:

 

Kent Board of Education (not available online)
Ravenna Board of Education (available only as briefs)
  
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Save the Date . . .  
 
Nov. 17 - Election Analysis Presention, Tallmadge LWV Tallmadge Library, 90 Community Road, Tallmadge
6:30 p.m.

Nov. 21 - Board Meeting

Mental Health & Recovery Board, 155 E. Main St., Kent
7:15 p.m.

 

Dec. 3 - Holiday Brunch 
Rusty Nail Restaurant, S.R. 43, Twin Lakes, 9:30 a.m.-noon

 
Jan. 16 - Board Meeting
Mental Health & Recovery Board, 155 E. Main St., Kent
7:15 p.m.

 
Jan. 28 - Program Planning
Tentative location: Mental Health & Recovery Board,
155 E. Main St., Kent
Time to be announced, most likely 9 am to noon

Join the League of Women Voters Today! 
 
Click here here for a membership form.
  
Looking for a Way to Volunteer with the League? 

 

You're just a click away from communicating with a member who is working on a project:
 
Program Planning Committee - Jane Rose 
Voter Service - 
 Kerry Macomber
Finance Committee - Jackie Waltz  

Kent City Finances Study Update - Roberta O'Keefe  

Regionalism in NE Ohio - Jane Rose
Voting on Campus - Barb Hipsman Springer   

Membership - Chris Schjeldahl
Elected Officials Reception - Roberta O'Keefe

 
Catch Up on Your League Reading . . . Links to National, State, Local Voters  
Directory of Portage County Public Officials Available  
 
Click here
for a directory of Portage County public officials, including complete addresses and terms of office. 
 
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Stay Up-to-Date with LWV Ohio  
 
Click here
for stories on Election Wait-Time Report
. . . League Encourages Full Census Count . . . League Settles Historic Lawsuit . . . Redistricting Contest Winners 
 
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Stay Up-to-Date with LWV US  
 
Click here
for releases and letters on Congressional Ethics report . . . Health Care for America Act
. . . repealing the Clean Air Act.