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Dallas County Democratic Party
Weekly Roundup            
Democratic news from Dallas County
 and beyond.
Tuesday May 5 2015   

Saturday: Last Chance To Vote  

Today, Tuesday May 5, was the last day for Early Voting in this year's local elections (polls are open until 7 PM tonight). If you missed it, you can still go vote this Saturday -- but you will have to go vote in your own local precinct's polling place.

NOTE: because this is a low turnout election, some local polling places were combined, so be sure to check the Election Day Voting pdf below to make sure you go to the right location.

 
Election Day Voting pdf:http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/wp-content/uploads/DayLocations.pdf
 


The Dallas County Democratic Party is encouraging Democrats to go vote in these local elections for city councils and school boards. Each Thursday at the DCDP office we are doing Municipal Outreach Phone Banks to encourage base voter turnout. RSVP to taylorholden AT dallasdemocrats.org. Please bring a fully-charged cell phone. That will start at 6 PM each Thursday. Turnout in these contests is usually tiny, so a few calls may help elect more Democratic- [and democratic-] friendly local officials. We need your help!
 
Endorsements   
 
The Dallas County Democratic Party does NOT make endorsements in these non-partisan local elections. Some Democratic clubs and organizations DO make endorsements in these as do some other Democratic-friendly groups. Below are endorsements I've been told about so far. Consider them, but make up your own mind (especially where these groups disagree!)

Preston Hollow Democrats -- Dallas City Council Districts 2 - Adam Medrano, 6 - Monica R. Alonzo, 10 - James White, 13 - Jennifer Staubach Gates, Mayor - Marcos Ronquillo; Dallas ISD District 1 - Dr. Kyle Renard.

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas -- Dallas City Council Districts 1: Scott Griggs, 2: Adam Medrano, 3: Joe Tave, 5: Sherry Cordova, 6: Monica Alonzo, 7: Hasani Burton, 8: No Endorsement, 9: Mark Clayton, 10: James White, 14: Philip Kingston, Mayor: Marcos Ronquillo; Dallas County School Board President : Larry Duncan, Trustee: Omar Narvaez. No candidates from Districts 4, 12, or 13 sought their endorsement.

Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance Political Action Committee [NOTE: this is a non-partisan group which endorsed some Republicans as well] -- Dallas City Council Districts 1 - Scott Griggs �, 2 - Adam Medrano �,  3 - Wini Cannon,  4 - Carolyn King Arnold,  5 - Sherry Cordova,  6 - Monica R. Alonzo, 7 - Tiffinni A. Young, 8 - Gail Terrell,  9 - Mark Clayton, 10 - Adam McGough, 11 - Lee M. Kleinman �, 12 - Sandy Greyson �, 13 - Jennifer Staubach Gates �, 14 - Philip T. Kingston �, Mayor - Marcos Ronquillo. � = Unopposed incumbent.

Dallas AFL-CIO -- Dallas City Council Districts 1: Scott Griggs, 2: Adam Medrano, 3: Joe Tave, 4: D. Marcus Ranger, 5: Sherry Cordova, 6: Monica R Alonzo, 7 No endorsement, 8 Gail Terrell, 9 Mark Clayton, 10: James N White, 11: No endorsement, 12: Sandy Greyson, 13: Jennifer Staubach Gates, 14: Phillip T Kingston, Mayor: Dual endorsement -- Mike Rawlings and Marcos Ronquillo.

Alliance/AFT -- Dallas ISD Districts 1 - Kyle Renard, 3 - Dan Micciche, 9 - Bernadette Nutall.

NEW: COLLIN COUNTY UPDATE: While not an endorsement, Women Organizing Women Democrats posted this on their site about some of their members running in Collin County:
  • Sharon Hirsch for Plano ISD Board of Trustees, Place 4 - vote4sharon.com.  Sharon is past President of Women Organizing Women Democrats, has tons of experience, great qualifications, and impressive endorsements!  She will be a strong and effective member of the Plano ISD Board, helping our kids and our community.
  • James White, - jameswhite4district10.com.  James is running for Dallas City Council, District 10.  He is currently the State Democratic Executive Committee Committeeman for Senate District 8.  He is smart, knows the issues and will help make Dallas great! Plus, he is a WOW Dems member.
  • Matt Lagos for Plano City Council, Place 4 - mattforplano.com - Matt is a long time Democratic activist and a staunch supporter of the Plano ERO, not to mention he is a member of WOW Dems!
  • Steven Spainhouerspainhouerformckinney.com.  Steve is running for McKinney City Council, District 4.  He is a veteran of the US army, stands up for Equality and Diversity, will work hard for McKinney (plus he took great pics at our big WOW Dems event last summer!)

And, congratulations to Leaca Caspari who is unopposed in her race for Farmersville City Council! Leaca is a great leader in her community, and a WOW Dems member too!

 

2016 Campaigns Begin!!
   
Besides the usual jumble of astonishingly clueless and uncaring Republicans who are jumping into their race to see who gets to lose next year (including two from Texas), we now have at least a two-way race for the Democratic Nomination for President, with both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders announced.

But how about the offices that have more direct and personal impact on our lives -- the local elected officials? Well it's time for them to start their campaigns too, and we've just been sent notice of a pile of campaign kick-off events.

First, three running for re-election:

Judge Dominique Collins Re-Election Kickoff -- Criminal District Court No. 4
Thursday, May 21, 5:30-7:30pm
1400 Hi Line Drive, Dallas, Texas 75207
Skyline Lounge, Sixth Floor
Park on the second floor
RSVP:  judgedominiquecollins AT gmail.com



Judge Ken Molberg Re-Election Kickoff -- 95th Civil District
Tuesday, May 26, 5:30-7:30pm
St. Pete's Dancing Marlin
2730 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
RSVP:  judgemolberg AT gmail.com




Judge Eric Moye Re-Election Kickoff -- 14th Civil District
Wednesday, June 3, 6:00-8:00pm
The Home of Veronica Roth & Richard Sayles
3930 Shorecrest Drive, Dallas, Texas 75209
RSVP:  judgemoye AT gmail.com


Next, an incumbent seeking a higher-level bench:

Judge Dennise Garica for Justice Kickoff -- 303rd Family District Court
For Fifth District Court of Appeals
Tuesday, June 2, 5:30-7:30pm
Location TBA.
RSVP:  judgegarcia AT gmail.com



Finally, seeking the seat of the recently deceased Judge Jim Martin, our Dallas County Democratic Party Chair since 2005, Darlene Ewing, has announced that she will run for the 254th Family District Court in 2016.

Her announcement video is at this page:
And her campaign sign-up page is at this one:
http://form.jotform.us/form/51242958223151
Email to darleneewingforjudge AT gmail.com.

Darlene also appeared on Inside Texas Politics on Channel 8 on May 3 to discuss the upcoming local elections, with a local Republican and Inside Texas Politics host Jason Whitely and Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Bud Kennedy. The video is at this page:
http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/politics/2015/05/03/inside-texas-politics-5315/26828205/



Creating a Democratic Brand in Texas: Lessons from the Listening Tour
   
After the 2014 election, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa asked Mike Collier, a 2014 candidate for State Comptroller, to conduct a listening tour around the state to find out why Democrats lost so badly [that is, outside of Dallas County! -ed.]  The investigation essentially found that for the Party to become competitive again, it must sharpen a collective message around traditional Democratic values and re-brand itself as the champion of the working and middle class in Texas and the party whose stewardship and far-sighted investment have enriched the Texas economy for all. 

At this important event sponsored by the Dallas Democratic Forum, Collier will discuss the conclusions of his investigation, and Crystal Kay Perkins, the new Executive Director of the Texas Democratic Party, will share how the Party hopes to implement those recommendations. Moderated by David Griggs, Adjunct Professor, Political Science, Brookhaven College.

2015 Patron & Sustaining Members of the Forum -- Free, 2015 Regular Members -- $25, Non Members -- $40.
RSVP by Wednesday, May 13  by email to wdgriggs AT yahoo.com.

Friday, May 15, 2015   
11:30 am Registration/Buffet, 12:00 Noon Program
The Belo Mansion, Ross and Olive, 2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas  75201

Become A 2015 DCDP Summer Fellow
 

Dallas Democratic Summer Fellows will work closely with our Executive Director to recruit other leaders and organizers, register and contact voters, and build neighborhood volunteer teams that will help keep Dallas blue. Fellows will learn the ins and outs of grassroots organizing while building lasting relationships with one another and supporters in the community. They will participate in and help lead phone banks, block walks and voter registration drives for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Our Fellows are committed to applying their enthusiasm and passion for progressive causes and candidates to community organizing in Dallas County. They are interested in empowering supporters to become volunteers, and non-voters to become civic participants.
Ideal candidates will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a diverse team. They will understand that a sense of humor is a must, as is a willingness to learn new skills as organizers and leaders. We are seeking individuals who enjoy volunteer-driven community organizing and who take initiative. All our Fellows come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but they are all happily committed to engaging people in the Democratic process.

Program Timeline
Application deadline: May 28
Kickoff training in Dallas: May 31
Program end date: August 9
All Summer Fellowship positions are unpaid. The Dallas County Democratic Party is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis.

In Memory: Ruth Ann Cloud
  
Mrs. Ruth Ann Starr Cloud passed away May 1. She had long been an active Democrat and had served as a Precinct Chair and an Election Judge and as the President and as Treasurer of the Garland Garland Democratic Woman's Club. She was born in Sherman, Texas on October 15, 1944, and is survived by a husband Mike, and a daughter and son.  Services were this afternoon at Williams Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Upcoming Events and Meetings
 
(For the latest updates on local events, and links to more info about these, check out the DallasDemocrats on Facebook and Twitter, and the DCDP website Calendar. To add an event or make a change or correction, contact the party office or email the editor: BillHowellDCDP AT Yahoo.com.)

Monday, April 27 through Tuesday, May 5:

Early Voting In Person for the May 9 city and school elections -- Times and places at: http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/wp-content/uploads/EVLocations.pdf

Tuesday, May 5:

Irving Texas Democratic Women -- (6:30 pm, East China Buffet, 4023 W. Airport Fwy., Irving 75062)

Thursday, May 7:

DCDP Municipal Outreach Phone Banks -- We will be having phone banks every Thursday at our office. We're making calls to encourage base turnout for the upcoming municipal elections and we need your help! Please bring a fully-charged cell phone. (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, DCDP HQ, 4209 Parry Avenue, Dallas 75223)

Friday, May 8: 

Collin County Liberally Groups -- (6:30 PM, The Rugby House Pub, 8604 Preston Rd. ste. 100, Plano 75024)

Saturday, May 9:

Local Election Day -- For cities and school districts. (7 AM - 7 PM, local polling places)

Fort Worth Chorizo and Menudo Community Breakfast -- (9:00 am, Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1544 Ellis Ave., Fort Worth 76164)

Mexican American Democrats of Texas - Dallas CAUSA Chapter -- (11:00 am, 2223 W. Jefferson Dallas 75208)

Muslim Democratic Caucus of Dallas County -- (2:30 pm, Kasbah Grill, 2851 Esters Rd, Irving 75062)

Monday, May 11:

Metrocrest Democrats -- (7:00 pm, NewNew Buffet, 3822 Belt Line Rd.[at Marsh Ln.], Addison 75001)

Tuesday, May 12:

Dallas County Tejano Democrats -- (6:30 pm, La Calle Doce Oak Cliff, 415 W 12th St., Dallas 75208)

Dallas County Young Democrats -- (6:30 pm, Sunset Lounge, 3030 Ross Ave., Dallas 75204)

Irving Democratic Club -- (7 PM, Midori's, 4020 N MacArthur #114, Irving 75038)

Dallas Drinking Liberally -- (7:30 pm, Uptown Pub, 3605 McKinney Ave, Dallas)

Thursday, May 14:

Preston Hollow Democrats -- Special Guest: Toni Pippins-Poole, Dallas County Elections Administrator, speaking on pending legislation. (6:00 pm, Preston Royal Library Auditorium, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas 75229)

Coppell Drinking Liberally -- (6:30 pm, Esparza's Restaurante Mexicano, 817 S. MacArthur Blvd. #125, Coppell)

Garland Area Democratic Club -- (7:00 pm, Garland Women's Activities Building, 713 Austin St. [at Glenbrook], downtown Garland)

Friday, May 15:

Creating a Democratic Brand in Texas -- Dallas Democratic Forum presents Lessons from the Listening Tour by 2014 Democratic candidate for Texas Comptroller Mike Collier, with Crystal Kay Perkins, Executive Director, Texas Democratic Party, moderated by David Griggs, Adjunct Professor, Political Science, Brookhaven College. 2015 Patron & Sustaining Members of the Forum -- Free, 2015 Regular Members -- $25, Non Members -- $40. RSVP by Wednesday, May 13  by email to wdgriggs AT yahoo.com. (11:30 am Registration/Buffet, 12:00 Noon Program; The Belo Mansion, Ross and Olive, 2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas  75201)

Drinking Liberally for McKinney -- (6:30 PM, Cafe Malaga, 107 South Church Street McKinney, 75069)

Saturday, May 16:

North Oak Cliff Democrats -- (8:30 am, Norma's Cafe, 1123 W. Davis St., Dallas 75208)

Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats Annual Picnic --
Hot dogs, beans, chips and drinks provided. Bring your favorite side dish to share. Meet Democratic candidates and have spirited conversations about upcoming elections. $5 [kids under 12 no charge]. (11 AM - 1 PM, Flag Pole Hill Pavilion, East Northwest Highway at Buckner Blvd., Dallas)

Sunday, May 17:

Democrats Bloom - A Garden Tour and Fundraiser -- Hosted by Women Organizing Women Democrats. Explore the amazingly beautiful gardens. Suggested donation $15 per person includes refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and a Mimosa! All proceeds go to WOW Dems to help Democratic women get elected! Go to www.wowdems.org for more info and to order tickets. (Anytime between 1 - 3 PM, 900 Spring Brook Drive, Allen 75002)

Monday, May 18:

Dallas County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting -- Regular Second Quarterly meeting of Precinct Chairs. (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, CWA Union Hall, 1408 N Washington Ave., Dallas 75204)

Tuesday, May 19:

Drinking Liberally Addison -- (5:30 PM, Blue Mesa Grill, 14866 Montfort Dr, Addison 75254)

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas -- (An informal social (half) hour beings at 6 and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., Ojeda's Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave., Dallas)

Friday, June 5:

Tarrant County Democratic Party Jim Wright Flying High Gala -- Tickets [$125 and up] and sponsorships and more info at this page: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/2015jimwrightflyinghighgala (7 PM, Hilton Downtown Fort Worth, 815 Main St, Fort Worth 76102)

Contact:
Dallas County Democratic Party
4209 Parry Avenue, Dallas TX 75223
Phone: 214-821-8331     Fax: 214-821-0995
Website:  www.dallasdemocrats.org
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DallasDemocrats
Twitter:  twitter.com/dallasdemocrats
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/dallasdemocrats