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Dallas County Democratic Party
Weekly Roundup            
Democratic news from Dallas County
 and beyond.
Tuesday October 20 2015   

Last Few Days For Early Voting
    
Every voter in Dallas County gets to vote in this election. Your ballot will include seven state constitutional amendments and, depending on your location, may include municipal or school district bond issues, city charter amendments, and more.

NOTE: This Thursday and Friday there will be extended hours for Early Voting, from 7 AM to 7 PM.

To learn more about the proposed Constitutional Amendments, the League of Women Voters guides are at these pdfs:
For more analysis  of each proposed amendment,  their backgrounds, and positions taken by those in favor of or opposed to each see this Texas Legislative Council pdf:
For more pointed opinions that don't try to be officially neutral (and their own warnings against Amendments 3 and 7), see a guide from Progress Texas at this pdf:
http://progresstexas.org/sites/default/files/2015-ProgressTX-Texas-Constitutional-Amendment-Ballot-Guide.pdf

What about the bond Issue for the Dallas Independent School District? Read the DISD's specifics at this pdf:
http://www.dallasisd.org/cms/lib/TX01001475/Centricity/Domain/13988/ProposedBondProgram2015rev4.pdf
They say it will NOT increase taxes at this page:
http://www.dallasisd.org/bond2015
 
 
Know what's on your own local ballot! Find the Sample Ballot for Dallas County at this pdf:
Early Voting is from October 19 through October 30. Find locations, dates, and time for Early Voting at this pdf:
If you don't vote early, find your Tuesday, November 3, voting locations at this pdf:
Want To Work in This Election?
   
As always, we need more election clerks to help hold this election, especially bilingual ones, as well as some Alternate Election Judges and a few Election Judges. You can read more about the tasks and requirements, and find a link to the application, at http://www.dallasdemocrats.org/elections/election-worker-registry.html

Dallas County Commissioners Stand Up For Clean Air
     
Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel introduced a resolution last Tuesday that unanimously passed the Commissioners Court. The resolution asks Energy Future Holdings bankruptcy negotiators to clean up or retire aging coal plants to protect citizens' health. A hearing is scheduled for November 3rd about disposal of the EFH assets, including "three of the oldest and dirtiest Texas power plants".

The Dallas area's poor air quality is currently designated as "serious" by the EPA, and may be bumped to "severe" status. These air problems can lead to loss of federal dollars for transportation and other projects linked to clean air quality.

Commissioner Daniel and Tom "Smitty" Smith, executive director of Public Citizen's Texas office, pointed out results from a University of North Texas study that has shown that the three old coal plants to the south and east of the metroplex contribute significantly to poor air quality. Retrofitting or closing these plants would reduce pollution enough for the Dallas area to meet ozone standards.

County Judge Clay Jenkins is hopeful that other counties affected by the coal plants will pass their own resolutions, noting that it is a matter of public health and high costs incurred by the healthcare system handling air-related ailments.

Read more at:

Dallas County Democrats Stand With Sheriff Valdez
   
Monday Governor Greg Abbott threatened Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, demanding that she detain immigrants beyond their release dates. He warned that, if she did not comply, he would ask the 2017 Texas Legislature to take away more local control.

Sheriff Valdez has continued to follow Dept. of Homeland Security policies by examining prisoner releases on a case-by-case basis to ensure that immigrants who pose a threat to Dallas citizens are detained. There is no justification for requiring taxpayers to foot the bill for holding non-dangerous offenders whose release dates have passed.

Governor Abbott is intentionally misrepresenting the Sheriff's case-by-case policy to stoke anti-Latino and anti-immigrant fears, much like the Republican Party's current presidential frontrunner.

Read more at:
DCDP County Chair Carol Donovan issued the following statement:

"Governor Abbott routinely disobeys and ignores federal law in the name of local autonomy. To the great detriment of the citizens of Texas, Abbott is all to quick to contest federal laws regarding public education, health benefits, and voting rights.  In contrast to his own stance against the federal government, he now threatens the highest law enforcement officer of our county with retaliatory action unless she ignores prisoner release dates and knuckles under to his personal agenda.

Governor Abbott is fear mongering at the expense of the Texans he represents. Sheriff Valdez knows what is best for Dallas County. We stand with Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez.

2nd Democratic Debate Watch Party On November 14
       


Come join Dallas County Democrats for the second debate between the 2016 Democratic Contenders.

Hosted by:
State Representative Yvonne Davis
State Representative Helen Giddings
State Representative Roberto Alonzo
State Representative Rafael Anchia
State Representative Toni Rose
Honorable Thomas G. Jones
Honorable Juan Jasso
Honorable Valencia Nash
Honorable Katy Hubener 
 

Thanks to our hosts, the event is free to attend. Registration is required to help us track attendee count. See our Facebook event page (with a link to RSVP) at this page:
FOOD DRIVE: Dallas County Democratic Party is collecting canned goods and non-perishable items to donate to a food bank for Thanksgiving. Please help us make a difference and give back to the community by bringing at least one canned food item when you attend the event. 
 
The second debate is in Des Moines, Iowa and we will watch at the historical Texas Theatre.

Saturday, November 14, 7 - 9 PM, Texas Theatre, 231 W Jefferson Blvd., Dallas 75208 

Filing for the 2016 Primary  
 
Filing for candidates for Precinct Chair for the 2016 Democratic Primary began on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. Candidates for public office can't file until Saturday, November 14, 2014. Filing ends for candidates for both Precinct Chair and for public office on Monday, December 14, 2015, and is set by law to end at 6 PM.

Note to Precinct Chairs and candidates for Precinct Chair:  
the current term will end twenty days after the 2016 Primary Runoff. If you want to be elected to the next two-year term, you will need to file for the Primary ballot. You can find a link to the form and more information about Precinct Chairs at this page:

http://www.dallasdemocrats.org/about/precinct-chairs.html

Find more information about running for public office and links to forms for filing for the primary, filing of campaign treasurers, filing fees, and to the petition forms that candidates for JP and Judge have to get voters to sign to get on the primary ballot (or that other candidates can use to avoid paying filing fees), at  http://www.dallasdemocrats.org/elections/election-facts.html

Erratum
  
In last week's Roundup list of candidates attending the DCDP Fish Fry, I put Dwayne Caraway down as running for Congress District 30. I really should have put him down for running for Commissioner District 3, against incumbent Commissioner John Wiley Price. I apologize for not proofreading better. (And thanks to Kathleen Thompson for catching the mistake.) --Bill

Commit To A Committee
     
Sign up for the committee of your choice and help the Dallas County Democratic Party all year long. Help form policies, develop positions, and/or recruit for the Party. Contact Operations Manager Carmen Ayala at 214-821-8331 or email to carmen AT dallasdemocrats.org and let her know the DCDP committee(s) on which you wish to serve:

Work Area:    Administration
Committee    Chair                Purpose
Finance          David Bradley  To develop the budget and strategies to achieve financial goals
Fundraising    Marvin Earle    To develop a fundraising plan and to raise funds for the DCDP
Technology     Jim Burke        To inventory existing hardware & software and to make recommendations for DCDP technology needs

Work Area:     Issues & Platform   
Committee    Chair                 Purpose
Civil Rights     Shayan Elahi    To alert the DCDP of civil rights violations in Dallas County and to recommend action accordingly

Work Area:     Recruitment
Committee                     Chair                   Purpose
Candidate Recruitment   Carolyn Morris    To recruit, interview and recommend prospective candidates to the DCDP and to develop candidate training programs
Diversity Recruitment      Frances Rizo     To develop and facilitate programs to recruit and involve participants of all constituencies for the DCDP
Youth Recruitment           Chris Nguyen     To develop and facilitate programs {including the  DCDP College Fellows program) to register and recruit young voters

Work Area:    Recruitment/Elections   
Committee                    Chair                Purpose
Precinct Chair Matters   David Reazin   To recruit, train and support the precinct chairs of the Dallas County Democratic Party

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.)

Tuesday, September 15:

Filing began for Precinct Chairs for 2016 Primary. (9 AM - 5:30 PM, Mon-Fri, DCDP office, 4209 Parry at Fletcher, Dallas 75223)

Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 30: -- Early Voting for November 3, 2015 Election for Constitutional Amendments -- See dates, times, and locations at this pdf: http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/wp-content/uploads/EVLocations.pdf

Tuesday, October 27:

Re-Election Reception for Judge Dominique Collins -- Criminal District Court No. 4. Beverages & Appetizers. Valet Parking. (5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Dallas Chop House, 1717 Main Street, Suite 100, Dallas 75201)

Dallas County Texas Democratic Women -- (6:30 pm, Sixth floor clubhouse, 1400 Hi Line Drive at 35E, Dallas 75207)

Wednesday, October 28:

Metrocrest Democrats GOP Presidential Primary Debate Watch Party -- We will have prizes for Debate Watch Bingo! Suggested $10 donation. (6 - 11 PM,  The Londoner, 14930 Midway Rd., Addison 75001)

Dallas County East Democrats -- Program will be Hillary for America campaign in Dallas County. (6 PM networking, 7 PM meeting; Martinez Restaurant, 901 Gross Rd., Mesquite)

Thursday, October 29:

Hats off to Helen -- Reception honoring State Representative Helen Giddings, House District 109. For questions or to RSVP, please contact Debra Jones at 214.943.4120 or email monihobbs1 AT gmail.com. Contribution levels: $5000 Top Hat, $2,500 Derby, $1,000 Fedora, $500 Cowboy, $250 Beret, $100 Baseball Cap. Individual contributions accepted at the door. (5:30 to 7:30 pm, The African American Museum, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas 75210)

Reception for Dr. Theresa Daniel -- Commissioner, Dallas County District 1.  Complimentary appetizers and beverages. Drive to the top of the driveway for valet. To be recognized as a sponsor, RSVP to the campaign by Wednesday, October 28, and give at one of the following levels: $5000 Platinum, $2500 Gold, $1000 Silver, $500 Bronze, $250 Copper. Donate online at https://plasso.co/s/Fecf3ROySe   (6 - 7:30 p.m.,  5110 Southbrook Drive, Dallas 75209)

Rockwall County Democratic Party Fundraiser -- $25 per person. (7:00 - 9:00 pm, Arboledas Mexican Grill, 213 Hubbard Drive, Heath)

Grassroots Democratic Coalition Monthly Meetup -- Price: $2.00 per person. (7:30 PM, Black Eyed Pea Restaurant, 7979 Belt LIne Rd at Coit Rd., Dallas 75287)

Friday, October 30:

3rd Annual Liberally Spooky Dia De Los Muertas Halloween Party -- Collin County Young Democrats. Ticket Price: $20 ($30 at the door) Includes food and fun! Sponsorships $100 to $500. Pay online at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/liberallyspooky  We will be using the funds to continue our scholarship program for young Democrats, as well as begin a new field training program starting next year. (7 - 10 PM, Angela's on the Crosswalk, 1010 East 15th street, Plano 75074)

Saturday, October 31:

Dallas County East Democrats Coffee Social -- (8am-10am, Every Saturday at Panera Bread, 18641 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Mesquite 75150)

Incarceration Nation: Mass Incarceration & The New Jim Crow -- Community Discussion with featured panelist State Representative Roberto Alonzo, District 104. Hosted by Justice League of Texas. (11 AM - 1 PM, Light of the World Family Life Center, 7408 S. Hampton Road, Dallas 75232)

Rowlett Democratic Club -- Guest Speaker Kelly Hart, Senior Directory of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Greater Dallas. Also discussion of Proposed Amendments to the Texas Constitution - Voting November 3. (3 PM, First Christian Church, Fellowship Hall, 7301 Miller Rd., Rowlett)

Denton County Democrats Halloween Fundraiser & Costume Party -- Food, drinks and a costume judging contest for Political, Environmental, and Scary categories. Feel free to bring a small side dish, dessert or your favorite beverage to share. Tickets online at: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/halloween2015 (7 - 9 PM, 1125 Christopher Ln., Lewisville 75077)

Monday, November 2:

Campaign Reception for Darlene Ewing -- For Judge, 254th Family District Court. Complimentary Beverages & Appetizers. Valet Parking. To sponsor, RSVP with pledge by Friday, October 30th by emai to darleneewingforjudge AT gmail.com. Sponsor levels: $5000 Platinum, $2500 Gold, $1000 Silver, $500 Bronze, $250. Online at https://plasso.co/s/zfAbszDstR (5:30 to 7:30 pm, Wild Salsa, 1800 Main St., Ste. 100, Dallas 75201)

Dallas County Tejano Democrats -- (6:30 p.m., La Calle Doce Mexican Seafood Restaurant, 415 East 12th Street, Dallas 75208)

Tuesday, November 3:

Constitutional Amendment Election -- Seven proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, and various local bond issues, charter amendments, special elections, etd. See ballot language and more information in the article above. (7 AM - 7 PM, local precinct polling places)

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

Friday, November 6:

Drinking Liberally Allen -- (6:30 PM, Two Rows, 711 Central Expy., Allen 75013)

Saturday, November 7:

Dallas Chorizo and Menudo Community Breakfast -- (9 am, El Ranchito Restaurant, 610 W Jefferson Blvd., Dallas 75208)

Park Cities Central Dallas Democrats --
Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez will speak on everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask regarding the Sheriff's office.  We anticipate a lively interactive discussion on criminal justice, including jail and incarceration issues.  (10:30 am to 12:00 pm, University Park Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200, University Park)

Saturday, November 14:

Filing begins for public office for 2016 Primary. (9 AM, DCDP office, 4209 Parry at Fletcher, Dallas 75223)

2nd Democratic Debate Watch Party -- Hosted by State Representatives Yvonne Davis, Helen Giddings, Roberto Alonzo, Rafael Anchia, and Toni Rose, and by Justices of the Peace Thomas G. Jones, Juan Jasso, Valencia Nash, and Katy Hubener. Please bring canned goods and non-perishable items to donate to a food bank for Thanksgiving. The debate party is free, but register online. See our Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/537360999762853/ (7 - 9 PM, Texas Theatre, 231 W Jefferson Blvd., Dallas 75208)

Tuesday, November 17:

Re-election Reception for Judge Eric V. Moy� -- 14th Civil District Court. To be recognized as a sponsor, please RSVP to the campaign by Monday, November 16, and give at one of the following levels:  $5000 Platinum, $2500 Gold, $1000 Silver, $500 Bronze, $250 Copper. RSVP:  judgemoye AT gmail.com. Contributions & Sponsorships Donate online at www.JudgeMoye.com (6 - 7:30 PM, 3820 Southwestern Blvd., Dallas 75225)

Monday, December 14:

Filing ends for 2016 Primary for public office and Precinct Chairs. The deadline is set by law for 6 PM. (9 AM - 6 PM, DCDP office, 4209 Parry at Fletcher, Dallas 75223)

Tuesday, March 1, 2016:

Democratic Primary -- (7 AM - 7 PM, Local precinct polling places)

Saturday, March 19, 2016:

Senate District Conventions -- (Various locations and times)

Thursday, June 16 through Saturday, June 18, 2016:

Texas Democratic Party State Convention -- San Antonio

Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28, 2016:

Democratic National Convention -- Philadelphia

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