Democratic Candidate Events In DG Township

Democratic Candidate Events in DG Township
(Updated 3/9/2018)

Candidate events are not sponsored by DGTDO, are scheduled upon request as space is available and do not imply DGTDO endorsement.

Volunteer to Support Your Candidate
DGTDO Office, 906 Curtiss St, Downers Grove

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Mehr Qayyum for County Board – District 3

Friday, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Postcard Writing Party)

Anne Sommerkamp for 47^th State Representative
Contact:  annesommerkamp@gmail.com

Thursdays, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Phonebank)

JB Pritzker for Governor Campaign
Contact: shane@jbforilgov.com

Mondays, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Phonebank)
Saturdays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Phonebank /Canvass)
Sundays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Phonebank / Canvass)

Amanda Howland for 6^th Congressional District Campaign
Contact: wendy@amandahowlandforcongress.com to schedule specific times
Tuesdays

Kelly Mazeski for 6^th Congressional District Campaign
Contact  maddie@kellyforcongress.com  to schedule specific times
Saturday, March 17^th

Ryan Huffman for 6^th Congressional District Campaign
Contact  sarah.kropski@gmail.com to schedule specific times
Sunday, March 18^th

Other locations
Note:  these are campaign events we know of in Downers Grove Township.  Please contact other campaigns directly for times and locations

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Canvass and Phone Bank for Sean Casten
Casten for Congress Office
928 Warren, Downers Grove
Contact Keenan Lantz, keenan@castenforcongress.com to schedule specific times

DGTDO - Message from the Chair

Message from the Chair

By Kim Savage

I don’t know about you, but I have had enough! Enough tweet storms. Enough nepotism generating family fortunes off of the taxpayers’ dime. Enough victim blaming. Enough [insert your issue here].

Again this month, I want to tell you how hard the Democratic candidates are working. I hope you are answering the phones when they call, opening the door when the campaigns ring your bell, and carefully reading their literature. Visit their websites. Find previously streamed forums on Facebook. Please do your homework and then vote! The candidates are working hard so they can represent YOU!

It isn’t easy being a candidate. There are plenty of long days, especially when we are down to the wire and the sprint becomes a marathon! However, March 20 is just a stop along the way to November. We need to take a deep breath, refuel, and go for the long haul. When we achieve our results, it will all be worth it…and then we start again.

We are also pleased to announce that you will be able to hear from several more candidates who have not visited us at this time. We have invited all of the Attorney General candidates and are still waiting for confirmation. Watch our Facebook page for confirmation.

Here is your checklist for March:

·       If you are voting by mail, mail your ballot back today!

·       Have you checked your voter registration online?

·       Do you know where your polling place is? Check here

·       Learn more about the candidates.

·       Stop by the office at 906 Curtiss Street and find out how you can help local candidates.

Don’t forget that our March 14 meeting will be in the Library at Downers Grove South High School, 1436 Norfolk in Downers Grove.

Remember to make sure you vote a Democratic ballot in the Primary Election!

DGTDO Monthly Meeting Agenda

MEETING NOTICE

WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 7:30 p.m.-9:00p.m.

Downers Grove South High School Library, 1436 Norfolk in Downers Grove

Pledge of Allegiance

Program: Candidate Updates (7:30):

Attorney General Candidates

Other candidate updates

Pollwatcher Overview

Business Agenda (8:35 pm):

Minutes and Treasurer's Report – 2min

Report from DuPage County Democratic Party Executive Committee 2min

Chair Report-5min

Committee Reports and Allied Organizations

             

·         Action Teams

o   Voter Protection – 1 min

o   Voter Registration – 1 min

·         Democratic Women of DuPage County -1min

·         Local Government News

o   Township – 2 min

o   School Board News –2 min

o   Municipalities – 2 min

o   County Board – 2 min

Old Business-

                            

·     Office – 2min

New Business-   

Pass the Hat

Meeting will adjourn to Nonnies Restaurant in Woodridge. Please RSVP with the Sgt. at Arms when you check in for the meeting.

Blue Tsunami is YOU

The Blue Wave is YOU!

By Maryann Vazquez

Have you ever wondered why there were more Republicans on the ballot than Democrats in DuPage County? I wondered the first time I saw a local ballot, and I have come to understand that it is engagement in that OTHER party office on Curtiss that makes the difference. Republicans are relentless in pursuing their interests and agenda. Democrats ... well, we often think we can just chill after elections rather than staying engaged. We can not chill, people!  That is not working for us. Democrats have to be active to save our democracy even within the confines of Dupage County. Our organization has to remain vital, vibrant, active and it has to grow.  Supporting the DGTDO and its office needs to be a priority for all of us who are concerned about the direction of this country. Do you care or do you just talk about it?  We have all seen what our collective complacency has done to the nation, even the world. 

Our office at 906 Curtiss is the heart of our Democratic community.  In order to build the organization and attract like-minded individuals, we need this home in Downers Grove Township, we need to support. It just can not happen without you. The office is open Monday through Friday afternoon; if we had more volunteers we could keep it open in the evenings. Volunteer!!!  (Just DVR that show if you must watch it.) Donations are needed for rent, supplies and utilities. You can support keeping the office open for a full day with a donation of $40 a month.  If that is not in your budget, try half a day for $20 a month.

The primary is March 20th! We need you! We need people to poll watchs. Phone bankers to get out the vote. Support your favored candidate in getting out the vote. The Blue Tsunami is YOU!

Thank you to all the volunteers that keep the doors open for those looking for a place to feel safe. Thank you to those who donate funds to help keep the hearth warm.  A special note of gratitude to all of the leaders and Precinct Committeemen - you are the foundation of our township organization!  We appreciate every step you take.

Primary Election Prep in a Nutshell

Primary Election Prep in a Nutshell 

By Chris Johnson  

We’re seriously in the home stretch now, so let’s be sure we have our voting ducks (voting ducks??) in a row.

1.     Registration

·       If you’re already registered, confirm your status at https://ova.elections.il.gov/RegistrationLookup.aspx.

·       If you aren’t registered, or if you know anyone who isn’t registered – including young people who will turn 18 before the November 6, 2018 general election (yes, that includes high school students) – there’s still time for in-person registration:

o   Until March 19:  At the Election Commission or any Early Voting Location; find a list of those locations here.

o   On March 20 (election day):  At your polling place.

o   ID requirements for any in-person registration: Bring two pieces of identification, one of which must include your current address. 

2.     Research

·       If you’re still undecided about any of the races, the DGTD website has links to all of the candidate websites – check them out!  http://www.dgdemocrats.org/, Candidates tab. 

·       Find a sample ballot for your precinct at https://www.dupageco.org/VoterLookup/.  If you print it out, you can mark your choices AND bring it into the voting booth with you.

3.     Voting method 

            You still have options!

·       Vote by Mail:  Get an application at https://www.elections.il.gov/VotingInformation/VotingByMail.aspx, and mail it in so that will be received by the Board of Elections by March 15.  After you get your ballot, fill it out and return it; it must be postmarked by March 20.

·       In-person Early Voting, through March 19:  Find locations at  Early Voting Locations, Dates and Hours.

·       Election Day Voting, March 20:  Find your polling place at https://www.dupageco.org/VoterLookup/.  NOTE that there have been some changes; your polling place may have changed since last time you voted.  

o   ASK FOR A PAPER BALLOT IF IT ISN’T OFFERED TO YOU.  More tamper-resistant than touchscreen, and can be recounted if a recount is necessary.

o   Be safe and bring ID with you – something other than your Voter ID card.  No, they are not supposed to ask for it – but your most important job on Election Day is to cast a vote.  You can report the improper request to a Democratic poll watcher, and/or report it to the Election Commission after the fact. 

4.     Why should I bother doing any of this?  It’s a mid-term primary and I’m a Democrat in DuPage County.

Many reasons, but try these:

·       Lots of Democratic candidates, for a change (wave of the future!).  There are nearly 3 times as many Democrats on DuPage County ballots as we’ve had in the past!

·       We can make the November races competitive by using this wealth of choices to pick the strongest candidates for the general election.

·       A strong primary turnout fuels motivation and enthusiasm in the party base, which is one of the best predictors of success in the general election.

For more information:  Go to https://www.elections.il.gov/InfoForVoters.aspx, https://www.dupageco.org/Election/Voting/, or check out the helpful links on the DGTDO website, www.dgdemocrats.org. 

What happens on Election Day

What Happens on Election Day?

By Chris Hotchkin

If you are a precinct committeeman, a campaign volunteer, a poll watcher, and especially if you are an Election Judge, Primary Election Day on March 20, will be a busy and exciting day.

Election judges will start their day between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., preparing the polling place and materials, including making sure the voting machines are working and starting at zero votes. Each polling place includes 2 to 4 precincts. There will be a crew of election judges, some representing the Democratic Party, and some representing the Republican Party. Each crew of judges has one Technical Judge who has received special training in the operation of the voting machines and other technical tools used in the polling place. This Technical Judge is not “the boss” of the other judges, but is often looked to for answers to questions regarding the machines. Questions regarding who should be allowed to vote or to register should be decided by consensus of the entire crew of judges, which is why there are both Democratic and Republican judges.

Poll watchers, including precinct committeemen, should also plan to get to the polling place about 5:30 or before the polls open at 6:00. The poll watchers will observe to see that the machines are functioning and at zero, and that the judges seem ready for the day.

Throughout the day, poll watchers may remain in the polling place or come and go, as their schedule permits. When a poll watcher, including a PC, first enters the polls, he or she will present their poll watching credentials to the election judges who will retain them. Each time the PW visits the polls, he or she will sign in and out. Poll watchers may observe voters as they sign in and are handed their ballots. They may not interfere with the process or touch any materials. Some poll watchers and PC’s may keep a record of which voters have come in to vote, so they know who needs a reminder later in the day. If a poll watcher or a PC observes something that does not seem legal or correct, e.g. electioneering within 100 feet of the polling room, judges appearing to be confused about whom they can register, judges handling ballots after they have been voted or attempting to influence voters, or machines not working, the poll watcher can report any issues to our township chair or someone she designates.

At the end of Election Day, poll watchers should be in the polling place before it closes at 7:00 p.m. if they plan to stay and observe as the judges close the polls. The election judges will remove and pack the paper ballots from the machine, and will run 4 or 5 tapes of the results on each machine. A poll watcher may request one of the tapes, which the judges will provide if they have enough paper tape. One of the result tapes will be taped onto the outer door of the building housing the polling place, so voters can stop by and see the results. Two of the judges, one Democrat and one Republican, will transport the paper ballots to the Election Commission office in Wheaton.

If you are a PC, an election judge, a campaign worker, or a candidate, there will be various gatherings after the polls close, planned by different campaigns, to hear the election results. It is always exciting to watch results come in, especially when you have been an active participant in a campaign and on Election Day.

Hair on Fire - Stand with the Kids

Hair on Fire - Stand with the Kids!

By Carla Feinkind

Another crazy person slaughtered 17 people at a high school. Same old. Except this time, the kids stood up!

Across the nation, high school kids are marching out of classrooms! They're declaring that NOW IS THE TIME TO BAN ALL MILITARY-STYLE WEAPONS, TO REQUIRE RIGOROUS BACKGROUND CHECKS, and TO GET THE NRA MONEY OUT OF POLITICS. The kids took their message all the way to Trump. 

Of course, Trump, the NRA and the GOP tried to deflect. "It is not guns, it's crazy people!"  "There's nothing we can do." But, there are "crazy" people everywhere, and yet we're the only country with such high numbers of gun deaths! No! The problem is the ease with which people can get military style assault weapons and inconsistent gun laws, not mental health!

Still, Trump, the GOP and the NRA say we need better mental health records. But then, why did Trump RESCIND the executive order that Obama signed which kept the mentally ill from buying guns? And why does the GOP want to gut healthcare and Medicaid when those are the only safety nets in place for mental health?!Now, Trump touts the NRA's dangerous idea of arming teachers! Beyond the financial problems – who will pay for the guns, training, and insurance – there is the emotional dilemma:  what if a teacher kills a student in a melee, or a kid steals the teacher's gun to settle a score? Then, there's the tactical issue – even trained police have a hit rate of only 18% in a crisis!

Eventually, Trump "agreed" to ban bump stocks, to raise the legal buying age to 21, and to "look into" the mental health issue. This is a start, but it is not enough! 

STAND WITH THE KIDS! CALL CONGRESS AT (202) 224-3121, CALL OFTEN! 

- WE WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANYONE WHO TAKES NRA MONEY!

- WE DEMAND A BAN ON MILITARY-STYLE WEAPONS IN CIVILIAN HANDS!

- WE DEMAND RIGOROUS ANNUAL BACKGROUND CHECKS!

- WE DEMAND A LIMIT ON THE SIZE OF AMMUNITION CLIPS!

WE WILL NOT LOOK AWAY! WE WILL BE PART OF THE SOLUTION! WE STAND WITH THE KIDS!

Gun Safey - Big Victory in Illinois

Gun Violence Prevention – A Big Victory in Illinois

In our February Newsletter, Joanna Williams and Sara Knizhnik wrote an article providing information about why gun dealer licensing (SB 1657) is important to gun violence prevention in Illinois.  On February 28^th, our legislators passed SB 1657 and it’s now ready for Rauner’s signature.  Legislators also made progress on other bills.

The following is from a Facebook post by Tanja Radakovich Murray from Moms Demand Action IL.  Tanja has worked tirelessly advocate to make our communities safer.  Here’s her update on the recent legislative session:

Yesterday [February 28] was a BIG VICTORY for Gun Violence Prevention [GVP] in IL!  FIVE HUNDRED Moms Demand Action members, along with a hundred more IL Gun Violence Coalition members from multiple organizations, got to witness 5 GVP bills pass at least one chamber; the most important one to pass is the Gun Dealer Licensing Act which has been shown to reduce gun violence 64% in other states who have passed the law.  Many in the IL Gun Violence Prevention Coalition have been working for 15 years to get it passed.  For the first time it passed not just one but both chambers and is awaiting the Governor to sign it into law.”

Summary of all the bills that passed:

The biggest victory of the day: SB 1657 (& HB 2354 the Trailer bill) The Gun Dealer Licensing Act - Rep Willis - passed the House (previously passed the Senate). This is the only bill that has passed both chambers now as of yesterday and is ready to be signed into law by Rauner.  He has 90 days to veto or sign into law so keep circulating that petition!!!

SB 559 - Lethal Violence Order of Protection (LVOP) - Senator Morrison - PASSED the Senate - must now go for a vote in the House

HB 1465 – increases age to purchase semi-automatic weapons and high capacity ammunition feeding devices to 21 - Rep Mussman - PASSED the House - must now go for a vote in the Senate

HB 1467 - Bump Stock Ban - Rep Moylan - PASSED the House - must now go for a vote in the Senate

HB 1468 – Puts a 72-hour waiting period on the sale of assault weapons - Rep Carroll - PASSED the House - now must go for a vote in the Senate.

We are not finished! Please sign and share this petition for Rauner NOT to “veto” the Gun Dealer Licensing Bill!! 

https://ilgvp.com/ouronejob-petition/

Thank you!!!

Gun Safety - Resonable Gun Legislation - Bill Foster

Reasonable Gun Legislation – Representative Bill Foster’s Perspective

Gun safety in our communities and what we can do about it has been a key topic of conversation since the mass shooting in Parkland.  The students from Parkland are making their voices heard, and the hope is that Washington does not repeat their old habits of “sending thoughts and prayers” and doing nothing except to follow the NRA’s directives.  

Recently, Bill Foster sent the following email to share his position on gun control legislation:

“I wanted to take a moment to update you on my position on gun control legislation in light of the recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 people.

Congress has a duty to pass comprehensive gun control legislation, and there are common sense reforms we can adopt to make our communities safer for everyone.

I support a ban on assault weapons that are designed to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time. It is no coincidence that the shooters in in Orlando, Las Vegas, and Parkland chose to use an assault weapon. They are weapons of war and have no place in our communities.

97 percent of Americans support legislation to require background checks for all gun buyers. Background checks are a sensible gun violence prevention measure to keep guns out of the wrong hands, and I strongly support making them universal.

I also support a host of gun safety legislation including measures to raise the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21 and the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act, which provides tools to family members to prevent an individual who they fear is a danger to themselves or others from possessing a gun.

Every American deserves to go to work or school without fear of violence. Congress must take action and pass common sense reforms to make our communities safer. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. It's time to act on guns.  

Feel free to forward this email and tell your friends and family to sign up to receive updates on the work we're doing in Washington, DC, and at home in Illinois.

Remember, I am here to work for you. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail me, call my office, or connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.”

Gun Safety - Possible Gun Safety Legislation

Possible Gun Safety Legislation

Edited from a Facebook post, common sense gun safety legislation to think about:

·       Close all acquisition loopholes – universal background checks

·       Require training for permits to purchase

·       Enhance training for permits to carry; State-administered test

·       Carry permits expire yearly instead of in 5 years

·       Longer waiting periods, even with permits

·       Require purchase/carry permit for ammunition

·       Ammunition purchase limits

·       Lower magazine capacity

·       Require sheriffs to store guns for free if you know you shouldn’t have them right now

·       Firearm registration with strong privacy law

·       Secure storage requirements at all times and places, not just around minors

·       Must be at least 21 to buy rifles and/or certain class of assault rifles

·       0% blood alcohol level while carrying (to include no level of intoxication from other drugs)

·       Enhance reporting of charges and convictions

Fate of Peer Jury - Updaate

Downers Grove Township Board Passes the Buck on the Fate of Peer Jury

By Sue Sitton

In last month’s newsletter, we asked “Is there hope for the Downers Grove Peer Jury Program”  (full article).  We left off with Trustees Van Der Lan and Ferguson taking on the task to research peer juries in other communities, talk to stakeholders, make recommendations for the future of peer jury, and present their recommendation at the next board meeting.  If they followed through, we would know the Downers Grove Township Board’s decision on the fate of peer jury.  It would be shut down or have a concrete plan to reinstate the program.

At the February 15^th Board Meeting (video: starts at 17:57) Trustee Van Der Lan presented their statement.  He reported they interviewed those with knowledge of other peer jury programs in the area, supporters of Downers Grove Peer Jury including current and former employees, and other stakeholders including police chiefs in the Township.  

Even though Van Der Lan stated they included the Friends of Peer Jury Committee during their 2-month process, a person on the Friends of Peer Jury Committee shared that they were not contacted until shortly before this presentation to the Board.  Due to short notice, they were not able to respond to any concerns or issues.  Sounds like lack of interest to collaborate with those closest to the peer jury program.  

Van Der Lan reported the number of hours per case in other programs was less than the Downers Grove Township Program.  The only indicator of program differences was that other peer jury programs were administered at the municipal rather than a township level of government.  He did not explain whether there were other key differences in the programs or outcomes that would make this statistic useful.  It seems that if the board had been interested in the efficiency of the program, they would have done this before shutting it down.  Remember, we were told the reason for shutting down the program was because of a $100,000+ budget cut.  Also remember, the Friends of Peer Jury Committee estimated the cost of reinstating the program was $38,000. 

Police chiefs within the Township were included in the process, and they told the Trustees they are supportive of peer jury.  According to Van Der Lan, police representatives “affirmed the value of peer jury as a court-diversion program and as a useful tool for dealing with juvenile offenders.  In short, they would like to have peer jury continue in some form.”  

Van Der Lan reported the Village of Downers Grove has a plan to research peer jury and to see if it could be run more efficiently at the municipal level.  He stated he looks forward to collaborating with the Village in these efforts and determine what role the Township would play (e.g., referrals).  Rather than the Township being accountable and decisive about the fate of peer jury, they agree to work with the Village of Downers Grove and other interested municipalities to develop a plan to reinstate peer jury.

Since August 2017, Downers Grove Township Board has dragged its feet on making a decision regarding peer jury.  During the 2-month delay while doing “research,” they lucked out in finding an out so they would not be known as the governing body that shut down the peer jury.  Each month the Township delayed, an estimated 8 teens has had to endure the court system and did not have the opportunity to learn from making a bad decision.  We can now add another 2 months for more research plus the time and energy to start a new program.  

Didn’t we already have a successful program?  If the right decision is to move the program administration from Township to Municipal, this could have been done with responsible governing and without putting teens in harm’s way.  Mark Thoman shut down this valuable program by himself and without any reported input from the community or anyone else before he made that decision in August 2017.  

Thanks to the Village of Downers Grove for taking action to attempt to bring an important program back for our community. 

DGTDO Events

Go to DGTDO website for updated Events

  www.dgdemocrats.org/