1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Steve Preminger
at 7:12 PM.
2. ROLL CALL
Absent were: Tony Alexander, Francine Davis,
Ron Lind, Peter Chiu, Jewelle Gibbs, Francis LaPoll, Rod Diridon, Jr.,
Bart Fisher, Alex Bantis, Thelma Spaziani, Jacquie Heffner, Sal Alvarez,
Larry Carr, Craig Mann, Gene Wagner, Elaine Alquist, Manny Diaz, Rebecca
Cohn, Simon Salinas, Liz Figueroa, Anselmo Chavez, Pete Stark, Anna Eshoo,
Mike Honda, Martin Gorfinkel, Ruth Ashford, Gap Kim, and Mike Markman.
Excused were: Steve Chessin and Liz McDavit.
3. IDENTIFICATION OF VISITORS
Ivan Dimitrov
Clara Tedrick
Monica Facio
Virginia Bartone
Karen Brunton representing Assemblyman Joe Simitian
Thong Pham
Rosalind Le
Kevin Martin
Dennis Johnson
Mary Campbell
Chayo Keowkittiyanukul
Joseph Macedo
Luz Martinez
Tung Vu
Marci Van Horn
Katie Hutchings
Jim Boynton
Virginia Frank
Anthony Munoz
Sari Wisch representing State Senator Byron Sher
Liz Febonio
Yasunao Tachibano
4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Bill Ferguson proposed adopting a resolution on
campaign finance reform. It was not deemed an emergency resolution
and was therefore referred to the Executive Board for consideration for
the August meeting.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda.
The motion carried.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes
of the June meeting. The motion carried.
6. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS AND OTHERS
A. Executive Board: Herb Engstrom.
We approved a slate of candidates for the Steering
Committee of the UDC. We added to the July meeting agenda and item
concerning the advantages of affiliating with the California Democratic
Council.
B. Chair: Steve Preminger.
The United Democratic Campaign is the campaign arm
of the Democratic Party. The UDC met last week and had a call with
Kevin Acebo, who is the statewide political director for the 2002 Democratic
campaign. He outlined the components of the campaign. There
will be outreach to women, different ethnic groups, labor, young people
- just about everybody with a concerted effort to work with those groups.
The campaign will do training for potential staff people and volunteers.
Some people here have signed up and will be at the training this Saturday,
so we are looking for a full report from you at the next meeting.
We will be opening campaign offices in north county
and San José, and we will discuss with the South County Democratic
Club and the 27th Assembly District Committee opening a south county office
as well as an east side office, all subject to finances.
This will unfold with the summer and get into full
swing as we get closer to Labor Day, which is when the grass roots campaigns
really kick off.
We sent out an email last week about our extensive
furniture inventory. For five years we have used a building for storing
our furniture. They are now tearing this building down, and we have
taken all the furniture out of the building. If anybody wants it,
you're welcome to help yourself. It is on Monterey Road near Alma
Street in San José near Southern Lumber. We have to vacate
within the next few days, so we are hoping people will take the furniture
away; otherwise we'll have to smash or burn it. There is no check-in
procedure; just pull into the parking lot in back and it's there.
I think the address is 1468 Monterey Road on the same side as Southern
Lumber.
C. Vice Chair: Tom Cochran.
No report.
D. Treasurer: Dennis Chiu.
Absent.
E. Secretary: Herb Engstrom.
For our large number of visitors I'd like to point
out that the California Democratic Party structure is based on the Assembly
District Committees. In Santa Clara County there are six such districts
that are wholly or partially within the county, and each of these districts
gets to elect six people for a total of 36 to sit on the Committee here.
I take role as you saw me do, and I keep track of who the enthusiastic
people are. The champion district is the 24th with 88% attendance
since the beginning of this term. Next is the 22nd with 80%, and
then the 23rd, nearly as good with 79%; the 20th with 71%, the 21st with
64%, and the 28th way down with 55%.
Let me remind you that items to appear on the agenda
should be submitted to the E-board. Also members of Clubs and officers,
I would appreciate having a soft or hard copy of your report.
F. Community Services & Voter Registration: Frank Bosche
for Liz McDavit
This is going to be a critical election and the
State Party is putting much of it's emphasis on voter registration.
The Republicans as you probably know are feeling empowered here in
California. In response to this, I (Liz) talked with Steve about
engaging the clubs more in VR and having each club adopt a site once
a month for July through October. The sites have been carefully chosen
and do not include any sites already being covered. We had a meeting
at the Labor Temple Wednesday night - and thank you Emy for your outreach
to all the clubs and AD's. Thank you Steve for your help and support
and in obtaining a room for us to meet in. I wish to thank
the Evergreen Club for sending four representatives, DAWN, the Clinton*Gore
Action Network, the Santa Clara County Democratic Club, and the PDC
for their participation. The Clinton*Gore Action Network and the PDC
are already doing VR and I think we all want to thank them for all they
do year after year. (applause) I also want to really thank the Evergreen
Club for jumping right in to help and adopting the Eastridge Mall
as their site and for their enthusiasm. I am going to be meeting
with them at the mall at their convenience so that I can walk them
through the process including how to file the papers for permission
with the management office. I also want to thank DAWN and the SCC
Democratic Club for their interest in adopting a site and am looking
forward to hearing from them about that.
The other sites we need to cover are the Costco
Stores, the Target Stores, and the Safeway stores especially the one on
San Carlos and Meridian. If any other clubs wish to join the effort,
please contact me. I have already submitted the paperwork for 3 Costco
Stores, for Saturday July 27th, and am waiting to hear back from
them.
We have had a great month for VR. We have been in
two very large festivals (Gay Pride and the American Festival on
July 4th), Valley Fair, Westgate, Oakridge, and the Great Mall
On July 4th alone we registered 67 Democrats!!!!!!!!!! Frank
and David might have something to say on Oakridge and the Great Mall
and I know that David needs help this week-end but first I wanted
to thank Frank for helping me set up Gay Pride and Lorre for taking
full responsibility to tear down and take home everything on Sunday. I
also want to thank Margie for all her help all day and night with
the July 4th Festival and for taking charge of putting all the festivals
on a spread sheet for us. Thank you also Lorre for coming and staying
all night and Pat O'Hare who came for 2 hours by herself so we three
could go to dinner. The PDC is covering the festival this week-end
which I'm sure they want to tell you about when they give their report.
G. Finance: Jim Thurber
Jim Thurber reported on the financial results of
the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on May 3, 2002: Income from the dinner
totaled $43,640 with $5,300 still outstanding. We have high hopes
of recovering most of that. Expenses were $14,930 for the dinner,
$2,300 for the invitations, $884 for mailing, $206 for the programs, $1,204
for decorations and $259 for misc. Total: $19,783. Net income from
the dinner stands at $23,857. If we collect all outstanding bills,
we should have a balance close to $30,000. 538 people made reservations
for the dinner, 456 were served. This was clearly a record, both in numbers
and net income--many thanks are due all those who played a role in making
the dinner such a success.
H. Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement: Keith Garvey.
No report.
I. Campaign Services: Cristina Uribe.
Absent.
J. Issues: Willie Wool
Absent.
K. Political Outreach: Emy Thurber
Emy Thurber reported that most of the clubs are
involved in the voter registration project. She particularly singled
out the Evergreen Club at the Villages for praise as it sent 4 volunteers
to the organizing meeting and has already committed to monthly registration
at the Eastridge Mall.
20th AD committee: David Cohen.
We are doing voter registration at the Great Mall.
Thanks to Dan Hoffman and Brandon Sulser for helping with June voter
reg when we registered 12 Democrats. We will be there again
this Saturday, July 13, from 11-5.
Please see me to take a shift.
21st AD Committee: Rich Watters.
The 21st AD Executive Board last met on June
26th. The Board resolved to continue making voter registration (VR) activities
a principal focus of effort. Beth Shaw heads up the overall VR effort,
which will be coordinated with the Peninsula Democratic Coalition.
The 21st AD has agreed to staff the San Mateo County
Fair Democratic Party booth, and has committed to the SSMC Democratic Party
to take entire responsibility for Saturday, August 10th. Interested members
may contact Rich Watters (650-856-7430) or Beth Shaw (650-529-1911) for
information and a time slot.
In addition to VR, the 21st AD will participate
with other Democratic Party organizations in support of Elaine Shaw for
Congress, as part of the "take back the House" campaign.
The 21st AD will also actively participate in the
Get Out The Vote (GOTV) effort in the fall general election, partnering
with the SCCDCC in Santa Clara County.
The next meeting of the 21st AD committee
will be held July 24th.
22nd AD Committee: Chris Stampolis.
The 22nd AD Committee commends Mayor Fred Fowler
for his leadership in helping to organize a Democratic Club in Sunnyvale.
Also, a big thank you to the Peninsula Democratic Coalition, their representative
Danielle Cullinane, Steve Chessin of the 22nd AD Committee and all of our
Mountain View members. Together, they have formed Power Mountain
View, a group focused on recruiting Democrats to be more involved in Mountain
View, and to take back that City Council for the Dems!
23rd AD Committee: Keith Garvey.
The 23 AD is involved in the planning of a Women's
Conference/Resource Fair to be held at the Center for Employment Training,
701 Vine Street in San Jose on Saturday September 21, 2002.
The details of the event are still being planned,
however the hope is to involve DAWN, 23AD members, and other interested
Central Committee members to participate. This is a good opportunity
to coordinate our voter registration and community outreach efforts. More
information will be available at the next meeting.
Tom Cochran arose to point out that Keith Garvey's
birthday was Friday and would be honored with a rendition of Happy Birthday
to You.
African-American Democratic Coalition: Merylee Shelton.
Awaiting report.
Clinton*Gore Action Network: Frank Bosche.
The Clinton*Action Network has already sold ten
tickets to Zoe's barbecue and is going for twenty. We're doing
voter registration every weekend.
Democratic Action for Women Now (DAWN): Denelle Fedor.
Awaiting report.
Evergreen Democratic Club at the Villages: Beverly Wharton.
Although no Club rep gave reports for May and June
Central Committee meetings, we have been active. Two members (Liz Gill
and Davey Thompson) are representatives on Dave Cortese's Community Roundtable
Group. In April Rena Modell and I attended FORUM's Senior Concerns Rally
and Barbecue. In May Club approved two CDC Resolutions (Including Complete
Text of Propositions on Ballot and Constitutional Rights). Home Safety
and Accident Prevention was topic of our May speaker from San Jose Fire
Department's Public Relations Department. Club members filled a table at
annual J.J. Dinner.
In spirit of non-partisan cooperation, presidents
of Villages' Democratic and Republican Clubs persuaded Villages' Management
to reverse its decision to locate one of Villages' 5 precincts outside
Villages, which would have required 500 eligible Cribari Village voters
to use an absentee ballot or go outside Gate to vote.
In June, Dr. Constantine Danopoulus, SJSU Professor
of Political Science, spoke on "Arab Reaction to Middle East Problem."
Participation in Villages' July 4th annual parade
substituted for our July meeting. Three convertibles (red, white, and blue),
appropriately adorned with bunting and banners, proclaimed presence of
Evergreen Democratic at Villages.
Four members attended Voter Reg training at Labor
Temple Tuesday evening and we will be tabling on a regular basis at Eastridge.
We were saddened at passing on Fathers' Day of one
our stalwart, founding members and former Club President, Marv Jensen.
"Marvelous Marv, " as he was affectionately known, will be greatly missed.
We are busy planning our annual Club Picnic, a hosted
BBQ, for Saturday, August 18, at Foothill Center. Our regional legislative
representatives have been invited to join us for information gathering,
campaign support, and a jump start on forthcoming campaign season.
High Tech Dems: Alyson Abramowitz.
Awaiting report.
Peninsula Democratic Coalition: Emy Thurber.
The club did voter registration at the Palo Alto
Chili Cookoff last weekend and will work at the Los Altos Art and Wine
Festival this weekend. The club and the 21st AD will be doing voter
registration nearly every weekend through the summer and fall.
Peninsula Young Democrats: Bill James.
Last month the PYD gathered for Movie Night at PYD
member Chris Kelly's house on June 27. The group watched "Dick" in
honor of the 30th anniversary of the Watergate break-in. For this
month, PYD has organized a "Campaign 101" workshop for those who may be
interested in running for office, running a campaign for another candidate,
and/or fundraising. Elected officials and campaign professionals
have been invited to attend and share their wisdom and experience.
The workshop will be held on Thursday, July 25, from 7-9 pm at the Mountain
View Community Center on Rengstorff Avenue (near Central Expressway and
adjacent to Rengstorff Park).
Santa Clara County Democratic Club: Herb Engstrom.
We are having our picnic on Saturday, July 27th,
in the picnic area of Sunken Gardens at the corner of Wolfe Road and El
Camino in Sunnyvale from 4 to 7 P.M. I've been getting calls from
State Senator Jackie Speier's office, and it looks as if she will be there
to help honor the contributions of women to politics. If you have
never met Jackie Speier, she is one dynamic lady. Our guest of honor
will be Elaine Shaw, candidate for the 11th Congressional District seat.
She is running against an incumbent Republican Richard Pombo, who is one
of the most conservative people. He opposes a woman's right to choose,
he fought to undermine the Endangered Species Act, he voted to abolish
the Department of Education, and voted to slash school funding. Those
of you that are students, you'd better pay attention! The 11th CD
picks up Morgan Hill in our county but goes out to Pleasanton, but not
Livermore, over to Lodi, but not Stockton - this is the most gerrymandered
district in the state. Republicans thought this gerrymandering would
keep it in Republican hands, but the change in demographics gives a Democrat
a real chance. Santa Clara County is a Republican free zone, and
almost all Democrats running here will not have a difficult challenge,
so some of us are going over to help in other races. Our Club, thanks
to the initiative of Dan Hoffman, has arranged to do voter registration,
so we will have a car pool on the 20th of this month. Dan has a sign-up
sheet, and he and I are going over, and I invite anyone here to join us.
Those of you students, if you want to find out what walking a precinct
in the lovely Central Valley in the middle of summer is like, you're welcome
to join us. It'll be an educational experience.
Dan rose to say that another of our volunteers is
Santa Clara City Councilwoman Aldyth Parle, who is here tonight.
Dan asked for more volunteers.
South County Democratic Club: Alex Kennett.
Organizing to work our 3 Congressional and Assembly
Districts and 1 Senatorial District. We also have a Mayoral and 2
Council Seats in Morgan Hill. Extra emphasis on Elaine Shaw.
West Valley Democratic Club:
L. Regional Directors: Madge Overhouse.
For the benefit of the students, there is a California
State Central Committee, but we always call it the California Democratic
Party. It has an annual convention composed of about 3,000 individuals
that are either appointed or elected as a delegate. In between those
conventions there are Executive Board meetings, and the one coming up is
August 2nd and 3rd in Sacramento. We have representation to
the state committee as well as several members on standing committees.
This meeting they will be talking about the fall election. There
will be a mixer on Friday night. On Saturday there will be an election.
We don't know as yet who the speaker will be.
It is open, so if any of you want to find out about
how you may attend, just see me, and I'll give you the specifics.
M. Democratic National Committee: Chris Stampolis.
The next Democratic National Committee meeting will
be August 8-10 at the Las Vegas Hilton, open to the public, no charge.
There will be lots of good trainings, presentations and discussions.
Thursday night the 8th will feature a reception hosted by the national
Hispanic Caucus. The African-American Caucus will host a Friday August
9 lunch. For Democrats to win nationally, we must emulate the success
in California of reaching out to all ethnicities to form partnerships and
alliances. Chair Terry McAuliffe has committed to record some short
20 second PSAs for radio play that can include roll-in at the end to make
the spots locally relevant. DNC member Mary Ellen Early is working
to strengthen Speakers' Bureau outreach from DNC members, and effectively
discussed the issue during the Thursday, July 11 national conference call.
Contact Chris Stampolis for more DNC info at 408-390-4748 or at CalifDems@aol.com
.
N. Pro-Choice Coalition: Claudia Shope.
We will be at the County Fair. Parris Corea
and David Wilkes and others have already signed up to staff the booth.
We'd like to invite you to come out to help defend the clinics early Saturday
mornings. It starts out on East Santa Clara and 15th and then
moves to the Alameda about 9:30, where you might see some interesting characters
who like to harass people.
The FBI and local police are investigating two shootings
at Planned Parenthood clinics that occurred over the July 4 holiday weekend,
the Kansas City Star reports. No injuries resulted from either attack,
both of which occurred when the clinics were closed. At Planned Parenthood's
Comprehensive Health Clinic in Overland Park, Kansas., investigators believe
that a high-powered rifle was used in the shooting, which broke windows
and furniture in the office. The clinic has double-paned glass that is
designed not to shatter when shot. "This clearly had the appearance of
someone driving along the street and firing rapidly ," Peter Brownlie,
president of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, said. Costs
to repair the damage to the clinic are estimated at between $20,000 and
$30,000. The shooting was the second that has occurred at the clinic in
less than two years. The FBI is investigating the most recent shooting
as
a violation of the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Over the same weekend, five shots were fired into
the Family Planning Health Center, a Planned Parenthood affiliate in Brainerd,
Minn. Abortions are not performed at the clinic, but it does dispense emergency
contraception, for which demand typically "spikes" after holidays and long
weekends. Police are not certain whether the Kansas and Minnesota shootings
are connected (Espinoza, Kansas City Star, 719). Investigators believe
a large-caliber handgun was used at the Minnesota clinic, although no shell
casings were found near the crime scene. The shooting came after a 1994
fire -a case of suspected arson that was never prosecuted -destroyed the
clinic and three neighboring businesses. Officials have spoken with one
suspect from that incident and are reviewing other names on the suspect
list from the 1994 fire, although investigators do not know whether the
two crimes were committed by the same individual. Jennifer Ronneberg, the
clinic's manager, has ordered new security measures to be installed at
the clinic, including bullet-resistant glass for the doors and windows
(Haga, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, 7/9).
O. DTV Report: Steve Chessin.
Absent.
P. CDC Report: David Wilkes.
I guarantee the work "caucus" will be on your final
exam. Extra credit will be to define all this alphabet soup like
CDC and NDC and ABC and CBS and CNN. An extended discussion of the
CDC will be given under New Business below.
Q. Welfare Reform: Sal Alvarez
Absent.
7. OLD BUSINESS
Approval of nominees for the UDC Steering Committee. Steve Preminger.
The five nominees are myself as chair, Jim Thurber
as Treasurer, Phaedra Ellis Lamkins, who has been nominated by the South
Bay Labor Council, Tom Cochran (SCCDC rep) and Keith Garvey (at-large rep).
A motion was made and seconded to approve.
There was no discussion, and the five nominees were confirmed by voice
vote.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of affiliation with the California Democratic Council.
CDC Northern Trustee David Wilkes and CDC Secretary
Chris Stampolis presented an overview of the California Democratic Council,
including its history and current directions. David reminded members
that CDC was formed under the leadership of Alan Cranston in 1952.
This is CDC's 50th year. Chris mentioned that CDC is looking to take
leadership on providing club organizing tools to newly forming groups,
as well as to Democratic groups that are looking to grow. Also, CDC
will be working with the CDP to provide Speakers' Bureau referrals to local
clubs that are preparing future meetings. Finally, with the County
Committee re-affiliating, the SCCDCC gains appointments to all of CDC's
committees. Contact Steve Preminger to request an appointment to
any CDC Committee.
Alyson Abramowitz asked about the cost of affiliation.
Chris replied that normally the cost is $90 per year, but we can reaffiliate
for $45 for the rest of this year.
Phyllis Ward asked, "What's in it for us?"
Chris replied that every group gets membership on the Executive Board of
the CDC and at least two votes at the state convention. Every affiliated
organization may appoint a member to every one of CDC's committees - the
Rules Committee, the Communications Committee, the Issues Committee, the
Convention Committee. Steve will be the appointing person
Phyllis asked about potential conflict between the
State Party and the CDC. Chris said that there was a period of about
15 years when CDC really was unsure about its purpose. That happened
in the years after the Vietnam war, which led to a split with some members
being very anti-war and even anti-institution that ran CDC. WIthin
the last 5 or 10 years there has been a growth and a repartnering with
the State Party. Art Torres, the State Chair, has been very supportive
of the CDC. He has talked to Jim Clarke and myself. He has
wants CDC to take on the role of club whip or club organizer as a resource
statewide. We are lucky in this county to have Emy to do this, but
there are a lot of counties across the state that need some help and actively
want us to play that role. It's a very good partnership; there is
no conflict. It's a good way for clubs to participate without overwhelming
the State Party office.
David Cohen asked how many clubs in the state are
affiliated. David Wilkes indicated that it was over 100. Chris
went on to say that we really don't know what fraction of the total this
represents, because there are no statewide standards for club affiliation.
Thus, we are not sure how many Democratic clubs there are. Of the
really viable clubs, about 65% have affiliated with the CDC. We are
considering amending the bylaws to make every club an automatic member
of CDC, but perhaps awarding more votes and participation opportunities
of you're fully affiliated.
There was a motion and a second to reaffiliate.
The motion carried.
Campaign Finance resolution.
Resolution proposed by Bill Ferguson.
Whereas money in the form of campaign contributions are increasingly influencing our election process. for example, in the 1998 election cycle alone, members of the House Ways and Means Committee collected $1.9 million in PAC and large individual contributions ($200) from the insurance industry, $1.7 million from health professionals, $1.1 million from lawyers and law firms.
Whereas the current campaign finance system suffers from four major problems: Special interests have too much influence, good people can't run for office without large sums of money, candidates spend too much time asking for campaign contributions, and; political campaigns cost too much and last too long. In 1998, corporations outspent unions by $566 million in hard and soft money contributions. This gives corporations and wealthy donors undue influence over the political process and ordinary citizens who cannot afford large campaign contributions are increasingly disenfranchised.
Whereas the California State Democratic Party joined a Republican lawsuit on May 8 against the new Campaign Finance Reform legislation.
Therefore the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee re-affirms our support for campaign finance reform in general and clean money reform in particular. More details on clean money can be found on the SCCDCC website in a position paper.
Therefore the SCCDCC affirms our support for the new Campaign Finance Reform legislation, signed into law on March 27, 2002.
Be it resolved that the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee calls upon the California State Democratic Party to withdraw from the lawsuit against the new Campaign Finance Reform legislation and to fully support campaign finance reform.
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Support for Terry Gregory, candidate for San José City Council
District 7
Merylee Shelton said that San José District
7 is a unique district because it has the lowest per capita income of any
community within San José. Even though Terry Gregory got the
largest number of votes for Franklin-McKinley School District and the district
is heavily Democratic, often Democrats don't show up to vote, especially
poorer people. They don't have the money to give financial support
to the campaign. Terry is running against Ed Voss, who has vacillated
in his commitment to affordable housing. It's really great for poor
people to have representation from Terry Gregory in District 7. One of
the things I'd like you to do is to really get to know Terry Gregory.
If you haven't supported him financially, I really recommend that you do
it. When it all domes down to a rainy day in November, there is a
bunch of Democrats in his district that are not naturally going to go out
and vote. I know many in the Central Committee are looking to help[
out in other areas throughout the state, and that's important, but one
area in San José that I'm concerned about is District 7 because
Terry's opponent is going to raise a great deal of money. He's gotten
support from downtown businessmen. It's really important that Terry
raise money and that people who support him do precinct walking and talk
the talk. He'll need help from outside his district, because people
within his district are trying to survive.
His committee is hosting an event, that is free
to the public, a luau, and it'll be the 24th of August from 10:30 in the
morning to 1:30 in the afternoon. I'll put some material on line
and give everyone an invitation. Please come, especially if you haven't
had a chance to get to know Terry. Enjoy the food and music.
There are no strings attached, no financial obligation required.
However, before that time if you are able it would really be appreciated
it you would write a check. whether it's $5 to $50 or $250, would really
be nice, too. Terry needs financial support from outside his district,
and he'll have to get people power support from outside his district.
There are some people who may not have heard much
about Terry Gregory and what he stands for, and I'd like to introduce Terry
Gregory, candidate District 7, City of San José CIty Council.
Terry Gregory spoke. Good evening and Merylee,
thank you very much for what you said about District 7. We did win
the primary in March. We worked hard over the last year. There
were five candidates in the race, and we had a tough race; we got the highest
number of votes. We still have this steep incline to go over in the
runoff with Ed Voss. Merylee is right: in our district how are we
going to win this race? It's going to be won on the ground.
We have to make sure that we dominate the space in the district in terms
of contacting every single potential voter and get them excited to come
out and support this campaign. That's how this race is going to be
won. Yes, there's a lot of money that's going to be raised.
We already know that there are several businessmen willing to spend an
exorbitant amount of money on Ed Voss. One spent over $20,000 in
the primary There are others that are going to spend that kind of
money. The bottom line comes down to District 7 being a district
that has many, many low income and poor residents. Who has to be
representing District 7 is someone who's concerned and cares about not
only business but what happens to our service workers, our union
workers, our low income workers, and our poor residents. Ands we
have to make sure that we reach every single person in our district.
And I'm committed to making sure that that's the kind of governance happens
in District 7 after I'm elected in November.
We really, really truly are going to need to have
every one of you, as many of you as possible connect to the effort
we're putting out to make sure that we win this race in District
7 in November. I look forward to working with every one of you and
making it happen. Thank you very much.
Thong Pham asked where the district is located.
District 7 is the central part of San José. The eastern end
is King Road; the western side is highway 87; the northern side is Story
Road; the southern side is Capitol Expressway. That's basically the
core of the district, but there are some little wings hanging out.
Phyllis Ward asked about the contribution of $20,000.
She said she thought there was a $250 limit. A city ordinance says
that the limit is $250 per person or entity contributing to the candidate.
But then there is this strange thing called "independent expenditures."
Through an independent expenditure, I don't think there is a limit on what
can be spent. However there is a process you have to go through and
certain filings that have to be made immediately before and after that
expenditure is made. That's the area that has been very problematic
in this particular situation. All the filings weren't done, and I
don't know what the intent was. I'm going to leave that up to the
Ethics Commission and whoever else the FPPC, who are looking into that
issue. The issue I'm really trying to get at is that when that kind
of money is spent on a candidate, our limit is $95,000 per election, so
$20,000 is about 25% of that, so it's a significant amount of money.
Now how independent can one be after one entity spends that kind of money
on that individual. That entity also happens to have projects
in District 7, so there is some perceived conflict of interest..
It really speaks to what kind of individual this person is going to be
as an elected official. Will they be standing on their own, can they
make their own decisions or are they going to have to be part of some organization
that spends that kind of money on them, owing payback.
Do you accept money from developers? I do
accept money from developers, but they can only write a check for $250
each.
When is the next opportunity for people in your
district ot register to vote? People can register at any time.
The AfricanAmerican Democratic Coalition will be having some drives, and
the Vietnamese community has an event this Saturday called "Rock the Vote."
It is a combination rock concert and voter registration drive at the county
fairgrounds from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. We'll be doing some other drives;
you can give us your information and we'll let you know when we're doing
it.
How we we participate in your campaign? You
can sign up with me tonight or with Merylee. We've also got a web
site: www.gregory7.com
and you can always send us an email.
Century Club
Keith Garvey said that the Century Club will take
place Friday, July 19th, at Lou's Village. There is a financial obligation
of $20, and once you get in there it's difficult to avoid committing
yourself to working in a campaign like Terry's. Our featured speaker
for that luncheon will be the Honorable Terry Gregory. I live downtown
in District 3, and in addition to the personal reasons that I would support
Terry, I've seen so many times over the past few years in areas that are
absolutely essential and critical to the city and to all the values that
most of us unanimously share where one vote can make the entire difference.
There are many, many important decisions -- the children's health
care initiative, issues on housing, -- all kinds of things, and so for
everybody citywide even though it's supposed to be non-partisan it's the
reason why there's so much excitement to get somebody really good like
Terry to represent everybody even if we don't live in District 7.
So I hope to see you at the luncheon and just to add my support to the
campaign.
Campaigns
Dan Hoffman said that he has contributed money to
Terry's campaign and is also walking precincts. Terry and Merylee
have envelopes for you to leave your name and/or a contribution.
Also, Dan thanked the six people that volunteered
to work on voter registration for Elaine Shaw. For those of you that
have never don it, it amounts to sitting at a table for two or three or
four hours. You get a few minutes of instruction at the beginning.
It's a lot of fun; it's a good way to get into politics. If you can't
make it on the 20th, we can take your name and let you know of future activities.
We want to take back the House of Representatives, and this is one of the
key battleground races in the entire nation. This one race might
decide whether or not the Democrats take back the House. It's very,
very close and just a little bit of help might make all the difference.
If you'd like to volunteer either for the 20th or some other time, please
let me know.
Executive Board meeting
Herb Engstrom reminded everyone that the next Executive
Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, at the Home of Emy and
Jim Thurber. If you have something you want to put on the agenda,
you should submit it before that time.
He went on to say that for the visitors, we have
an email distribution list. If you want to leave your email address,
please see me.
I want to talk very briefly about the election.
The Republicans seem to be doing something a little different this times.
They always go out for the big money but they are now promoting a grass
roots effort. I understand they have something like10 million names
on their email distribution list, while the Democratic Party has less than
a million, so they are way, way ahead. Of course not all their names
are really committed. A month or two ago I myself received a letter
from the Republican National Committee indicating that Herb Engstrom had
been selected as "Republican of the Year." They begged me in this
letter to respond and to let them know that I would appear in Washington,
D.C. to receive this great honor. Of course I was busy that particular
weekend, so I did not respond. But then just today I received a telephone
call from the office of Dick Armey, the House Majority Leader. The
young lady said that she would like to play a taped message from Dick.
Armey, and so I listened very politely, and Dick Armey warned me that the
Republican majority in the House was razor thin, and if we don't all get
together we might lose it with tragic consequences for the country.
After this message the young like lady came back to say the way I could
prevent this great tragedy would be to contribute $75 or $100 to the Republican
Party. I told her that I have so many organizations asking for my
money that I couldn't spare any more. She said, well, how about a
smaller amount? I said, listen, lady, every spare nickel I have I
contribute to Democrats, and I told her why. I said for example,
have you ever heard of global warming or a number of other issues that
the Republicans have their heads in the sands about. She thanked
me politely for my time and that was that. But the Republicans are
going after a large variety of people, so I want to say lets all get out
and do that voter registration for Elaine Shaw and maybe we can help shave
that razor thin Republican majority to a minority status.
Voter registration
David Cohen reminded us once more that we will be
doing voter registration this Saturday for six hours at the Great Mall
in Milpitas. It's a great chance for those of you who want to help
Elaine Shaw the following weekend to get some experience in voter reg.
It's a pretty laid back operation. Please see me after the meeting.
Thong Pham reminded us that there is another critical
race in District 18, a seat now held by Gary Condit.
County Fair
Phyllis Ward asked about the County Fair.
Steve replied that Liz is asking for volunteers. Jim Thurber and
Anne Mack will set up the booth. The fair is from Friday, August
2nd through Sunday August 4th. Admission is free; parking probably
isn't. We will not be in our normal location.
Lofgren barbecue
Steve added that Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is having
her annual day in the park on Saturday, August 10th. If you want
to buy a ticket, Madge has lots to sell, as does Phyllis. Tickets
are $40.
Breast cancer
This weekend the annual Avon breast cancer
walk is taking place, so if you know people who are walking, please give
them a contribution.
Steve thanked the 24th AD Committee for tonight's refreshments and reminded the 28th that it is their turn next month. Next month we meet August 1st.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Steve asked that we adjourn in the memory of Marv
Jensen, one of the founders of the Evergreen Democratic Club at the Villages,
the second Chair of the Club, and a long time activist. Marv died
last month. The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 P.M.
This page was last updated 7/21/02.
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