October 2007 newsletter
CC Meeting Highlights: Polk County Clerk Val Unger to
Discuss Ballot Box Security, Healthy Kids Oregon Speaker
on Measure 50
A much-anticipated
presentation from Polk County Clerk, Val Unger highlights the monthly
Central Committee meeting October 11 at Salem Electric. Highly respected for her quick response to pre-2006 voting machine issues,
Unger will explain ballot security, the process for handling ballots
and other issues. This comes about through Dennis McCaffrey's work,
with committee, on the Elections. Unger will also address local concerns about ballot box security with time for questions afterwards.
Another
presentation follows urging a “yes” vote for Measure 50 as Healthy Kids
Oregon speaker defines what is at stake especially for Oregon’s at-risk
children.
DNC Trainer to Hold Tri-County Training Sessions in Salem Oct. 11
Marion, Polk and Linn County Democrats should sign up now for training with. Parag Mehta, DNC Director of Training who will be in Oregon conducting training with select County parties and DPO Caucuses. Parag
Mehta is the Director of Training for the Democratic National Committee
in Washington, DC. In that capacity, he is tasked with organizing
trainings for Democratic party’s staff, organizers and activists in all
50 states, four territories, the District of Columbia and for Democrats
Abroad. Prior to joining the DNC, Parag served as Deputy Political
Director for America Votes, a coalition of 32 of the largest
progressive groups in the country who joined forces to register,
educate, recruit, and mobilize voters for the 2004 elections. In
2003, Parag was a Deputy Political Director for Governor Howard Dean’s
presidential campaign, based in Burlington, Vermont. He also directed
the campaign’s Asian, Arab, Muslim and Pacific Islander outreach,
working with elected officials, community leaders, and grassroots
activists to build support for Governor Dean.
Date: Wednesday October 10th Where: Salem - Fresh Start Market Café, Center St NE When: 1 -4 What: How Democrats Will Win in 2008, Messaging, Targeting. Contact Autumn @ 541-434-2189 or autumn@dpo.org
Senate Candidates in Town
Steve Novick Wants Out of Iraq,
Universal Health Care
Jeff Merkley: "No Megabases in Iraq"
With the Oregon primary and
official endorsement months away, two U.S. Senate candidates are wooing
Polk and Marion County Democrats in person.
October 2 Steve Novick spoke at
Monmouth Public library, pledging continued resistance to the Iraq war
and urging support of universal health care. The event, sponsored by
Polk County Democrats, proved a useful forum for the 44-year-old
Novick, who has, since childhood, had a hook for a left hand. Quietly
campaigning around the state since April, Novick has amassed over
$196,000 in Q2 campaign contributions, announcing Oct. 1 an additional
$35,000 in on-line contributions. “It
was an interesting and informative presentation,” said PCD chair, Alan
Holland. “Steve Novick is a smart man, accomplished public servant, and
good speaker. He is a man held in high esteem within Oregon politics.
He has a stature much greater than his modest 4'9" height among those
on the Oregon political landscape. He was the principal litigator in
the notorious Love Canal case that gave a $129 million to citizens from
Occidental Chemical.” 
Merkley says "no Megabases left behind in Iraq."
In a well-attended Marion County DemoForum
Sept. 19 the other contender for Republican Gordon Smith’s U.S. Senate
seat announced his candidacy, telling his audience he opposes a
prolonged stay in Iraq, urging a swift withdrawal, leaving behind “no
megabases.” As Oregon House Speaker
Merkley led the Democratic-controlled
legislature, using his “Roadmap” to affect a Democratic agenda
including the historic establishment of a “Rainy Day” fund.
For more on Steve Novick's campaign: http://www.votehook.com
For more on Jeff Merkley’s campaign: www.jeffmerkley.com
Congresswoman Darlene Hooley
Calls For President Bush to Cooperate
with Investigations
Joined by original 54 co-sponsors of similar 1998 resolution
Congresswoman Darlene Hooley has introduced a resolution
designed to get President Bush , current and former Administration
officials to comply, not resist congressional oversight investigations.
Her resolution, introduced September 27, has the support of the 54
original cosponsors of a similar resolution which was passed
overwhelmingly by the House on May 21, 1998 during the Clinton
Administration. (H. Res. 433, passed by a vote of 342-69-12).
"Principles of openness"
The Hooley resolution would limit executive privilege
"to apply in only those instances where the Constitution provides that
the President alone must make a decision. In a Washington press release
dated September 27 she said President Bush declared March 20, 2007 that
he would oppose any attempts to subpoena White House officials for
congressional investigations. White House Counsel Fred F. Fielding has
repeatedly told Congress that the President will invoke executive
privilege for any oversight attempts by Congress. The White House also
announced that it would order the United States Attorney for the
District of Columbia not to present the contempt of Congress citation
for grand jury consideration.
"Stonewalling behind privilege"
"President Bush continues to stonewall Congress by
hiding behind a blanket claim of executive privilege," said Hooley. "As
an equal branch of government, Congress must pursue its oversight
responsibilities and hold the Bush Administration accountable for
providing testimony and documents crucial to on-going investigations."
Complete details, including the full resolution and list
of the original 54 co-sponsors of the 1998 resolution are available at
Congresswoman Hooley's website: http://hooley.house.gov/ .
Activist Bonnie Ross Meets Before D.C.
Anti-War Rally With Hooley Aide
Delivers Local Letters Urging Action
While in her District during the recess, Congresswoman Hooley heard
from anti-Iraq invasion constituents in no uncertain terms: end the war
now. During her Salem Town Hall she said she would not write "a blank
check" to continue war funding. But to activist Bonnie Ross, much more
is needed. She made an appointment to meet with Hooley aides in
Washington D.C. to deliver that message, along with dozens of local
emails and letters, in person.
Hooley aide urges: "Keep the Emails and Letter Coming In"
Ross made a self-paid trip to join pro-impeachment and peace activists
(see picture above of anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan with Vicki (left)
and Kelsey Jorgenson (right) for a September 15 Washington D.C. rally.
She met days prior at the Hooley office. She told the Democrat
"Aaron Lande with the office of Darlene Hooley graciously greeted me
and my friends, Kelsey and Vicki Jorgenson, on September 14th in
Washington D.C."
"Aaron, a young man who spent his high school years attending Lincoln
High School in Portland, listened," she said, "as we discussed our
concerns regarding our desire for ending our involvement in Iraq as
well as to have Representative Hooley pursue the impeachment process
through Congress. I presented him with a folder containing over 30
letters/emails that were gathered in five days from Oregonians
expressing the same concerns. He seemed impressed and appreciative of
our input. He also said, "KEEP THE EMAILS AND LETTERS COMING IN" as
this is a direct link with constituents. They are read and appreciated.
Before leaving I spent a few moments discussing the medical needs of
one of the constituents and requested any support from Darlene's office
from which the writer might benefit.
Activists in Action:
Polk Democrats Take to the 
Airwaves for Measure 49
PCD Lisanne Pearcy didn't let open-mike jitters stop her
from speaking up for what she believes. Someone uploaded her testimony
onto YouTube, the popular video upload and posting web site. As she put
it, "This clip is of my (very nervous) testimony a few months ago
regarding land-use issues arising from Measure 37, which was passed by
voters last November. I'm not sure who uploaded it. Over 350 people who
testified live in Salem as I did, and many more sent in written
testimony." Good for you, Lisanne! Hear what she said at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eTq87oP2Ac
Dallas Canvass Oct. 6 for M49
Lisanne urges everyone to participate in the Oct. 6
Dallas Canvass for Measure 49. (see Make a Note for details ) 10am meet
at courthouse steps.
"We are looking for volunteers to phone bank in Monmouth and Dallas."
she says. "People can call me to find out more at (503) 838-2500. The
Farm Bureau is also looking for volunteers to call voters regarding
Measure 49 only. I can hook people up with the Farm Bureau if they want
to volunteer there."
For more info call Josh Balloch with the "Yes on 49" campaign:
503-508-5868. Canvassing in Dallas will continue on Saturday Oct. 13
and/or Sunday Oct. 14. Contact Jason Brown at 503-838-2500. Need a "Yes
on 49" sign or bumper sticker? Contact Lisanne or Jason at 503-838-2500
ASAP -- before they're all gone!
Successful Film Series to Tackle Urban Sprawl
Brian Clem is a guest speaker for the Salem Progressive Film Series Oct. 11 film, "End of Suburbia."
His talk will center on Measure 49. He and the other guest speakers,
Sid Friedman, director of 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Matthew Arnold,
urban planner of the Portland-based architecture firm, SERA can be seen
in a sneak preview CCTV show, produced by Wendy Brokaw. owner of
Shedlight Productions and featuring SPFS hosts Cindy Kimball and Ed
Taylor. Air times to be announced. This is the second of four films to
be shown by SPFS. The September 13 opening night for the first, Norman
Solomon's "War Made Easy" was a huge success. Theater-goers
packed the Grand Theatre to see the provacative film, and hear guest
speaker, Peter Bergel of Oregon Peaceworks. Cindy (shown above with
sponsor Wendy Brokaw (left), and SPFS board members Don Fries, and
Claudia Baum) has put in long hours since March creating this
progressive series, which she hopes will become a year-round event
every second Tuesday of the month.
Wendy also directed a CCTV production for Friends of Marion County Treasurer,
Susan Watkins entitled "Measure 49: Getting Growth Right." Susan
shot her own video (see right) for the 1-hour program. The forum
portion was taped at CCTV. Panelists include State Representative Brian
Clem, FMC Secretary Richard van Pelt and FMC Board Member Laurel Hines.
FMC Board Member Carla Mikkelson hosted. The program will be
re-broadcast a number of times. Go to http://www.cctvsalem.org/ for the schedule or call CCTV at (503) 588-2288.
Sue Lamb's Dallas Community Garden: from Beautiful
Dream to Bountiful HarvestPO Regional Training Prepares
PCD
Sue Lamb rocks her newest grandchild, Elizabeth "Elly" Lamb and savors
being a first-time grandparent. With the harvest of her community
garden almost complete, she has a little time to breathe before
thinking about next season's planting. It all started with an empty lot
off Miller Avenue and a dream.
"I had been looking for more ways to help our area's needy," she told the Polk Democrat
October 1, "not just at Christmas time." She and husband Warren run the
Dallas-area Christmas Cheer program that feeds the hungry a holiday
meal. Sue had a long-term vision of bringing a community garden to
Dallas. "These folks are hungry and many cannot afford to buy fresh
produce."
Helping her make it happen: Dallas Resource Center, Polk-Marion Food
Share, OSU Extension Service, Master Gardeners, Juvenile Community
Services and the City of Dallas, which was delivered a surprise "Thank
you" basket of fresh vegetables at a recent meeting.
"This garden has brought together people in so many ways, it's
amazing," she told us. As she had envisioned, young people worked
alongside seniors to help with the heavy lifting and planting.
The Dallas Area Community Garden needs volunteers to help with next
year's garden. Get involved! Donate time, Sue says, or a tractor with a
tiller. Give fertilizer, seeds, starts or compost. She will happily
accept your help through PJ Johnson at the Dallas Resource Center at
(503) 623-8429.
Glorious Weather Caps BBQ For Auction Winner Astrinsky
Jeane
Astrinsky knows how to throw a party: be high bidder at the Squantum
Whiffle Silent auction, win a BBQ with all the trimmings served at a
beautiful country home, and invite your friends.
On Sept. 16 Jeane graciously invited those who worked long hours with
her on the fundraising committee and as volunteers at the Squantum
Whiffle to share great food and celebrate a successful collaboration.
The second annual festival, with its months of planning and
preparation, four blue-grass, string and contemporary bands and silent
auction, was an outstanding success. 
Hosts Mike and Sharon Tebb (below, left )of Independence served an enormous repast featuring
home-grown tomatoes and corn followed by an elegant blueberry cobbler
(ace fundraisers Pennie Freeburg and Jackie Pierce, right, indulge).
Their ranch-style home offered comforting views of fields and flowers,
dappled by late summer sun. Conversation inevitably turned to next
year's Squantum Whiffle, however, given the choice between event
planning or savoring Mike's choice of outstanding local wines and
biting into sizzling burgers, no one needed a vote to let tomorrow take
care of itself.
Make a Note: Upcoming Events
Oct. 5-7 Oregon Summit, Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, Oregon Start: 12:00pm, End: Oct 7 2007 - 3:00pm
Oct. 6 Canvass Dallas for Measure 49. 10am meet at courthouse
steps. For more info call Josh Balloch with the "Yes on 49" campaign:
503-508-5868. Canvassing in Dallas will continue on Saturday Oct. 13
and/or Sunday Oct. 14. Contact Jason Brown at 503-838-2500. Need a "Yes
on 49" sign or bumper sticker? Contact Lisanne or Jason at 503-838-2500
ASAP -- before they're all gone!
Oct. 7 1pm. Adopt a Road Clean-up. We will meet by the Rickreall
Fire Station on the west side of the highway. We need to watch a short
safety briefing DVD. If you are planning to come, would you e-mail or
call me so I can get a rough count. There is no plan for an after-event
event but perhaps we could go to Abby's Pizza or some other friendly
place. We'll decide that on Sunday. Contact Fred Brown.
Oct. 10 1-4 p.m. DNC Leadership Training with Parag Mehta, DNC Director of Training, Salem at Fresh Start Market Café, Center St NE. Contact Autumn @ 541-434-2189 or autumn@dpo.org Caucus Questions? Contact Andrea @ 503-239-8633 or andrea@dpo.org
Oct. 11 7 PM, Monthly CC Meeting Val Unger Polk Co. Clerk,
Voting security issues, and 7:30 PM Measure 50 "Healthy Kids" Salem
Electric Building, 633 7th St. NW, West Salem. Everyone is welcome!
Oct. 17 12 - 1 PM State Senator Kate Brown Candidate
for Secretary of State Wednesday, October 17 Noon to 1 PM Kwan's
Cuisine 835 Commercial St SE, Salem. Reservations required. Cost: $11
(includes a buffet lunch, tea & gratuity) To make your reservation:
e-mail mariondemoforum@yahoo.com
Or call - 503-363-8392. In your message, give your name, phone number,
any special dietary needs, and the number of people who will attend.
Please indicate that you are making a DemoForum reservation.
Nov. 4 4-6 PM. (ed. Updated Oct. 30) Dawn Reynolds is giving a
house party for new Dems in Dallas and all who would like to welcome
them. Please call 503-623-5685 if you can help with phoning.
Nov. 8 7 PM "Alternative Energy" PCD CC November program -
solar energy "How to go Solar in Oregon"James Reismiller of Abundant
Solar LLC Christ Church, 412 Clay, Monmouth.