WashoeDEMS.org

Herzik Mixes Humor With Advice to DEMS  

Eric Herzik, UNR’s chair of Political Science, didn’t mince any words when it came to Democratic leadership in the 2011 Nevada Legislature during a talk to about 50 WashoeDEMS at the Central Committee Meeting, June 7.

“When you have a loss of institutional leadership, previously filled by Bill Raggio and Barbara Buckley, it’s not easy to replace that with less-experienced legislators," Herzik said.

That’s why the Democrats came up short on their agenda at the end of the session.

“The game-changer was the Nevada Supreme Court ruling 60+ days into the session, which precipitated Gov. Brian Sandoval to bring the parties together and hammer out a deal,” said Herzik, who is still a registered Republican, but doesn’t like the “taste of tea!”

“I used to be fluent in Republican,” he joked, “but seriously, we don’t pay enough taxes in Nevada.”

Herzik summarized the bumpy session with these points:

* Gov. Sandoval surprised everybody. He was “politely ruthless,” with a budget full of tricks and diversions that was not sustainable, but the Republicans and the media loved him.
* There was a lack of leadership in the legislature; some leaders had their eyes on other races. The Democrats were late with their initiatives. The “committee of the whole” didn’t work.
* The minority party (Republicans) won.
* Lobbyists were overrunning the halls, particularly those for the mining industry.

The major issues were wrapped up in the last five days of the session, pointed out Herzik, but the major problems were not solved, particularly tax reform.

“Democrats should start working on unfinished issues now for the next Legislature!” Herzik advised.

Democratic Speed Dating Tonight!

Join Organizing for America at tonight’s Community Action Night as Tom Hamilton introduces OFA's new class of 2011 Summer Organizers.

As always the evening will begin with a potluck, but rather than leading to an issue-oriented discussion, tonight there will be speed-dating to get to know the new Summer Organizers!

Finally, the night will end with a strong round of phone banking. So bring your favorite dish and a friend. OFA's looking forward to another great evening of food, fun and activism!

Nancy Price Seeks CD2 House Seat

Congressional District 2 will hold a special election on September 13, 2011, to pick a representative to fill the seat left vacant by Dean Heller’s appointment to the United States Senate.

As of this writing, State Treasurer Kate Marshall and former University Regent Nancy Price have declared their candidacy for the CD 2.

WashoeDEMS This Week will give each candidate an opportunity to introducer herself and state her position and qualifications. Nancy Price provided the following statement.

Last November, I was the elected, Democratic nominee for CD 2. If voters keep voting based on money, you’ll keep getting the same result: a corporate candidate. Corporate money is why we are not prosecuting Wall Street, why the Supreme Court said corporations are people, and why we need Glass-Steagall back. If low taxes created jobs, no one would be out of work today. Instead candidates get contributions and extend tax cuts or privatize tax money.

As Regent for six years with Jill Derby and Shelley Berkley, I was awarded the “Ethics in Government Award” by Common Cause, a progressive organization. I was a Republican. This underscores my electability, independence, character and my devotion to education.
I retired from the military with 24 years of service. I’m not leaving a commitment. When I say educated and healthy populations are elements of military power, I speak with credibility and commit to public education, Social Security, and Medicare as priorities that trump wars of aggression.

Finally, I have lived in CD 2 for 45 years. My husband, Bob Price, represented part of the District in the State Legislature. Today, we live in Sparks, and I understand the problems my neighbors face. I have the relevant in-depth education, experience and moral compass to stand up to power. If only one Democrat is to be nominated, she should be the most qualified, one whom recent Democratic voters have supported and one whom Nevada selects, not Washington. Choose the right candidate, and the money will follow.

Update on CD 2 Special Election, Sept. 13

* Note Change of Venue for State Central Committee Meeting!

Chris Wicker, WashoeDEMS Chair Emeritus, reported that under the current ruling of the District Court in Carson City, the Nevada State Democratic Party’s Central Committee will meet to nominate ONE Democratic candidate for CD2. That meeting is set for Saturday, June 25, in Reno, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. No proxies are allowed, so members must be there to vote!

The Nevada Democratic Party filed a notice of appeal of that ruling to the Nevada Supreme Court. It is expected the court will expedite the process and render a decision prior to the date required for printing of ballots by the Secretary of State’s office. July 8 has been announced as the date the Secretary of State releases the official list of candidates for the ballot.

As of June 1, the Nevada Supreme Court asked the state political parties and the Secretary of State to address whether the September special election could be rescheduled to allow the Court more time to research.

If the Supreme Court overturns the District Court’s ruling, the original plan for this election announced by the Secretary of State (with no limit on numbers of candidates) would be followed.

During the next few weeks, WashoeDEMS This Week will give each candidate who has officially filed an opportunity to introduce themselves and state their position and qualifications.

Job Opening with WashoeDEMS

If you are interested in applying for the Executive Director position, please send your resume and cover letter to Rudy Viola, Chairman of the Executive Director Search Committee, darksun010@aol.com . As of June 8, he is still accepting applications.

Join TMDA for Pops on the River

Date:  Saturday, July 16
Time:  5 p.m. Doors open; 8 p.m. Concert begins

Location:  Wingfield Park, Downtown Reno

Bob McGowan reports that TMDA will have a table at this popular event. Tickets are $35 each. Checks can be made payable to TMDA, and mailed to 1465 Terminal Way, Suite 1, Reno, NV 89502.

Any questions: Call Bob at 775-240-0660, or mcgowanrobert@sbcglobal.net.

Who Says You Can't Buy a Vote? Come to the “Great Dem Bake Off”

Date:  Saturday, June 18 
Time:  1 to 3 p.m.
Location:  WashoeDEMS HQ, 1465 Terminal Way, Suite 1, Reno

Bring your appetite and your dollars.
You are the judge!
"Buy a vote" for the best baked good.
$5 food item entry (covers your admission).
$5 general admission.
Fees include one vote and tasting.
$1 per additional vote.

For food entries, please contact Michelle Barry, at bcsamn@yahoo, or Kyle Waxman at kylewaxman@aol.com , no later than Monday, June 13.

Join Betty Hicks for Dinner and Conversation

Date:  Thursday, June 23
Time:  6 p.m.
Location: 2360 Chipmunk Drive, Washoe Valley.
Phone: RSVP, 775-624-8856.

Attendees may bring desserts if they would like. Betty, chairman of the DWWC (Democratic Women of Washoe County) will furnish the entrée and green salad. This is an informal get-together with no set theme.

Help Clean Up Pyramid Lake

If you want to help improve Pyramid Lake, please plan to attend a clean up on Saturday, June 25, sponsored by the Pyramid Lake Veterans and Warriors Organization.

The organization needs volunteers to help clean up the beach area, paint the cabanas and clean the tufa rocks.  Please bring your shovels, rakes and gloves and meet at the Indian Head Area off State Route 446 at 8 a.m.

The Pyramid Lake Veterans are organizing a lunch with barbecued chicken and hot dogs. Please contribute other food and snack items, watermelon and other fruit, juices, water and sodas.

If you can help, please contact Lela Leyva at 775-335-6137. If you have questions, contact the Tribal Office at 775-574-1000.

Please Note New Calendars in HQ!

Thanks to Rudy Viola, First Vice Chair, new calendars have been mounted on the north (Left side) wall at Headquarters. There is an Events Calendar where all WashoeDEMS and/or Affiliate members may place information about an upcoming event.

Other calendars enable you to sign up and reserve the WashoeDEMS large, main room.

School Supplies Needed!

Please drop off any school supplies you might have on hand to the WashoeDEMS HQ, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., no later than June 12.

Tom Hamilton, representing the sponsor OFA, explains that the supplies will be stuffed into backpacks and given to Youth Protective Services. The donations will be made on Reunification Day, June 16, when the youth will join their families.

Mark Your Calendar

What:  TMDA Annual Picnic
Date:  Saturday, July 30
Time:  Noon to 3 p.m.
Location:  Idlewild Park, Snowflake Pavillion

All elected officers and candidates have been invited.

Upcoming OFA Events

Help Grow the Grassroots!
OFA in Northern Nevada is helping hundreds of volunteers get to know each other through a series of neighborhood house meetings.

Why should we only meet fellow activists at the headquarters? This is your chance to help turn our activist network into an activist community!

If you would like to host or attend a House Meeting in your area, just use the contact information below to learn more.

The Best Campaign in History
OFA wants to build the best election campaign ever, and we can’t do it without your help, experience and ideas.  Step One is having one-on-one meetings with all Washoe activists.  Please call to set up a short meeting with one of our staff or volunteer leaders.

Location: 1465 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502

Contact:  Tom Hamilton, 775.813.0181, hamiltont@dnc.org

2012 Caucus

The 2012 Presidential Caucus is less than one year away! In anticipation of this historic event, the Nevada State Democratic Party has released a draft of the 2012 Delegate Selection Process. To read the draft and find out how to submit public comment, please click HERE