MONTHLY UPDATE - VOLUME 4 ISSUE 02 - Feb 25, 2008
Washington County Democrats Central Committee Meeting
Wednesday February 27th
Social Time: 6:30 PM • Meeting: 7:00 PM
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
Administration Building
20665 SW Blanton Aloha, Oregon 97007
Featured Speakers
Sen. Brad Avakian – Candidate for Secretary of State
Phyllis Wills – SEIU
Laura Calvo – Washington County GLBT
Raffle: Washco Dems Pride Pack
(Agenda) (Minutes)
(Map) (Roberts Rules of Order)
Town Hall: Sen Avakian, Reps Greenlick & Bonamici
Senator Brad Avakian (D-NE Washington/NW Multnomah Counties) and State Representatives Mitch Greenlick (D-NW Portland & NE Washington County) and Suzanne Bonamici (D-Washington County) will hold a joint town hall meeting at the Cedar Mill Community Library on Monday, March 10, 2008. Legislators will make brief remarks beginning at 6:30pm to kick off the discussion with community members about the results of February’s Supplemental Legislative Session and other issues facing Oregon. Closing comments from the legislators will be made at 7:30pm.
What: Legislative Town Hall with Sen. Avakian, Rep. Greenlick & Rep. Bonamici
When: 6:30-7:30pm on Monday, March 10, 2008
Where: Cedar Mill Community Library, 12505 NW Cornell Road Portland, OR 97229
Why: To re-cap the February Supplemental Session and talk about Oregon’s future
This is a great opportunity to discuss state government in an informal setting.
Please bring a friend and your questions about the issues you care most about! Refreshments will be provided.
DNC, DPO & Washco Dems announce Neighbor-2-Neighbor Program
This Spring, the DNC will launch an online program called "Neighborhood Votebuilder." Neighborhood Leaders will be able to log on to the site and obtain a list of 25 voters
in their neighborhood, with instructions, maps, templates and talking points.
This groundbreaking tool will help our activists throughout the county reach out
to voters, reduce canvassing overlap and keep track of their efforts.
Here in Oregon we have a goal of recruiting 1600 Neighborhood Leaders by March 1st.
We are currently at over 1300 Neighborhood Leaders - getting very close!
Every additional Neighborhood Leader brings us closer to our goal!
Sign up at the linked page, and ask your friends and family to join our team today and help take back America!
(Additional information)
Make a difference: become an elected Democratic Precinct Committee Person
Effective Febuary 1st, citizen candidates may file to run for PCP.
Filing is open Feb 1st thru Mar 11.
If you were elected PCP in '06 or appointed at the Central Committee meeting, you must renew your PCP status, and the best way is to file and run in the May Primaries.
As an elected PCP, you are elegible to participate and vote in the Washington County Democratic Party reorganization meeting, where we select our officers and plan the platform.
Having your name on the ballot identifies you as a trusted resource to your Democratic neighbors and folks in your precinct. When you meet them while canvassing, they will remember you, and you can thank them for their votes and support, and ask for their help in the General Election.
Follow the link to the Secretary of State's website and fill out and print the form, then sign it and deliver it to the Washington County Elections Office on Murray Blvd in Beaverton.
Or just download the attachment at the bottom of this page!
If you can't print the form go to the Washco Dems office or the Election office to get a blank form. (Please click "read more" to continue)
Washington County Platform Convention
COME JOIN US FOR A DAY OF DISCUSSING POLITICS AT THE GRASS ROOTS LEVEL!
When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Where: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Administration Building, 20665 SW Blanton, Aloha
Is there an issue no one seems to be addressing? Is there an issue you feel you have a better idea how to solve? Are you unhappy with the priorities politicians have set for their agenda? Whether it pertains to the County only or to the world this is one place you can put in your two cents worth.
Join your fellow Washington County Democrats in providing input into the Party Platform -- for County, State, National and International policy.
We will have two sessions divided into five topic areas (Articles). You may join two different groups during the day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. At 3:00 o'clock we will have reports from each group so you can hear the overall picture.
Please email Jack Kirkwood and Jack Timmons via the Contact Webform to sign up.
Glimpse What’s Inside!
Click on a title to jump to the story below.
We welcome your story ideas and are very interested in your letters and opinions. We also need articles for our quarterly Grassroots newsletter (150 words approx). Email us at webmaster@washcodems.org.
Check our contacts page for a list of our officers and committee chairs. Please remember to vote, Click here to register to vote.
WashCo Dems Update
News
Precinct Person 101 training Class
You will learn all the basics of what we as PCPs will do to win the White House, US Senate and other important offices this Fall. A fun class with House District Leaders Linda and Glen leading you into your important roll in the community.
Coffee and treats will be served.
SIGN UP FORMS AT THE FEB 27 WASHCO DEMS CC MEETING
HDLs: Please contact your new PCPs to attend this important training; why not join them and learn together?
(Follow up with PCP 102 Advanced Precinct Person on Thursday March 20 6:30PM.)
All HDLs and PCPs are welcome to attend any training events
All PCPs who have completed the PCP 101 class should plan on attending Precinct Person 102 Advanced, Thursday March 20, 6:30~9:00PM at the Washco Dems Office in Beaverton. Your HDL instructors Alice and Ramona will teach you how to meet and greet new voters, organize your precinct, explain what's in the VAN, and other important exercises. Refreshments and treats will be provided. This is the training that will really get you going: a chance to answer questions since PCP 101, while developing strategies for your neighborhood in 2008 and beyond.
SIGN UP FORMS AT THE FEB 27 CC MEETING
Note: All HDLs please contact your PCPs and join them in this fun interactive class.
Every two weeks, your webmaster team publishes a new, patented Washco Dems Politi-Poll, asking you how you feel about important political and social issues here in Washington County, Oregon and Nationwide. Just click the Big Red Button on the upper left sidebar at www.washcodems.org and cast your vote and even post a comment about the featured issue.
All PCPs need to file for election
Precinct Committee Person Online Filing Form
Candidates may fill out the form online and submit it directly from the Washington County website from Feb 1st thru March 11th, to be listed on the May 2008 Ballot in Washington County.
Candidates may also print the form and mail or deliver it to the Washington County Elections office on Murray Blvd in Beaverton (next to Washco Sherriff's office across from KMART.)
All appointed and previously elected PCPs should file beginning Feb 1st.
Only ELECTECD PCPs are eligable to vote in the County Democratic Party Reorganization meeting, where we choose all our officers and address specific policy issues per the Party Bylaws.
Candidates need three votes from within their Precinct in the May Primary to be elected - be sure to vote for yourself, and get at least two freinds or neighbors to vote for you as well, and encourage others to run as well!
Interested persons and candidates should also download and read the Washington County Candidate's Manual to learn the rules and obligations of filing and serving. This handbook is also available as an attachment below.
Good luck to all our great PCPs, and encourage your friends to run too!
http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/forms/sel105.pdf
Win a Washco Dems Pride Pack!
The office needs a new copy machine. You can help make it happen.
Please enter the raffle for a Washco Dems Pride Pack of useful and attractive items.
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Show Your Pride and Help Us Purchase a New Copy Machine For the Office! Raffle, to be held at the Central Committee Meeting, February 27.
Tickets on Sale now at the Office.
Pride Pack Contains:
Tickets also available at the meeting.
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Washco Dems Adopt-A-Road Spring Cleanup
What: Washco Dems Adopt-A-Road Spring Cleanup 
When: Sunday March 16 2-4PM
Where: Scholls Ferry Road near Kinton/Farmington
Spring is about to... sprang... and it's time once again to join the Washco Dems Big Blue Cleanup Crew at our Adopt-A-Road Party on Sunday March 16, 2-4PM.
Our adopted 1.2 mile stretch of road is on Scholls Ferry Road just west of Teufel Hill Rd in the Farmington/Kinton area. Last Fall we had about 25 volunteers and cleaned up dozens of bags of litter and other interesting items (amazing what folks will leave by the road) and left our little chunk of roadway safer, cleaner and thoroughly Democratic!
Super-volunteer Mary O'Donnell will be spearheading the Cleanup Campaign. Mary will have sign-up sheets available at the Feb 27 Central Committee meeting, and at the Washco Dems office on Broadway in Beaverton. Call the office at 503-626-7018, or email via the contact webform page to add your name and phone number and pitch in.
(Click Read More for additional info)
From our Precinct Leaders...
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Make a difference: become an Elected Democratic Precinct Committee Personby Glen Geller
If you were elected PCP in '06 or appointed at the Central Committee meeting, you must renew your PCP status, and the best way is to file and run in the May Primaries.
As an elected PCP, you are elegible to participate and vote in the Washington County Democratic Party reorganization meeting, where we select our officers and plan the platform.
Having your name on the ballot identifies you as a trusted resource to your Democratic neighbors and folks in your precinct. When you meet them while canvassing, they will remember you, and you can thank them for their votes and support, and ask for their help in the General Election.
Follow the link to the Secretary of State's website and fill out and print the form, then sign it and deliver it to the Washington County Elections Office on Murray Blvd in Beaverton.
Or just download the attachment at the bottom of this page!
If you can't print the form go to the Washco Dems office or the Election office to get a blank form.
Either way, be sure to make a copy of your completed application, and we'll post them all in the Washco Dems office.
And don't worry about getting enough votes, you only need three votes to be elected. Just ask two (registered) friends or family members to support you with their vote.
When I ran in '06, it was me, my wife Michelle and my newly-elegible daughter Miranda, so I figured I was set.
And big suprise, I got 267 additional votes from "new friends" in my precinct! Believe me, our neighbors are paying attention and want representation!
And while you're at it, why not invite a good Democrat friend, neighbor or family member to file as well? Another great way to build our party and win the Presidency, the US Senate, and other important positions.
Don't wait any longer: click here and file for PCP today! -
Safe Mid-Block Crossings Needed for Westside Trail Users
From Wendy Kroger The Westside Trail is being born in fits and starts and when it’s finally finished, it will run from the Tualatin River near the Tualatin Wildlife Refuge (where it connects with the proposed Tonquin Trail) northward to Forest Park. This regional trail, which runs mostly along the BPA /PGE utility corridor, offers a unique opportunity to knit together the primary recreation and alternative transportation spine serving a densely populated and fast-growing part of Washington County. The trail will connect upwards of 200,000 people with almost 50 schools, more than 270 parks, light and commuter rail transit, major employment and shopping centers, other regional trails, and significant natural areas throughout, and beyond, our County. In testimony last year, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District’s Trails Advisory Committee noted the need for diverse transportation systems within the region, and concluded that a mostly off-road scenic regional trail like the Eastside’s Springwater Corridor, which will connect Washington County residents with Portland and trails aiming at the Coast, would go a long way to safely transport both commuters and recreational trail users to where they wish to be. While Metro labors on a Master Plan for the entire Trail, THPRD is moving ahead on designing and constructing various trail segments within the District. One such segment currently in the final planning stages will cross Farmington Road. The Trail crosses Farmington at about S.W. 160th. The problem: how to safely cross Farmington. THPRD offered to pay for a pedestrian-activated signal and at first, Washington County agreed. Then they changed their minds. County transportation engineers now want to force regional trail users to go 200-300 feet “out of direction” to the intersection. An argument can be made that “That’s not so bad,” but consider, there are six additional major crossings in Washington County. Regional trails serve no one well if they have multiple “out of direction” crossings. Current national transportation research recommends engineering treatments to improve safety for pedestrians (and cyclists) crossing high-volume, high-speed roadways at unsignalized intersections, such as mid-block crossings of the Westside Trail. What can we all do? Please contact your Washington County Commissioner and let him/her know that you want a stellar north-south regional trail for Washington County that is at least as good as the Eastside’s Springwater Trail. Our Commissioners have it within their power to make it happen.
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Action Alert
President Bush's proposed 2009 budget would cut over $200 million in federal funding for a slew of social programs in Oregon, shifting costs to the state at time when a weakening economy has shrunk state revenues.
If you have any events to add please send them to:
webmaster@washcodems.org
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Contact your Legislators
Contact your Legislators via their webforms (you can take action on the above alert directly from these webforms):
- Sen Wyden's webform
- Sen Smith's webform
- Rep David Wu's webform
- Webform for your State Representative/Senator
- Webform for sending Letter to the Editor (via Oregon Food Bank)
If you dont know who your legislator is, just click this link , enter your address and it will show you all your federal and state representatives! <!--nd li-->
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Grassroots Calendar
Check the main page of the website for a list of upcoming events.
Upcoming events
- 02-26 - Peak Oil Book Club
- 02-27 - Washington County Peace Vigil
- 02-27 - Washington County Democrats Central Committee Meeting
- 03-05 - Washington County Peace Vigil
- 03-08 - Precinct Person 101 Training Class
- 03-10 - Town Hall: Sen Avakian, Reps Greenlick & Bonamici
- 03-12 - Washington County Peace Vigil
- 03-15 - Washington County Platform Convention
- 03-15 - PDXPeace: WORLD WITHOUT WAR a day of resistance and hope
- 03-16 - Washco Dems Adopt-A-Road Spring Cleanup
If you have any events to add please send them to:
webmaster@washcodems.org
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VISIT OUR NEW WEB SITE
Check our website for the latest updates.
Website Update
Videos on our website!!
http://www.washcodems.org/videos
New videos added this past month:
- Professor Tom Love of Linfield College Discusses the Anthropological interpretation of Peak Oil at the monthly Washington County Peak Oil meeting.
- Adam Gretzinger delivers the Washington County Neighbor to Neighbor organizing strategy at the January 23, 2008 January Central Committee meeting. The strategy includes neighbor to neighbor conversations, organizing, and recruiting techniques. Our plan for 2008 is covered for winning elections and winning big in 2008.
- Lenny Dee with Onward Oregon a progressive organization throughout the state talks about Cool cities a climate change pact that is becoming popular as 700 cities are signed. He congratulates Beaverton and Hillsboro which are signatories and is working to get more support. Onward Oregon is a progressive organization here in Oregon that does grass roots activism work using the Internet.
- Richard Burke, President of the Board of the Tualatin Valley Water District, a Libertarian, speaks at the Washington County Democratic Central Committee on January 23, 2008 about the Tualatin Valley Water District's recent decision to use a Joint Water Commission water project as our future source of water here in Washington County's TVWD District. He also briefly takes questions about conservation.
There is always something new on:
http://www.washcodems.org/videos
WashCo Dems Political Poll
How should the unpledged Super Delegates vote for a Presidential Nominee?
Precinct Leader List updated on the website
You need to signup for an account on the website to access the PCP pages. We will be updating it each month in order to keep it up to date with the new PCPs. There is also an excel spreadsheet version that can be downloaded from the site.
Finally! An easy way to find your Precinct number!
Here is simple way to determine a voter's Precinct Number:
http://washims.co.washington.or.us/gis/intermap/
Go to the site, enter a residential address and sift thru the listed info, about midway you'll find the Election Precinct for that address. Happy hunting!
Google Mapping my precinct
You can use Google Maps to get a birds-eye view of your precinct, you can save your custom maps, complete with outlines and overlays you can create yourself. So here is the map of Precinct 417.»
Precinct maps are also available through the following link: http://www.co.washington.or.us/cgi/electhom/repdist.pl
Feature of the Month: Progressive Handbook
Tribute Contributions:
You can now make a donation in memory of or in honor of someone special with a Tribute / Memorial Donation to the Washington County Democratic Party. A handwritten note acknowledging your donation (amount will not be disclosed) will be sent. Just click onto the Contribute Tab on the top of the web site and go to donate for a printable form or to donate with a credit card.
Local Groups
- The Oregon Center for Public Policy
- Our Oregon Coalition (state budget group)
- Citizens for Oregon's Future (state budget group)
- Oregon Bus Project
- NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon
- Oregon AFL-CIO
- Oregon League Of Women Voters
- Onward Oregon
- Democracy for Oregon
- Blog for Oregon
- Blue Oregon
- Oregon Center for Christian Values
- Planned Parenthood - Columbia/Willamette
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Washington County Headquarters
12250 SW Broadway Ave.
Beaverton, Oregon
503 626 7018
Regular Hours:
Tues, Wed, Thurs 12:00 to 5:00 pm and Sat 10:00 to 2:00 pm.
Help Support our office!
Click here to join the Blue Horizon fund
Volunteer Opportunities
Please join us by filling out our online volunteer form. Or fill out the paper form and send it to us. We highly value our volunteers and recognize special contributions each month.
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