elected officials

Real Eminent Domain Reform in 2008

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]



The backers of the California Hidden Agendas Scheme have worked really, really hard to press the idea that they stand for real eminent domain reform. But, oh, by the way, their proposed initiative would also  eliminate rent control and restrict our ability to build water projects and a whole host of other projects.  Nope, the Hidden Agenda is all about tagging along other "reforms" with the eminent domain reform initiative. 

Over the flip you'll find videos of a number of elected officials and commu So, Flip it!

Community Groups, Ex-IRS Chief Back Nunez on LA Times Allegations

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Leaders of charities statewide, as well as tax experts, are rallying to the defense of Speaker Nunez (disclosure: my boss) after allegations in the LA Times today.

"Not only is it okay for elected officials to support worthwhile charities, it is their civic responsibility. Their status as leaders in the community make their support invaluable. Our member agencies work with elected officials all the time to help them raise resources they need to serve vulnerable children and families. We are quick to criticize elected officials for being self-serving; we need to be just as quick to commend them for serving others. We applaud Speaker Nunez’s efforts to help charities in our communities." -- Carroll Schroeder, MS, Executive Director, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, Sacramento, California.
 
"Clearly, Speaker Nunez is involved in community charity events, as are virtually all political figures at the local, state or national level. The real question is whether the events truly benefited the children and the community. If the facts bear that out, then the IRS is unlikely to have a concern." -- Marcus S. Owens, Caplin & Drysdale, Washington, D.C., Director of the Exempt Organizations Division at the IRS from 1990 until 2000; now in private law practice in DC.

Report from Region 5

by Kim Stevens [courtesy of Party Line]


From Emy Thurber, Regional Director, Region 5

Platformcp_2 We had a very successful regional meeting on October 6, where we talked about the 2008 platform as well as other party business.  Christine Pelosi was there as part of the CDP "listening tour" as she helps to build the 2008 platform.

Christine said that the platform is a statement of our traditional values but must also deal with new ideas and new realities.  She noted how the state party had changed over the 31 years she has been involved, growing from a body of elected officials and their appointees to a strong grassroots organization.  Elected officials must of necessity be pragmatic, but we also need the passion of the activists to help move our politicians forward.

The platform is a consensus document, but it can influence the national and other state parties as well as our candidates.  An example is that the CDP platform was the first to talk about racial profiling, now a consensus value of Democrats across the nation, and was also the first platform to promote alternative energy which made its way into John Kerry's campaign and platform.

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ACTION TIME: Netroots + Grassroots + Politicians = Progress

by blogswarm [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

OK, everyone reading this knows we need better collaboration. Here are a couple quick steps:

  1. The Grassroots county committees need to get on ActBlue. This is an easy way for local parties to raise solid money online. San Diego and San Fernando Valley are already leading the way. Then, come here and tell us how it is working so other counties can learn.

  2. The netroots need to explain the netroots to the establishment. I highly recommend this video. In conjunction, help local Central Committees get on Actblue and help the politicians come here.

  3. The elected officials need to come around for a conversation.

I want more discussion on unity, please offer ideas in the comments, but I think these three concepts are a good place to start.

The Internet and Politics in California

by blogswarm [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

I think most of our readers are very proficient at understanding the potential for elected officials to use the internet for good policy. A good number of us get emails from politicians, like Barbara Boxer asking us to join her global warming bill as a citizen co-sponsor. Which is amazing for democracy. That is why this quote by Chris Daly is so batshit crazy:

The supervisor claimed Newsom may have violated campaign and ethics rules by promoting a rally on a government issue on his campaign Web site.

Totally backass. You can't raise money or anything on a government website, but campaigns should fight for policy. That is the difference between a fan club and a movement. You would have be crazy to be an elected official who cares about the issues and not use your base to join you in getting done what you can't do by yourself. And it is totally proper, the improper thing is not using your base to get things done because "political malpractice" is the term to describe that. 

48th Ward meeting Sat, Munoz house party Sun

by Sandra Verthein [courtesy of Blog for America]

For those who were at our May meeting, you know that 48th Ward Democratic Committeeman, Mike Volini, is retiring.  This Saturday, May 19, a new person will be selected to serve out his term until the February 2008 primary election.  I’ve asked to be considered for this position.

If you live in the 48th Ward, I strongly encourage you to attend this Saturday's selection meeting:

  • What: Meeting to Select a New 48th Ward Democratic Committeeman
  • When: Saturday, May 19, at 10:00 a.m.
  • Where: 48th Ward Democratic Party Office, 5539 N. Broadway, Chicago

Why does the Democratic Committeeman position matter?  Well, Todd Stroger was chosen to replace John Stroger on the ballot by a vote of the Democratic Committeemen, and most of the elected officials in the 48th Ward initially got their position by a vote of the Democratic Committeemen.  But there is another important reason. The Democratic Committeeman, is, in fact, the head of your local Democratic Party. Though often this is a machine position held by a "ward boss," there is no reason why this position can't be held by a progressive, grassroots leader who could make our local Democratic party an open, active, progressive, membership-oriented organization.

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Draft SFist Elaine for San Francisco Mayor

by blogswarm [courtesy of Calitics: Soapblox California - Front Page]

It has now been two weeks since this quote:

As for running against Newsom? "Not me,'' [Chris] Daly said.

Not likely [former mayor Art] Agnos either, he added, but "hopefully we'll have someone within the next couple of weeks."

"Either that or there won't be anyone," Daly said, "because it will be just too late to mount a run."

Since Chris Daly totally failed to find somebody by his own deadline (and is too chicken to do it himself), I nominate SFist Elaine of the dreaded CrackBerry Chronicles.

Why you ask? Why not?

Since there seems to be zero interest from elected officials and the campaign is likely to be a complete joke, let's at least go with somebody who is funny. In 2007, vote fabulous!

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