The Connection--September 2011

Comments From the Chair

Wow!  Hard to believe that summer is over…and what an action-packed summer it was!  Starting off with a successful pancake breakfast in HD 38 in May, we followed that up with a great Century Club event in June with Nathan Wilkes.  In July, the Arapahoe Dems cheered on the Rockies at Coors Field, and in August we capped it off with a wildly-successful Pat Schroeder Dinner.  THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATED SILENT AUCTION ITEMS!

On the community organizing side, we had a great start to the 1,000 Door Challenge.  In almost every House District, we knocked on the doors of hundreds of active Democratic voters.  In order to prepare for 2012, we will continue this Challenge through the fall…weather permitting!

After 6+ months as County Chair, I would like to thank all of you for your incredible support.  None of these events and projects would have been fun or successful without YOU!  Through your continued support and participation, we are engaging more people, getting out our message and re-building our base for 2012.

Thanks again to the efforts of Sharon Sherman and her Mom, the CONNECTION newsletter is available in Spanish.  Go to the Arapahoe Dems website to read & print.  If you know anyone who could translate the Connection for the Ethiopian & Korean communities, please contact me at todd@arapahoedems.org .

Fall Fun-Raising Events

September 10^th 3pm-5pm: Come out to welcome our Century Club Guest, US Representative Ed Perlmutter.  Ed will be discussing the incredible roller-coaster in Congress this year and most importantly, how we take back the House in ’12!! The event is @ 7797 South Forest Ct., Centennial CO 80122.  If you’re not yet a Century Club member, here is a great time to join!

September 24^th 5pm-7pm: Come out to hear Melissa Hart, 2010 CU Regent Candidate, discuss her recent testimony before the US Senate Judiciary Committee on the recent rulings by the US Supreme Court and the impact they will have on corporate behavior. Location is Willow Creek Mineral Clubhouse, 8500 Mineral Dr. Centennial.

October 22^nd 7pm-??: Donkey Oke, the legendary Arapahoe Dems Karaoke is back!  Join us for this cool fundraiser sponsored by HD 39 at CB & Potts 6575 South Greenwood Plaza Blvd. Greenwood Village.

Arapahoe Dems 1,000 Door Challenge

Well, the totals are in and it looks like HD 41 leads in the county with 676 doors knocked so far.  HD 37 has knocked on over 400 doors, HD 39 has approximately 300 doors, HD 42 has over 200 doors and possibly more in the last few weeks. Nice job, Folks!  Let’s keep at it.  Our success in 2012 depends on it.

If you’re helping out with this important initiative, please remember to gather the following important information from each active Democrat: 1) Telephone information; 2) E-mail address to send e-version of newsletter; 3) get them to volunteer; 4) Whether they can make a contribution to the Arapahoe County Democratic Party.

Kick Off of Leadership 101 at Community College of Aurora on September 22^nd 

Members of the Arapahoe Democratic Party are kicking off a series of monthly leadership training workshops at the Community College of Aurora.  This non-partisan initiative will allow community, business, academic and political leaders from Arapahoe County and the front-range to partner with student leaders to explore key concepts and best practices for becoming community leaders. The intent of these workshops is to provide students and interested community members with the skills necessary for successful community organizing and career development. If you are interested in participating as either a speaker or participant, please contact Todd Mata (todd.mata@yahoo.com) or Pam Gail (deandrea_gail@yahoo.com).

We’re also in the process of starting up a College Democrats Society at CCA.  Your input is welcome!

Voting Centers  - The Future of Voting in Arapahoe County

Please remember that Arapahoe County has moved to VOTE CENTERS and will use this process for the elections coming up in November.  The 17 voting locations have been finalized and are online at ArapahoeVOTES.com.  As a registered Arapahoe County resident, you will be able to vote at any location, regardless of your address. If you’re interested in being a judge please contact Todd Mata at Todd@ArapahoeDems.org.

Proposal to Invest in Colorado Families and the Economic Future of Our State Makes it to the Ballot!

Petitions for Ballot Initiative #25 received enough signatures to make it onto the ballot as Proposition 103 for this November’s election.  Under Proposition 103, state individual and corporate income tax rates would rise from the current 4.63 percent to 5 percent and the state sales and use tax rates would go to 3 percent, up from the current 2.9 percent.  The extra revenue generated from this proposal would go directly to paying for both K-12 and higher education.  Good work to all, especially Diana Holland!

Re-Apportionment Commission Hears Testimony from Arapahoe County

The 11-member Reapportionment Commission hit the road in August and held public hearings in Arapahoe County on August 8^th and August 16^th.

Democratic interests in Arapahoe County were well represented by dozens of community activists at both the Aurora and Littleton hearings.  In very concise and logical terms, Democratic activists made great arguments for improving the legislative map for the state house  and for maintaining the map as drawn for the state senate.  The commission will take into account all testimony provided at these public hearings and submit final maps to the Colorado State Supreme Court by October 7^th.  If the plan is approved, the legislative maps will be filed with the secretary of state by December 14^th.  For more information on the redistricting effort go to: WWW.Colorado.gov/Reapportionment.

OFA: What We’re Up To

OFA (Obama for America) has been very active this summer in Arapahoe County partnering with our House Districts for the 1000 Door Challenge and actively registering voters at area events. 

OFA has appointed Nina Anziska as a full-time field organizer for Arapahoe County.  Let’s all congratulate Nina on her exciting new role and welcome her aboard.  For more information on the work that OFA is doing to get President Obama and other Democratic candidates (re-)elected in 2012, contact Nina @ ofaco.nanziska@gmail.com.

    

Check out our Website @ www.arapahoedems.org and our page on Facebook.  Reach us at 303-338-1202 and tell us what’s new!

County Officers

Todd Mata, County Chair

Pam Gail, First Vice Chair

John Buckley, Second Vice Chair

Mary Pritchard, Secretary

Matt Salek, Treasurer

Precinct Contact  ________________________

Contact’s e-mail _________________________

Phone#:________________________________

Arapahoe Democrats August 2011

THE CONNECTION AUGUST 2011

The Newsletter for Arapahoe County Democrats

Comments From the Chair

Well, July certainly got off to a wet start!  Not to worry, though - Summer 2011 is just starting to heat up.  We have some great social and volunteer opportunities to participate in.  Our annual Pat Schroeder Dinner is coming up on August 20^th as are a number of campaign kick-off parties for the municipal races coming up this November. We’re also in the process of hitting our goals in the 1,000 Door Challenge.  I have been invited to participate in this door-knocking campaign in a few precincts and knocked on over 100 doors so far. After getting my fill of the carelessness & negligence exhibited by the Republicans in D.C., it was refreshing to get out and interact with the Democrats here in Arapahoe County.  If you’ve not already gone out and hit your 1,000 door challenge goals, there’s still plenty of time.  Let me know when your precincts are headed out and I’ll join you!

Thanks again to the efforts of Sharon Sherman and her Mom, the CONNECTION newsletter is available in Spanish.  Go to the Arapahoe Dems website to read & print.  If you know anyone who could translate the Connection for the Ethiopian & Korean communities, please contact me at todd@arapahoedems.org .

Fun-Raising Event in August

August 20^th 6pm-10pm:  Please come out to our annual Pat Schroeder Dinner, Awards Ceremony and Silent Auction.  This year, our guest speakers include US Senator Michael Bennet and Carol Sue Tombari, noted author and nationally-recognized renewable energy expert.  On-line ticket purchases are now available with PayPal at our website www.arapahoedems.org !

P.S.  Please also consider helping us by donating items for our silent auction.  Your name and the name of your business will be proudly displayed.  Please see our website for details.

August 26^th 5pm-7pm:  Please come out to support our friends in HD 42 as they host a Stampede Fundraiser for the Arapahoe Dems at the Stampede Mesquite Grill and Dance Emporium, 2430 South Havana, Aurora, CO.  The price is $10.00 on-line at the Arapahoe Dems website (www.arapahoedems.org) or @12.00 at the door.  For additional details send an e-mail to HD42mail@gmail.​com, or call Carolyn Boller @ 303-364-3624 or Robert Reed @ 303-905-4356.

Arapahoe Dems Hit It Outta The Park At Coors Field!

On July 16^th, 50 Arapahoe Dems and Friends took over Section 106 at Coors Field to cheer on the Rockies.  While the Rox lost a close one, a great time was had by all.  We will definitely be doing this again next year!  Go Rockies!!!


Arapahoe Dems 1,000 Door Challenge
The 1,000 Door Challenge has gotten off to an impressive start in our various House Districts.  We’ll let you know the number of doors knocked by HD in the September edition of the Connection. 

If you’re helping out with this important initiative, please remember to gather the following important information from each active Democrat: 1) Telephone information; 2) E-mail address to send e-version of newsletter; 3) get them to volunteer; 4) Whether they can make a contribution to the Arapahoe County Democratic Party.


Voting Centers  - The Future of Voting in Arapahoe County
Arapahoe County will use VOTE CENTERS for the first time in the November 1st Election.  The 17 voting locations have been finalized and are online at ArapahoeVOTES.com.  As a registered Arapahoe County resident, you will be able to vote at any location, regardless of your address.  Voters' eligibility will be verified through computer connections to the Secretary of State's electronic SCORE Voter Registration System.  The county and state are conducting a Mock Election August 3rd at all vote center locations.  This will test all aspects of the system, particularly backup if the state system or connection fails.  Contact Todd Mata at Todd@ArapahoeDems.org with questions or concerns you want addressed.

Proposal to Invest in Colorado Families and the Economic Future of Our State

A petition for Ballot Initiative #25 is being championed by Senator Rollie Heath.  Under Senator Heath’s proposal, state individual and corporate income tax rates would rise from the current 4.63 percent to 5 percent and the state sales and use tax rates would go to 3 percent, up from the current 2.9 percent.  The extra revenue generated from this proposal would go directly to paying for both K-12 and higher education.

Please remember to get your petitions in by August 1^st . Contact Diana Holland for drop-off information @ dianaholland@usa.net.

Upcoming Municipal Elections

Election season is coming upon us with many non-partisan municipal and school board races coming up later in 2011.  We would like to showcase some of the Democrats running for office.

Keith Gardner, a Democrat, has announced his run for re-election for the Centennial City Council District 2.  In a second term, Gardner looks forward to addressing many of the crucial issues, such as infrastructure, affecting Centennial in the wake of the major commercial developments that have recently opened in the city.  With a solid record of accomplishments from his first term, it is important we all work to get Keith re-elected to a 2^nd term.

Vorry Moon, a Democrat, is seeking re-election to the Centennial City Council, District 1.   An active Democrat and former HD 37 Chair, Vorry has done an outstanding job for the City of Centennial as a councilman and Mayor Pro Temp.  Vorry was a great advocate for bringing the Streets of South Glenn shopping center to Centennial.  No doubt, Vorry can be counted on to continue championing the best interests for his city!

Preliminary Legislative Re-Apportionment Maps Approved for Senate and House Districts - Voice Your Concern on August 8^th (Aurora) & 16^th (Littleton) @ 6pm

The 11-member Reapportionment Commission, heard initial testimony for legislative reapportionment on July 11th.  I’m please to report that the Arapahoe County Democratic Party was well represented by a dozen community leaders that advocated for fair and competitive legislative maps. It was expected that the population change in Colorado would create some adjustments for Arapahoe County.  The Senate map accepted by the Commission reflects this reality, yet still provides for truly competitive Senate races.  However, the House Map tentatively approved is very damaging for Arapahoe County communities.  In an interview written up in the Colorado Statesman, Senator Morgan Carroll, one of the Commissioners who voted against the proposed House Map, stated that, as drawn, “does serious violence to neighborhoods of communities of interest.”  This is particularly true in Aurora.  In order to voice our concern for the great harm being proposed to Aurora, we are asking all activists to come out to the Commission Meetings in Aurora on August 8^th @ 6pm.  In order to show our strong support for the Senate maps as accepted, please come out to the Commission Meeting in Littleton on August 16^th @ 6pm.  For more information on the redistricting effort go to: WWW.Colorado.gov/Reapportionment.

Neighbors Coming Together

Ready to meet some like-minded people?  We are starting neighborhood Meet and Greet gatherings to discuss concerns as well as the challenges and opportunities for the upcoming elections.  August 5th at 6:00 come to the Knolls Clubhouse, 3200 E. Geddes Dr., Centennial 80122 (apx. Colorado Blvd. & Arapahoe Rd.) for a potluck.  Please RSVP to Anita at aebjenk@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there!

OFA: What We’re Up To

OFA (Obama for America) is actively registering voters at area events. Arapahoe County Democratic Party volunteers are partnering with them at this time.  Go to the Calendar at www.arapahoedems.org  and find ways to volunteer at fun events.  Also OFA is partnering with us for our 1000 Door Challenge to get our message out to our neighbors.  Thanks OFA!  For more information on the work that OFA is doing to get President Obama and other Democratic candidates (re-)elected in 2012, contact Daphne Goodwin @ 720-452-2188.

Arapahoe Democratas Agosto 2011

LA CONEXION-JULIO 2011

El Boletín para los Demócratas del Condado de Arapahoe                                                            

Commentarios del Presidente

Bueno julio, sin duda, tuvo un comienzo húmedo! Pero no se preocupe—el verano de 2011 solo está comenzando a calentarse.

Tenemos algunas grandes oportunidades para socializar y ser voluntario. Nuestra cena anual honrando a Pat Schroeder ocurre el 20 de agosto igual que muchos pistolazos de salida para las carreras municipales en noviembre.  

También estamos en el proceso de llegar a nuestros objetivos en “El Proyecto de 1000 Puertas.” Yo he sido invitado a participar en esta campaña tocando puertas en algunos recintos y he tocado más de 100 puertas hasta este punto. Después de atascarme sobre el descuido y la negligencia exhibida por los Republicanos en D.C., fué refrescante salir y obrar recíprocamente con los demócratas del Condado de Arapahoe. Si hasta ahora no has salido para alcanzar tus metas con “El Proyecto de 1000 Puertas,” todavía hay mucho tiempo. ¡Avíseme cuando sus recintos se lleven a cabo y me reuniré con Uds.!                                               

Gracias de nuevo por los esfuerzos de Sharon Sherman y su madre, Luz, el boletín LA CONEXION está disponible en español. Visite el sitio Web de Arapahoe para leerlo e imprimirlo. Si conoce a alguien que pudiera traducir La Conexión en las comunidades etiopíanas y coreanas, comuníquese conmigo: Todd@ArapahoeDems.org.

Eventos Divertidos en Agosto

20 de agosto, 6:00-10:00 PM:                              

Por favor venga a nuestra Cena Anual honrando a Pat Schroeder, y la Entrega de Premios y Subasta Silenciosa. Este año, nuestros invitados incluyen EE.UU. Senador Michael Bennet y Carol Sue Tombari, escritora famosa y experta reconocida a nivel nacional según el uso de energías renovables. ¡La venta de entradas está disponible en el Internet con PayPal en nuestra página Web: www.arapahoedems.org!                                           

P.D. Por favor considere ayudarnos donando artículos para nuestra subasta silenciosa. Su nombre y el nombre de su negocio será exhibido prominentemente. Consulte nuestra página Web para obtener más información.                                     

26 de agosto, 5:00-7:00 PM:                                               

Salga de casa para apoyar a nuestros amigos en HD 42 cuando ellos nos hospedan con una Estampida para recaudar fondos para los Arapahoe Dems en el Stampede Mezquite Grill & Dance Emporium, 2430 South Havana, Aurora, CO.                                                     

El precio es $10.00 por la página Web de los Arapahoe Dems (www.arapahoedems.org) o $12.00 en la puerta.                                                                             

Para obtener más detalles, envie su correo electrónico a HD42mail@gmail.com, o llame a Carolyn Boller en (303) 364-3624, o a Robert Reed en (303) 905-4356.

¡Los Arapahoe Dems Pegan Un Batazo En El Parque en Coors Field!

El 16 de julio, 50 Arapahoe Dems y sus amigos tomaron posesión de la Sección 106 en Coors Field para animar a los Rockies. Mientras los Rox perdieron una estrecha, todos los presentes tuvieron un buen tiempo juntos.                                             

Sin duda, este evento nos reunirá de nuevo el año que viene. ¡Vamos Rockies!

Arapahoe Dems’ Proyecto de 1,000 Puertas

El “Proyecto de 1000 Puertas” ha tenido un impresionante comienzo en nuestros diversos distritos de la Cámara de Representantes. Les haremos saber el número de puertas ya tocados  en cada HD en la edición de septiembre de La Conexión. 

Si está ayudando con esta importante iniciativa, recuerde colectar la siguiente información importante de cada Demócrata activo: 1) Información telefónica; 2) Dirección de correo electrónico (para enviar el boletín mensual); 3) Manera en que el individuo quiera ser voluntario; 4) Contribución monetaria (si es disponible) dirigido al Partido Demócrata del Condado de Arapahoe.                                                                 

Centros de Votación – El Futuro de la Votación en el Condado de Arapahoe

El Condado de Arapahoe utilizará CENTROS DE VOTACION por primera vez en las elecciones del 1^ro de noviembre. Los 17 lugares de votación se han finalizado y se encuentran en el Internet: www.ArapahoeVOTES.com. Como un residente registrado en el Condado de Arapahoe, Ud. podrá votar en cualquier centro de votación, sin darle importancia a su dirección.

Elegibilidad de los votantes se verificará a través de conexiones de equipo al sistema electrónico de registro (SCORE) del Secretario del Estado. El condado y el estado están llevando a cabo una elección simulada el 3 de agosto en todos los centros de votacion. Esto pondrá a prueba todos los aspectos del sistema SCORE, particularmente si hay un problema con el sistema estatal o si se produce un error con la conexión. Póngase en contacto con Todd Mata con preguntas o ideas

que desea abordar: Todd@ArapahoeDems.org.

Propuesta de Invertir en la Familia de Colorado y el Futuro de Nuestro Estado

Una petición para la Iniciativa Electoral #25 está siendo promovido por el Senador Rollie Heath. Bajo la propuesta del Senador Heath, las tasas de impuestos del estado, de acuerdo con ingresos individuales y corporativos, se elevaría de los actuales 4.63% a 5% y las tasa de impuestos  para ventas en el estado y el uso de estas tasas subiría a 3%, frente a los actuales 2.9%. Los ingresos adicionales generados por esta propuesta iría directamente para pagar la educación K-12 y la educación superior.

Por favor, no olvide de entregar sus peticiones para el 1^ro de agosto. Póngase en contacto con Diana Holland para más información sobre esta entrega: dianaholland@usa.net.

Próximas Elecciones Municipales

La temporada de elecciones se aproxima con muchas carreras municipales y directivas escolares sin partidos más allá en 2011. Nos gustaría enfocar en grande algunos de los Demócratas que estan presentando sus candidaturas aqui:      

Keith Gardner, un Demócrata, ha anunciado su carrera de reelección en el Consejo de la Cuidad de Centennial, Distrito 2. En un segundo mandato, Gardner espera abordar muchas de los temas cruciales, tales como infraestructura, que afecta Centennial ahora después del estableci-miento de proyectos comerciales principales que se han abierto recientemente en la ciudad. Con una historia sólida de logros realizados en su primer mandato, es importante que todos trabajemos para que Keith llegue a ser reelegido por un segundo mandato.

Vorry Moon, un Demócrata, está consiguiendo su reelección en el Consejo de la Ciudad de Centennial, Distrito 1. Un Demócrata activo y ex-Presidente de HD 37, Vorry ha hecho un trabajo excepcional para la ciudad de Centennial como concejal y alcalde pro temp. Vorry fue un gran defensor para efectuar el establecimiento del centro comercial “Streets of South Glenn” en Centennial. Sin duda, pueden contar con Vorry a continuar promoviendo los mejores intereses para su ciudad!

Mapas Preliminarias de las Redistribu-ciones Legislativas Aprobadas-De Voz a Sus Ideas en Aurora y en Littleton

La Comisión de Redistribución Legislativa de once miembros, escuchó testimonio preliminario sobre la redistribución legislativa el 11 de julio. Estamos orgullosos informar que el Partido Demócrata del Condado de Arapahoe estuvo muy bien representado por una docena de dirigentes de la comunidad que abogaron por la justa y competitiva redistribución legislativa.

Se esperaba que el cambio de población en Colorado crearía algunos ajustes para el Condado de Arapahoe. El mapa del Senado estatal que fue aceptada por la Comisión refleja esta realidad y aún proporciona las carreras electorales del Senado para que verdaderamente sean competitivas. Sin embargo, el mapa de la Cámara de Representantes de Colorado que está tentativamente aprobado es muy perjudicial para las comunidades del Condado de Arapahoe.

En una entrevista escrita en el Colorado States-man, la Senadora Morgan Carroll—una de los Comisionadas que votó contra la corriente propuesta para el mapa legislativo de la Cámara de Representantes—declaró que el mapa, como presentemente esta redactado, “impacta seriamente barrios de comunidades de interés." Esto es particularmente cierto en Aurora.                                                           

Para dar voz a nuestras preocupaciones por el gran daño electoral que se propone en Aurora, estamos pidiendo que todos los activistas vengan  a la reunión de la Comisión en Aurora el 8 de agosto a las 6:00 PM para demostrar nuestro apoyo a las redactaciones de los mapas legislativos que el Senado asigna como aceptado. Por favor, vengan a la reunión de la Comisión en Littleton el 16 de agosto a las 6:00 PM para obtener más información sobre los esfuerzos preliminarios de redistribución legislativo: www.Colorado.gov/Reapportionment.

Vecinos Reuniéndose

¿Listo para conocer algunas personas con mentalidades semejantes? Estamos comenzando distintas reuniones (“Meet and Greet”) en varias vecindades del Condado de Arapahoe para discutir asuntos importantes, así como los retos y las oportunidades que enfrentarán en las próximas elecciones. El 5 de agosto a las 6:00 PM, vengan a Knolls Clubhouse, 3200 E. Geddes Drive, Centennial, CO 80122 (apx. Colorado Boulevard y Arapahoe Road) para un potluck. Por favor, haga reservaciones con Anita: aebjenk@gmail.com. ¡Esperamos verle allí!

Obama For America (OFA): Lo Que Estamos Haciendo

OFA está activamente registrando votantes en eventos de la zona. Los voluntarios del partido democrático del Condado de Arapahoe se han asociado con OFA en este momento. Vea el calendario en www.arapahoedems.org si quiere encontrar oportunidades para ser voluntario en eventos divertidos.

OFA también se ha asociado con nosotros para nuestro “Proyecto de 1000 Puertas” para publicar nuestro mensaje a nuestros vecinos. ¡Gracias OFA!

Para obtener más información sobre los esfuerzos que OFA está haciendo para (re-) elegir Presidente Obama y otros candidatos demócratas en el año 2012, póngase en contacto con Daphne Goodwin: (720) 452-2188.

Eche un vistazo a nuestra página Web en www.arapahoedems.org y nuestra página en Facebook. ¡Llámenos a (303) 338-1202 y díganos todas sus novedades!

Oficiales del Condado

Todd Mata, Presidente

Pam Gail, Primera Vice-Presidente

John Buckley, Segundo Vice-Presidente

Mary Pritchard, Secretaria

Matt Salek, Tesorero

Contacto(s) en su recinto __________________________________________________________________

Su(s) correo electrónico(s)

__________________________________________________________________

Número(s) de teléfono:

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