DEMS Announce Newly Elected Executive Board

Democratic Party of Washoe County (WashoeDEMS) elected the new 2011-2013 Executive Board at the County Central Committee meeting, Tuesday April 5.

Newly elected chair person Dorie Guy willl succeed Chip Evans. Guy was former Vice Chairperson during Evans' term.

“I feel that she is a great asset to the Democratic Party,” said Evans. “She will definitely take the Party in the right direction.”

The new board also includes First Vice Chair Rudy Viola who is an active United Auto Workers (UAW) member. Second Vice Chair Xiomara Rodriguez is a community activist for the Democratic Party and Latino community. Treasurer Laurie Haley is a volunteer and former treasurer to Jill Derby 2008 campaign. Secretary Janet Langford Gray is an Organizing for America member and Cold Springs community activist.

“I will enjoy working with the new executive board,” said Guy. “This time is crucial due to the tough issues facing Nevada, and we need to have our best foot forward.”

Continued Guy, “We need to prepare for the next Senatorial and Congressional races to ensure a good future for Nevadans.”

The newly updated bylaws of the County Party were also ratified by the Central Committee.

2011 Jefferson Jackson Brunch A Success

Over 300 attendees gathered for WashoeDEMS 2011 Jefferson Jackson Brunch. This year’s guest speaker featured explosive TV journalist, Jon Ralston. Ralston covered every legislative session since 1987 including the Congressional races and the current budgeting issue facing Nevada.

 “It’s up to the Democrats to do more,” said Ralston. “No new taxes is not a policy, it’s only a slogan.”

Sunday, March 27 was WashoeDEMS annual brunch. Proceeds from the event will contribute to the success in field organization, voter registration, legislative support, and candidate identification. This brunch can really benefit the Democratic Party and help elect officials that will in turn benefit Nevadans said Chip Evans, former WashoeDEMS Chair.

 Master of Ceremonies was Sparks City Council Member Julia Ratti, who is also a Sparks’ native. Many other officials including Nevada State Senator, Sheila Leslie, and Assemblywoman Debbie Smith were in attendance. Democrats in Clark County also attended the brunch, as well as students of the University of Nevada, Reno.

“The brunch was very successful,” said Shaun Gray, WashoeDEMS Executive Director. “Guests from all over had an opportunity to mix and mingle with their elected officials, and I think that’s really important.”

Ralston left the audience with two important questions: “How many dollars should we spend in the state?”  And “what is the tax structure that will keep up with the needs of the state?”

Currently, legislators are reviewing Governor Sandoval’s budget proposal which includes drastic tax cuts to education and the issue of collective bargaining rights.

“I was thrilled to see all those students and the way they got involved,” said Ralston. “ I am still hopeful because there is a lot of pressure from outside the Legislature.”

Workers and Students Protest Budget Cuts in Carson

More than 100 activists, workers and students gathered at Western Nevada College, Monday April 4, in solidarity against proposed budget cuts in Nevada and across America. 

Gov. Brian Sandoval has proposed a 29.1 percent cut in higher education’s state funding. Potential programs and services that many of Nevada’s universities and colleges offer will be affected if this budget is passed.

Featured speaker Danny Thompson, Nevada AFL-CIO Executive Secretary-Treasurer, introduced many of the guest speakers, invoking remembrance of the tragic assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of this creed…that all men are created equal,” quoted Rev. Larry Holloway, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Sparks. “This means equal access to jobs, health care and education.”

Continued Holloway, “Cuts are necessary; however, it is important to measure the long-lasting effects on those jobs in health care and education. We can no longer afford to sleep,” he added, “because budget cuts also affect the elderly, state workers and mothers with children.”

WashoeDEMS Chair Chip Evans said, “This is about people finding their voice and standing up against things they don’t want to see,” he said. “At the end of the day, when it comes to dismantling our state and our educational system, this is not what people want. We need people to stand up and say, ‘I’m willing to do my part to make society work,’” Evans added.

 “Important decisions will be made in the next few weeks,” noted Las Vegas State Senator Ruben Kilhuen. “We need all hands on deck,” he added.

Speakers encouraged the crowd to contact their Legislators. “Put pressure on them,” advised Assemblywoman Debbie Smith.

Attendees were given a detailed contact list of all Republican Legislators.

Upcoming OFA Events

Check out these upcoming events with Organizing For America!

OFA-CAN:  2012 Launch Overview
Tonight’s Community Action Night will be focused on the recent announcement of the beginning of President Obama’s 2012 campaign.  Now is the time to capture the enthusiasm of Organizing For America’s “I’m IN” campaign and this is your chance to learn how to be involved.  Bring a potluck item if you can and we look forward to seeing you tonight!
When:  Tonight, April 6^th, 5-8pm
Where:  WashoeDEMS HQ, 1465 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502
Contact:  Tom Hamilton, 775.813.0181, hamiltont@dnc.org

OFA-CAN: Alternative Energy
Next Wednesday Community Action Night will be focused on how the administration has worked to build an alternative energy future for America.  As always, this is a potluck event for local activists so bring your favoritedish and prepare for some great information and action!
When:  Wednesday, April 13^th, 5-8pm
Where:  WashoeDEMS HQ, 1465 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502
Contact:  Tom Hamilton, 775.813.0181, hamiltont@dnc.org

Save Education Phone Bank
We will be making calls to other activists asking them to take specific actions in support of education in Nevada particularly contacting their legislators.  Please join us in the struggle to defend our most important democratic institution: Education.  This is from 5pm-8pm ad will feature a brief presentation on Education and the Nevada Budget.
When:  April 7^th , 5-8pm
Where:  1465 Terminal Way, Reno, NV 89502
Contact:  Tom Hamilton, 775.813.0181, hamiltont@dnc.org

Summer Organizer Program Update
Interviews have begun and will continue throughout the month of April for our Summer Organizer Applicants.  But worry not!  Anyone interested in learning more about community organizing and devoting their summer to being a part of the movement for progressive change is welcome to apply.  The application is HERE

Application Deadline: April 18

2012 Caucus Information

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