Virginia Democratic Women's Caucus

VaDWC Inaugural Newsletter

VaDWC — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 13:59:54 +0000

We just emailed our first newsletter, and look forward to staying in touch with you now both through our web site and newsletter. If you are not yet on our list, please fill in the request to be added below.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

VaDWC Newsletter June 2010

Two Virginia Democratic Women Running for DPVA 1st Vice Chair

VAWomen — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:27:39 +0000

With the recent resignation of Jennifer McLellan, there is an opening in the DPVA 1st Vice Chair position. The seat will be filled at the next State Central Committee Meeting on June 12. Two Virginia Democratic Women have announced their candidacy: Gaylene Kanoyton and Susan Mariner. We have pasted below recent emails from both Susan and Gaylene announcing their intent to run for this position.

Message from Gaylene Kanoyton

Greetings,

My name is Gaylene Kanoyton, of Hampton, Virginia, and I am asking for your vote to be the next 1st Vice President of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

We Democrats are at a crossroads both nationally and here in the Commonwealth. We are on the right side of history as our nation stands to move in a new direction despite the forces working against us. The Democratic Party needs to be strong, smart, bold, and courageous…and Virginia is poised to lead the way. I believe my blend of professional and community work makes me uniquely qualified to be an integral part of the team that will provide that leadership!

I am a grassroots leader with a track record of rallying our traditional base while garnering support from the business community. Over the last several years I have spent the bulk of my free time working on behalf of the DPVA and Democratic candidates across the state. As Chairwoman of the Hampton Democratic Committee for the past five years, I’ve led the way to record voter turnout in Hampton precincts. Under Gov. Mark Warner and Gov. Tim Kaine, I served as the local organizer of the Hampton Roads “Happy Hour with a Purpose” and the Hampton Roads Network Connections, also increasing voter turnout among the traditionally non-engaged voters 21-40 year old age group across the region.

Now I’m ready to do MORE…

I’m ready to help strengthen Local Committees, Congressional Districst & Caucuses.

RECRUIT by broadening our base of traditional support to include people from more diverse and less traditional backgrounds. Establish innovative recruitment methods to attract new members to local committees, especially in the rural areas.

EDUCATE by more boldly communicating who Democrats are, what the Party stands for, and supporting President Obama by explaining his policies and what they mean for us at the local level. Incorporate grassroots training that includes local precinct operations and outreach initiatives critical for the success of electing Democrats to office. We, not the opposition, must brand our message.

ACTIVATE by building on our recruitment and education efforts and motivating people to act.

How do I know this works? Because I’ve done it before! During the 2008 elections, my Democratic Committee was able to draw upon ties I have successfully built both within and outside of the Party faithful. Thanks to my involvement in a variety of community and grassroots organizations, my precinct committee was able to reach into the traditional Democratic voting base and organize effective GOTV efforts that led to record voter turnout. Having spent more than 20 years working in corporate sales and marketing, my ties extend beyond those groups expected to vote Democratic. We need innovative ideas and energy to communicate to those groups and bring in a broader base of support that will not only vote Democratic on election day, but also work with the Party to accomplish its goals throughout the rest of the year.

I would appreciate your vote on June 12, 2010 at the DPVA State Central Committee meeting in Charlottesville!

Until next time…Go Virginia Democrats !

Message from Susan Mariner

Dear Fellow Democrat,

My name is Susan Mariner, and I currently serve as the Chair of the Democratic Committee in Virginia Beach. You may have heard that within the past 48 hours I have decided to run for the soon-to-be-vacated post of DPVA 1st Vice Chair, Organization, a role that has been filled by Delegate Jennifer McLellan, whose distinguished service will have positive ripples on the DPVA and role of 1st Chair for many years to come.

Should I be honored to be elected to this position, I would work to strengthen and perfect the organization through the City and County Committees, which are the heart and soul of the DPVA. I strongly believe that I am the best qualified and able candidate to help bring our local committees to the next level.

I’ve had a myriad of experiences working for the best Democratic Party in the country. I am the only candidate who has: 1) Worked for the DPVA staff in the Political department; 2) Worked with 17 different Democratic Committees in the Commonwealth, in Red and Blue areas, in rural, urban, and suburban areas; 3) Been a high level professional campaign staffer; and 4) Served as a Democratic Committee Chair.

I know the Party inside out, understand the special challenges of rural and suburban committees, and have forged great relationships across the state and with the DPVA staff. In addition to my experiences in politics, I have a strong organization skillset for the position, with 20+ years of executive experience in Organizational Development, Management, and Marketing.

As 1st Vice Chair, my main focus would be to use my strong organizational skills and political experience to assist in strengthening and perfecting local committees all across the Commonwealth. I recognize that every single vote matters, no matter where it comes from and that the local committees are on the front lines every day.

I will be sending more details of what I’d like to do to help committees in upcoming emails, but here is some of what I’ve accomplished during my brief tenure as Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Chair:

Made the committee much more inclusive, increasing the percentage of minority members from 5% to 35%
Brought our membership roles to a historic high of 175 from 80, including many new young members
Professionalized internal and external communications and formed a Communications Committee
Raised the profile of the VBDC in typically red leaning Virginia Beach with free media exposure
Formed a Public Service Committee to “Live Our Values,” which has generated considerable goodwill and good messaging for the Party
Used social media and online technology to vastly increase our visibility at no cost (see www.vbdemocrats.org and http://www.facebook.com/vbdemocrats)
And more….

If given this extraordinary opportunity I’ll be a Vice Chair who represents all of Virginia. I love this Party, and you can be sure that I’ll bring the passion and energy necessary to motivate and build on the successes of the past to create a BLUER future. I would be grateful for your support.

My very best,

Susan Mariner

President Obama Announces Second Woman for the Supreme Court!

VAWomen — Tue, 11 May 2010 11:31:00 +0000

Solicitor General Elena Kagan: ”Her Passion for the Law is Anything But Academic” — President Obama on announcing his pick for the High Court. For more about the nomination from the White House blog, click here.

Join the Blue Divas Running Club

VaDWC — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:24:46 +0000

The Blue Divas are a running club comprised of democratic women throughout the Commonwealth who want to stay fit and raise money for the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus (VaDWC). This year our goal is to run the Richmond Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday, November 13, 2010. The marathon and half marathon have a limited capacity so follow the link and register NOW! www.richmondmarathon.com. Registration fees are $80 for the Marathon and $65 for the half marathon.

This will be the first of many road races to raise money for the Caucus. If you are interested in joining the Blue Divas in Northern Virginia or starting a training team in your area please contact Julie Turner at jturnerdcc@verizon.net.

Kick-off Meeting and Training Run

First Timer Marathon Training in Northern Virginia will begin Saturday, May 15, 2010 at East Falls Church /Washington Old Dominion Trail Basketball Courts. We will meet at 7:15 am to discuss our training schedule and training method. Half Marathoners will be expected to attend this meeting. Half Marathon training will begin August 7, 2010. We will run our first 4 miles for Marathon Training at 8 am leaving the 3rd mile marker. You will need to register on-line at www.richmondmarathon.com prior to our training kick-off. Seasoned runners are welcomed. First time runners are supported, welcomed, and encouraged—this a great camaraderie and campaign team work exercise!

RULES

Each runner is responsible for registering and paying fees for the marathon or half marathon independently before the deadline. The Blue Divas are a running club of the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus. We are not a charity or affiliated with the Richmond Marathon.
Each runner is responsible for raising $500 for the VaDWC before October 30th, 2010.
Sponsorships for the Marathon: Corporate, PAC, and Elected Officials – $260.20
Individual – $26.10
Sponsorships for the Half Marathon: Corporate, PAC, and Elected Officials – $130.10
Individual – $13.10
Each runner commits to train with our weekly group and complete two short runs per week for 6 months.
Come to the first kick-off meeting and 4 mile run!

The VaDWC is not a sponsor or an affiliate of the Richmond Marathon or responsible for injuries sustained as a result of training or participation in the actual event. All runners will follow the rules and guidelines established by the Richmond Sun Trust Marathon.

HCR: Women Have the Most to Gain

VaDWC — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:50:49 +0000

Women in Health Care April 2010

Thank You Congressman Scott

VaDWC — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:36:45 +0000

Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus Executive Board Members, Gaylene Kanoyton, Linda Brooks, and Deloris Thomas present Congressman Bobby Scott with a letter from the Caucus thanking him for his support and vote for Health Care Reform. Passage of Health Care Reform was historical and the Caucus knows the impact this legislation will have in improving the lives of women and children throughout the Commonwealth. We are deeply appreciative of Congressman Scott’s unwavering support.

Trust Women Respect Choice

VaDWC — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:59:02 +0000

This license plate, “Trust Women. Respect Choice.”, will be available soon for Virginians.

Washington Post, April 14 by Anita Kumar
McDonnell accepts abortion ‘choice’ license bill, but blocks revenue from abortion use

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) accepted a bill to create a “Trust Women/Respect Choice” license plate, even though he is a Catholic who personally opposes abortion.

But McDonnell did propose amending the bill slightly to include language to ensure any money generated from the new plate is not used to “provide abortion services.”

“The Governor did not veto the specialty license plate bill requested by Planned Parenthood,” McDonnell spokeswoman Taylor Thornley said. “His amendment to the legislation simply codifies Planned Parenthood’s often-stated position that license plate proceeds will not be used for abortion services.”

In Virginia, the governor can amend all bills. Midnight was the deadline for him to amend, sign or veto bills. The General Assembly will vote on his amendments next week.

After the first 1,000 plates, money from fees for the plate will go to Planned Parenthood. Almost 500 plates have already been sold.

Full article …

Governor McDonnell’s Proclamation

VaDWC — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:12:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 8, 2010
Contact: Julie Turner, 2^nd Chair Ways and Means
540 364-6240 home
202 841-9117 office / cell
jturnerdcc@verizon.net

THE VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CAUCUS

Statement regarding Governor McDonnell’s Proclamation declaring April as Confederate History Month

The Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus condemns Governor Robert McDonnell’s proclamation honoring confederate history. We are outraged by the historical inaccuracy and the exclusion of slavery in an official government manuscript. The women of the Virginia Democratic Women’s Caucus believe this Proclamation and the Governor’s defense of it, is an insult to people of color and an attempt to disregard the sacrifice and struggles of the events leading to Civil Rights. No last minute apology will make up for the pain caused by this error. This Proclamation attempts to dismantle a collective admission of the many atrocities of slavery and perpetuates the myths that the Civil War was a just and noble cause. We believe Governor McDonnell is pandering to the interests of a narrow but excessively loud group of right wing extremists rather than the combined well-being of all Virginians. Once elected Governor, Robert McDonnell represents all the people not just a segment of the population who share his incorrect opinion of Virginia history. We encourage Governor McDonnell to stop glorifying errors of the past and try to lead the Commonwealth into an equitable future.

Rachel Rifkind, Chair, Fairfax County
Linda Brooks, 1^st Vice Chair, Newport News
Julie Turner, 2^nd Chair, Ways and Means, Fauquier County
Maureen Markham, 3^rd Chair, Arlington
Mattie Urquhart, Treasurer

###

Statement of Susan S. Platt, Founder, The Farm Team

VaDWC — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:31:15 +0000

Lynchburg needs your help

Lynchburg is arguably facing the most important City Council election in its history on May 4, and we need your help re-electing Joan Foster.

Why? Last November, Liberty University used student muscle to steal the House of Delegates race from one of our own, Shannon Valentine, and the citizens of Lynchburg. By controlling access and information, Liberty’s chancellor, Jerry Falwell, Jr., convinced Liberty students of their power to “dominate in local elections,” and he has become increasingly vocal and aggressive about electing officials who will allow the university to do exactly as it pleases – seeking “special treatment and special exemptions”.

Most recently, Liberty University and Jerry Falwell, Jr. secretly taped a meeting between the school, the city manager and Mayor Joan Foster. The University then used this secret taping to challenge Joan’s integrity – accusing her of promising a future vote on a zoning issue important to Liberty. The truth is the tape actually supports Joan, clarifying her statement and intention. While Joan is emerging as the strong, effective leader that she is, it is outrageous for any institution to seek preferential treatment, conducting government business in such an unethical manner.

The Farm Team stands on the principle of electing outstanding women. Today, we have an outstanding candidate in Joan Foster, who is standing on an eight-year record of excellent service, working for the good of all citizens in Lynchburg – treating everyone fairly and not allowing anyone to expect to be “exempt” from the rules and “expect special treatment”. As members of the Farm Team, we cannot stand by and allow one of our best to be defeated using such deplorable tactics. Stand with us and help re-elect Mayor Joan Foster May 4.

fostercampaign2010@gmail.com

Mayor Joan Foster: Official Statement Re: Taping of Falwell Meeting

VaDWC — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:30:05 +0000

Statement from Joan F. Foster on the secret taping of her meeting with Chancellor Falwell, his staff members and the City Manager, April 3, 2010

I was very disappointed to learn that my meeting with Jerry Falwell, Jr., was taped without my knowledge or permission. While legal in Virginia, in my opinion it is not morally or ethically right to tape a meeting without disclosing it to all parties involved.

That being said, I have listened to the partial recording that has been released by Liberty University and here are my observations:

1. The quality of the recording is poor. Key pieces of the meeting are missing which I will outline later. The general tone of the meeting was positive. The major objectives of the meeting were accomplished: A. Educate the administration of the funds currently allocated to the Pedestrian Walkway. B. Hear the concerns of Liberty University regarding the Conditional Use Permit Process (CUP). C. Offer options in addressing changes to the CUP so they could seek fewer restrictions dealing with growth on campus. D. Build positive relationships with one of Lynchburg’s key stakeholders, Liberty University.

2. Both Chancellor Falwell and staff member Lee Beaumont have admitted clearly that I never stated that I could deliver a unanimous vote to change the CUP as quoted in the News and Advance in an article on April 2, 2010. However, they have both stated that this was implied in the meeting and point to one section of the recording to make their point. Clearly, they misunderstood my comments. When I said, “that would be a 7‐0 vote in favor of what he (City Manager) just said,” I meant that all of Council would want to know how an internal college project impacts the outlying community.

3. One of the options presented to Liberty University during our meeting which was not present in the recording, was to write a letter requesting a change to the CUP process to City Council. If a letter was delivered to me on behalf of LU, I assured them that I would share the letter with Council and then it would be turned over to the Planning Commission. This would begin the process, which is currently in place, which would take 60 to 90 days. This is exactly what occurred at City Council Work Session on March 30, 2010. The process was initiated and referred to the Planning Commission.

Liberty University is composed of thousands of people who currently attend the University, or have attended it in the past. The LU “family” is important to our community. Many are our teachers, business leaders, ministers, police officers and other public and private servants. I appreciate these LU citizens for following your principles, desiring an education that fulfills your spiritual values, and for what you do to make this world a better place. Liberty University is not one or two people, even if they are in leadership positions. Therefore, I pledge that I will continue to do what is right for Lynchburg AND for the Liberty University “family” at every opportunity. We need safe pedestrian walkways, quality buildings, good jobs and a strong higher education system that is embodied in Lynchburg College, Randolph College, Virginia University of Lynchburg, CVCC and Liberty University.

In public service, there are a lot of demands, and people have varying opinions which is what makes a democracy work. It is very important to be slow to anger when you are in a leadership role and to be very tolerant and open to a variety of views. However, when a person’s integrity is challenged, that must be addressed clearly, quickly and assertively. So, let me say very clearly, quickly and assertively, that I have spoken the truth throughout this process.

As is verified in the partial secret recording of the meeting, and with statements from Lee Beaumont and Jerry Falwell, Jr. in an article in the April 2, 2010 News and Advance, I never promised a guaranteed 7‐0 vote on changing the CUP process. Lee Beaumont was quoted in this article as saying, “The Mayor never directly said that a request for a zoning amendment would get a 7‐0 vote.” Later in the article he is quoted as saying, “She did not say: We will give LU back its 1991 by‐right use.” I think these words speak for themselves.
While it is unfortunate that attempts to strengthen relationships between the City and Liberty University has been dealt a significant blow, my job is to represent all the citizens of Lynchburg with honesty and integrity. That is exactly what I will continue to do.

***

If you would like to help re-elect Mayor Foster May 4, please visit her site and/or click here to contribute to her campaign.