One of the questions plaguing DC residents is how do we want our
schools run? What should be the size of the school board and how should they be elected?
But, more importantly, what can citizens (read this Leaguers) do to make
sure our children are being well educated? These are just two issues we will be exploring
in March.
The Education committee, co-chaired by Connie Tate and Gladys Weaver,
has planned two meetings: one on Charter Schools, March 15 followed by a meeting on Home
Schooling, March 16. The next week Units will further discuss these two issues as well as
considering changes to LWVDC education positions adopted in 1982. The Board's concern
about broad member support for these positions along with a study by the Education
committee and their recommendations will be presented to Units for their action. The most
controversial of these positions is the one on the School Board (see below).
The DC League's position adopted 18 years ago, supports the current
structure of the DC School Board. Discussing this issue at Unit meetings four years ago,
it was clear that there was "little member agreement" on the size or method of
selecting school board members. Because of this lack of member support, the Board has
voted to delete its position on the school board. To be effective, this action must be
verified by members. The Board hopes to bring this issue to members early this Spring, so
we can reach a new consensus.
As part of our focus on Education Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent, DC
Public Schools, will speak at our 80th anniversary breakfast Annual Meeting, Saturday,
April 29.
Yours in the League, Elizabeth M. Martin, President.
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Don't Miss
Two Speaker Meetings Present the "Pros" and "Cons" on
Charter Schools
Wed., March 15th 10 a.m. -12 noon
Home Schooling
Thurs., March 16th 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sumner School
1201 17th Street NW
(comer 17th St. NW & M St. NW)
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NEWS FROM THE UNITS: Meetings on Education to Follow
General Meetings
The Upper 16th Street Unit made a memorable contribution to the
luncheon arrangements for the January and February General Meetings by providing delicious
box lunches for just $5. A fundraiser for LWVDC as well as a pleasant break from the task
of selecting national program, the January lunches raised $100 for LWVDC. Planned by our
beloved Louise Perry, who did not live to enjoy this fundraiser, the box lunches were
prepared by Paula McKann, Reggie Yancey and Kathy Schmidt. Other fundraising plans include
a bridge party in May organized by Hope Marindin of the Chevy Chase Unit. Other Units
should be thinking of similarly creative ways to help meet the Leagues' costs that are not
covered by our dues,
Unit Meetings March 21-23 will offer members an opportunity to discuss
Home Schooling and Charter Schools, the topics of General Meetings held March 15 and 16.
The Units will also consider changes in our position on an elected School Board (see below).
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Tuesday. March 21
Southwest - 9:45 AM, Hostess: MacClaire Arlt, 554-4031, 560 N St, SW #N802
Northwest Day, 1 :00 PM, Unit Chair: Jeanette Miller, 362-1203, lone House, 4125 Albemarle
St., NW
Wednesday. March 22
Chevy Chase - 9:45 AM, Hostess: Mary Rodgers, 244-1933, 4601 31st St., NW
Upper 16th Street - 9:45 AM, Hostess: Madlyn Calbert, 832-7630, 1261 Keamey St., NE
Northeast Day - Is invited to meet with the Upper 16th St Unit (see above), Unit Co-Chair:
Roberta Johnson, 5264469
Thursday, March 23
Northwest Evening - 7:30 PM, Hostess: Anne Porowski, 364-0557, 4200 Cathedral
Avenue NW, #1019
Sheila Keeny, Unit Director
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The Education Committee is pleased to present two informative
presentations on a very timely topic -- Schooling! President Clinton just announced he was
adding additional funding for Charter Schools in the budget proposal he is sending to
Congress. Parents who want another alternative to public, private or charter schools are
choosing Home Schooling.
Both presentations will be held at the Charles Sumner School, 1201 17th
St., NW, Washington. At the corner of 17th St. and M St., Sumner School is conveniently
located near the Metro Red Line Farragut North Exit.
To learn more about Charter Schools, plan to attend the presentation on
Wednesday, March 15th from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon. Guest speakers will be Darian Griffin,
Assistant Director - Education Issues Dept.. American Federation of Teachers and Kent
Amos, Principal of three charter schools. [See also the insert on
charter schools.]
The presentation on Home Schooling will be on Thursday. March 16th from
6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Speakers will be Virginia Spatz, Home Schooler, and Gladys Weaver,
co-chair, LWVDC Education Committee.
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It's an exciting new world out there. The LWV US/EF announced on
February 15 a partnership with Grassroots.com that will now host the DNet candidate and
election information, providing greatly increased server capacity and technology support.
The LWV has agreed to provide coverage of all federal, gubernatorial, and local races.
Local Leagues will cover as many local and state races as resources allow. Twenty states
covered 1999 elections on the DNet system. The goal for 2000 is for all 50 states to have
a presence on the system, ranging from congressional to local races.
Sheila Willet, DC League office manager, attended DNet training put on
by National in late February. Thanks to her computer skills we are staying on the cutting
edge!
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The IR Committee met on Feb. 9th to finalize plans for the Feb. 16th
General Meeting on Trade. (An article on this meeting will appear in the April DC VOTER.)
Following a discussion of current articles of interest on trade, led by Janet Burmester,
the Committee set its agenda for the next few months. The Committee will be discussing
topics in the Great Decisions book for 2000.
Great Decisions Discussions
2nd Wednesdays March - June
1:00 pm. - 3:00 p.m.
LWVUS Office, 1730 M St., NW
Great Decisions books may be obtained from the World Affairs Council at
1800 K St., NW. All League members and friends of the League are invited to attend the
discussions. These meetings will be held at the LWVUS offices, 1730 M St., NW, 10th Floor
from 1-3 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The March meeting will be held in the LWVUS
Board Room. The dates, topics and discussion leaders are as follows:
Mar. 8, The Middle East at the Millenium, Susan Rao
Apr 12, US Foreign Policy and the American Political System, Hope Marindin
May 10, The Euro's Challenge to the Dollar, Janet Burmester
June 14, Humanitarianism, Sheila Keeny
Susan Rao Co-chair
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The Coalition for DC Representation in Congress is sponsoring a
citywide forum Saturday, March 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the New York Presbyterian Church, 1313
New York Avenue, NW. All are welcome. For information call Kathy Schmidt 202/232-6460.
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Many thanks to the following members who sent in additional
contributions to support the DC League: Frank Daspit, Roberta Johnson, Helen Marieskind,
Kathy Schmidt, Frances Wilkenson.
Josephine Wade is currently in a nursing home. Her new address is: c/o
Charter House #1112, 1316 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20710. It is with deep sorrow we
report the passing of member Irma Mullins. Services were held Feb. 7th The League has lost
a wonderful friend.
IN MEMORY
Many Leaguers are writing notes and contributing to the DC League in
memory of Louise Perry. Through her Private Elections and Bed & Breakfast activities
she was an ambassador par excellence. Everyone was her friend and she was friend to
everyone. One member remembers working with her when "nobility from England"
stayed with her. They became good friends and what a treat for them! The Board will take
action in March to add the money given in Louise's memory to Jan Rosenblum's bequest.
Louise would have approved. She worked tirelessly to improve the League's financial
condition. Those who have contributed to date: Frances Gemmill, Naomi Glass, Clara
Kirkman, Barbara Luchs, Anna Marsh, Elizabeth Martin, Chris Matthews & Ken Nesper,
Martha Myers, Nelson Rimsnyder, Mary Rodgers, Kathy Schmidt, Reggie Yancey, and the Upper
16th Unit.
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Save these dates for the following future events:
Saturday, April 29th, 9:00 a.m., Annual Meeting, Guest Speaker: Arlene Ackerman.
Details in next DC VOTER.
Sunday, May 14th, Million Mom March, See LWV/National
Capital Area.
Saturday, June 10th, NCA Annual Meeting, See LWV/National
Capital Area.
Fri.-Tues., June 16-20, National Convention, See page 7 or The National Voter for
more information.
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NCA Annual Meeting Update
We will meet at the Arlington Hilton on Saturday morning, June 10 for
brunch. Happily, Amy Lin, Assistant Director of Brookings Institute's Center on Urban and
Metropolitan Policy, has agreed to address us on their recently completed A Region
Divided, The State of Growth in Greater DC. Several Leaguers who have heard presentations
on this study enthusiastically recommend it, especially in light of our current
transportation/and use program item. Plan to join us. More details will follow as the date
grows near.
Reminder: "Whither the League?"
The colloquium is scheduled for Saturday morning, March 11, 10:00 a.m.
to noon, at the Montgomery County Executive Office Building in Rockville, MD. Help
identify problem areas and develop solutions. Call Pat Dougherty, 301/2997886 for
directions or other information.
Million Mom March. Mother's Day 2000
A group of nonpartisan mothers is planning a march on Washington on May
14th to call on Congress to pass "common sense" gun legislation. The LWVUS has
endorsed the effort and National Capital Area Leaguers, especially, are urged to attend
the event.
LWVUS Convention 2000
The NCA Board has decided to sponsor a booth at the Convention in June
to sell wares of all sorts. Of course, profits will be shared with contributing local
leaguers. So far, we range from packets of trail mix (to serve as a quick, but healthy
substitution for expensive, calorie-laden snacks) to elegant, hand-made scarves. If you
have items you'd like included or ideas you'd like to discuss, call Naomi Glass.
Naomi Glass, President 202/686-0124
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In a long-term effort to update the DC League positions, the Education
Committee has reviewed the Elementary and Secondary school positions and recommends the
following actions. To take effect, the actions voted on by the Board must then be passed
on by the membership.
1. Current position: "Vocational programs should be available to
meet the current needs. Skills should be taught in a framework broad enough to be adapted
to changing technologies and job markets."
Recommendation: The committee questioned whether the term
"vocational" is still valid. Suggested change is from "vocational" to
"career." Adopted by the Board.
2. Current position: "To provide for stability and continuity, it
must be clear to each student that there is one teacher who will guide his/her progress at
school."
Recommendation: Eliminate this paragraph since it is unrealistic at the
secondary level that "...one teacher will guide..." and it is not practiced at
the elementary level. Adopted by the Board.
3. Current position: "The present system of electing School Board
members both at-large and by wards should be retained. Board members elected by wards
better represent their own neighborhoods and at the same time ensure that the Board as a
whole reflects the various interests of the entire community. However, at-large
representation should also be retained to give the Board a comprehensive view of the
city."
Recommendation: At Unit meetings four years ago, the Education
committee found "little member agreement" on the appropriate size of the School
Board or how it should be elected. Since the Board felt that it could not take action
without an update, a motion to delete the position was passed by the board.
The above will be covered at the individual March Unit meetings (see above for meeting dates).
General Meetings and Unit Meetings provide Leaguers with the
opportunity to discuss and stay informed about the current issues affecting our community
and beyond.
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MAYOR'S FOLLOW-UP NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION CITIZENS SUMMIT
Mayor Anthony Williams convened a second Summit in late January, a
follow-up to the November forum (see January 2000 issue of DC
VOTER). The meeting focused on a revised draft of the Mayor's strategic plan that will
guide the finalization of the DC budget. Over 1300 residents fumed out on a bitter day and
packed the UDC gym. UDC President Dr. Julius Nimmons welcomed the crowd. Carolyn
Lukensmeyer, Executive Director of Neighborhood Action, continued as moderator. Citizens
again made use of key pads to record views and thus received nearly instantaneous analysis
of a series of questions posed to characterize views and composition of the participants.
The first item addressed was how important the summit was; 68% viewed this as
"critical; must do" and 21% thought it "important."
Mayor Williams' goal is rebuilding citizens' trust in DC Government.
Mayor Williams stressed his goal of rebuilding citizens' trust in the
DC. Government He reviewed how his first draft of the strategic plan had been revised in
light of the November meeting. For example, attention to neighborhoods will be expanded
beyond the original six identified for special focus. Neighborhood Services Managers will
be located throughout the city. Citizens will be able to call on them to pursue
assistance, especially where responsibilities cut across agencies.
Citizens' Top Concerns For:
Capital Resources is school facilities.
City improvement is fix streets & trash removal.
Among city-wide issues, the top concern for "improvement"
were fixing streets (36%), followed by trash removal (26%) and getting rid of rats (22%).
Support for tree trimming and planting was in the single digits. The top priority for
capital resources was school facilities (46%). The next area for the government to focus
on is job training. Participants again addressed issues at the neighborhood level; the
views were collected for later analysis.
Barbara T. Yeomans
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DC Leaguers met at Sumner School in January to begin National Program
Planning leading up to Convention 2000. The heart of the meeting was for Leaguers to voice
their preferences for possible national study items. LWVUS is conducting a special survey
of all members on the process for reviewing and updating positions, among other items.
This was described in the winter issue of the National Voter as well as in the January DC
VOTER.
There was unanimous agreement among attendees that international
relations should be the first program area considered for updating and study. Within that
area, LWVUS should look at two positions in parallel: the United Nations and Trade. This
also was a recommendation of the DC League's IR Committee chaired by Susan Rao and Sheila
Keeny who presented the rationales leading to this recommendation (e.g., major structural
issues before the UN and, with respect to trade, collapse of the Soviet Union and advent
of the World Trade Organization).
Members also had to decide whether to retain or drop any LWVUS
positions. (Leaguers were reminded that the full texts of the detailed positions can be
found in the LWVUS Publication: Impact on Issues.) No positions were recommended
for deletion but all recognized that many positions need to be brought up to date.
The DC League reaffirmed its support for the proposal by LWV/NCA to
seek support at Convention that, under the DC governance position, the federal payment to
the District should be restored and that DC should have control over locally raised
revenues, i.e., without Congressional review. These issues were addressed at unit meetings
in Maryland, Virginia and DC last spring. The LWVUS questionnaire also led to a lively
discussion of the future of the DC League.
Barbara T. Yeomans, 3rd Vice-President (National Program)
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The kick-off "brown bag dialogue" for 2000 was an opportunity
for Leaguers to understand the recommendations on DC Council Reform made by the DC
Appleseed Center and the National Conference of State Legislatures (see September 1999 DC
VOTER). Executive Director, Josh Wyner and staff associate Anna E. Laitin, laid out the
issues of staffing, standardizing the legislative process, emergency legislation and
public hearings. Although the two reports addressed different issues, Mr. Wyner noted that
neither group disagreed with recommendations of the other.
A major, long reaching recommendation. called for centralization of
committee staff. The Council has 130 employees, about twice the number for councils in
cities of comparable size; however, the District has state-level functions and has had
especially heavy demands for constituent services. Each Council member is entitled to four
staff and committee chairs have four additional staff. When a member changes committee
assignments, typically the staff goes with him/her. Corporate memory and expertise are
lost and new and reassigned staff may not necessarily be expert in the new committee
assignments. Centralizing staff would improve professional quality and permit improved
operation. Two central offices in particular are recommended: policy, fiscal analysis and
research and legislative oversight. Further, the office of Legislative Counsel needs
strengthening to improve the drafting of bills before hearings are held.
Other areas needing improvement include:
- Standard Legislative Process: It is important that documents (draft bills, fiscal impact
statements, and evaluations of a bill's legal and technical adequacy) be released early
enough so that adequate analysis can be conducted. Responsible preparation for hearings by
any witness depends on this. (Council members themselves have received draft bills on the
day of a hearing.) Additionally, certain analyses are not released early enough. Draft
bills need to be circulated earlier before a committee mark-up session (e.g. two days, and
not the common practice of just before a session); to including the public, leading to
more informed debate and better drafted legislation. The Council has taken some steps
toward improvement, notably, placing bills on its web site.
- Emergency Legislative Process: In recent years the Council has enacted almost half of
all legislation under emergency procedures. This process permits enactment for 90 days
after the mayor's signature and without any congressional review period. Beyond genuine
emergencies, emergencies can arise because Congress can take too long to conduct reviews.
The 30-day waiting period for Congressional review of DC excludes weekends and holidays
plus periods when the Congress is not in session. Under the emergency process typically no
hearings are held. Intent to employ emergency legislation usually is not announced in
advance and the bills are not published. Legislation can be adopted at one reading; the
standard process requires two readings 13 days apart. The public is left out and the
Council loses opportunities to gain important information to improve legislation.
- Public Hearings: The Council is supposed to hold hearings on proposed bills and notice
is to be given. However, the Council extensively uses a process called a
"roundtable" to discuss matters, in substantive effect like a hearing but with
no statutory requirement that notice be given. Thus, although use of
"roundtable" has basically been responsible, access to information to
participate is inadequate. When there are hearings, adequacy of notice needs to be
improved, together with dissemination in advance of relevant documents.
Barbara T. Yeomans
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League members with computers and access to the Internet can now access a "Members
Only" site on the LWVUS / LWVEF web site (www.lwv.org). Just click on the Members
Only button. You will be prompted to type in a username and password that can be found in
the League Connections section of the Sep/Oct 1999 and Dec/Jan 2000 (page 8 under
"Good Bytes") issues of The National Voter.
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Would You like to See The Capitol
Steps Musical Political Satire For Free ??
Saturday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Crystal Ballroom of the Hilton
Washington Hotel
Be a LWVUS National Convention Volunteer, June 16-20, 2000
Hilton Washington Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 202-483-3000
Metro: Red Line, Dupont Circle stop, North exit
And You Can Have a Ticket to the Fundraiser for the LW\/-NCA
We are looking for volunteers for many different types of jobs, some behind the
scenes and some on the floor of the convention. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part
of this exciting League function in your own home town. It's work, but it's a lot of fun
too. Like seeing The Capitol Steps.
Volunteers are needed as follows:
Every day (June 16-20)
Registration - staff registration desk; distribute badges and materials
Credentials - certify voting eligibility of delegates; prepare official daily
attendance report
Information - staff information desk; provide tourist information to delegates and
visitors
Personnel - staff volunteer room; assist with assignments; provide back-up to other
volunteer areas
Teller/Elections - process vote cards; count and record results
Friday through Sunday (June 16-18)
Hospitality - greet delegates and guest; host hospitality suite; assist with
information
Dine Around - staff "dine around" desk-sign-ups, reservations,
information
Saturday through Tuesday (June 17-20)
Floor Committees:
Doorkeeper - check badges for eligibility to enter; distribute official materials;
monitor doors.
Usher - distribute, collect, deliver motion slips; collect vote cards; usher guests.
Microphone monitor - monitor floor mikes; keep order in lines; assist with vote
counts.
Timekeeper - notify speakers when time expired.
Questions? Contact Janet Hay, 703-860-0112, hays@wizard.net
or Shirley Olson, 703-860-0512, mwon4abm@aol.com
Print out and return this form to Janet Hays, 2511 Trophy
Lane, Reston, VA 20191. We'll contact you soon.
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Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
|
1 10:00 a.m., LWVDC Board Mtg., LWVUS
Board Room, 1730 M St., NW, 10th Floor |
2 |
3 |
6 12:00 p.m., Unit Council Mtg., 12 noon,
LWVDC Office, 733 15th St., NW, #437 |
7 April DC Voter Deadline |
8 10:00 a.m., Education Committee Mtg.,
LWVDC Office,
1:00 p.m., IR Committee "Great Decisions" LWVUS |
9 |
10 |
13 |
14 |
15 10:00 a.m., General Mtg. on Charter
Schools, Sumner School, 17th and M Sts., NW |
16 6:30 p.m., Gen. Mtg. on Home
Schooling, Sumner School |
17 |
20 |
21 9:45 a.m., Southwest unit meeting
1:00 p.m., Northwest D unit meeting |
22 9:45 a.m., Chevy Chase unit meeting
9:45 a.m., Upper 16th St., Northeast Day unit meeting |
23 7:30 p.m., Northwest Evening unit
meeting |
24 April DC Voter mailed |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
LWVDC Office Seeks 4 Volunteers for 2 to 4 hours, one day a week.
Call Sheila Willet, Office Manager, 347-3020, to apply
|