The
LWVUS Council in June offered me a opportunity to meet many of my
counterparts and exchange ideas. The D.C. League was granted permission
to draft and present a Resolution on, D.C. Representation at the Plenary
Session to the full body, which overwhelmingly accepted by all the
delegates and Board members, with a standing ovation. We have been
promised support for the issue as needed. We were asked by State
Representatives what they could do to assist us. We suggested
communicating with their elected representatives prior to the pending
hearings in November or January for HR 1193 (Norton) and SB 603
(Lieberman). In addition, LWVUS Council Representatives voted to drop
the Drug Policy Study due to lack of funding. Also, we completed an
Election Administration Survey on voter access, vote counting, the
workforce and education for LWVUS.
Our
testimony before Councilman Mendelson's Roundtable Hearing on Voter
Representation on June 20th was relevant. The purpose of the
hearing by Councilman Mendelson was to determine which groups in the
District are involved in the D.C. Voting Representation issues.
We
attended a WMATA hearing on potential bus service improvements for
better connection to the region. We learned about pending changes to the
system and concerns of other citizens. We also interviewed Michelle
Pourchiau, Deputy Directory of the District Division of Transportation,
on how policies, planning methods and financial decision are made for an
LWV/NCA Transportation Survey.
Thanks
to Barbara Yeomans and Naomi Glass for quick development of the
Resolution for the D.C. Vote at the LWVUS Council. —
E. Patricia Hallman,
President
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Save the Date!
September 20th for
our Fall
Luncheon
Gallaudet
University, Kellogg Conference Center
Featured
Speaker
Elinor Bacon, Chief Executive
National Capital Revitalization Corp.
Watch for flyer and registration form in the
September DC
VOTER.
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New
Members: Welcome
to new members: Denise R. Barnes, Joan R. Brown, Carolyn Curtis, Barbara
Hogg, Sharon Kissel, Lei Martin, Jeff Pearlman & Laura Fitzrandolph,
Bettye W. Topps, Joan R. Wilson, Contributions: We thank the
following members who sent in additional contributions to carry on the
League's work: Marion K. Bell, H, Russell Cort, Morelia Hanson, Clara
Kirkman, Carolyn Kuh, Lois I. Laster, Barbara Luchs, Mary Rankin, Linda
Softli, Louise
Steele, and Walter O. Jacobson, in memory of his late wife Eileen D.
Jacobson who was a very active member in the 1960s through early 1980s,
especially in the area of the environment.
In
Memoriam: We
have just heard that Wayland McClelland passed away in April.
Life
members: None this month.
Editor's note: Life member status is given to
members who have maintained their membership in the LWV for 50 years. If
you have been a LWV member since 1951 or before and your mailing label
does not indicate Life Member, please call the League office (347-3020).
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Since
the Committee has ended a two-year study of charter schools, we are
looking for a new focus. At our last meeting a number of topics were
suggested. We
request that you tell us of your interests in the following topics:
- School Libraries
- Home Schooling
- Special
Education
- Physical
Structures/ Capital Improvement Budget
- Adult
Education
- Other _____________________
Please call the League Office at 347-3020 and let
us know of your choice.
We will
meet on August 1 at 1 pm in the LWVDC office to review the input from
the League members. Beginning in September, the Education Committee will
meet the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 pm at the LWVDC office,
733 15th St., NW, Suite 432. Please consider attending the meetings. —
Gladys Weaver (554-3055) and Constance Tate (882-0387), Co-chairs.
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The
Committee held two meetings (May 26 and July 7) to discuss a working
paper on trade prepared
by Committee member Janet Burmester. The paper, Toward a Liberal
Trade Policy, considers in depth some of the issues emerging from
LWV efforts to update its position on trade.
In her
key opening paragraph, Janet argues that "the political and
economic interests of this country and of its citizens, both as workers
and especially as consumers, are best served by a liberal trade policy
which stimulates economic development at home and abroad by fostering
efficient use of scarce global resources." A liberal trade policy,
she explains, means "reciprocal reduction of all types of trade
barriers and trade dislocating practices..."
The
Committee forwarded the paper, following certain textual changes, with
general IR Committee endorsement to the LWVUS Trade Update Task Force,
of which Janet is a member. It is "our contribution to the Task
Force's understanding of the unusually complex issues surrounding the
trade question". To get a copy of the paper, call me. See also the
summary elsewhere in this DC Voter of a presentation on trade made by
Foreign Policy Editor, Dr Moises Naim, at the June meeting of the
Council of the LWVUS. And don't forget to mail back to LWVUS your
completed survey on trade, labor and human rights, printed on page 7 of
the June/July National Voter.
The
Committee is also trying to keep abreast of developments at the UN as we
prepare to update the League's UN position. Co-Chairs Anne Porowski and
Sheila Keeny, joined by past IR Chair Mary Weiler, attended a State
Department briefing session for NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs)
concerning the UN Conference on The Illicit Trade in Small Arms and
Light Weapons taking place in July in NY. We look forward to attending
another such briefing on the UN Conference on Racism to take place in
Durban, South Africa, beginning August 31. If interested in more
information on either conference, call me. — Sheila Keeny, Co-Chair
(966-1692)
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Correction
to last issue: Left off the list of Board Members was NCA Liaison
Suzanne Campagna.
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This
summary of the June Board meeting is prepared for the July/August DC
VOTER to encourage communication with the Board by all League members.
Your comments are invited; please send them to Frances Gemmill, e-mail fgemmill@juno.com,
telephone 362-6784.
President
Hallman called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Following
administrative actions (confirmation of agenda, review of minutes, and
Treasurer's Report) Elaine Melmed discussed the necessity and plans for
increasing and re-vitalizing membership. The plan was developed by a
committee who include Melmed (Chair), Liz Martin, Naomi Glass, Reggie
Yancey, Sheila Willet and Mary Rodgers. Liz Martin will telephone
members to welcome them and also to learn about them, so they can be
featured in' the D.C. VOTER. Mary Rodgers will contact members who don't
renew their membership to learn why. Melmed suggested a motto for Board
members: "Me plus 3" to encourage Board members to recruit new
members.
Naomi
Glass suggested we re-introduce the League especially our new President
to the D.C. Council and acquaint the Council with our current focus on
health, housing and education.
The fall
luncheon will be September 20th at Gallaudet. Melmed will make
arrangements.
Glass and Yeomanp reported on the annual Convention
of the National Capital
Area League, at which a resolution was adopted urging Congress to
"leave D.C. alone", that is, to allow the Mayor and Council to
solve D.C.'s problems. Barbara Yeomans said the May 26 Trade meeting
provided a useful interchange on global trade.
Kathy
Schmidt reported for DC VOTE that identical bills have been introduced
by Del. Norton and Sen. Lieberman (HR1193 - and S603), both for
representation in Congress for D.C. residents, and both exempting us
from federal income taxes if we are not represented in Congress. The
national League is considering lobbying support, and a fall visit is
planned to ask members of Congress how they plan to vote on the issue..
Also planned for this summer is a lobbying campaign on the Mall,
introducing ourselves to as many as possible of the millions of visitors
who are expected.
Jeanette
Miller reported that 45 people attended the May Units. Natalie Howard
said plans for the local study of health are still in the formative
stage.
The next
Board meeting will be at 1730 M St., N.W. (LWVUS office) at 10:00 a.m.
on Wednesday, August 1, 2001. Note: Visitors are always welcome at
League Board meetings. — Frances
Gemmill (362-6784)
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The last
of three LWVUS seminars on election reform featured five panelists at
the National Press Club May 25, 2001. A synopsis of the panelist input
follows: Norman Ornstein and Curtis Gans are dedicated to the idea of
elections as a "community" function. Polli Brunelli is part of
the U.S. Department of Defense that has responsibility in elections not
only for the military but all overseas voters. Phillip Muller is
committed to utilizing technologies in the election process. Susan
Frederick heads a task force of state legislators on election reform.
All agreed that easier participation laws and practices have not
improved voter turnout. There is no definite improvement for allowing no
fault mail-in voting. Increased hours of and more polling places and
prohibition against media networks' announcing results may be help to
increase voter turnout. There was no agreement about electronic voting -
i.e., Internet voting: the five acknowledged that it would be cheaper,
but the possibility of a virus and/or hackers was too serious for some
of the panel.
Many
states are currently considering or have passed various election reform
measures. Although they are not waiting for federal financial support,
longterm changes will only come with it. — Kathy
Schmidt, (237-5550)
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Members of
the Voter Services Committee continue to attend the new citienship
swearing-in ceremony on the 2"d Tuesday of each month to welcome
and distribute voter registration forms to the new citizens. The
ceremony takes place at the U.S. District Courthouse (comer of
Constitution Avenue & 3rd Street, NW). Contact Elinor or Guy to join
in this activity. — Elinor Hart (387-2966) Guy Coriden (232-6759)
Co-chairs.
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LWVUS COUNCIL 2001
RESOLUTION ON D.C. VOTING RIGHTS:
Motion
by District of Columbia Delegate, Pat Hallman
To quote Supreme Court
Justice Black, whereas "No right is more precious in a free country
than that of having a voice in the election of those who make the laws
under which, as good citizens, we must live, other rights, even the most
basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined."
And whereas the LWVUS has long supported the enfranchisement of American
citizens resident in the nation's capital in their national -- and
effectively state -- legislature, the Congress of the United States.
Now therefore, I move
the Council 2001 of the LWVUS agrees to call upon the President of the
United States to reconsider his opposition to the goal of full voting
representation in Congress for the citizens of the District of Columbia.
[Adopted unanimously.]
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Carolyn
Jefferson-Jerkins opened the Council by indicating that the theme is
"The Time Is Now" to reaffirm the power of unified leadership,
reaffirm the best that is the League, and have a clear focus to market
our message. At the opening plenary session, Pat Hallman welcomed the
delegates and other League attendees to Washington, D.C. and Council
2001.
Council
is a meeting of League leaders from all State and Regional Leagues
between the biennial conventions of the national League. A principal
purpose is to adopt the budget for the second year of the biennium, and
to consider methods of work on program.
The
Budget was approved though we were informed that we are in a tight cash
position, and need to turn it around, and hope future projects will
produce funds. The discussion revealed that we have drawn up to 8% of
our reserves. LWVUS is proposing the following: a reduction of DNet
operations, unless new funds are found; delay increase of the lobby
staff; consolidation of administrative staff; the board to meet via
telecomputing; increasing annual dues to $50.
Though
the District of Columbia was not on the agenda, we were allowed to
develop a Resolution during the break, which Pat presented to Council.
The Council overwhelmingly supported the resolution expressing LWV
concern to President Bush and urging him to reconsider his opposition to
full voting representation in Congress for District citizens. The
Council gave LWVDC a standing ovation after passing the Resolution (see
above).
Many of
the representatives indicated their concerns about the dwindling
membership of their Leagues and units, shared their experiences, and
gave suggestion on how they increased visibility and membership, such as
recruiting staff, supporters and parents of the Head Start program, and
having a social with a book-signing as an attraction inviting all
members in the community and potential new members.
In a
symposium on "Assessing the Impact of Liberalized Trade on
Developing Countries," there were three panelists: Dr. Herman Daly,
Professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Affairs, Ms.
Rajyashri Waghray, recently Director, Globalization and Sustainable
Development at the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO),
and Dr. Moises Naim, Editor of Foreign Policy
magazine. We were address by Dr. Naim, former Minister of Industry and
Trade for Venezuela. A summary of his remarks is included as an insert
in this issue of the DC Voter.
Also
distributed at Council was a one-page flyer reflecting LWVDC views on
"LWVUS Process to Update the Trade Position." Among other
comments, the flyer stated: "...the concurrence kit to be available
in the fall (2001) should include an in-dept analysis, while addressing
pros and cons that should form the basis of member agreement."
The next
convention will be held in Miami, Florida in 2002. — Barbara
Yeomans (363-8940), 3rd Vice-President, National Program
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JUNE 20, 2001, D.C.
COUNCIL HEARING ON
"OPTIONS FOR RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS IN THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA"
Council
Member Phil Mendelson conducted this Public Roundtable in his capacity
as chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Voting Rights and
Redistricting. Over 30 witnesses appeared. The hearing went without a
break for four hours (10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) so that all could be heard
before the Council Chamber had to be available for another hearing.
Congresswoman
Norton reviewed the history of efforts, ranging from the push in the
1970's for a constitutional amendment for full, voting representation in
both houses, through Congressional consideration of statehood in 1993
(denied), to the current situation, in the aftermath of fiscal crisis, in
which D.C. does not
have control of full state-level functions (e.g., courts). While we may
be able to get back those functions, Norton is concerned about what we
do while waiting for improvement in our fiscal base. Concluding her
statements, Norton announced the "Freedom Summer" Drive as a
start to the new push for voting rights for D.C.
The
options identified by other speakers ranged widely: resubmit the earlier
constitutional amendment addressing D.C.; having
two voting Senators and voting House representation accorded by
population; pursue a constitutional amendment formula aimed at that goal
but based on different legal theory, i.e., the right to vote of all
citizens, including D.C. residents; statehood; a simple - act of
Congress; outright retrocession, and hybrid retrocession. The last
concept would retain the unique character of the capitol city while
relying on legislation to provide voting rights, i.e., reunite with
Maryland for the purpose as a "Home Rule" jurisdiction, which
under the Maryland constitution confers great local autonomy.
LWVDC
President, Pat Hallman, presented our testimony (see below). — Barbara
Yeomans (363-8940), 3`d Vice-President, National Program
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TESTIMONY
OF E. PATRICIA HALLMAN, PRESIDENT, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF THE
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
"Mr.
Mendelson and Members of the Council Present: The League of Women Voters
of the District of Columbia has supported full voting
representation in Congress since our inception over 80 years ago. The
National League of Women Voters representing Leagues across the nation
endorses our goal for full voting representation in both the House and
the Senate. We trust that legal experts will address the history of
Supreme Court decisions that bear favorably on this matter. We note that
while not deciding in favor of the Alexander v. Daly lawsuit and
effectively referring us for remedy to the
political arena, the Supreme
Court, did say that it was "not blind to the inequity of the
situation plaintiffs seek to change."
Supreme
Court Justice Black in a 1964 decision said "No right is more
precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election
of those who make the laws under which, as good citizens, we must live.
Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is
undermined."
"The
United Nations Declaration on Human Rights" declares that voting
for ones' legislative representatives - those who make our laws, pass
our taxes, and declare our wars - is fundamental. Washington, D.C. is
the only national capital in the democratic world in which citizens are disenfranchised from their
vote for national legislature.
The lack
of full voting Congressional representation for D.C. citizens
constitutes a special irony. Not only is Congress our national
legislature, it also serves in may ways as our state legislature.
Moreover, we are effectively treated like felons, the only other group
of American citizens of voting age who cannot vote for Senators and
House Members.
In terms
of a remedy that might be sought, the D.C. League was very active in the
earlier push for a constitutional amendment. An act of Congress would be
a straightforward remedy. Our positions have recognized statehood as an
option, but also note that serious concerns, such as economic and fiscal
resources, would need to be resolved. Since D.C. no longer has control
of all state-like functions, notably the courts, additional
considerations are posed.
Accompanying
this statement are two items that we, ask to be included in the hearing
record, namely, a Fact Sheet and a set of Twenty Questions 8 Answers.
Although dated April 1999, apart from a couple of areas which are
time-dependent, this material is otherwise, unfortunately,
"chronically current." We look forward to the day when it will
be obsolete. Thank
you."
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The
Affordable Housing Committee has been busy this summer working to
strengthen the five pieces of legislation that the Council will vote on
this fall.
Janet
Brown prepared A "Check List" for the Council members and
constituents for consideration when addressing these complex issues. The
Goals are to:
-
Produce housing, especially rental, for lowand
moderate-income families, that is, only for households earning less than
the DC median income for a family of four, or $46,800;
-
Save as
much as possible of the existing supply of low income housing;
-
Increase
the proportion of benefits going to the most in need among us.
The single most important provision before the
Council is the Mayor's Bill 14-167, Title V, committing a dedicated
source of funding to the Housing Production Trust Fund. We will be
working throughout
the fall to insure that there is a dedicated source of revenue for full
funding of this provision.
Committee
members have visited Council staff to discuss specifics of the
legislation. To date, these include Council members Evans, Graham and
Fenty and conversation with Thomas Redmond, chief of staff, Department
of Housing and Community Development, and two staffers in the
Department.
Council
members are currently negotiating changes in the legislation. Now is the
time to call and write to Council members to support important
provisions of these bills. Copies of the "Check List," can be
obtained from the Washington Regional Network by calling 202 667-5445
or, by emailing to staff@washingtonregion.net as well as the LWVDC
office (347-3020). Committee member Janet Brown can also be contacted
for the "Check List" by calling 202-3320789, or, sending an
email to nlbrown@igc.org.
— Liz Martin (537-3043)
and Janet Brown (332-0789) Co-Chairs.
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The D.C. League's Health
Care Committee enjoyed a stimulating and enlightening hour with D.C.
City Council member Sandra Allen on July 19th in the Council boardroom
at 441 4th St. N.W. In her second term on the Council, Mrs. Allen is
Chairperson of the Committee on Human Services.
We were
all impressed by the array of topics and resulting committees Human
Services embodies. The committee covers areas of juvenile justice,
teen-age pregnancy prevention, and the office of the D.C. Medical
examiner, as well as health-related aspects of cosmetology, food
handling, drug and pharmacy regulations, disease prevention and control,
and many more. Just about all boards and commissions having to do with
health resources for this city are a part of Ms. Allen's portfolio.
Our
committee's major concern was Ms. Allen's assessment of the city's plans
for the restructuring of healthcare under the Mayor's plan for
privatizing the delivery of services for the poor and uninsured. The
committee had many questions about the development and delivery of
services and programs. Questions included: School Health nurses - now
under the supervision of Children's Hospital; Mental Health -now an
autonomous agency with licensing and contracting authority; Unity
Clinics vs. doctors' offices; as clinics, accommodating the uninsured.
Ms.
Allen considers the expansion of grievance appeal procedures among her
major contributions as committee chair. Currently, her major
concentration is legislation promoting independent living facilities for
needy young people. Leaguers were also concerned about procedures for
monitoring the progress and financing of the D.C. Healthcare Alliance
(consisting of Greater Southeast Hospital, G.W. University Hospital,
Children's Hospital, and Unity Clinics). To this end, Mayor Williams has
appointed a Commission, including citizens, healthcare professionals,
and elected persons, and Ms. Allen serves on this Commission. Meetings
of the Commission will be open to the public. The League will monitor
the Commission as well as other phases of city healthcare throughout the
year. — Natalie
Howard, Chair (882-8762)
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BROWN BAG
DIALOGUE ON LOCAL MEDIA TREATMENT OF D.C., MAY 21, 2001
Guest panelists were: Denise Rolark Barnes, Publisher
of The Washington Informer, Marc Fisher, Columnist, The
Washington Post, and Jerry Phillips, Public Affairs Director, Clear
Channel Communications, Inc.
In Ms. Barnes view, there is a kind of news hole in
D.C. The media do not seem to know what is genuine D.C. news any more.
Coverage can be predicted: crime, public school problems, traffic, the
status of people in and out of government, events in the city
administration, and so forth. But what truly comprises D.C. seems to be a
mystery, or of no concern. News services, not locally owned, seem to
control what is fed to D.C. media. Electronic media is cutting back on
news feeds and staff. So much of the increase in local coverage simply
relates to entertainment. Growth of neighborhood newspapers, plus the few
columnists who focus on D.C., constitute about all who are left covering
true D.C. news. With major news providers placing more emphasis on
regional news of the whole metropolitan area, Ms. Barnes indicated that
she feels like a stranger in her own town. Many at the meeting share her
sentiment. We are delighted that she has joined the D.C. League.
Marc Fisher's column appears regularly in The
Washington Post's Metro Section. He reviewed how the city's role in the
region has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. While D.C. residents
constitute about 15% of the readership as a whole, they are the biggest
single group. The Post devotes more to D.C. (25-30 reporters) than to any
other jurisdiction. The Post views Washington as its home, and, as the hub
of the region, it is important that D.C. be successful economically and
socially. Columns in the Metro Section on cross-jurisdictional matters,
such as gentrification and affordable housing have taken on more
importance. The size of the Metro Section staff is three times what it was
15 years ago; thus there is intense competition among reporters covering
the various jurisdictions."
Jerry Phillips' responsibilities in public affairs
relate to eight radio stations (WASH, WBIG, WIHT, WTNT, WMZQ, WTEM, WWDC,
and WWRC) of Clear Channel (which is centered in Rockville). He indicated
that prior to deregulation of communications, broadcasters had to provide
certain kinds of programs, such as public service announcements and local
news. Now they do not have to do local news at all. Only one hour per
week, after 6 P.M., of public affairs reporting is required. Clear Channel
has larger local news coverage, through its Metro Talk, which has tackled
affordable housing and transportation for example. Production costs for
that show are $300 per minute. Mr. Phillips has special concern about the
time available for D.C. elections. Coverage is needed but there is not
enough air-time generally. Advertisers who support commercial broadcasting
do target marketing. The burgeoning radio audience is between 18 and 40
years old. There are more stations focused on music and sports. Further,
the FCC is leaning toward the interests of individual entrepreneurs and
thus the business side of broadcasting. Any effort by LWVDC to get its
voting message out would have to account for these developments, (e.g.,
aim at DC 101 Soft Rock or Hot 99). Mr. Phillips has so many competing
demands that about all he could entertain from us is 10second spot, with
message all caps and doublespaced. This is simply reality. As to
commercial TV news, the opportunities also are limited., even Derrick
McGinty is going more national. There are, however, news shows on Howard,
UDC and DC Government television channels. Ms. Barnes hosts a biweekly
show on Channel 16.
In the Q&A session we discussed further how to gain
attention. Washington area radio broadcasters hold periodic
"ascertainment" community meetings to keep abreast of priority
interests, e.g., housing, public safety, and health. The Washington
Informer will have focus groups meetings in the fall, e.g., on voter
turnout. Ms. Barnes indicated that her paper wants to get back to
advocacy, e.g., lowering infant mortality. This led to a discussion of the
reestablishment of the D.C. Commission for Women (D.C. Leaguer Joy
Simonson was on the original commission). In public radio, WETA no longer
has Metro Week, and nothing now really local. WAMU is mostly national but
there is an hour per week on D.C. politics, also weekly coverage of the
metro area.
Two specific areas of recommendation emerged. In terms
of understanding how public service coverage is produced, LWVDC can visit
stations to see the public file required by the FCC to see if stations are
living up to their licenses. We also might support specific programming
efforts to ward off cuts. In terms of getting out our message, we should
not ignore the Internet, e.g., chat, List-serves, community networks, and
live on-line web sites such as maintained by The Post. LWVDC should
have its own web site (which we have but which needs revamping). Further,
LWVDC could explore holding election forums. There is free Access TV
(Channel 25) and the D.C. Government's Channel 16. If the League were not
successful in getting on Channel 16, surely the DC Board of Election and
Ethics should be entitled. LWVDC solicits the advice of members with
experience related to broadcasting and regulation as we pursue options.
Note: The major television networks were invited to
participate, but were unable to do so due to "sweeps week." —
Anna Marsh and Barbara Yeomans
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Along
with the U.S. Conference of Mayors' affirmative action in response to
Mayor Anthony Williams' request for support of full voting rights for
the citizens of the District of Columbia, Delegate Eleanor Holmes
Norton has organized leafleting
on the Mall to support her bill, HR 1193, and a similar bill,
S603, introduced by Senator Joe Lieberman, asking that D.C. citizens
be exempt from federal income taxes until they attain full voting
representation in Congress. Her campaign "Freedom Summer"
calls for leafleting on nine Saturdays in July and August, between
2:00 and 5:00 pm. To introduce the event Ms Norton held a press
conference the end of June.
As of
July 23, volunteers have passed out information and circulated
petitions in support of our full voting rights. Action will continue
every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. throughout August. Contact Mrs. Norton's
office for information on how to participate, as well as further
information on the overall effort (202-225-8050). — Kathy
Schmidt, (237-5550), DC VOTE Liaison
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ACTION ALERT ON D.C. CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION
Sometime
in this session of Congress each house should hold hearings on the
bills (HR1193 & S603) that will exempt citizens of the District of
Columbia from federal income taxes UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY ARE GRANTED
THEIR RIGHT TO FULL VOTING REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS.
In
preparation for those hearings DC Vote is providing transportation
from its office at 15th and U Sts each Saturday until Labor Day for
those who will ask visitors to the Mall to sign petitions in our
behalf. In October, November, or December letters to the chairs of
those committees which will have jurisdiction - House Judiciary and
Senate Finance (members of both committees listed below) - to urge
support for our rights equal to those of all other Americans will be
in order. If you have questions, call Kathy Schmidt, 237-5550.
Below
is a sample letter you might adopt to your own circumstances to send
to members of these two committees. Also, please consider contacting
your relatives and friends who live in the States of members of each
committee and, ask them to write or call the members to encourage full
representation for citizens in the District of Columbia.
House Judiciary Committee,
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY,
2138 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
20515, (202) 225-3951, email: Judiciary@mail.house.gov
Chairman: F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI).
Members in
alphabetical order:
Spencer Bachus, (R-AL),
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bob Barr (R-GA), Howard L. Berman (D-CA), Rick Boucher (D-VA), Chris Cannon (R-UT),
Steve Chabot (R-OH), Howard Coble (R-NC), John Conyers, Jr., Ranking member (D-MI),
William Delahunt (D-MA), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Barney Frank (D-MA), Elton Gallegly (R-CA),
George W. Gekas (R-PA), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mark Green (R-WI),
Melissa A. Hart (R-PA), John N. Hostettler, (R-IN), Asa Hutchinson, (R-AR), Henry J. Hyde (R-IL),
Darrell Issa (R-CA), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), William L. Jenkins (R-TN), Ric Keller (R-FL),
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Marty Meehan (D-MA), Jerold Nadler (D-NY), Joe Scarborough (R-FL),
Adam Schiff (D-CA), Bobby Scott (D-VA), Larmar S. Smith (R-TX), Maxine Waters (D-CA),
Mel Watt (D-NC), Anthony David Weiner (D-NY), Robert I. Wexler (D-FL).
Senate Finance Committee
Chairman: Max Baucus (D-MT),
Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), John Breaux (D-LA), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Thomas Daschle (D-SD),
Chuck Grassley, Ranking member (R-IA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Phil Gramm, (R-TX),
John Kerry (D-MA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Frank Murkowski (R-AK), John Rockefeller (D-WV),
Craig Thomas (R-WY), Robert Torricelli (D-NJ).
Sample Letter
I have been a citizen of the United States
for years. As I am also a resident of the District of Columbia, I have
been denied my right to representation in the legislative branch of my
country. Although my (husband, son, father) has had to serve in the
armed forces and I have served on juries which have upheld the laws of
this nation, I have had no voting representative in either the House
of Representative nor Senate, which enact those laws. As you know, the
United States is the only democratic country in the world that has
denied the citizens of its federal capital voting representation in
its legislature. Please, right this wrong: give the citizens of the
District of Columbia votes for members of the House of Representatives
and the Senate.
Bob Graham (D-FL),
James
Jeffords (D-VT),
Jon
Kyl (R-AZ),
Trent
Loft (R-MS),
Don
Nickles (R-OK),
Olympia
Snowe (R-ME),
Fred
Thompson (R-TN),
Kathy Schmidt, Liaison (237-5550)
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Fifteen
Unit Chairs, Co-Chairs, Board members and other interested Leaguers
met on June 24 to plan for the future of the Units. Among the ideas
floated was changing the name of the Northwest Evening Unit to simply
The Evening Unit, hoping thereby to serve members in northwest and
other neighborhoods who cannot attend weekday meetings. Upon further
reflection, however, a Unit Meeting on Saturday seemed more
attractive, given the reluctance of many members to travel to
unfamiliar territory at night. The big question remains, however - who
would come to a Saturday Unit Meeting? If you think this would enable
you to participate more fully in League program - the unique function
of the Units - please return the tear-off below. As now planned, the
Saturday Unit would replace the Northwest Evening Unit unless the
response suggests that both Units could attract a, core membership of
at least 8 - 10 members.
In addition to discussing
future plans, the Unit Chairs exchanged information about the
"Units Choice" meetings in June, which were attended by 42 members and guests:
The Southwest Unit accepted the invitation of
Councilmember Phil Mendelson to attend the Council hearing on
redistricting. The Mendelson plan, which was supported by the small
group of attendees, will turn some Southwest Unit members into
residents of Ward 6, leaving others in Ward 2.
The
Northwest Day and Chevy Chase Units met together at the home of NWD
Unit Chair Jeanette Miller. Alice Miller, Executive Director of the
Board of Elections and Ethics, spoke about the District's new voting
procedures and equipment that will be ready for use when we next vote.
Ms. Miller brought with her, in addition to three members of her staff
(one of whom was an excellent pianist!) sample ballots and a new
machine which will electronically count the paper ballots, calling
attention to mistakes in voting and offering a new ballot if desired.
She reminded us that only six percent of DC's registered voters voted
in three of the votes taken last year. In the presidential election,
51 percent voted.
The
Upper Sixteenth Street Unit, meeting in the home of Betty Dupree,
welcomed Jason Washington, legislative analyst from Councilmember
Adrian Fenty's office. Mr. Washington spoke about how, based on the
2000 census, redistricting will affect Ward 4, with population gains
from Ward 3 and losses to Ward 5. "A vibrant and informative
meeting," according to Unit Chair Paula McKann.
The NW
Evening Unit met at the home of Sheila Keeny to hear about the new
Department of Mental Health for DC. Our speaker was LWVDC member Norma
Melendez, who is active in the DC Chapter of the National Alliance for
the Mentally III (NAMI). Norma asked that League members support the
mentally ill through our Health Study, in our Children At Risk Action
Program and as individual volunteers. — Sheila Keeny, Unit Director
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If you would consider attending a Unit Meeting held
on Saturdays, please send a note to Sheila Keeny, 3600 Albemarle
St., NW, DC, 20008. Indicate one of the following:
-
I would prefer a
meeting Saturday morning lunch afternoon
-
I hope the
Thursday evening Unit will continue to meet.
-
I
customarily attend the Unit.
-
I do not now
regularly attend Unit meetings because they do not fit my
schedule.
Please add any comments and sign and date your note.
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Day/Date |
Time |
Activity |
Where |
Wed/Aug 1 |
10 am |
LWVDC Board Meeting |
1730 M St., NW, 10th Floor |
Wed/Aug 1 |
1 pm |
Education Committee |
733 15th St., NW, #432 |
Wed/Aug 8 |
10 am – 3 pm |
DC Healthy Families Sign-up (see below |
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DC
League members are encouraged to talk about this event in their
neighborhoods, churches, and other community activities they may
attend to get the word out about this important Sign Up.
Many
working families in D.C. are eligible for low-cost
or free health care coverage, including doctors' visits, hospital
care, checkups, vision care, dental care, and prescriptions. Families
earning up to $35,000 a year or more may qualify. There will be an
opportunity for families to sign up on Wednesday, August 8, 10 a.m. to
3 p.m., at Garrison Elementary School, 1200 S Street, NW (2 blocks
south of the U Street/Cardozo Metrorail Station).
For
more information call Kim Bell, Project Director of DC Covering Kids
Initiative at 234-9404 or drop in at the fair to see how DC is
supporting children at risk. — Joan
Wilson (237-6264) & Joan
Domike (966-3865) Children At
Risk
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You can help
the cause of voting representation in an hour or two through this
short Summer Activity Opportunity!Every
Saturday in August, activists for voting rights are greeting tourists
on the Mall. The action takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. and will continue
until Labor Day. We hope our visitors who have representation in
Congress will urge their representatives and senators to support the
goal of voting representation for D.C. citizens. The summer is moving
fast. Join the action while you can! . Contact Mrs. Norton's office for
information on how to participate, as well as further information on
the overall effort (202-225-8050).
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