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Know The District of Columbia is now available. The
144-page book provides a comprehensive overview of the city we call
home. Kudos go to Editor-in-chief Jeanette Miller and the many League
members for their fine work. The book may be picked up at the League
office M - W, F from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. League members receive a
discount rate: League Member $ 7 (mailed), $5 (picked
up in office). Non-member $10 (mailed), $8 (picked up
in office. See insert enclosed.
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Many events important to the League have occurred since
the June VOTER. Of these, the completion of the 2004 edition (3rd) of
KNOW THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (KDC) is most noteworthy. The first
edition appeared in 1980; the second in 1986, and many who contributed
to this 3rd edition laud the work of former President Sue Panzer and
League member Paul Whipple in paving the way for the success of KDC.
Jeanette Miller deserves much thanks for assembling and editing this
3rd edition (as she did the 2nd edition), and Sheila Willet deserves
tons of appreciation for her support and assistance in producing this
latest edition.
Luckily, the arrival of KDC from the printer coincided
with the LWVUS Convention, so that Leagues across the country could
buy them at the NCA wares table. And, on the last day of convention,
Madlyn Calbert, Kathryn Ray and I were able to present a copy to LWVUS
President Kay Maxwell. Please see the top of the page to learn how
you, our League members, can get your own copy.
Other distribution plans are underway: We have already
received an inquiry from George Mason University, which wants to
purchase it as a text for two classes (70 copies). A teacher-training
week for DCPS teachers taught by Elinor Hart used KDC as text for DCPS
teachers.
An appreciation dinner for Benjamin F. Wilson, retired
DC Board of Elections and Ethics Chairman was held this month. Mr.
Wilson served the DC citizens well during his 14-year tenure on the
Board. Several League members attended the black tie affair.
Regarding the LWVUS Convention, in addition to our four
voting delegates (Gemmill, Malakoff, Calbert and Ray), several DC
Leaguers worked as volunteers. Notably Kathy Schmidt, who headed the
volunteer desk. Linda Softli arranged, and carried out a popular visit
to the Chinese Embassy as well as a visit to Africare (not on the same
day) for the convention delegates.
In this VOTER are reports on two of the several issues
considered at Convention: the League's "Citizen's Right to Vote
Position" and the proposed resolution regarding the Death
Penalty.
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A Midsummer Melodies with Double Play
A unique instrumental combination of a flute and a tuba!
August 11th at 8 PM
Cost $15
(See enclosed flyer)
OPENING FALL LUNCHEON
September 23rd - Note: Date Change
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HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE
MEDICAL HOMES DC
2ND COMMUNITY FORUM SCHEDULED FOR JULY 30
The Healthcare Committee members will be attending the
2nd Community Forum: Medical Homes DC on July 30 to be held at Kaiser
Family Foundation, 1330 G Street, NW. The full day forum (8:30 am-3
pm) will feature many noted speakers: Anthony A Williams, Mayor;
Robert Bobb, City Administrator; Herbert Tillery, Interim DOH Director; Eleanor
HolmesNorton, Congressional Representative; Sandy Allen,
Councilmember, George Jones, Chair Board of Directors, DC Primary Care
Association (DCPCA); Sharon A. Baskerville, DCPCA Executive Director;
Jack Evans, Councilmember; and Alice Rivlin, Brookings Institution.
Next Committee Meeting Agenda Set: The Health Committee
will hold its next meeting on August 19, 12:30-2:00 pm at the office
of the DC Primary Care Association, 1411 K Street, NW, Suite 400.
Bring your lunch. On the agenda:
- Plans for the League's Opening
Fall Luncheon September 23'd: Herb Tillery, Deputy Mayor for
Operations serving as Interim at DOH, will be the featured speaker. He
will talk about DC government's role in providing and ensuring health
care for the vulnerable, the changes at the Department of Health, and
where the department is headed in the future. He replaces James Buford
in March, and has been leading reform efforts as DOH seeks a new
director.
- Plans for October 29 forum on
"Responsibilities of Nonprofit Healthcare Providers to the
Community: It is jointly sponsored by the DC League of Women Voters,
DCPCA and DC Appleseed for Law and Justice and will be held in the
early afternoon at GW University, immediately following the annual
meeting of DCPCA.
Goody Braun (882-9335) and Rene Wallis (638-0252 w), Co-chairs
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Full funding for the Housing Production Trust Fund,
$41.5 million for FY05, is the season's very good news. The entire
Council and the Mayor deserve appreciation. Two other important
issues, a Comprehensive Housing Strategy and the Anacostia Waterfront
Initiative, have also seen modest progress.
A Task Force of 28 members charged with developing a
Comprehensive Housing Strategy is now underway. Appointed by the Mayor
and confirmed by the Council, the members of the Task Force are
builders, bankers, tenants, foundation officials, advocates for the
homeless and affordable housing activists, as well as 6 city
officials. In the fall, Councilmember Fenty will hold a series of
roundtables, and the final plan is expected to be before the Council
next spring.
Major problems remain. Of greatest significance is the
pending expiration of the Section 8 provision. And the tenants'
longstanding right to purchase their buildings is at risk, because the
Committee on Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has not been persuaded to
move the (League-supported) legislation that protects the tenants'
first right of purchase. Janet Brown & Elinor Hart, Committee Members
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Mary A. Bain
Loretta V. Clarke
Janice Kruger
Linda Scope
Thea Koehler
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Prioritizing for Our City's Future
Tuesday, August 10, 8:30 - 10:30 AM
The World Bank, Building "J"
Conference Room JB1-080
701 18th Street, NW
Meet with key city policy makers. Hear about their vision for our children's future & well being in the
District of Columbia
8:00 am Registration (continental breakfast)
8:45 am Policy Forum Begins
10:00 am Questions and Answers Session
10:25 am Wrap-up
To register, contact DC ACT at (202) 234-9404 or email kbell@dckids.org.
Space is limited so register early.
For security purposes all attendees should bring a
valid photo ID to help expedite security clearance.
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PRIMARY ELECTION SEPTEMBER 14
The Voter Services Committee will be contacting the
candidates running for office in the September Primary for the
Democratic, Republican, or DC Statehood - Green parties. The telephone
contacts will be made to inform the candidates how they can transmit
biographical information and statements on various issues important to
the citizens in DC.
To assist the team in telephoning candidates, contact
co-chair Elinor Hart. Finalization of the Issue Questions that will be
presented to the candidates is also under way. The information
provided by the candidates will be available to the public the
League's soon to be launched Online Election 2004 Website.
GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 2
GET YOUR VOTE ON! -VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Thursday Network (TN) and The Urban Roundtable (UR),
auxiliaries of the Greater Washington Urban League, are teaming up
with the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
to launch the Get Your Vote On campaign. Get Your Vote On is an
educational campaign and voter registration drive to encourage people
to vote and increase participation in the November elections.
The Voter registration drives are held the third
Saturday of each month. Volunteers are needed for August 21st and
September 18th, from 10 am to 12 pm, or, from 12 pm - 2 pm.
The drives will be located at Washington DC Metro Train
Stations: Anacostia, African-American Civil War Memorial/U Street;
Union Station, Addison Road, New Carrolton, Silver Spring, Minnesota
Avenue, Rhode Island Avenue, Eastern Market, and Georgia Avenue/Petworth.
To volunteer or for more information, please call Linda
Eatmon Jones at (703) 715-8877 or send a e-mail to getvourvoteon@yahoo.com
and indicate the date and shifts you are interested in working. Elinor Hart (387-2966) & Judy Smith (882-3021), Co
Chairs
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For the fourth consecutive year, the D.C. League of
Women Voters assisted the D.C. Public Schools' Division of Student
Services in conducting its elections to Student Advisory Councils
(elementary, middle, and junior high schools); and two student
representatives (high schools) to the Board of Education.
On May 24 and 25, 2004 nine League members reported to
Backus Middle School in Northeast Washington to distribute ballots,
listen to the students' campaign speeches, and tally votes for each of
the candidates.
At the morning session on the 24th of May, 13
elementary schools participated in the elections. In the afternoon, 3
junior high and middle schools elected their representatives. Eight
senior high schools sent students to vote on the morning of the 25 h
of May. As a result of this two-day effort, two students were selected
to become student members of the Board of Education. Officers to the
Student Advisory Council (SAC) were also selected.
League volunteers at this event were Frances Gemmill,
Jack Mathison, Kathy Schmidt, Naomi Glass, Anna Marsh, Linda Softli,
Judith Smith, Minnie Fitzhugh, and Reggie Yancey.
The very able Michon Peck of the D.C. Public Schools
Student Affairs Office organized the elections. Elaine Melmed
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What a lesson! As we volunteers greeted contingents
arriving from different schools, we noted extensive preparation for
this event by several students: stovepipe hats, red white and blue,
surrounded one 5th grade candidate. Balloons and other expressions
caught our attention. In the auditorium, candidates seated on the
platform to take their turn making campaign speeches, moderated by the
present school board representative. Each candidate showed evidence of
thought in his or her speech. One fifth-grade boy won applause when he
began "You may wonder why I'm wearing this silly hat. It's
because I want to get your attention". Moving on to issues, he
noted that improving cafeteria food had been remarkably unsuccessful
in the past; he therefore proposed another priority, say, cleaner
bathrooms. Another candidate noted the absence of press, and commented
"it's too bad they aren't here to report such a good event as
this, to consider along with all the bad things they say about the
D.C. public schools." Frances Gemmill
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Convention 2004 offered an opportunity for delegates
and observers to meet the League's UN observers, Doris Schapira,
Margery Cohen, and Patty Day, whose responsibilities include attending
weekly briefings, networking with other NonGovernmental Organizations
(NGOs) and serving on the Executive Committee of the UN Department of
Information's NGO Committee. According to Doris, their hearts really
belong to the NGO Committee on UNICEF's Working Group on Girls, which
has established an International Network for Girls. Doris encouraged
League members to attend the annual DPI NGO Conference September 8-10,
which will address the UN's Millennium Development Goals. Anticipating
that the U.S. view of the UN may improve now that the US needs the UN
for international legitimacy, Doris urges Leagues to use our recently
updated UN position to promote understanding of the UN and the need
for UN involvement in collective approaches to international crises
and global threats and challenges. Sheila Keeny (966-1692)
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As a result of strong disagreement on the
interpretation of the LWVUS Board's position on whether a
VoterVerified Paper Audit Trail with Direct Recording Electronic
Voting, the LWVUS position was revised to focus on goals or principles
rather than any particular type of technology. The LWVUS
interpretation will now read: In order to ensure integrity and voter
confidence in elections, the LWVUS supports the implementation of
voting systems and procedures that are secure, accurate, recount able,
and accessible.
The LWVUS Board. is working through the application of
this revised stance and will send additional guidance. In the interim,
this message should provide an initial basis for a shared
understanding among Leagues of the action taken at Convention. You can
read a more complete report by going to www.Iwv.orci/membersonIv.
Frances Gemmill
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LWV NATIONAL PROGRAM
NOTES FROM THE LWVUS CONVENTION
DELEGATES VOTE "NO" ON RESOLUTION TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY
Distributing buttons proclaiming "Execute Justice
not People", the Illinois League led a spirited, albeit
unsuccessful, attempt to achieve concurrence on a position to abolish
the death penalty. Armed with compelling statistics, the Leagues of
Women Voters of Illinois, New Jersey, and their coalition held
caucuses to inform delegates and answer questions. Prior to
Convention, the Illinois League provided background material,
including pros and cons, to all Leagues, complying with the
"advance notice" Results of the Illinois study are posted on
their website www.lwvil.org.
Why would League convention delegates vote
"No"? Several Leagues argued against the proposal because
they are in the midst of a study and wanted to complete their work
before being eclipsed by concurrence at convention. Others felt there
was not unanimity among their League members; therefore, the issue
should be studied at the local level first.
In the spirit of arriving at convention
"informed", the following outline of DC's death penalty
statutes and status was prepared for our delegation.
DEATH PENALTY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Until 1972, the death penalty was legal; however,
rarely invoked. Under current D.C. law, no crime is punishable by
death. Federal law, however, sanctions the death penalty for certain
crimes. If such crimes are committed in D.C., they are adjudicated in
the federal U.S. District Court, not the local D.C. Superior Court.
(For a list of federal crimes punishable by death, search "death
penalty" at http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm).
BRIEF CHRONOLOGY OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE DISTRICT
OF COLUMBIA
1942: The last execution under federal jurisdiction in
D.C. was on August 8, 1942, when six men were executed for wartime
espionage.
1957: The death penalty in D.C. is legal; however,
rarely invoked. The last person executed in the D.C. was on April 27,
1957.
1972: In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court nullified
federal and state (including D.C.'s) death penalty statutes. In Furman
vs. Georgia, 408 U.S. 153 capital punishment laws permitting wide
discretion in the application of the death penalty were struck down.
Characterizing these laws as "arbitrary" and
capricious", the majority ruled that they constituted cruel and
unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution and the due process guarantees of the Fourteenth
Amendment. The Supreme Court decision nullified the D.C. law; however,
the death penalty law remained in the D.C. Code.
1980: D.C. Law 3-113, the "District of Columbia
Death Penalty Repeal Act of 1980" formally abolished the death
penalty under D.C. law. (Source: Westlaw.com)
1992: Congress ordered the District to place a death
penalty measure on the ballot. City leaders rallied against the forced
vote, calling it an encroachment on home rule. D.C. voters rejected
the measure.
2000: Council Resolutions 13-511 & 13-512 adopted
by the D.C. City Council to request that the U.S. Attorney General not
seek the death penalty for crimes committed in the District of
Columbia.
2001 A federal jury in D.C. failed to reach unanimity
on the death penalty for "Murder, Inc." drug gang leaders
who were charged under federal law with murder committed in aid of
racketeering and as part of a continuing criminal enterprise. The
federal government's decision to seek execution was approved by
Attorney General John D. Ashcroft.
Kathryn Ray, 3rd Vice President (244-0770)
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On June 23, 2004, Congress held a hearing on five
separate bills that would give Washington DC some form of
Congressional Representation: three bills introduced by Republicans,
and two by Democrats. Congressman Tom Davis, Chair of the House of
Representatives Government Reform Committee conducted the hearing.
Members of Congress, DC Mayor Anthony Williams, Council Chair Linda
Cropp, Wade Henderson of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights,
Walter Smith of DC Appleseed, Ilir Zherka of DC Vote, Betsy Werronen
of the DC Republican Committee, Ted Trabue of the Greater Washington
Board of Trade, and former US Solicitor Kenneth Starr testified.
The important outcome was agreement that Congress has
the authority to grant Congressional voting rights to DC citizens by
legislation, so that the cumbersome process of passage of an amendment
to the Constitution which must be ratified by 2/3 of the state
legislatures is not necessary. Kathy Schmidt (237-5550) Chair
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PARIS, 1919: SIX MONTHS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, by
Margaret MacMillan: A book discussion will be held at Susan and Firoze
Rao's house on Sunday, October 3, from 2-4 pm. It is widely available
in bookstores, the DC Public Library, and at www.Amazon.com. It is not
a fast read, so interested League members are advised to add the book
to their summer reading lists. If you have questions, please contact
Co-chair Susan Rao at 636-1688. Susan Rao (636-1688) and Anne Porowski (364-0556) Co-chairs
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The Green Door: The Door to Independence
for People with Mental Illness
Thanks to Madlyn Calbert our Board members each
received copies of the Spring 2004 Green Door News. There is a crisis
of homelessness among people formerly served under grants received
through the Department of Mental Health subsidy program because of
funding problems. For a more complete story about this, please call
the DC League office and request a copy of the Green Door News).
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We gratefully acknowledge and thank the following
members for their contributions to support the League: Herbert &
Mary Bain, Reba Diggs, Ann L. Ingram, Ruth Kahn, Joy Simonson.
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Questions concerning
League membership can be directed to the League office at 347-3020.
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10 8:30-10:30 am,
Child & Youth Policy Forum
9:45-11:00 am, Voter Registration at Naturalization Ceremony for
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11 8:00 pm, Midsummer
Melodies, $15 |
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16 Last day to
register to vote for the September 14 primary election |
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19 12:30-2 pm,
healthcare Committee Mtg |
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84th ANNUAL MEETING
LEAGUE Of WOMEN VOTERS OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The 84th Annual Meeting of the League of Woman Voters
of the District of Columbia was held at the David A. Clarke School of
Law on the campus of University of the District of Columbia on April
22, 2004. Members were able to greet each other, browse the
information table, and even purchase jewelry to benefit the League
before President Frances Gemmill called the meeting to order shortly
after 6 p.m.
After adoption of the agenda, Geraldine Whitley,
parliamentarian for the meeting, reviewed the Rules of Debate. The
minutes of the 2003 annual meeting were accepted and Gemmill took the
opportunity to thank all the members for their support this year.
Outgoing Third Vice President Sheila Keeny presented
the report on National Program. She reminded the members of the
League's proposals for National Program in the 2004-2006 biennium.
These included updating the current national positions on
apportionment and redistricting and a new study of immigration, in
addition to the continued focus on election reform and full
Congressional representation for the citizens of the District. The
delegates to the national convention must approve the national board's
recommended program.
Kathy Schmidt, in submitting the Report on DC Voting
Rights, focused on plans for the May l 1 general membership meeting. A
panel, moderated by Lloyd Leonard, League of Women Voters of the
United States lobbyist, will describe the current and planned
legislation for Congressional voting rights. Attendees will have an
opportunity to discuss the merits of each program and endorse a
proposed League position on interim steps toward full voting
representation.
Treasurer Barbara Yeomans pointed out that the League
ran a deficit of $3,923 in fiscal year 2003-2004. This shortfall was
met again this year by drawing from the League's reserve funds.
Expenses were 10% under plan, but income suffered from shortfalls,
against plan, in Dues and Private Elections. The membership accepted
the Annual Treasurer's Report as presented.
June Bashkin, chair of the Budget Committee, introduced
the proposed 2004-2005 budget. She noted the following:
- The League needs to find a way to
shift financial dependency from the members to the community served by
the League.
- She identified the fixed expenses
that the League must fund, such as rent for the office, salary for the
office manager, Per Member Payment to LWVUS, and the DC Voter.
- The committee recognized the need
once again to propose the use of reserve funds to balance the budget.
Adoption of the budget was moved and seconded. The
budget was approved on a voice vote with no opposition. President
Gemmill and Budget Chair Bashkin are pictured during the budget
discussion.
Chris Matthews, chair of the Nominations Committee,
introduced the slate of candidates. The nominees were as follows:
1st Vice President - Grace Malakoff
3rd Vice President-Kathryn Collison Ray
Treasurer - Joan Domike
Director (one year) - Grace Watson
Directors (two years) - Goody Solomon Braun, Geraldine
Whitley, and Joan Wilson
Nominating Committee - Anna Marsh (Chair),
Judith Smith, and Natalie Howard
Acceptance of the slate was moved, seconded, and
approved unanimously. Following a period of announcements and
statements by the members of the League, Gemmill adjourned the
business meeting at 7:00 p.m.
After dinner, Second Vice President Madlyn Calbert
introduced Robert C. Bobb, D.C. City Administrator. Mr. Bobb began his
tenure with the District government in October 2003 and has recognized
expertise in the areas of public finance, public safety, and economic
development. He began by acknowledging the contributions that our
League and all Leagues make to civic discourse. He noted that his
principal areas of focus are development, finance, education, and
medical care. His goals are to earn citizen respect and promote
citizen engagement in civic activities. He, then, discussed
initiatives in three areas.
FY2005 Budget. Mr. Bobb highlighted attempts to improve
the budget process by addressing community priorities identified in
the mayor's "citizen summits." He touched on the proposal to
redirect and "securitize" the proceeds from the Housing
Production Trust Fund in order to dramatically improve housing stock.
Health. In general, Mr. Bobb (pictured to the right)
noted that the city was attempting to manage Medicare payments more
effectively and to work with a reconstituted health care alliance to
better serve citizens caught between Medicare and insurance. The
flagship project is "Medical Homes," a joint partnership
with Primary Health Care Association. He envisions these facilities
are providing primary health care to neighborhoods and reducing the
strain on emergency rooms. He added that the city was partnering with
Howard University Hospital to build a new 250-bed hospital and trauma
center on the grounds of DC General.
Children. He suggested that the city was attempting to
create conditions for youth to succeed. This focus translates into
proposal for free kindergarten for all city children, new after school
recreational programs, and 12,000 summer jobs. He mentioned that the
city was planning to make a sizeable investment in juvenile justice
improvements.
Responding to a League member's question regarding Oak
Hill, Mr. Bobb asserted that there was a continuing need for
residential care for troubled youth. He called for better treatment of
first offenders and the creation of secure, safe facilities for
dangerous youth. He does not agree with suggestions that Oak Hill be
closed and acknowledges the challenges of licensing group homes in
residential neighborhoods.
Mr. Bobb acknowledged, but didn't necessarily agree
with, the League's position that any changes in the distribution of
funds from the Housing Production Trust Fund, such as
"securitization," should be part of a well documented and
widely discussed plan for affordable housing. At the close of Mr.
Bobb's presentation, Gemmill adjourned the 84th Annual Meeting.
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