News & Events


April 10, 2019







Missing the momentum
(Yesterday's newsletter was inadvertently not sent out. Sorry.)

It’s been five months since the 2018 midterm elections. On November 6, Democrats retook control of the U.S. House by a historic popular vote total. It truly was a moment to savor.
 
So today, why don’t I feel more confident that last November’s wins were the beginning of a new direction for our United States? Is it just a passing mood? Is it because I’m looking out my window at a depressingly gray February day -- in April? Or is it because our Democratic Party leaders are being quieter than they should?
 
I realize that our new U.S. House has only been on the job for three months. Still, they quickly began working on bills that could impact our lives in positive ways if common ground can be found with enough Republicans in the Senate.
 
But we’ve yet to hear about legislative proposals to tackle the “biggest” issues that excited so many voters last year. Perhaps I’m expecting too much too soon. Even so, I would like to feel that the buzz generated by our winning candidates last fall is being nurtured by our party’s leaders and strategists right now.
 
Of course, since the Republican Party controls both the U.S. Senate and the White House, they can dominate what the public perceives as our nation’s agenda. (And when the person sitting in the White House is Donald Trump, even Republican Party leaders can’t be sure from one day to the next what their President’s stated priorities will be.)
 
President Trump has a headline-grabbing penchant for encouraging chaos virtually each day. This is certainly one more reason the public hasn’t gotten their collective mind around the progress that our new Democratic House pledged they would pursue during their campaigns.
 
The thing is, back in November, we Democrats sensed a momentum that felt great.
 
Most of our Democratic candidates, incumbents and newcomers, showed a discipline and a unity in presenting their positions that resonated with voters. Their campaigns chose not to waste time attacking Donald Trump, his personal life or his qualifications for impeachment (or imprisonment). Instead they spoke to issues that will affect the lives of every American far into the future. They spoke of protecting and improving our nation’s healthcare; they pledged to pay serious attention to the existential threat of climate change; they condemned the shocking disrepair of our nation’s infrastructure; they recognized the disaffection felt by far too many Americans toward government in general.
 
The men and women elected into the 116th Congress brought in new backgrounds, new perspectives, new energy to address America’s very real needs. But so far in 2019, it seems to me we’ve heard very little discussion of those needs by our Party’s leaders. They are issues fundamental to building a better future – and speaking about them was key in winning over so many voters last fall.
 
Yes, there are new members of Congress who are presenting their personal proposals for addressing our nation’s most wide-ranging problems, and they’re getting noticed. And there are now eighteen (and counting) declared presidential candidates who are beginning to present their visions for future actions to be taken.
 
I know it is too soon to expect Speaker Pelosi’s House to present detailed bills to deal with the huge problems we face. However, I would really welcome statements from our Democratic Party’s leadership that clearly define the goals we aspire to achieve.
 
I want to feel that momentum again.


Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
Thursday, May 16, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Spring Networking Pop-Up

When : Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
What : Let’s get together and talk politics! New Trier Democrats invite you to join us for drinks, mingling and conversation. Here’s a great opportunity to network with like-minded people in our area and form connections with other Dems and activists. Drinks will be available for purchase. This event is not a fundraiser – It’s just an opportunity to have fun and meet other area Dems as well as some of our local representatives.
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
This Saturday, April 13, 2019: Town Hall on Cannabis Legalization

When : Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Where : Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park
What : State Representative Bob Morgan and State Senator Julie Morrison host a town hall discussion on cannabis legislation with 7th District State Senator Heather Steans. Individuals of all viewpoints are encouraged to attend, ask questions and learn about proposed cannabis legislation. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, April 16, 2019: Screening and Discussion of “Jane: An Abortion Service”

When : Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Oakton Community College, Room C231, 7701 North Lincoln Ave., Skokie
What : Oakton’s Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) in cooperation with North/Northwest Suburban NOW present  Jane: An Abortion Service.  The film tells the story of “Jane,” the Chicago-based women’s health group that performed nearly 12,000 safe legal abortions between 1969 and 1973 with no formal medical training. A discussion will follow the screening. The event is free and open to all. Classes welcome. Refreshments served.
Thursday, April 18, 2019: Ida’s Legacy Second Annual Luncheon

When : Thursday, April 18, 2019 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where : InterContinental Chicago, 505 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : Ida’s Legacy’s Second Annual Luncheon will feature Faye Wattleton, former CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Ida’s Legacy, in honor of Ida B. Wells, was formed in response to the 2016 election, and is the only Illinois PAC with a focus on developing and supporting progressive African-American women candidates. For more information or to purchase tickets,  register online .
Thursday, April 18, 2019: Lambda Legal’s Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration

When : Thursday, April 18, 2019 from 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Where : Morgan Manufacturing, 402 N. Morgan St. in Chicago
What : Lambda Legal’s Annual Civil Rights Celebration. Premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres reception and entertainment.  Tickets and Sponsorship Link . Contact Carla Avila, National Events Coordinator, at (312) 663-4413 x 323 for more information.
Sunday, April 28, 2019: The Stevenson Center Presents “An Analysis of Prescription Prices: Can We Afford the Cure?”

When : Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00pm
Where : The Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary’s Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What:  Tom Gochenour, part time staff pharmacist and chief compounder for Rush University Medical Center, will trace the evolution of the prescription marketplace from 1972, the year he became a pharmacist, to the present. Through this journey, he will refer to sentinel events and legislation that has led to our current condition in which the list price of some medications can cost over $25,000 per month. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.
Saturday, May 4, 2019: A Safe Place 7th Annual EmpoweRun 5K

When : Saturday, May 4, 2019 (Registration begins at 7:30am; Race starts at 9:00am)
Where : Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 Buckley Road in Libertyville
What : Get your team together and run or walk the scenic trails of the forest preserve. All runners receive a t-shirt, goody bag, and access to family fun activities. All proceeds raised that evening help A Safe Place continue to provide lifesaving services for survivors of domestic violence.  Register here .
Saturday, May 4, 2019: CASA Silver Anniversary Gala

When : Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 6:00pm
Where : InterContinental Chicago, 505 Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Lake County holds its Silver Anniversary Gala celebrating the people who helped CASA change the lives of over 2,000 abused and neglected children over the past 25 years. The evening features cocktails, dinner, music, dancing and auctions. Special guest speaker: Alison Myers, former Lake County CASA child. For more information or to purchase tickets,  register online.
Sunday, May 5, 2019: The Stevenson Center on Democracy Hosts “Building MLK’s Beloved Community”

When : Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 2:00pm
Where : The Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary’s Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What : A team from the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago will speak about their work building safe, peaceful and just communities. Director of Programs Chris Patterson will describe Nonviolence Chicago’s background and initiatives; Kejuan Scott, a participant, will talk about how Nonviolence Chicago and the READI program have positively impacted his life; and Teny Gross, the Executive Director, will tell us about Nonviolence Chicago’s role in building and supporting the city-wide collaborative architecture of violence prevention and intervention services.  Register here , and for more information regarding this event contact Tara Dabney via email at [email protected].
Monday, May 6, 2019: Jan Schakowsky’s Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch With Nancy Pelosi

When : Monday, May 6, 2019. Registration opens: 11:30am, Luncheon and program: 12:00 noon to 2:00pm
Where : Hilton Chicago International Ballroom, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
What : Join Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky at her 18th Annual Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as Keynoter.  Register online. For more information, call Sarah Gersten in Jan’s office at 847-424-1998 or email [email protected].
Thursday, May 9, 2019: Women Employed Hosts “The Working Lunch”

When : Thursday, May 9, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm. Networking reception: 11:00am; Program: 11:45am
Where : Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom, 151 East Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago
What : Come to “The Working Lunch” for an energizing conversation with influential leaders about manifesting and celebrating the power of women from the boardroom to the ballot and beyond. For additional information or to purchase tickets,  register online .
Friday, May 10, 2019: A Safe Place Hosts Wine Women & Shoes 2019

When : Friday, May 10, 2019 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm
Where : Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Ten Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
What : A Safe Place hosts its third annual Wine Women and Shoes fundraiser. The event features unlimited wine tasting, a multi-designer marketplace, charming Shoe Guys serving up must-have items on silver platters, raffles, silent and live auctions, and other attractions. Proceeds support the work of A Safe Place, assisting victims of domestic violence. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, May 13, 2019: League of Women Voters of Cook Co.’s Annual Meeting With Assessor Fritz Kaegi

When : Monday, May 13, 2019; 9:30am: Registration, Coffee/Muffins; 10:00am: Annual Business Meeting; 11:30am to 1:00pm: Buffet Luncheon
Where : University Center, Lake Room, 525 S. State St., Chicago. Directions and parking info at  www.universitycenter.com
What : LWVCC holds its Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Featured speaker at noon: Fritz Kaegi, the new Cook County Assessor. All members of Leagues in Cook County (and friends) are welcome. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email [email protected] or call 312-939-5935.
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