Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS    August 1, 2018
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  Commentary     --   Events     --   Your Legislators 

Commentary: 

This is the time of the year known as the "dog days of summer." Why chocolate_lab_face.jpg does it have that name? Well according to the dictionary, that term comes from the fact that Sirius, the Dog Star, is now rising at the same time as the sun. But as a small town boy, I always thought "dog days" simply described hot summer days when every dog knows that the smart thing to do is nap all day in the shade. And in fact, the dictionary's second definition for "dog days" is: "a period marked by lethargy, inactivity, or indolence."  
     So okay, our calendars say it's that time of year. But if there ever was a time to not be lethargic, inactive or indolent, it is now! That's certainly the view of our New Trier Dems' President, Judy Mandel. Here is her personal message:      
 
"As the summer comes to a close, I look forward to the fall and the chance we have to make a change in D.C. and in our leadership for the state of Illinois. We had a great event at Avli in Winnetka July 16th and enthusiastic responses at the Glencoe, Winnetka and Wilmette sidewalk sales. In the fall we will have our annual meeting and (indoor picnic) on Sept. 8 and then, on Oct. 14 our Annual Dinner at Maggiano's. We'll also be offering chances to canvass in Roskam's district for Sean Casten and perhaps for Randy Bryce in Wisconsin.  
     I know many of you might be traveling now or getting children ready for school. However, I want to alert you to an opportunity to get involved right now. We are offering a weekly call bank at our Headquarters at 800 Oak Street, suite 112 every Thursday night from 5pm-8pm. We are calling for JB, but just as importantly we are calling for the down ticket candidates too. We have a tough race for Attorney General and we want to make sure Laura Fine, Robyn Gabel and Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz win their seats so that Illinois with a Democratic Governor can start moving forward again, protecting us from the "Madman" in DC.
     Can I count on our savvy and activist membership to start the ball rolling by coming to the NTD office this Thursday night? -- If this week doesn't work for you, there are 4 other Thursdays in August. Getting involved this month will make a difference in November."
                                                                            Judy Mandel, President, NTDO  
 
     Sitting here in early August it's easy to think that "making a difference in November" is far, far away. But Mid-term Election Day will be here in just 13 weeks! And you know how fast your weeks fly by. You can be sure that the energy of right wing fanaticism and fear, backed by substantial financial resources, is already hard at work. Republicans know they are in trouble and they aren't waiting until October to enter the battle.  
     With the trajectory of our national government as ominous as it is, putting off getting involved is dangerous procrastination. We need to play a role in not only winning back congressional seats but also in gaining the strongest possible legislative voices in Illinois to push back against whatever half-cocked initiatives are thrown at us by the Trump Administration.  
     Electing intelligent, principled, dedicated people has never been more urgent. (I'm not exaggerating with that last statement. In my long life I have never seen so many government officials willing to defend so many cruel, dangerously shortsighted, ethically hollow positions.)  
     Here's just one example: In last week's NTD News commentary, I mentioned Governor Rauner's recent veto of Illinois Senate Bill SB-2273. The bill was introduced by State Senator Kwame Raul to "prohibit the Illinois State Board of Elections from sharing any voter information with the controversial Crosscheck system or any other interstate voter registration program other than the mandated Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC)." - In other words, there is a far superior system also in place that will do the job without the shocking risks of Crosscheck.  
     Governor Rauner vetoed the bill saying that the legislation would hinder efforts to identify where individuals are and are not eligible to vote. But here's the reality: Researchers found Crosscheck was 99 percent more likely to purge legitimate voter from the rolls as opposed to illegitimate ones. The system compares first and last names of state voter databases, ignoring middle names and designations like Jr. or Sr. Experts view this as problematic because communities of color are more likely to share last names, making them easy targets for voter suppression.  
     The system also uses minimal IT security and its operators have demonstrated a disregard for basic cybersecurity protocol. Crosscheck leaves personal information of Illinois of voters vulnerable to hacking, tampering and manipulation.  
     SB-2273 almost had enough votes to make it immune to a Rauner veto. But Republican senators stuck with their leader. At least some of them should have known better (no doubt some did). Those legislators were willing to keep a system in place that is 99% more likely to purge legitimate voters than the other in-place system.  
     Such callous disregard for the sanctity of every American's right to vote should disqualify any person from continuing in office - and that includes our state's Governor.  
     So, ready to make your phone calls? There's a chair waiting for you at 800 Oak Street in Winnetka. All Dog Day Democrats welcome.
 
                                                                           Nels Howard
                                                                           NTDO member since 1973    
 
P.S. The NTDO's Street Fair straw polls produced an interesting look at how the North Shore views President Trump's 18 months in office.
You should be seeing the results in your local North Shore publications. (I was unable to reproduce the actual poll using this Constant Contact system.)
     However, here are some of the choicest personal comments about President Donald Trump's job performance written in by poll takers  beyond the multiple choice "poor" rating option:
 
"horrible, awful, very bad, embarrassing, criminal, scary, absolute worst, can't find the words, are you kidding, impeach, too awful for words, worst ever, sucks life from country, worst in history, traitor, opportunist, worse than poor, not negative enough, no opinion, I lack an obscenity foul enough to characterize him, unpatriotic, destructive, he's not my president, criminal/evil, inexcusable."*
 
*It should be noted that these were not "fake" North Shore residents.
 
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Every Thursday Night at New Trier Dems' Office 
From Now Until Election Day 

JB For Governor Thursday Evening Phone Bank JB Prtizker

When : 
Thursday Nights through November, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Where : 
New Trier Democrats' Office, 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, Winnetka

What : 
A phone bank to get out the vote for JB Pritzker for Governor in this important midterm election. This phone bank will also support Kwame Raoul for Illinois Attorney General as well as other down ticket races in Illinois. You must bring a cell phone and please bring a laptop computer if you can. Training and all necessary materials will be provided . For questions or to RSVP, call Jonathan Alter at 312-848-2925.  


Other events of interest:

Tomorrow Night, August 2 in Evanston - IL Immigration Rights Task Force Workshop With Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz

When: Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm Where: Curt's Cafe, 2922 Central Street, Evanston
What: Every human being in the U.S. has certain basic rights, whether or not they are a citizen, and everyone can be an advocate. Join Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (Candidate for State Rep. for the 17th District) for a "know your rights" event and join their Illinois Immigration Rights Task Force. Join them to learn answers to common questions about immigration and gather essential tools to support immigrants in our community. Please RSVP to Stephanie Mendoza at stephanie@jenggforrep.com to attend.

Monday, August 6 in Highland Park - Meet and Greet With Bob Morgan and Julie Morrison

Julie Morrison
When: Monday, August 6, 2018 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where: Highland Park address provided upon RSVP.
What: Join Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative, and State Senator Julie Morrison for a meet and greet in Highland Park! Please RSVP to info@bobmorganforillinois.com.

 
Tuesday, August 7 in Glenview - Women's Meet & Greet with JB and Juliana

When: Tuesday, August 7, 2018 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Where: Glenview Park Center, Lakeview B, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview
What: State Senator Laura Fine hosts an opportunity to meet the Democratic candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. To RSVP, email christinagranfield@gmail.com. For more information, visit their  Facebook page.

Wednesday, August 8 in Chicago -  Reception with State Representative Laura Fine and Senator Julie Morrison

Julie Morrison
When: Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm Where: Michael Best Strategies, 444 W. Lake St. #3200, Chicago
What: Join Illinois Representative Fine and Senator Morrison at Michael Best Strategies. For questions or to RSVP, email carly@ilsenatedems.org or call 312-630-7700.



Thursday, August 9 in Evanston - Deputy Voter Registrar Training 

When: Thursday, August 9, 2018 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: YWCA Evanston/ North Shore, 1215 Church St., Room 207, Evanston
What: A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. This training is being held through the County Clerk's office and is free of charge. If you are interested in participating, please contact Trish & Anne, Voter Services Co-Chairs for the League of Women Voters, at  voterslwv@gmail.c om.

Wednesday, August 15 in Chicago - Reception for Tom Dart

When: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm Tom Dart Where: Lagunitas Brewing Company, 2607 W. 17th St., Chicago
What: A reception and fundraiser supporting  Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart in the November election. To RSVP,  register online.


Sunday, August 19 & Saturday, August 25, 2018: Southern WI Voter I.D. Project Canvass 

When: Sunday, August 19, 2018 & Saturday, August 25, 2018 - from 11:30am to 5:00pm each day
Where: Racine, WI - Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, Kenosha
What: Please join Indivisible Evanston for voter I.D. canvasses in Racine, WI! They will be using the model Molly McGrath of the ACLU presented last December. If you were not at the training but are interested in participating, please call Nancy Bruski with questions. Indivisible Evanston will arrange carpools or you can go on your own. Brief training, walk packs, data sheets and a script will be provided. Materials can be picked up and dropped off at the Common Grounds coffee shop, 5159 6th Ave, in Kenosha. A representative from Indivisible Evanston will be there to hand out and collect all the materials from 11:30 - 5:00. We highly recommend you pick up packets no later than 12:30. Common Grounds is also a great spot to recharge, and grab a cup of coffee! If the weather is seriously inclement, we might need to reschedule, so check your email. Sign up online .  Call or email Nancy with canvassing questions: 847-373-7755 (cell); nancysbruski@gmail.com. For carpool questions: email indivisibleevanston@gmail.com


Saturday, August 25 in Highland Park - Bob Morgan Meet and Greet

When: Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm Bob Morgan Where: The Highland Park home of Matt Pestine and Jamie Glass-Pestine,  340 Moraine Rd.
What: Talk with, ask questions and listen to Bob Morgan, candidate for State Representative of the 58th District.  Friends, neighbors and friends of neighbors are all welcome.  Refreshments and light apps will be served. RSVP's to mpestine@gmail.com are appreciated but not necessary.
 
Saturday, August 26 in Long Grove - Brad Schneider Coffee Club

When: Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 10:00am Where: Long Grove Coffee Co., 126 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
What: Join Brad's monthly Coffee Club in support of Congressman Brad Schneider's re-election campaign. Guests will have the opportunity to sit down with the Congressman and engage in an open Q&A session. Coffee and pastries will be provided. For additional questions or to RSVP,  register online.

 
Sunday, August 26 in Libertyville - The Stevenson Center Presents "The Electoral College"
 
When: Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 2:00pm
Where: The Adlai Stevenson Center on Democracy, 25200 N. St. Mary's Rd., Mettawa (Libertyville)
What: Karen Glennemeier of the League of Women Voters of Wilmette presents a brief history of the Electoral College, a discussion of its impact on our democracy, and a plan for change. Coffee and conversation will follow the presentation. For additional information or to RSVP, visit the  Center website,  register online, email info@stevensoncenterondemocracy.org or call  773-633-5661.

Save The Date!
 
2018  New Trier Democrats' Events

Saturday, September 8, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center

Sunday, October 14, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner at Maggiano's in Skokie

Thursday, December 13, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Holiday Party at Wilmette Wine Cellar
 
Your Legislators:


Legislators Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in 
Washington, Springfield and Cook County 
 



You'll be hearing a lot from these exceptional public servants. --
And they want to be hearing a lot from you. 
     The fact is, they need to hear from you and want to hear from you in order to represent you most effectively. So, the first thing you can do is get to know who these people are. The links below to their campaign websites are a good place to start. 
 
Jan Schakowsky , 9th U.S. Congressional District Representative  and Chief Deputy House Democratic Whip. The new Ninth District boundaries include all of New Trier except for Glencoe. 

Brad Schneider , 10th U.S. Congressional District Representative which includes a number of precincts in Glencoe.
     
Daniel Biss,   State Senator for Illinois' 9th State Senate District.The Ninth District includes all of New Trier Township.
  
Julie Morrison, State Senator for Illinois' 29th State Senate District. The district includes New Trier's northernmost precincts.   

Robyn Gabel, IL 18th District State Representative. The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.
 
Laura Fine , IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.

Scott Drury ,  IL 58th District State Representative. 
The 58th District includes the northernmost precincts in Glencoe.

Larry Suffredin, Cook County 13th District Commissioner. The 13th District includes all of New Trier, Evanston and Niles Townships. 
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Dear Fellow Democrats, 

If you are not already an NTDO member, and enjoy our Newsletter, we hope you consider joining us as a dues-paying member. NTDO is a not-for-profit political action organization. We depend on our membership dues to support our Democratic causes and candidates.

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Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats? Your participation in grassroots political action will make a difference. -- Come join us.

When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process; participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain free admission to select forums and events throughout the year.

Come be a part of New Trier's grassroots political community.    
About Us:
The New Trier Democratic Organization is made up of hundreds of grassroots volunteers dedicated to advancing progressive ideals through the political process. We welcome your participation.

Sincerely,
Dean T. Maragos, Committeeman New Trier Township

We are located at 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, in Winnetka, IL. Ph: 847-446-8030
Contact: newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.

*This Internet communication paid for by the New Trier Democratic Organization and  not authorized by any federal or state candidate or campaign committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available for purchase from the State Board of Elections in Springfield, Illinois.