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Chair: Ginger Blair
Deputy Chair: Kimberly Valdez
Secretary: Carmen McZeal
Treasurer: Natalie Ward
Sergeant At Arms: Marc Meyer
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July 2, 2022
Happy Independence Day!
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“Stronger Together” - the 46th Annual South County 4th of July Parade
How to Participate
Parade with the MCDP:
"Texas Is Big Enough for Everyone"
Contact us at mcdpoffice@gmail.com or call 936-703-5841 to sign up!
We will meet by 7:15 am in the parking lot of Hughes Landing near Whole Foods and then proceed to the The Woodlands United Methodist Church lot (2200 Lake Woodlands Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380) to assemble.
Each participant (this includes minors) will be required by Parade Officials to sign and submit a Waiver of Liability form. Please click here to fill out and submit the form.
Help Decorate the MCDP Floats:
We could still use some help decorating floats and vehicles and preparing for MCDP’s participation in the parade. Sign up to participate in decorating here.
Watch the Parade:
The parade starts at 9 am on July 4th. There are pre-parade events in both Market Street and Town Green Park. Information about the parade may be found at https://www.4thofjulyparadGe.org/.
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Young Democrats make signs to carry in the parade. |
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Burns & Barack are ready to march! |
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Environmental Advocates are hot! |
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Amazing art to carry on the parade route. |
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Click on the Contribute button to help turn Montgomery County Blue!
Please consider becoming a sustaining member at $10 per month (or more!).
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In this issue:
4TH of July Parade!
TDP Response to Roe V Wade
Message to the Convention Delegates and Guests
Texas Republican Platform
Poll Workers Needed!
Blue Store
Beto's Corner
Biden's Corner
Texas Children are in Peril
New County Officers!
Candidates
Pride
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Final Friday
Tweets
Blue Store
Upcoming Party & Community Events
This newsletter is published on or about the 1st and the 15th of every month. Email content for consideration to communications@mcdptx.org no later than 3 days before publication.
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters Hours
Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Due to the continuing spread of COVID, our policy now is for staff and visitors to comply with social distancing guidelines. The best way to reach someone at the MCDP headquarters is to call or leave a message at 936-703-5841 or send an email to mcdpoffice@gmail.com. For urgent matters, please text 713-256-1420 or email chair@mcdptx.org outside of office hours.
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Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson St. #195
Conroe, Texas 77301
936-703-5841
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Texas Democratic Party's Response to SCOTUS overturning Roe V Wade |
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The Supreme Court decision reversing Roe that was issued on June 24, 2022, although not unexpected, is alarming. The Texas Democratic Party (TDP), along with many agencies across the country, has issued several statements about the Party’s stance on this issue and positive plans to reverse the damage. Most of these involve VOTING to flip Texas BLUE.
Here is a link to the TDP’s statements so you may read for yourself about these options and find the best way for you as an individual to help make a difference:
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Message to State Convention Delegates and Guests |
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We are excited about coming together at the Texas Democratic Party State Convention in July. Click here to go to the TDP website which has general information about the convention and party structure.
If you are not receiving emails related to being a delegate, please check the TDP website HERE to check that you are a delegate and be sure you provided an email address when you registered.
We will caucus by Senate District and there is an agenda for that meeting which we will publish in more detail by email soon.
In addition, Mike Midler, Senate District Executive Committee Representative for District 4 is holding a training session on how to be a State Delegate. Here is Mike’s message to all delegates:
Please join me for a training session either at MCDP HQ or via Zoom! I will be hosting another Pre-Convention information meeting to discuss all the aspects of the State Convention on Monday, July 11 at 6:30 at MCDP HQ right before we leave for the Convention. We also plan to Zoom the meeting. (Thanks to the 15 that attended last week. We’ll work out the “Zoom bugs” so the meeting won’t cut out exactly at 30 minutes if you attend by Zoom.).
If this is your first convention and you feel completely lost or if you’re experienced and just want to get the schedule and layout of the venue you’re welcome to attend. I will be doing this second meeting with updated information and a PowerPoint presentation. I hope you can join in and we can start getting fired up for July 14-16 in Dallas!
Mike Midler
SDEC 4 Committee Man
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 779 0542 2710
Passcode: 8pYDZJ
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Help Send a Young Democrat to the Convention.
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR YOUNG DEMOCRATS
The Montgomery County Democratic Party has set up a fund to send several Young Democrats to the State Convention in Dallas on July 14 – 16. If you were able to attend our local County Convention you saw some helping with the sound system, running the Powerpoint presentation, working at the Blue Texas Store and the Silent Auction, staffing the food booth, and cleaning up. They are an amazingly talented and energetic group that is reorganizing and building in numbers.
If you would like to help send Montgomery County Young Democrats to the 2022 Convention in State Convention in Dallas, you may do so by donating directly to that fund here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/youngdemsconvention, The money will be strictly earmarked for gas, lodging, and food. We must raise at least $500 to send one young person. With carpooling and shared lodging, $1000 will easily send three.
Please help if you can! The Future is Now.
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Texas Republican Party Platform – 2022 |
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You have probably heard a lot in the news – both state and national – about the platform that was adopted at the TRP Convention on June 16, 2022. It is every bit as alarming and sobering as portrayed in the news. We are providing a link to it in case you want to see it for yourself. There is truly a lot at stake in the November elections. Voting is our best hope!
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Greeting Fellow Democrats:
I hope you are enjoying this hot summer. Although it may seem early, we are already preparing for a very busy election to come in November. This election will likely include many changes, including the strong possibility of new equipment, so it is imperative to get ready early.
Make sure to mark on your calendar that the General Election is on November 8th, 2022. We are planning early to ensure that each location is well-staffed and fully comfortable in its position.
The last day to register to vote for this election is Tuesday, October 11th
The last day to apply for Ballot by Mail is October 28th
The first day of Early Voting is October 24th
The last day of Early Voting is November 4th
And yes, we have already begun to assign people to polling locations for election day, November 8th, so if you are willing and able to serve on election day, please contact me as soon as possible. There is a spot on my spreadsheet for your name. Let's prepare to win big in November. Please feel free to contact me or MCDP headquarters with any questions or concerns.
In Solidarity,
Claretna Vaxter
Election Coordinator
Montgomery County Democratic Party
281-239-1800
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Drop by the Blue Store at Headquarters to get your Merch for the Convention! |
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Beto Letter Writing Campaign
Beto has a strong letter-writing campaign going on now. Go here to sign up for an online Letter Writing Party. It’s fun and easy and it can be done when you have the time. All letters will be mailed on October 19th - the goal is to reach voters before the election to get out the vote. Join the hundreds participating in the effort and make a real difference.
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BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CORNER ! |
TEXAS CHILDREN ARE IN PERIL
By Michael Stacy
In the upcoming election for Texas Governor between Greg Abbot and Beto O’Rourke, there is one overriding point. Governor Abbott and Texas killed 900 million of state insurance funding on the premise of “cost containment.” Beto O’Rourke has promised to bring expanded federal Medicare to Texas if elected Governor. This expanded Medicare amounts close to 100 billion dollars of additional insurance available to Texas residents. Governor Abbott vetoed any federal expanded Medicare to Texas. Governor Abbott promised in 2017 to implement reform measures to protect and support Texas children. There is very little State-provided information available on the internet about reform actions and care statistics after 2018. There are, however, a lot of articles about issues with children's protection and resources in Texas. I have provided links below for further reading.
The recent Supreme Court decision leaving abortion up to the states will usher in a period of increased child abandonment, greater need for foster care, and an increased need for adoptions. Foster parents receive $27.00 per day while Texas spends $47.00 to house and care for a prison inmate. The system is already overwhelmed. Women who do not have the means for traveling out of state will be forced to carry to full term or potentially be faced with being charged with murder.
The following links to articles provide information related to current foster care issues.
(Governor Abbot’s official reform program – Reforming Texas’ foster care system)-2017
(Texas foster care crisis worsens, with fast-growing numbers of children sleeping in offices, hotels, and churches.) 2021
(The problems plaguing Texas’ foster care system.) 2021
(Texas foster care system is failing our children.) 2021
(Analysis: Texas’ foster care problems are clear. The response from state leaders isn’t.) 2021
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Election of New County County Officers |
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At the County Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on Saturday, June 18, 2022, after much discussion, Amy Hamrick Lewis's resignation effective June 20, 2022, as County Chair was accepted.
Ginger Blair was Elected County Chair effective June 21, 2022. Ginger has been Deputy Chair and has owned an architectural design company for twenty years.
Also elected to take office immediately were the following:
Kimberly Valdez - Deputy Chair: Kimberly is a Precinct Chair, Chair of the 4th of July Parade, Chair of the Education Committee, and is a retired educator.
Carmen McZeal - Secretary: Carmen is a Precinct Chair and is a counselor and mediator.
Natalie Ward - Treasurer: Natalie has been Treasurer and returns to that position, is a Precinct Chair and is a retired air traffic controller.
Marc Meyer - Sergeant at Arms: Marc is a former MCDP Chair, a Precinct Chair. an attorney, and a Registered Nurse.
The following County Commissioner Precinct Representatives were elected to the Senior Advisory Council:
Nic Jefferson - MC Commissioner Precinct 1
Calvin Overstreet - MC Commissioner Precinct 2
Lore Breitmeyer-Jones - MC Commissioner Precinct 3
Betty McInturff - MC Commissioner Precinct 4
The following Interest Group Leads were also elected:
Rashmi Gupta - AAPI (Asian American/Pacific Islander) Democrats
Eartha Johnson - African American Democrats
VACANT - Democrats with Disabilities
Betty Daugherty - Environmental Democrats
Gordon Lopez - Hispanic Democrats
Mary Hamm - Labor Interests Democrats
Jay Sittleburg - LGBTQ+ Democrats
Mike Midler - Veterans Democrats
Angela De La Cruz - Young Democrats
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW OFFICERS AND LEADERS! And Thanks to all those who are leaving or changing office for your dedicated service to the Democrats in Montgomery County.
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TEXAS DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES RUNNING IN NOVEMBER (including links to their websites): |
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TX Court of Appeals District 9 Place 2 - Bob Mabry
Montgomery County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 - April Prim
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As of June and Pride Month-end, I’m reflecting on the importance and purpose of the annual global events that take place in June.
Pride events and the concept of Pride Month began as a reaction to the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969.
Pride began as a spontaneous uprising against police harassment/brutality and grew into the movement it is today. Stonewall Inn and other establishments that catered to the gay community were routinely harassed by the New York City Police Department’s Public Moral Squad. The details of that night, June 28 in 1969, are somewhat fuzzy, but it appears to have been the tipping point for the patrons who were present when the riot began. This event is widely accepted as the catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement in America.
In the early 1970s, the first Pride parades were organized. They began in New York and had both an air of celebration and protest. They quickly spread across the country and now almost all cities in the United States have Pride celebrations. In 2000 World Pride was established, making Pride officially a global event.
Everyone needs a way to celebrate their history, who they are, and who they will become. For the LGBTQ community Pride is it. It’s a place to celebrate history not represented in history books; a place to highlight individual stories and accomplishments; a place to celebrate changes that have taken place; and a place to focus on the work that still must be done. And for many, Pride is part of coming out and/or coming of age.
As an educator, I’ve seen joy in the eyes of students who experienced their first Pride event. Many have told me it was the first time they felt completely free to be who they are.
Pride events continue to be a beacon of light in the movement. They are intended to be a unifying force in communities and are deliberately inclusive. However, in some countries, it is still against the law to be gay, and in some, it is punishable by death. Even in our own country, the rights of LGBTQ people are being challenged at every turn. Targeted violence at Pride events is on the rise, suggesting a resurgence of opposition fueled by our current political atmosphere. The fight for equality continues.
Editorial by Kim Valdez, MCDP Deputy Chair and Education Outreach Chair
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JULY FINAL FRIDAY SPEAKERS WILL FOCUS ON THE RESULTS OF THE STATE CONVENTION AND
EFFORTS TO GET OUT THE VOTE!
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At this month’s Final Friday presentation, our Senate District Executive Committee (SDEC) leaders will recap the lessons learned at the State Convention held on July 14-16. Ginger Blair, our County Chair, will report on the Strategic Planning Session held at Party Headquarters with our allies and candidates on July 23. Any of our candidates present on the call will also be given a few minutes to speak.
So, mark your calendars now for Friday, July 29, 2022, at 6:30 in the evening for this month’s recap of the State Convention and our Strategic Planning Session. The Series will be presented in a hybrid format with participants and speakers being able to attend via ZOOM or in person.
Topic: MCDP Final Friday Speaker Series – Bring it to the Booth!
Time: Friday, July 29, 2022 , at 6:30 p.m.
Place: 704 N. Thompson St., Suite 195, Conroe, TX 77301
Attend via Facebook Live:
Attend via Zoom:
Attend by Phone:
+1 346-248-7799
ID: 915 3533 3507
Passcode: 969389
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Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa Releases Statement on the Swearing In of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson |
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CHECK OUT OUR NEW SHIRTS AND MERCH!! |
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Event Calendar - For more details, click on the image and follow link to the MCDPTX.org website; click on the date to view event.
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Other Groups & Community Events: |
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IMMIGRATION CLINIC REOPENS - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! - Lorena Perez McGill |
Can you help?
- Legal consultation
- Set up, clean up, organize
- Speaker
Third Thursdays
5:00 to 9:00pm
24803 Oakhurst Dr. 77386
Questions and Information:
contact Lorena Perez McGill at
email or 202-294-4473.
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Donuts for Democracy with Kristin Johnson
Sunday, July 3rd from 7:30am - 10:30am
Snowflake Donuts
1440 Sawdust Rd. Spring
Next Democratic Club of The Woodlands meeting
July 20th 6:30pm
Fri, July 29 - Fundraiser and Yard Sign pickup for Kristin Johnson
Spring Creek BBQ19099 I-45 Shenandoah
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Paid for by the Montgomery County Texas Democratic Party, www.mcdptx.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. |
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