April 15, 2021
WE STAND FOR DEMOCRACY
‘We stand for democracy’
A government of the people, by the people. A beautifully American ideal, but a reality denied to many for much of this nation’s history.

Read the statement from top companies and executives opposing voting restrictions

This Week in Voting Rights History
MLK perspectives
On April 16, in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr penned his famous Letter from a Birmingham Jail. It was a response to “A Call for Unity” by local white clergymen. King and other civil rights activists were in the city as part of the Birmingham Campaign which involved coordinated marches and sit-ins against racism and racial segregation in Birmingham, Alabama.

The clergy complained about “outsiders” and wanted the activists to use the courts rather than direct action, non-violent protests. In his letter, King in multiple ways rebutted the clergy’s arguments saying that people had the moral responsibility to break unjust laws and take direct action rather than wait potentially forever for justice to come through the courts. The letter includes the famous line “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Months after his release, King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech, and the following year Congress passed the Civil Rights Act. Two years later, Congress enacted the Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices.

Read Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail.
People like you are helping to elect Democrats in Collin County. 
We appreciate everyone working together to build a Democratic future for Collin County.
SUPPORT CCDP ENDORSED MUNICIPAL CANDIDATES!
Saturday, April 17, at 7 p.m.
Fundraiser to Help Elect Democrats as we work to get out the vote for the May 1 Municipal Election.

Collin County Democratic Party guests include a line-up of special guests including Beto O'Rourke, Mike Collier, and more. Your $25 ticket buys 1,000 poll greeting fliers, 500 GOTV phone calls, and 350 GOTV texts.
We have a great line-up of candidates on the ballot around the county, let's get them elected.

Your $25 supports the Collin County Democratic Party as we work to elect Democrats locally, flip Collin County, and change Texas for the better. From the comfort of your home, you can hear from inspiring speakers, bid in the silent auction, or even join our sponsor receptions. (Sponsorships include extra tickets, access to the sponsor reception, and other premiums.

When: Saturday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Where: Wherever you are, via Zoom
The Silent Auction is LIVE.
Check out the items available, and bid on your favorites!
Want to do more? Volunteer!
Pledge to vote. Then help three friends to vote in the next local election. When it comes to getting the people in your life out to vote, your voice is the most powerful.

Fill out the form below and then share this link with your three friends: txdp.cc/VoteWithMe
A CLOSER LOOK AT COLLIN COUNTY POLITICS
Woman in tall grass wearing a hat looking through binoculars
by Misty Hook, Ph.D.
Collin County Official Government Logo
Commissioner’s Court: Last week was the third meeting within a month in which Commissioner Cheryl Williams didn’t attend. If she’s too ill, her employers (aka we the people) need to know. Commissioners make a very good salary for what I can only assume is minimal work (given current commissioner performance), so the least they can do is show up. Any other job would put her on a Performance Improvement Plan. All we can do is vote her out, so please support the campaign of Scott Coleman who’s running against her in 2022. (read more)
City of McKinney Texas Official Seal
McKinney City Council: Based on the comments and lack of council members’ masks (only Angela Richardson-Woods and Scott Elliot wore theirs), it’s clear they believe the Covid-19 threat is over. Both Rick Franklin and Frederick Frazier commented on being back to normal. That’s just stupid. With a 7-day average of 88 new cases in Collin County and only 31% of Texans having at least 1 dose of the vaccine, it’s painfully obvious we aren’t even close to being out of the woods with this disease. But most of the council members never fail to let an opportunity to be terrible pass them by. (read more)
McKinney Area Dems Club Recommends Candidates
As Municipal races are nonpartisan and some races do not have Democrats running, McKinney Dems is not endorsing candidates. However, they recommend these candidates as the best choices for the McKinney election.

  • George Fuller - Mayor (all can vote)
  • Justin Beller - City Council, District 1
  • Dr. Geré Feltus, City Council, District 3
  • Charlie Phillips, City Council, At Large (all can vote)
  • Larry Jagours, MISD Place 1
  • Philip Hassler, MISD Place 2
  • Kathi Livezey, MISD Place 3
  • Harvey Oaxaca, MISD Place 7 At Large (all can vote)

We recommend voting FOR the following McKinney ISD Bond items:
  • Attendance Credit Election
  • Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election
  • School Building Bond Ballot
  • Technology Bond Ballot

We recommend the following Collin College Board of Trustee Candidates:
  • Helen Chang, Collin College Board of Trustees (CCBOT) Place 7 At Large (all can vote)
  • Misty Irby, CCBOT Place 8 At Large (all can vote)
  • Jacoby Stewart CCBOT Place 9 At Large (all can vote)
CANDIDATE SPOTLIGHT
Helen Chang
I’m running for office because we need change at Collin College. The current leadership has created a climate of fear among faculty and employees. After speaking out for stronger COVID protections, highly regarded professors were let go. This diminishes the college and deprives our students of educational opportunities. We need trustees that will respect free speech rights, use our tax dollars wisely, and operate with transparency and accountability.
 
I am a 14 year resident of Collin County and have been teaching community college Economics for 11 years. I earned a BA in Economics from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard. My background in education, economics, and public policy will make me an effective trustee for you, the voters of Collin County.
 
Vote Helen Chang for Collin College Board of Trustees, Place 7! Read more about what’s been happening at Collin College here.
Block Walk with Elisa Klein, Steve Lavine and Julie Holmer!
We're excited about our momentum and ready to get to work! Join Elisa Steve, and Julie as we go knock on doors (safely) and talk with our neighbors about our campaigns for Plano City Council.
Mary Harris for Wylie City Council Block Walking
Phone Bank or Block Walk with Mary Harris!
Come out to support Mary Harris, candidate for Wylie City Council! She has two ways you can help out: Phone Banking and Block Walking! She has multiple dates available for both so pick a date that works and come out to help elect Mary to Wylie City Council!
In-Person Social!
Living Liberally/McKinney Area Democratic Club
Ready to socialize and talk politics? For those who feel comfortable, Living Liberally and MADC are meeting OUTSIDE at WingBucket for a social get-together. Everyone should wear masks (when not eating/drinking) and social distance.

Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a cash bar is available. Sign up here so event hosts will know how much food to order
The CCDP physical office is closed until further notice for safety. Our office staff are, however, working for you from home and available by telephone at 972-578-1483 or contact us on the web at collindemocrats.org.
Check our Online Events!