PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Susan Dollar
Having now witnessed two of the three Trump Trains in Boerne these past weeks, I can tell you that we still have a lot of work to do. We have to get people registered to vote - and the deadline to do that is Monday, October 5. There will be a call for volunteers to leave door hangers/voter registration information on homes where we know that people are not yet registered to vote (and that lean Democratic), so we will need your help. You probably get tired of hearing me ask for money or volunteers, but it is going to take everyone doing something in order for us to win in November. The election of our lifetime is only 58 days away!
We also need to be VISIBLE. Consider joining the Peace Train on Saturday morning (more info below). Wear your Democratic shirts proudly (we will have brand new 3/4 sleeve t-shirts for sale at Market Days). Put those campaign signs in your yards. This morning, a woman in my (very white, very conservative) neighborhood stopped me and told me that seeing the Biden/Harris sign in the yard had made her day. Put bumper stickers on your car. (I know it looks a little bit tacky, but you would be surprised how many people stop and talk to me in a positive way and want information about BAD!) And at the office, random people come in and say how glad they are to find us, so please get out there and be seen and heard. Remember: TAMOUTYT (There Are More Of Us Than You Think)!
Also...think about the fact that we only have one month to get people registered to vote. Think about waking up on November 4. Think about stepping up and volunteering to help in some way. And think about this:
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Thank you to the 78 individuals and 23 couples that donated to the BAD for GOOD fundraiser! With your help, we raised over $10,900! Below is the list of candidates and causes that received our donations:
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FEDERAL CANDIDATES
(donations limited to $1,000 aggregate per Texas Ethics Commission)
Joe Biden-Kamala Harris
MJ Hegar - US Senate
Wendy Davis - US House District 21
Gina Ortiz Jones - US House District 23
JUDICIAL CANDIDATES
(unlimited donations allowed)
Rebeca Martinez: Place 1, Texas Fourth District Court of Appeals
TEXAS SUPREME COURT
Chief Justice: Amy Clark Meacham
Place 6: Kathy Cheng
Place 7: Staci Williams
Place 8: Gisela Triana
TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS
Place 3: Elizabeth D. Frizell
Place 4: Tina Clinton
Place 9: Brandon T. Birmingham
STATE LEGISLATIVE CANDIDATES
(donations limited to $5,000 aggregate)
Rebecca Bell-Metereau - State Board of Education
Chrysta Casteneda - Railroad Commissioner
Roland Gutierrez, TX SD 19
Stephanie Phillips - HD 73
Claire Barnett, HD 122
Erin Zweiner, HD 45
Vicki Goodwin, HD 47
Sharon Hirsch HD 66
Lorenzo Sanchez, HD 67
Jeff Whitfield, HD 92
Joe Drago, HD 96
Joanna Cattanach, HD 108
Brandy Chambers, HD 112
Gina Calanni, HD 132
Ann Johnson, HD 134
Akilah Bacy, HD 138
ORGANIZATIONS
Powered by People (Beto O'Rourke)
Fair Fight (Stacey Abrams)
WomenWin (Kim Olson)
Sisters United Alliance
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Thursday, October 8
11:45 a.m.
Thursday, November 12
11:45 a.m.
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SEPTEMBER 10 BAD MEETING
6:00 p.m. via Zoom
At our September meeting, we will have the Texas Democratic Party Deputy Executive Director, Cliff Walker as our speaker. Cliff has been with the TDP several years and has built one of the most robust candidate recruitment and candidate services programs in the country. He has counseled countless folks to help them find the best way to serve, in and out of office. In his current position, he is sharing his vision and dedication to activists, allies, and to those who step up to run for office in our party to help turn Texas blue. Please join us via Zoom for this super speaker to help get us motivated, engaged and informed on those Texas races that will Turn Texas Blue.
Note that the meeting is at 6:00 p.m.
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Please join us!
BAD for GOOD PEACE TRAIN
WHAT:
This is a peaceful drive through Boerne to show solidarity among all the groups in this area that support democratic values and ideals. We want the people in Kendall County and the Hill Country to know that there are hundreds of us that stand strong for freedom and equal opportunity, civil rights, minority and women's rights, multiculturalism, and economic and social justice.
Although the drive was inspired by the BAD for GOOD fundraiser, any person or group that supports democratic values and ideals is welcome to join us. Together, we can show a united front and make a difference!
WHEN:
Saturday, September 12
9:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Starting Location: Walmart parking lot, south side near automotive garage
This event is for vehicles only; there cannot be any marchers or people walking, as this is not a march; it is a peaceful drive through town. We are simply going to drive up and down Main Street Boerne. From the Walmart parking lot, we will drive north on Main Street to the Live Oak Shopping Center on the north end of town, then turn around and head south, circle around the Main Plaza (Market Days weekend), then drive back to the Walmart parking lot. The route is five miles long and will take approximately one hour.
As we drive down Main Street, cars will become separated by traffic lights so it is important to just "stay the course" and catch up as the trafffic lights change. Do not try to stay together - this could result in blocked intersections.
Following the drive, we will return to the Walmart parking lot. There will be an opportunity for people to mix and mingle and learn more about the various groups that participated. Please remember to wear a mask and remain socially distant in the parking lot.
DETAILS:
Arrive in the Walmart parking lot by 9:00 a.m. We will depart promptly at 9:30 a.m.
Stay in the right lane of traffic. (Best to decorate at least the passenger side of your car; that side will face the sidewalks as we proceed down Main Street.)
Do not block intersections.
Keep things respectful and peaceful.
No horn honking.
No blaring music.
No yelling or screaming from the vehicles.
No hand signals, other than a friendly wave.
Nothing may be thrown or tossed from vehicles.
Vehicles may be decorated any way you choose.
Signs and banners for political candidates
Signs and banners for social and political causes and issues
Balloons, paint, posters, flags - anything to draw positive attention
Clothing that supports your candidates or causes is encouraged
If you have questions, please contact Susan Dollar at susan_dollar@yahoo.com. We hope to see you at our BAD for GOOD Peace Train!
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So much going on right now. We tried to pack lots of info plus lots of "links" to go to in the newsletter. Keep watching whatever news you can tolerate and keep encouraging everyone to vote. Keep reading news but also read for pleasure (because your brain and heart need it). |
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Judy Dewey
Secretary & Newsletter Chair
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BROOKE ORR
Membership
We currently have 163 paid members! If your membership is up for renewal, you will receive an e-mail from me. Please be sure to check your SPAM folder for messages from BAD.
To become a member or renew, pay online with PayPal or go to our BAD web page, click on the Become a Member link, and fill out the application. Don’t forget to click on the submit button! Also, you can mail your check to BAD Membership, PO Box 2132, Boerne, TX, 78006. Your dues help us to support candidates and sponsor our yearly college scholarship.
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SHARON NOACK
Treasurer
Thanks SO much to ALL of you that supported the BAD for GOOD fundraiser. The total amount donated as of September 4 is $10,995.00. This is FANTASTIC!
All of the moneys collected are being disbursed this week to:
- Federal (presidential, Senate, and House) candidates,
- Texas State legislative, judicial, Board of Education and Railroad Commission candidates
- Get Out the Vote organizations
Thanks again and GO BLUE!
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BRENDA SCHMIDT
Activities
MARKET DAYS: SEPTEMBER 12 & 13th
SIGN UP NOW.....to help this weekend at Boerne Market Days on Saturday and Sunday. We need booth workers for two-hour shifts. We will distribute materials, answer questions, sell shirts and inform visitors about fellow Democrats and our activities in the Boerne and Kendall County area. A voter registration booth will be directly across the street at the old Soda Pops location, so you will not have to be authorized to register future voters. It's a good time to get out of the house, wear your best Democrat shirt and mask and talk with your friends. And we will also have a Market Days booth in October. Now is the time to get engaged! Sign up to help here: https://www.mobilize.us/kendalltxdems/event/317055/
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The KCDP/BAD Headquarters is now open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30. If we had more volunteers, we could open the office even more days/hours. Currently, we are sending post cards and making phone calls to over 6000 Democrats in the County to encourage their participation in early voting. We will be contacting potential voters again in a few weeks. In addition, we now have Biden/Harris signs and other campaign signs for our state-wide candidates.
The office gets quite busy and sometimes it is too busy to talk with all our visitors about BAD. If you would like to be at the office just to talk with potential BAD members, that would helpful. Now is the time for you to get engaged and help with this most important election. Call Sherry Thurman, the office manager, to sign up to help at 918-808-2676.
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LAURA BRAY
Publicity
Please make plans to attend the BAD meeting this Thursday! I can alway use a Left of Center column or Letters to the Editor so if you in the mood to respond publicly to something, please let me know!
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KRISTA BERMEJILLO-VASQUEZ
Social Media
Check out our social media for updates about club activities, member profiles, and other events!
Web: boerne-area-democrats.com
Facebook: Boerne Area Democrats
Instagram: @boerneareademocrats
Twitter: @BoerneDemocrats
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BAD BOOK CLUB
Stacey Gilfillan Book Club Leader
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No book club meetings for the foreseeable future but everyone has plenty of time to read now, so keep a list of recommended books for the future!
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KEVIN HENNING
County Chair, KCDP
FLIP THE HOUSE
We must increase the number of Democrats in the Texas Legislature by at least nine to take control of that body and head off a Republican led redistricting effort. Current boundaries, particularly for US Congress, are mightily gerrymandered to help Republicans get elected. We of course should support our House District 73 candidate Stephanie Phillips but we must also help the other Texas State House candidates. The United States census is in progress and is the data used to determine how legislative districts are drawn. This only happens once a decade, so it is how gerrymandered districts happen. For Democrats in Texas to have a shot at fair legislative maps, we must gain control of the State House. Here’s a website you should visit to learn more and find candidates that you can help by contributing to their campaigns. Also, it lists upcoming events.
Please check this site out: https://flipthetxhouse.com Just click on the candidate button and you can link directly each of their websites and donate. You can pick one or a few or all of them if you like. Please, give it go, it’s your turn to help! Also, here is a Beto link, he is working to flip the house also: https://poweredxpeople.org
Remember what Barak Obama told us: let’s embrace our responsibility as citizens and focus on our mission to turn Texas Blue.
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! WE MUST WIN!
Stay Safe and Stay Engaged
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS UPDATE
Julie Rosenberger
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The League of Women Voters - Hill Country Texas is proud to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and honor all those who have worked to secure and expand the right to vote through those years! We had an inspiring Women’s Equality Day celebration via Zoom on August 26, which included a wonderful video honoring 100+ women working for our Hill Country communities: https://youtu.be/QQId7YAKXt4
Meanwhile, our Kendall County Unit has been busy in the leadup to this year’s election, and we can use your help!
First, we continue to offer nonpartisan voter registration and education in downtown Boerne every weekend. We’ll be in front of the old Soda Pops building, right across from Main Plaza, every Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 3pm, through the first weekend of October. If you’re interested in helping, please sign up for shifts at http://bit.ly/lwv-sep20.
Next, we’re looking ahead to National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 22. We’re hoping to also offer drive-thru voter registration at each public high school in the county sometime during that week. We’re still working on arrangements with the schools, but if you’re interested in helping at either Boerne, Champion or Comfort High School, please email julie@lwvhillcountrytexas.org.
In addition, we are collecting information on local candidates and on Boerne’s 13 proposed city charter amendments to ensure we can offer local voters a complete, nonpartisan, online voter guide at vote411.org. We’ll also be distributing the printed voter guides for national and state races to libraries and public spots all around the county, beginning in early October.
Finally, we’re doing our best to answer questions for voters! Here are a few we’ve received lately, and our answers:
1. When will we receive our voting by mail ballots, if we have already requested them?
The actual timeline may vary from county to county, but based on Texas Election Code 86.004, if you've requested your ballot at least 37 days before Election Day, then your ballot should be mailed to you no less than 30 days before Election Day. So if you've already sent in your application for a ballot by mail, it should be on its way to you by October 5, if not before -- which means you should have it by October 12 or before.
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2. What’s the cutoff date for mailing in our ballot so that it is received by Nov 3rd?
That's really a Post Office question, but the USPS has recommended to states that they allow seven days each way for first-class mail delivery of ballots. So you should probably consider October 27 the last day to drop it in the mail to be sure it's received by November 3rd. Sooner is better, though -- you will be able to verify online that your ballot has been received, so if you submit it early, you will have more time to verify it -- or address it if there's a problem.
3. If we get worried about missing deadlines, could we vote in person instead of using our mail in ballots?
Yes, you can always choose to bring your mail ballot to a polling place, ask the election judge to cancel it, and ask them to issue you a ballot to vote in person. This year, though, you have an additional choice: you can fill out your mail ballot at home, put it in the envelope, but deliver it in person to a polling location instead of dropping it in the mail. You will need to show your acceptable photo ID when doing so, and sign a voter log, but in many counties, it may be possible to do so without leaving your car (i.e. curbside/drive-through).
4. What’s the earliest date that we can vote, in person or by mail?
The earliest date to vote by mail is as soon as you receive your ballot (see answer #1 above -- in early October).
The first date of in-person early voting is Tuesday, October 13.
If you’ve got questions, let me know and we’ll help you! And if you’re not already a member of the League of Women Voters, we’d love for you to join us in our mission of Empowering Voters and Defending Democracy -- you can start at http://lwvhillcountrytexas.org/join.
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Voting Rights
Voting is a fundamental right and all eligible voters should have the equal opportunity to exercise that right.
We are dedicated to ensuring that our elections remain free, fair and accessible.
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KENDALL COUNTY
DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS
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518 East Blanco Road (behind Mary's Tacos)
Phone: 830-331-0672
Office hours: Wed-Sun 1:30-4:30
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As you might have heard, the Census Bureau is cutting short critical door-knocking efforts for the 2020 census. Attempts by the bureau's workers to conduct in-person interviews for the census will end on Sept. 30 — not Oct. 31.
The condensed door-knocking time frame increases the risk of leaving out many people of color, immigrants and other members of historically undercounted groups from numbers that are collected once a decade to determine each state's share of congressional seats, Electoral College votes and an estimated $1.5 trillion a year in federal tax dollars for Medicare, Medicaid and other public services.
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Click on any of these icons to be taken to their web pages. |
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GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
Let your voices be heard by attending these community meetings.
Click on any of the icons for more information.
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Boerne City Council meets at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at 9 Topperwein Road, Boerne. |
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The Kendall County Commissioner's Court meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday at 9:00 a.m. in the County Courthouse, 201 E. San Antonio Street, 3rd floor.
The Planning and Zoning meetings are held on the 1st Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Boerne Police/Municipal Court, 124 Old San Antonio Road.
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The Fair Oaks City Council meets on the 1st Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and the 3rd Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the FOR City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Road, FOR. |
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The Comfort ISD Board of Trustees meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the CISD Central Office, 327 High Street, Comfort. |
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The Boerne ISD Board of Trustees meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Administrative Offices,
235 Johns Road.
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The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at 9 Topperwein Road, Boerne. |
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BOERNE AREA DEMOCRATS BOARD
President: Susan Dollar
Vice President: Amy Lambiase
Secretary/Newsletter: Judy Dewey
Treasurer: Sharon Noack
Membership: Brooke Orr
Activities: Brenda Schmidt
Publicity: Laura Bray
Social Media: Krista Bermejillo-Vasquez
Ex Officio member: Kevin Henning, KCDP
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Connect with us!
JOIN THE BOERNE AREA DEMOCRATS
Email: BAD@ boerne-area-democrats.com
Web: boerne-area-democrats.com
Facebook: facebook.com/boerne.area.democrats
Notice Regarding Photography and/or Audio/Video Recording
The Boerne Area Democrats captures photographs and/or audio/video recordings during our events. Such photographs and recordings may be used in BAD's advertising and social media relations to klet others know of our events. In addition, local news organizations may hear of our evengts, and BAD may allow them to record events for news reporting. If youdo not wish to bein photos/videos, please let the photographer/videographer know in advance.
This newsletter is intended for people interested in the work of the Boerne Area Democrats and the Democratic Party in general. To be removed from this mailing list, please click on Unsubscribe below
or email us at bad@boerne-area-democrats.com.
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