STATE REPUBLICANS CRACKING AND PACKING | Gerrymandering By Any Name Is Just As Corrupting | Proposed State Senate Redistricting Plan; Click map image for large graphic. | |
Partisan gerrymandering is a practice that attempts to establish a political advantage for a particular party or group by manipulating geographic boundaries to create partisan or incumbent-protected districts. The two main techniques for implementing gerrymandered districts are packing and cracking.
Packing means putting as many of the opposing party’s supporters into as few districts as possible. Thus, that party wins big in those districts, but it doesn’t win many districts overall. Cracking means scattering the rest of the opposing party’s supporters into districts where they have no chance of winning.
With Collin County trending Democratic, the Republican-controlled State Senate redistricting committee had to act to protect SD8 incumbent Angela Paxton. Viewing the large version of the above map, you can see how they are cracking the current SD8 by stripping off the very blue Collin County portion of Richardson, adding those precincts to SD2 along with deep-red Rockwall, Kaufman, and Van Zandt Counties. Democratic voters in Frisco are similarly cracked away and are added to the mostly red NE Denton County along with 8 other rural counties all the way to Wichita Co, 200 miles away from Frisco.
State Republicans are worried because, in 2018, Angela Paxton won that seat with 170,000 votes but only by 2.4 percentage points, 7,838 votes, over Democratic candidate Mark Phariss. Just two years later in 2020, Democratic Senate candidate MJ Hegar received over 206,000 votes in Collin County. With numbers like those, it's no wonder Angie wants to pick her voters, rather than risk having the voters (not) pick her.
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Who Needs a Vacay? YOU DO! | Do you enjoy relaxing in the mountains? You could spend a week in a gorgeous 4 bedroom cabin that sits atop Mary Gray Mountain in North Carolina where you can hike your own private trails on 78 wooded acres and then experience a sunset from the hot tub. | Or do you prefer lounging by the beach? You could spend a week by the peaceful shores in Virginia Beach, Virginia in an architecturally stunning home and leave all your cares behind. | |
You get to choose when you bid on these amazing retreats that will be part of the live auction at this year’s Ann Richards Dinner and Masquerade Ball. Get your tickets to the Ann Richards Dinner, bid on this gorgeous cabin or beach house among other fun experiences in the live auction and they could be yours!
Tickets for the event are limited and going fast, so don't wait.
| Check out our latest promotional video! | |
Visit our Ann Richards Dinner web page for details on the food, fun, and sponsorship opportunities! Sponsors will enjoy special perks not available to other attendees. Sponsor package availability is limited, so don't wait!
For the safety of everyone attending, only individuals fully vaccinated for COVID-19 should attend this in-person event. Face masks will be required for all venue staff and guests.
When: Saturday, October 16, 7-11 p.m.
Where: Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center, 7121 Bishop Rd, Plano
Cost: Individual tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorships are also available.
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Thank you Little Woods Capital Advisors, LLC, our Champagne Sponsor, for your support!
Together we can help get Democrats elected up and down the ballot. To learn more about Little Woods Capital Advisors, LLC, visit their website:
Little Woods Capital Advisors
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Opinion
PROGRESSIVES WANT TO BRING BACK POSTAL BANKING.
HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT IT TOO
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In today’s digital economy, the working poor, in both urban and rural areas alike, is finding our banking system less and less accessible. As of 2019, according to an FDIC survey, approximately 7 million households had no bank accounts. Roughly 25% of those households belong to people of color.
Postal banking can offer accounts with fewer fees and lower balance minimums thereby providing millions of Americans with proper access to the banking system. As an added bonus, these same people will have the opportunity to avoid the predatory services they have been forced to endure.
Not New
Postal banking is not a new idea. It’s been around since the 1890’s when a populist movement entreated the federal government to offer bank accounts through local post offices. The prevailing wisdom at the time was that the federal government could provide loans directly to working farmers, thus drawing on the power of government and its authority. It wasn’t until 1911, when the United States Postal Savings System was established, that the idea become reality. The original postal banks, however, did not offer the full suite of banking services that are typical today. By 1966, the private banking industry worked to shutter what was left of the postal banking system.... (Read More)
Mr. Williams is CEO of Little Woods Capital Advisors, LLC. His company is a sponsor of the 2021 Ann Richards Dinner.
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TURNING COLLIN BLUE IN '22 | |
The REGISTER COLLIN campaign visits the Lavon Lake communities of Farmersville, Princeton, and Lucas, as well as Allen, on September 25 and 26 to canvass for new voters!
We also have a specific need for South Asian volunteers for a special opportunity on Saturday! If you are interested please sign up via the normal "Register Voters" link below, then sign up for the shift on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Sign up below for Saturday and Sunday. If you're new, we'll train you, and you'll be paired with an experienced canvasser. Come on out and help us flip Collin County #Blue2022! If you'd rather phone bank, sign up below.
Learn about the REGISTER COLLIN campaign.
Want to know when we'll be registering voters where you are? Check out the schedule on collindemocrats.org!
Help keep #RegisterCollin teams marching! Click the Blue Donate button below and send a donation to support the team's work.
#Blue2022 #RegisterCollin
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A GATHERING TO REMEMBER KATE GARRISON | |
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Many of you were able to attend or watch the public memorial for our friend and activist Kate Garrison a couple of weeks ago. Some were not. A group of us who knew her more than a decade – Barbara Walters, Deborah Angell Smith, and Mike Rawlins - along with members of the Collin County Democrats with Disabilities, are holding a more personal and informal gathering and wake this next Sunday at Preston Meadow Park in Plano.
You are invited to bring a snack, non-alcoholic drink (it’s a public park), and stories or remembrances to share.
After the gathering, some may retire to a nearby establishment for supper and to raise a glass to Kate.
The event will be in the pavilion, rain or shine. The park is near Coit and Parker in Plano. The pavilion is in the southern part of the park off of Preston Meadow Trail, next to the baseball diamond. Handicapped parking is nearby. There are picnic tables in the pavilion, but attendees may wish to bring lawn chairs to ensure adequate seating.
RSVP to the Facebook event is appreciated, but not required
When: Sunday, September 26, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Preston Meadow Park, 4243 Lorimar Drive, Plano
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Covid Update: Collin County has 120,808 confirmed Covid cases. This is 3,102 more cases than I reported last week and 974 of our Collin residents have died. I have no idea why the number of deaths rose so sharply from last week. I suspect there’s been a reporting error (either before or now). However, given the confirmed cases and 1-2% death rate, the higher number makes more sense. There are more and more reports of healthcare workers quitting or retiring. What will we do without them?
(Read More)
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The Commissioners came back from their two weeks without meetings doubly awful. Prior to last week’s meeting, Cheryl Williams told frequent public speaker Miguel Palacios that he isn’t a serious person because he’s an activist (the horror!) and that his speaking and requests to meet with them are harassment. Umm no, that’s called democracy. Perhaps she’s unfamiliar with the concept. Williams refused to meet with him.
This incident shows just how little they understand or care about their job description. The commissioners are elected by the people to represent us in managing Collin County. That means they need to know what people want in order to make the best decisions for us as a whole. Yet they rarely provide vital information, hold town halls, do surveys, or even respond to citizen emails, phone calls, and social media comments. They’re not interested in transparency or in what we think. Everything they do is guided by partisan politics and it’s driving Collin County into the ground. Even other local Republican politicians are irritated by their incompetency and lack of responsiveness.... (Read More)
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School Boards: Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to be a liability for Texas. He filed lawsuits against nine more school districts that implemented mask mandates, including Waco and Paris ISDs. Paris – an area not known for being liberal – included masks in their dress code. The mask mandate ban isn’t going well for Abbott though. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights recently opened an investigation into Texas (and 4 other states that prohibit mask mandates), saying the bans may violate the federal law meant to protect students with disabilities. Apparently, the disability community agrees. Disability Rights Texas also recently filed a federal lawsuit against Abbott for the same reasons... (Read More)
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Opinion
DEMOCRATS ARE PROACTIVE ABOUT OUR $200 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT
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Scott Coleman
Educator and candidate for Collin County Commissioner 2
Alex Cornwallis
IT Expert and candidate for Prosper ISD Board
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Collin County residents often ask, “What do County Commissioners do for me?”. One of their jobs is emergency response management. To enable a response to the COVID pandemic, President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act has provided Collin County with a $200 million federal grant. Democrats are being proactive with a Proposal about spending this money, with these goals:
- Save lives
- Ensure the safety of our kids and families
- Protect our health and quality of life and
- Ensure recovery of our business and sources of livelihood
We encourage each county resident to take the following four actions:
1. Attend Town Halls
The most recent Town Hall was on September 9, 2021. This featured a panel of Ro Omere and Scott Coleman to give the County Government perspective and Kelly Karthik and Alex Cornwallis to give the school district perspective. Please take the time to join the next Townhall.
2. Meet, email, call the County Commissioners
Commissioners have the Power Of The Purse. Set up a meeting to present your requests for spending the federal grant. Here is their contact information:
3. Attend Commissioners Court Meetings
Attend a Commissioners Court Meeting in person on a Monday at 1:15 pm. at the McKinney County Administration Building.
Democratic women regularly deliver our message to the Commissioners.
Listen to Elizabeth Michel, of CCDP Leadership at minute 17:00, on respect for women speakers; Ro Omere, candidate for Commissioner 4, on health care for all county residents and Scarlett Cornwallis, Precinct Chair for Precinct 239 in Prosper, on bipartisan unity to fight COVID. Let them know you have got their back.
4. Become informed about the Power of Commissioners
“The Commissioners have the Power of the Purse. Their decisions hit every taxpayer in the pocketbook." Ro Omere, 2021
Learn about the Power of the Commissioners Court.
PROPOSAL TO MAXIMIZE BENEFITS TO COLLIN COUNTY RESIDENTS 2021 - 2023
Democrats’ Proposal for the federal grant will benefit all Collin County residents immediately. One priority is inter-governmental programs with school districts to upgrade school facilities, using one-third of the grant. Another priority is a Vaccination Drive to educate residents on the importance of being vaccinated. The Target is a 90% Vaccination Rate.
In contrast, the Commissioners have proposed alternative projects. These projects do not benefit all residents, the general public was denied any opportunity to give input into the specific projects and they are not immediate solutions to today’s pandemic. The Proposal by Democrats benefit all of Collin County and immediately address the pandemic. Please message us and about your priorities.
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McKinney Area Democrats Friday Social | |
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The McKinney Area Democratic Club is inviting area progressives to the Wing Bucket for a social get-together. Complimentary appetizers will be served, and a cash bar is available. Please RSVP!
We encourage masks* (when not eating or drinking) and social distancing.
When: Friday, October 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Wingbucket, 3510 W. University Dr., McKinney, TX
*only vaccinated individuals should attend.
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North Texas Pride 'Come As You Are' Festival | |
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This is the 11th annual festival, bringing the community together to celebrate pride in diversity.
There will be sponsor/vendor booths, food/beverages, give-a-ways, donations to a partnering non-profit & adult and kid activities, bands, DJ, dancing & a ton of entertainment for all ages. Come join us for a family-oriented day of fun and get to know others like yourself.
Be sure to visit the Collin County Democratic Party Booth for Voter Registration and Information.
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When: Saturday, September 25, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Saigling House (ArtCentre of Plano), 902 E. 16th St, Plano
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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!
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Collin County Democratic Party (CCDP) | 972-578-1483 | www.collindemocrats.org © 2021
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