THANKS TO OUR RCDEMOCRATIC VOLUNTEERS

Left to right: Patrick Clark, Nancy Self, Margie Breeze, Nancy Clark, Betty Taylor, James Taylor. Not pictured: Duane Anstine, Kathie Moore, Heidi Unruh and daughter.

RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS DIG IN - GET IT DONE

In just a few short hours it was "mission accomplished"! Nine area Democrats showed up with shovels and loppers in hand to fulfill a commitment to perform a community service project. The former Hutch Floral property was acquired by the Kansas Cosmosphere for future expansion. Due to a lack of funds/staff to do regular maintenance the site had become overgrown. Using an ingenious tool James Taylor dispatched a potential forest of volunteer trees. Others went after the weeds that were choking out remaining flower beds, cleaned out grasses growing through concrete patio area and picked up trash scattered across the property. Loaded down pick-ups supplied by the Taylors and Margie Breeze were filled to overflowing with the debris that was taken to the landfill. An independent photojournalist from Wichita stopped to interview and videotape the volunteers at work. If you missed this opportunity there will be other chances to join in future projects.

DEMOCRATS MAKING HEADWAY AT THE FAIR

Contrary to the rather dismal mention in the Wichita Eagle things picked up at the Democratic Booth after a shaky start. There have been some ongoing problems with people not honoring their scheduled commitments but the Reno County Democrats have stepped in to fill the gaps. This points out how important it is to honor those commitments. Pictured above is Jon Powell, a Hutch native that has returned to the fold. Jon's enthusiasm and winning ways with the public will make him a tremendous asset to the party. He is seen here helping a Democrat sign up for the drawing to win an autographed copy of President Obama's book "The Audacity of Hope". A good sized box containing the entry slips was nearing full when I left on Tuesday. Also visible are poster sized sheets with names, two columns wide, of supporters of the public option in health care. Three of these large sheets have been filled with a fourth started late Tuesday.

The difficulties experienced with the lack of materials was brought to the attention of Topeka. After emails and telephone calls it would seem there will be much more input and support from KDP in future years. The positive comments from a surprising number of Democrats who stopped by was encouraging. Even better were the Republicans who signed the petition and voiced their disgust with the recent direction taken by their party. There are many more of these unhappy moderates than people think. So there will be much to accomplish in the months leading up to the next election but if we are willing to stand behind our candidates there could be a whole new ballgame in Kansas.

An email to those Reno County Democrats signed up will be coming out soon but I will mention here that we will be resuming our regular monthly meetings starting Wednesday, September 30, 5:30 at the RCD headquarters in Mark Treaster's Rainbow International building at 1129 W 4th. Betty Taylor will be bringing refreshments so join us there for some important discussions.

POSSIBLE FIRST DISTRICT CONTENDER

Several representatives of the Reno County Democratic Central Committee and a number of former candidates/elected officials met with Alan Jilka recently to discuss his possible run for U.S. Representative in the 1st District. Mr. Jilka, a graduate of Notre Dame, has served on
the Salina City Commission, three years as Mayor of the city where his family owns a furniture business. Fluent in Spanish he has a masters degree in Comparative Literature and has studied in Portugal and Brazil.

Jilka worked for Dan Glickman in Washington D.C. In his conversation he expressed support for renewable energy plans in Kansas and an interest in a viable, active arts community. All who attended were impressed with Jilka's presentation. He received advice from former candidates on campaigning, fund raising and a suggestion that he acquaint himself with the state fair and the opportunities to connect with constituents from across the western part of the state. Currently there are at least 5 Republican contenders for the seat.

It is hoped Jilka is just the first of many capable candidates that Reno County Democrats will be able to support in the upcoming elections of 2010.