WIND ENERGY SUPPORTED BY RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEMBERS

The gathering of around 300 sent the message loud and clear at a Clean Energy Rally in Topeka.

Representatives from a variety of groups rallied in favor of renewable energy sources that would both protect the environment and enhance economic opportunities in Kansas. Among the supporters was RCDem Curt Miller, mayor of Pretty Prairie and member of the Reno County Wind Energy Task Force. Following the rally Miller, Kathie Moore, Dorothy Burnett and her two daughters visited District 101 Representative Seiwert at his office to discuss the advantages of wind energy over coal-fired plants.

RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS HELP OUT AT KPTS

RCDems, Young Democrats and friends spent Monday evening March 16th on the phones for pledge breaks during a documentary featuring the landmark 1958 Dockum Street sit-in in Wichita. A favorite viewing choice of many RCDems, KPTS features information and viewpoints not readily available from other sources. This PBS affiliate has produced a number of quality pieces covering people and events of interest to Kansans along with programs such as Ask Your Legislator and Kansas Week which keep viewers up to date and in touch with happenings in Topeka. Speaking for myself I would encourage everyone to make a pledge to support this valuable source of information and entertainment.

DEMOCRATS COMING ON STRONG

I went to Washington Days in Topeka (February 27-28) thinking the mood might not be the brightest. To my surprise I found energized, hopeful Democrats from across Kansas ready to move ahead. The Friday night banquet marked what turned out to be Governor Sebelius' last appearance at this annual event as our state's leader. Though the official announcement was not made, the guest speaker, Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana, hinted at what was to come when he spoke of the sacrifices that must be made in support of the Obama administration's plans . An incredible oil portrait of President Obama was auctioned off raising over $4,000 for the state party. Governor Sebelius was confident that an autographed certificate from Obama would also be made available to the winning bidder. Schwietzer's bolo tie also went on the auction block bringing a winning bid of several thousand.

Legislators were encouraged by the failure of the House of Representatives to muster a veto-proof number of votes in support of the Holcumb coal-fired plants. The battle is far from over but legislators with an eye to future economic development and energy independence are standing strong. The Reno County Wind Energy Task Force will be meeting at the Hutchinson Library on Tuesday, March 10 in the evening to discuss support and progress in bringing wind to our county. New supporters are welcome to become involved in this critical endeavor.

The HHS Young Democrats were a big hit at the event. Elected officials and members of various caucus met with them. Supporters contributed generously to their cause when they set up a display on Saturday. The support and efforts of their sponsor Kam McEwen with help from husband Randy is much appreciated. There is talk of a new goal of attending the national convention for Young Democrats in Chicago. Work is underway to help establish a chapter of the organization at Hutch JuCo in the near future. This is really what it's all about - the future. We will have much to do in the upcoming elections in 2010. Make sure you're part of the effort to support Democrats in Kansas.

FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

If you ever get discouraged with Kansas politics I suggest you revisit this blog entry. There has been a great amount of good publicity from Hutch News generated by the Hutch High Young Democrats. They were featured in a story when they organized a mock election at the high school. There was coverage of their legislator's visit when they were seeking funds for their trip to the inauguration. There was terrific coverage of that trip when they returned.

If all that is not enough, check out the crowd at the February Reno County Democratic Womens Club meeting. This was the best attendence ever for on of these events. There has been contact from an instructor at HCC wanting to set up a similar club. With plans to attend HCC in the fall, some of the HHS Young Dems should be helpful in accomplishing that goal.

When I attended a recent gathering of retired federal employees (NARFE) I saw a number of familiar RCD faces. Mayor Trish Rose sponsors regular meetings for Hutchinson residents where again, you can see several Democrats. Same for the audiences at the legislative forums that were held in January and February. And if that's not enough, the meetings of the Reno County Wind Energy Task Force members include quite a few RCDems. The point being we are an active, integral part of the Kansas landscape. Perhaps our greatest challenge remains bringing those of a like mind into the fold.

It is understandable that Democrats can become discouraged after the results on the state level following the last election but it is obvious to me that the perception of the GOP being the "only party in town" is more in our minds than in reality. It's just a matter of reaching out and welcoming GOP moderates, independents and "bashful" Democrats. We've made a lot of progress over the past few years. Now it's time to build on that success and make a difference.

NEW YEAR - NEW CHALLENGES

Lest you think the need for involvement is over with the end of the 2008 elections, pick up your newspaper, turn on the radio/TV or surf the internet to see what challenges are facing us. The aircraft industry is experiencing declines; environmental threats from coal fired plants still loom and yes, there are coal ash storage ponds in Kansas! Budget cuts are a sure thing.

Legislators, both state and federal will be making decisions that will have long term impact on us all. You can be assured that rant radio is out there firing up the faithful to blitz lawmakers with their views and preferences and these listeners do take action and make waves. Common sense and the proper course of action can be overwhelmed by a flood of messages from right-wing activists. So unless you want you future determined by Dittoheads, do your part to make YOUR thoughts and wishes known.

There will be several opportunities to be involved and informed in the next few weeks: the Democratic Womens's Club is meeting at noon, Tuesday January 13th at the Airport Steakhouse. The speaker is Heidi Unruh who has hosted several gatherings to encourage input from Democrats as to actions they can take to influence decisions that will affect us all.
The Big 1st District reorganization meeting will be held in Hutchinson, Saturday January 17th at the Grand Prairie Hotel from 10:30 to 4 PM. The $15 registration fee includes lunch.
Reno County Democrats will resume the Last Wednesday Meetings on Wednesday January 28 at the Great Wall/Mongolian Buffet from 5:30 to 7 PM. Bottom line: you can particpate and take action or sit back and wish someone had spoken out on your behalf. Unforturnately, one voice speaking the truth and offering the right solutions can be drowned out by distortion and wrong ideas if they are in the majority. It's not right but it's the way the world works!

YOUNG DEMOCRATS TO HIT THE ROAD TO D.C.

They've been there to help since the group formed in '07. They made and sold buttons like crazy along with the other assistance they gave during the campaigns across Reno County. Now the Young Democrats are fulfilling a dream that started back in January last year when many attended the Obama rally in El Dorado. Several members along with sponsor Kam McEwen and her husband Randy will be making the trek to our nations capital to be party to the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The tickets were purchased with proceeds from button sales but they will be sightseeing at several attractions while in D.C. Meals, transportation and incidentals may be pricey especially at a high tourist traffic time so they are asking our help. There will be a fund raising event held Wednesday, January 7 at the Metro Cafe at 17th and Lorraine from 6 to 8 p.m. Several area legislators have accepted an invitation to meet with attendees. There will be a special Obama Inauguration Watch Party Basket filled with goodies raffled off that night. It would be terrific if there were a big turnout to wish them well and possibly donate a dollar or so to their travel fund.

OBAMA HEALTH CARE MEETING WELL ATTENDED

Drove into town thinking I might see a few familiar RCDem faces at the meeting that was announced in the Hutch News. The moderator, Bunny Czarnopys applied to the transition team for a position and was accepted. I later found out she is acquainted with Trish Rose and Kam McEwen. Yes, there were several in the crowd I recognized, but most encouraging is that there was a CROWD! It was obvious from overheard comments that there were representatives of a broad spectrum of the political arena. Still there was actually a lot of concensus as to problems and even a few solutions.

It's my hope that there will be even more of these town hall forums in time to come. This is what we voted for; it's what we need and it appears it may be what Obama's administration is going to deliver. The election may be over but the work has just begun and we should be willing to stay committed to the change we all supported.