Assembly Bill 583, the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Apr 17, 2006 2:43 AM EDT

Linked to groups: California for Democracy

Dear Member

TAKE ACTION NOW - (See info at the bottom of this announcement).

Assembly Bill 583, the California Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, by Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley), asks the voters to create a voluntary system of public financing for legislative candidates and candidates for statewide office in California. All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, including independents, who can demonstrate a broad base of support would be eligible for public funds provided they agree not to accept private campaign contributions.

Clean Money levels the playing field. The high cost of conducting campaigns crowds out candidates who are not independently wealthy or who are unable and/or unwilling to raise money from wealthy individuals and powerful special interests. In California, campaign expenditures have reached staggering proportions and continue to grow. In the Recall Election of 2003, candidates spent over $130 million. In the special election last fall, over $250 million was spent by labor unions and powerful business interests to promote their political agendas. Governor Schwarzenegger has said that the California Republican Party needs to raise $120 million for the November 2006 election. The high cost of running campaigns disenfranchises people from marginalized communities. Candidates should win elections on the basis of their ideas -- not on their ability to raise money from vested interests.

Clean Money increases public accountability. Whoever pays the piper calls the tune. Under the current system of private contributions, elected officials become accountable to their financial supporters who drive the political agenda. By divorcing our elected officials from powerful special interests, they become accountable to the people. Instead of raising money, elected officials and candidates for public office would spend more time getting to know voters.

Clean Money is working well in other states. Arizona, Maine and Connecticut have all passed versions of Clean Money. While many candidates for public office first resisted, voters and candidates alike have come to see the value of "running clean." Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, the nation's first Clean Money governor, explained the benefits of Clean Money: "I could spend my time talking to voters, not with contributors. We were able to S campaign in a fundamentally different way. " Because she ran clean, "lobbyists were not swarming around me" in the hopes of courting political favor once taking office. (Los Angeles Times, March 20, 2006). Since switching to clean money, voter turnout has increased, state legislatures have become more diverse, and both the Maine and Arizona have passed voter-friendly legislation in the areas of health care and prescription drugs. Assembly Bill 583 is supported by the League of Women Voters, California, California Common Cause, The Greelining Institute and The Green Party of California.

TAKE ACTION NOW: Resistance to changing the status quo in Sacramento is mounting. AB 583 will be heard in the Senate Elections, Reapportionment and Constitutional Amendments Committee on Wednesday, April 19th, 2006. So far, only one member of the Committee, Senator Deborah Bowen, has committed to voting for AB 583. Three votes are needed to pass the bill out of committee. Therefore, please contact (letters, faxes, phone calls and e-mails) members of the Senate Elections Committee and Senate leadership and urge them to support AB 583. Addresses and phone numbers are included below. Print this list and phone and email these seven offices in a few minutes.

Senator Deborah Bowen, Chair Phone: (916) 651-4028
Senator Jim Battin Phone: (916) 651-4037
Senator Kevin Murray Phone: (916) 651-4026
Senator Charles Poochigian Phone: (916) 651-4014
Senator Gloria Romero Phone: (916) 651-4024

Senate leadership:
Senate President pro Tem Don Perata Phone: (916) 651-4009
Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman Phone: (916) 651-4033

Best regards,

Kevin Lynn
Coordinator
Pasadena Chapter, Democracy for America
lynnke@earthlink.net
626.825.1331
www.dfalink.com/pasadena

California Democracy Steering Committee Election

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Mar 30, 2006 8:44 PM EST

Linked to groups: California for Democracy

Hi Member

California For Democracy Steering Committee Election

California for Democracy will soon be holding elections for its Steering Committee, and we encourage you to participate.  The process starts this month and ends in April. We will be electing all 9 members of the Steering Committee, so now is a great time to contribute your leadership to this vital organization.

Members of affiliated groups are all eligible to vote. To check if you are eligible or to join and immediately become eligible go to www.californiafordemocracy.com.  The link to join is at the top of the website. The timeline below provides details.

The California for Democracy Steering Committee is responsible for setting the direction of the organization, coordinating communication among the affiliated member groups, organizing statewide events, and developing tools and services to empower and enable our member groups.  The Steering Committee meets regularly on conference calls, and also conducts conference calls with liaisons from the affiliated groups.  Members of the Steering Committee also participate in various subcommittees, such as Technology, Membership, Communication, Finances, Elections, etc. to keep the trains running on time. Members are also required to travel to in-person meetings at least oncer per year. Additional information on member's duties and responsibilities are described in the by-laws, which are available on line at: www.californiafordemocracy.com/f...

Please direct general inquires to: elections@californiafordemocracy.com

Candidate Statements: Please include name, email, phone and affiliated group name and a statement of candidacy not to exceed 500 words. Please submit to: elections@californiafordemocracy.com

IMPORTANT TIME LINE, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Saturday, March 18th - Announce the timeline for the elections

Saturday, March 18th , Declarations of candidacy open

Week of April 2nd - Announcement of elections and call for new CFD members at DFA-link meetings  (the gatherings formerly known as Meetups)

Monday April 10th - Last day to declare your candidacy

Weds. April 12 -  Last day to register as a member of CFD to be eligible to vote

Friday, April 14th - Voting Begins

Sunday, April 23rd - Voting Ends (10 days after voting begins)

Monday April 24th - Results of elections posted on CFD site and distributed via email

Weds  April 26th - New Steering Committee members take office


We look forward to your participation!

FieldWorks - Ohio & Nevada

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Mar 30, 2006 8:05 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

Friends,
FieldWorks is currently hiring for several campaign management positions in Ohio and Nevada. We will be running a statewide ballot initiative campaign in Ohio and an issue campaign to defeat TABOR in Nevada. There are several positions available starting immediately.

Please help us spread the word about these positions and forward this to anyone who might be interested or who might know someone who's looking for a job.

Positions Available/ Job Description:
All positions are based in Ohio or Nevada, starting immediately. We are hiring for the following positions:
Ohio: State Director, Deputy State Director, Office Directors, Deputy Office Directors and Administrative staff

Nevada: Program Director, Lead Organizers and Organizers
We are looking for people to:
* Recruit, train, manage and inspire a staff to meet and exceed goals
* Develop and meet daily/weekly/monthly goals
* Track and report progress
* Expand outreach operations in target communities
* Test new techniques
* Strategically target neighborhoods, events, and sites
* Manage operations

Requirements:
Grassroots field experience preferred. Ability to work independently, juggle multiple tasks, solve problems, take initiative and set priorities; excellent time management and strong communication skills required.
Start date: ASAP
Salary: $2600-$4800 per month, plus benefits. Salary is dependent on position, skills and experience.
FieldWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply: Send cover letter and resume to: _jobs@fieldworksonline.com_
(mailto:jobs@fieldworksonline.com)
For more information, visit us at _www.fieldworksonline.com_
(www.fieldworksonline.com/...) .

Field Representative (2 positions)

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Mar 29, 2006 4:49 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Field Representative (2 positions)
Congresswoman Jane Harman- District Office

The Office of Congresswoman Jane Harman is seeking two strategic, proactive, and community-oriented individuals for the position of Field Representative.

One position will be based in the El Segundo district office, and the other
in the Wilmington district office. Each will serve as liaisons to
government agencies, businesses, and local community groups.

Essential Duties:

· Attend meetings of local government and community groups, speak on behalf of the Congresswoman, and report back with recommendations for action
on issues of importance to the district.
· Responsible for tracking district priorities as identified by the
Congresswoman, recommending strategies for achieving those priorities, and executing a district plan.
· Identify, plan, and coordinate events for the Congresswoman's
district trips, including advancing the event site and writing event memorandums, talking points, and preparing background information.
· Maintain an awareness and involvement in district affairs and
issues, reporting to the Congresswoman as appropriate.
· Contribute to a strategic weekly report, with updates on the
progress of priority district issues.
· Other related work as assigned.

Knowledge of/ Ability to:

· Familiarity with communities within the 36th Congressional
District, including the South Bay and Beach Cities, Los Angeles Harbor Area, and Venice, Mar Vista, and West L.A. preferred.
· Establish and maintain cooperative relationships/ verbally
communicate effectively with constituent groups, elected officials, government agencies, and business leaders.
· Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred for the Wilmington position.
· Strong written communication skills; ability to research and draft
memorandums, reports, and talking points.
· Access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.
Experience with Microsoft Word and standard Internet browsers strongly preferred.
· Some event planning experience desirable.
· Work night and/or weekend hours as necessary to attend meetings, staff the Congresswoman, or perform other essential duties.
· Work independently in the absence of supervision.
· Understand and carry out directions, and take the initiative.

Send, fax, or e-mail cover letter, resume, and writing sample by April 7,
2006 to:

Chad Molnar
Deputy District Director
2321 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 3270
El Segundo, CA 90245
_chad.molnar@mail.house.gov_ (mailto:chad.molnar@mail.house.gov)
310-643-6445 Fax

New endorsements!

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Mar 28, 2006 9:01 PM EST

In the last week, Jerry has recieved more endorsements. South County Democratic Club voted overwhelmingly to endorse Jerry this last weekend. We've also recieved the endorsement of the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, which represents 250,000 workers in the state.

Today, we recieved notice of endorsement by the California Federation of Teachers.

Jerry's campaign has INCREDIBLE momentum right now and the filing deadline is just 3 days away. Be a part of HISTORY, by making your donation, large or small, to Jerry's campaign.

Tri-Valley Democratic Club Endorses

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Mar 22, 2006 2:54 PM EST

Club Endorsement Streak Continues

Pleasanton, CA - The Tri-Valley Democratic Club yesterday endorsed Jerry McNerney's campaign for the 11th District seat held by Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA).

This endorsement continues the streak of Democratic club endorsements for McNerney for Congress. The campaign to date has received the endorsement of every Democratic club that has chosen to participate in the primary.

"We voted to endorse Jerry because he is a man of integrity who is strong on the issues. As a renewable energy expert he has a vision for the district that will bring much needed jobs to the district while helping secure our nation's energy future," stated retired USAF Lt. Colonel and Tri-Valley Democratic Club member Bill Evans.

"This endorsement, along with last week's statewide California Labor Federation AFL-CIO endorsement, is a testament to the overwhelming community support for McNerney for Congress," said Campaign Manager A.J. Carrillo.


About Jerry McNerney: Jerry, a resident of Pleasanton is a nationally recognized expert in wind energy engineering and works as an energy consultant. He is also the head of an energy startup.

###

Conference Call Distruption

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Feb 23, 2006 12:29 AM EST

Linked to groups: California for Democracy

If you were on the conference call with Senator Bowen, you know what I'm talking about and I would like to apologize even tho I know none of you would blame California for Democracy for such hooliganism.

It's so sad to me that those of us that take time out of our lives to make our country a better place to live and to strengthen our democracy should have to endure such behavior.

I'm not sure how we'll avoid that in the future. We want to include as many people as possible, so we might just have to take our chances, but we are going to need to figure out a way to side step the criminals.

Feel free to vent your frustration here. Also, feel free to ask Senator Bowen any questions that went unanswered. I'll make sure she gets them all.

Thanks to all for calling in.
Vicki

Thanks!!!

Written by: Vicki Cosgrove on Jan 31, 2006 11:21 PM EST

Linked to groups: California for Democracy

Thanks to all who joined California for Democracy Link today. Please let your networks know that this is a great way for us to stay connected, especially as we move into our California training day and more importantly....the ELECTION!

Vicki