DFA Meeting Notes February 7, 2007

Written by: Brenda Bayne on Feb 17, 2007 8:49 AM EST

DFA February 7, meeting notes War in Iraq.  Post cards were distributed to write to our senators.Senator Mel Martinez, 317 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510Senator Bill Nelson, 716 Hart Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510 

Training.  A training session in the fall, led by an expert.  Followup training sessions, perhaps monthly, coordinating with various groups.  Shelley Packer said local leaders also available. 

President 08.  Florida may move primary to Feb. 5.  Important not to splinter. 

Voter registration.  Black caucus working on this.  Also, special effort to restore civil rights for felons.(Lauren Poe's column in Gainesville Sun Feb. 4)  Contact Gainesville Civil Rights Restoration Center at (352) 376-2442, or Lizzie Jenkins. 

Gainesville City Election Tuesday March 6. Donations and volunteers were requested for two officials up for re-election.

Mayor  Pegeen Hanrahan    PegeenHanrahan@aol.com           

Pegeen Hanrahan Campaign, 1938 NW 7th Lane,  Gainesville FL 32603 

Commissioner  Craig Lowe  CraigLowe4@gmail.com           

Craig Lowe Campaign,  1034 NE 5th Avenue, Gainesville FL 32601 

League of Women Voters Candidates Forum 

Thursday Feb. 15           

7 - 9 pm   Matheson Museum, 513 E. University Ave. 

Labor:  Matthew reported on the New Alliance, partnering on issues, becoming involved with training. 

Democrats: planning activities when there is no campaign, and  encouraging  membership. 

SpringHills:  Rich Burgess described citizen action on the proposed huge development on I-75 and 39th Ave.  The county commission needs to be lobbied that we do not need development on this scale.  It is urgent to stop the road from 83rd to Millhopper.  www.saveMillhopperRoad.org

Next meeting:  Talbot Elementary,  Thurs. Feb. 15  6 pm. 

City of Alachua election  April 10.  Two seats are open.  Qualifying dates are Feb. 16-23. County Supervisor of Elections Pam Carpenter will be running the election.  

Progressive radio station.  Fred Sowder reported progress on WGOT, a low-power station at 94.7 shared with two churches.  Organizing meetings at the Civic Media Center.      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WGOT-LP 

Veterans.  Mae Leone urged concern for injured military and those called  for repeated tours in combat. 

Health Care.  Jack Price and Wes Martins want a federal mandate for more training and services in geriatric care.  Only 9 of 144 medical schools offer it.     HR 676 for comprehensive health care needs more co-sponsors.     Bush budget proposes cuts for Medicare and Medicaid. 

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