I'm running!!

Written by: Marian Harris on Nov 20, 2007 7:11 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

To all my friends...

I have been overwhelmed by the number of folks who have asked me to reconsider my decision not to run for the 19th HD. Such a display of support – and the support showed me during the 2006 race- has made me change my mind. So….

I’m running! Frankly, I'm delighted!! I so enjoyed my run last year and really feel I have something to contribute to our district and to the State of Ohio.

Governor Strickland has proven to be a great Governor and leader in our state. I want to build on the sincere, effective agenda he has set out to turn around Ohio and make Ohio a prosperous state for our economy, our children and our families.
 
This will be a tough race but we can win it. I need your help – as supporters, as donors, as spokespeople and as colleagues. I'll be looking for organizers in all the communities in my District - Westerville, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, Groveport, etc. If you're willing to work with me in these areas, please let me know.
 
Most importantly, winning this seat will take money. I raised over $43,000 last time mostly with hundreds of small donations. Please consider donating to my campaign either by mail or online, so I can run the most effective campaign possible.
 
You were behind me in 2006…. please join my team in 2008. I'll be sending
out more information about ways you can help in the coming weeks. In the meantime, sign up to volunteer, send a check, tell your friends in the 19th HD. Right now, raising money is our first priority but there will be lots to do as November 2008 approaches. Together we can take this seat and turn around Ohio.
 
Marian

School’s Almost Out, But Are Ohio’s Schools Passing?

Written by: Marian Harris on May 15, 2007 6:48 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

The school year is coming to a close, and as Ohio’s children are getting their final grades, our public education system is barely passing. 

Ohio’s Marks:

Ø      The state ranks 20th in state funding for high school students [Alliance for Excellent Education, 2005];

Ø      Ohio’s school funding system has been unconstitutional since March 1997.[The Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy in School Funding , 2003]

Ø      Ohio ranks 4th in the nation in the number of charter schools [Ohio Education Association, 2006]; and

Ø      Only 31% of Ohio students are academically ready for college: 35% of white students, 13% of Hispanic students and 15% of blacks. [Alliance for Excellent Education, 2005]  

Please join us on Thursday, May 31st from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm for a public forum to discuss the state of education and what is being done to improve the system.   To RSVP, please sign up http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=20345  

America Votes, ProgressOhio, DFA-Central Ohio and PDA Central Ohio are sponsoring the event and bringing in experts from the education community.   Confirmed Speakers Are: 

o       Darold Johnson, Government Affairs Director of the Ohio Federation of Teachers 

o       State Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard (HD 26), sits on the House Education Committee 

Event Details:

When:  Thursday, May 31st from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Where:  ProgressOhio Office, 265 S. 3rd Street Columbus, OH 43215Parking:  On Street or in City Center Parking Lot 

Light refreshments will be available.   

State Budget Forum

Written by: Marian Harris on Apr 15, 2007 6:13 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

Gayle Channing Tenenbaum, a volunteer member of the Strickland transition team and a prime player in the writing of the Governor's budget, as well as a well known advocate for children and human services, will present an overview of the state budget for 2008-09. A local legislator has been invited to present the legislative perspective. Please join America Votes, PDA, and ProgressOhio as DFA Central Ohio presents the 2nd in a series of informational forums. Event Date: Thursday, April 26, 2007 Event Time: 6:30 PM Venue Name: America Votes Address: 399 E. Main St. Suite 200 City: Columbus

Election alert

Written by: Marian Harris on Mar 10, 2007 8:32 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

It's not too early!!  Because Democrats were so successful in the 2006, elections, winning more than 800 precincts county wide, we have the privilege of appointing presiding judges in all these precincts - which means over 600 NEW Democratic presiding judges.  In addition, we need lots more poll workers - all for the November 2007 election. PLEASE consider giving your time at the polls on election day - call Mary  or Carol at Franklin County Democratic Headquarters for details and to sign up - 224-1193. And tell them DFACO sent you!

And don't forget our Health Forum on March 22nd.

Health care forum - mark your calendars!

Written by: Marian Harris on Feb 27, 2007 9:15 PM EST

Health care reform….. what’s happening??? Democracy for America Central Ohio (DFACO) is partnering with America Votes, PDA Central Ohio and Progress Ohio to sponsor a series of issue forums. Our first forum on health care reform is scheduled for Thursday, March 22, at 6:30 at the Progress Ohio office, 265 S. Third Street (street parking is free after 6 or you can park in the City Center garage). We are fortunate to have  a well qualified and diverse panel of speakers: 

Bill Hayes, President of the Health Policy Institute will give an overview of the various plans being talked about nationally

 Alice Faryna, the Central Ohio SPAN coordinator, will talk about the single payer option 

Jennifer Farmer, Communication Director for SEIU, will speak on the state of health care in America and how that translates to workers in the health care field.

Bring your questions, your friends and neighbors, your ideas – we all know that health care is approaching critical mass in this country. We need to educate ourselves so that we can choose intelligently, whether it be voting for a candidate, writing your opinion to a legislator or making your views know through letters to the editor or other means.

 Please RSVP by March 19 to http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=18366

Linkup reminder

Written by: Marian Harris on Jan 24, 2007 8:35 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

Please rsvp for our February 7 Linkup - 6 pm at the IBEW Hall on W. 2nd, west of High St. We are meeting to discuss the future of DFA Central Ohio. I've also invited Columbus City Council candidates and representatives of other groups to stop by and contribute to our discussion.

rsvp by going to www.dfalink.com and going to the DFA Central Ohio page.

I look forward to seeing many of you there!!

Rally for Progressive Radio in Central Ohio

Written by: Marian Harris on Jan 4, 2007 6:55 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

The Ohio Majority Radio project is holding a rally on Capitol Square this coming Monday, January 8th.The rally is to be held at 11am that Monday and details are firming up in the next 24 hours.For those who many not know, Ohio Majority Radio was formed on December 26th in the wake of the published report that WTPG, Progressive Talk 1230AM in Columbus would be changing format on Tuesday, Jan 9th to yet more right wing radio.  Gone will be Stephanie Miller, Al Franken, Randi Rhodes Ed Schultz, etc and we will now be subjected to Jim Quinn, Laura Ingraham and the odious Michael Savage.This has been happening across the country in the last few months, not coincidentally since the November elections.  Recently a similar effort in Madison Wisconsin managed to prevent such a change.
We call our group Ohio Majority Radio because we ARE the Majority in Ohio.  In Ohio in 2006 almost 55% of the votes cast for statewide and legislative races were cast for Democrats. In Central Ohio that number was over 58%. And while Ohio turns blue, Clear Channel decides that they "cannot sell" progressive radio here. They've pulled out of Cincinnati and are leaving in Columbus. We have to show that we want progressive radio in Columbus and other places in Ohio.  We have demonstrated their lies by showing that WTPG has tripled the ratings of the previous format and also by trying to buy radio advertising ourselves without success.  This isn't about ratings or about money ... it's politics and this cannot stand.Part of our initiative has been to start on online petition, http://www.ohiomajorityradio.com/  This went live early on the 27th and mainly through word of mouth, we have collected 1,896 signatures.  We are working with several progressive radio hosts in this effort, and most closely with Stephanie Miller and her executive producer, Chris Lavoie.  Our website also has a serious of concrete action items.We invite you to particpate in the rally and to speak.  We feel that having as many Democratic office holders and candidates as possible will only help this cause.Please respond ASAP if you would like to participate so we can contact you in a couple of days to finalize details.Thanks,Paul AckermanLinwood Campaign Services, LLChttp://www.linwoodservices.compaul@linwoodservices.com

Late entry events!

Written by: Marian Harris on Jan 2, 2007 8:34 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

January 12, 6-8 pm
Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Reception Celebration
Columbus Renaissance Hotel
50 N. Third St.  There is no charge to attend this event. Business attire. RSVP by Phone: (614)341-6912 or E-mail: staff@olbc1967.org

Jan. 4, 6:30 pm
Byrnes Pub, 1248 W. Third Ave.
Drinking Liberally - Columbus!!
the photo caption contest will return with
the winner receiving a free drink (or pitcher) of choice and the
admiration of all.

For those that have taken a back seat to politics lately, here are
some conversation starters:

 President Gerald Ford died on Dec. 26. How will history remember him?
Saddam Hussein was hanged and a bootleg video has been circling the
internet. Was this justice and how will the Iraqi people react? John
Edwards has announced his candidacy for the White House while Rudy
Guiliani's presidential strategy has been leaked. Do either of these
men stand a chance in 2008? The Democrats inherit the House and
Senate. Can they actually get anything done? We look forward to seeing
you all on Thursday for a great start to the new year.

Sincerely,

Roger Denick and Jocelyn Krosky
Drinking Liberally - Columbus

Central Ohio Happenings

Written by: Marian Harris on Jan 2, 2007 10:09 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

Events….  

 

This is all I have folks… if you know of club meetings or other events, please let me know – I’m happy to continue doing this. We will be scheduling a DFACentral Ohio meeting fairly soon to chart our future, so start thinking of ideas – I’m thinking of a series of forums on various topics – what do YOU think??

 

January 8, 11 am

Swearing in of Richard Cordray as Treasurer of State

Ohio Statehouse Atrium

 

January 12, 4 pm

Swearing in of Jennifer Brunner as Secretary of State

William Green Auditorium

Ohio Workers Comp Bldg

30 W. Spring St.

 

January 12  5-7 pm

Inaugural Celebration for Jennifer Brunner, Mark Dann and Richard Cordray

Hyatt Regency Hotel

Admission free

RSVP www.ohiodems.org 05 1-800OHIODEM

 

January 13    7 am to midnight

Inaugural activities for Governor Elect Ted Strickland

Go to www.turnaroundohio.com for details

Swearing in will take place at 11:30 am on the west lawn of the Statehouse

 

January  16     6-8 pm

Short North Tavern, 674 N. High St

The OSU Young Democrats Celebration Event

Suggested donation $10

RSVP to OSUfundraiser@gmail.com

 

January 23  

Freedom of Choice Ohio (FOCO) celebrates 34 years of Roe

LaScala Italian Bistro

4199 W. Dublin-Granville Rd./

$34 per person, $100 friends of Ros, $300 table of 10

221-2594 or FOCOhio@gmail.com for tickets

  

Progressive radio in Columbus - update

Written by: Marian Harris on Jan 2, 2007 7:30 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Central Ohio

Dear Friends:

A happy new year to you. I'm forwarding the following message on to you about the fight to keep progressive radio on AM1230. For more information please visit www.OhioMajorityRadio.com.

What an amazing 72 hours it has been. Since this movement started literally Christmas night, it has caught fire and we now know it will make a difference to the cause of progressive radio not only Central Ohio but in all of Ohio and beyond.

With the addition of Richard Bozian as the thousandth signature to the Ohio Majority Radio petition, we have reached the first of many milestones.

We will be using this email system to keep in communication with everyone as we formulate plans over the next few days.

The tech guy on the team just got home from a 3 day "vacation" (in quotes because he has spent hours on this project) and will be updating the website with more content.

And you know ... come Tuesday, this will take off when Progressive hosts begin talking about it on the air after THEIR vacations. Our team has been working closely with representatives from several nationally syndicated radio shows as well as local progressive office holders here in Ohio.

Stay tuned and get ready to make a difference!

The Ohio Majority Radio team

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Not Paid For By Any Campaign Or Political Committee For More Information Visit http://www.OhioMajorityRadio.com/