Newsletter - July 8, 2012

July Heats Up!

Support the Candidates at the Jackson County Fair

  • Jackson County Fair booth staffing, Tuesday, July 17 - Sunday, July 22
  • SIGN UP on this interactive link.

OR - you can contact the JCD HQ at 541-858-1050, or by mail@jcdemocrats.org if you would like to participate.

Sign up early and be able to choose the 3 hour shift you want. You will distribute candidate material including Obama's, register voters, and provide a positive Democratic presence. You will also receive a free pass to see the fair.

50/50 4th of July Drawing a Wild Success
The winning ticket was drawn in front of an eager crowd who heard that the lucky ticket was worth $4400. This amount is half of the proceeds from the sale of 176 tickets at $50 each, or one-half of $8800. The other $4400 of the proceeds will be used to support the operations of the Jackson County Democrats in the political campaign season that is upon us. We thank everyone who took a chance and supported the Jackson County Democrats. Next year, the winner could be you!

Great Ashland 4th of July Parade!
What an exhilarating day to be a Democrat, especially for those marching in the parade. A very special thank you to all the people who joined in to show enthusiasm for our candidates, and to remind the thousands of on-lookers that the Jackson County Democrats continue to be a strong presence. What a huge positive response. Thanks, too, to those who staffed the booth in the Plaza. This all was a great kick-off to the 2012 Campaign Season and we look forward to working with all of you to help elect Democrats in November. See the pictures here.

Blue Bash Planning Underway
Yes, we're already making plans for the Jackson County Democrats Blue Bash on election night, November 6, at the Historic Ashland Armory. Mark your calendars! We need YOUR help! We are looking for a vacation home or timeshare that we can use as the Grand Prize for the drawing, which helps us raise approximately $5,000 in the election year to cover the cost of supporting local, state and national candidates and important issues on the ballot.

Do you have something you can donate to this fabulous cause? If yes, please contact the JCD fundraising committee at fundraising@jcdemocrats.org. Thank you!

Jeff Scroggin, Candidate for County Commissioner, Opens Office
Tuesday, July 17th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at his new office in the Jackson County Democratic Headquarters, 40 S. Central, Medford (across from the Craterian Theater). They will be serving wine and light hors d'oeuvres.
Help us to prepare for the upcoming election by taking an evening to welcome Jeff Scroggin, candidate for County Commissioner, at his "Meet, Greet and Mingle Office Kick-Off". Information on Jeff is at jeffscrogginforjacksoncounty.com.

Help the "Lift All Dems" Blue Crew Phone Project
We'll call those Democrats who did not vote in the primary and remind them of the importance the general election. To volunteer, call 541-858-1050 or send an email to mail@jcdemocrats.org. Scripts, talking points and training provided. We'll get started as soon as the voter lists are updated.

Make the JCDs a Force in this Election Cycle! Add Your Force!
Volunteer Management, Voter Registration and Outreach activities are critical positions. They create the force that makes us effective. If you have the skills or are willing to learn the skills, we need you. Contact Jan Waitt at chair@jcdemocrats.org or 541-482-8249. Our website will have the details for all the positions. Find your place to help here.


JACKSON COUNTY & OREGON NEWS


Wage Security Fund Comes to the Rescue in Eastern Oregon
In recent weeks, BOLI (Bureau of Labor and Industries) staff has processed 237 claims for unpaid final wages from Ontario, OR-based Select Onion, LLC. The claims, totaling almost a quarter of a million dollars, represent nearly one percent of an entire month's payroll for Malheur County, and are being paid from Oregon's unique Wage Security Fund, an account that ensures workers will still be paid their earned wages when their employer shuts down without the resources to cover final paychecks. Read the entire article from BOLI Commissioner, Brad Avakian here.

CANCELLED! League of Women Voters Candidate Fair and the Historical Society's Chautauqua Events and Dinner July 13 and 14

DPO In The News
The format for the Democratic Party of Oregon emailed newsletter has changed.
County party and DPO events will be listed first. Current articles about our elected officials follow, organized by the name of the official. This will make it much easier to follow a particular official, and make it much easier for letter writers. For example, scroll down to Senator Ron Wyden and find out about his meeting in Medford advocating for the Violence Against Women Act. Click here to see the online newsletter and signup for email updates.

Common Cause has two suggestions for Ellen Rosenblum, Oregon's new Attorney General
They are: Promote availability of public records, and investigate the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) tax status. Get the whole story here.


NATIONAL ISSUES


The Affordable Care Act: What the Supreme Court's Ruling Means to You
The Supreme Court has issued a historic ruling!
They upheld the Affordable Care Act and ensured that millions of American families will have access to health care and protection from the worst abuses of the insurance industry. Learn what it will do for you and all Americans. Click here.

Pass the Voter Empowerment Act Now
The right to vote is under attack. A key component of the GOP's campaign has been orchestrated by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which receives substantial funding from the Koch brothers. Already, the Koch brothers have poured up to $245,550 in campaign contributions to politicians supporting new voter ID laws, such as Scott Walker and Rick Perry. These voter suppression laws are designed for one purpose and one purpose only: to prevent minorities, seniors and young people from voting. That's not just wrong, it's downright un-American.

Now there is a positive way to stop voter suppression. Join US Action/True Majority to tell Congress to pass the Voter Empowerment Act now. Add your name to the petition by clicking here.


WIDER COMMUNITY


Send Patrick to Charlotte for the Presidential Convention
Patrick Vroman, LGBT delegate to the Presidential Convention in Charlotte in September, needs help now. He needs to secure his airline ticket by July 15. Plus he will have additional expenses for accommodations and meals. This convention is very important for the LGBT Democratic Congressional Dist. 2 delegates because marriage equality is likely to be on the platform. Patrick would like to be there for this historic event. Donations can be made at any Rogue Valley Credit Union into Patrick Vroman's savings account.

Southern Oregon Pride Presents its Third Annual Fundraiser
Sunday, July 15, 2012, 2 - 5:00 p.m., 451 Lindsay Lane, Ashland, Oregon
Surprise Hostesses, Local Politicians, Live Entertainment, silent auction. Minimum $25.00 donation at the door. See the flyer at www.sopride.org

"Our Dysfunctional Health Care System and What We Can Do About It"
Wednesdays at 6 p.m., July 4, with repeats July 11 and 18
Coming to you via Rogue Valley Community Television - available throughout Josephine & Jackson Counties - on RVTV Cable Channel 15. This special hour-long video features talks by two distinguished physicians and scholars who toured Oregon recently speaking about health care reform. Get more information at the Rogue Independent Media Center.

Citizens for Peace and Justice Film Nights Are Back
First Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Lidgate Hall, Medford Congregational United Church of Christ, 1801 E. Jackson Street, Medford
Tuesday, August 7
will feature The Strangest Dream. For further information, contact Allen Hallmark. E-mail: Hallmark@mind.net

AMP (Activists Mobilizing for Power) workshop at Reed College July 27-29
Western States Center's annual organizer training, previously called the Community Service Training Initiative (CSTI), is back this year with a new name: "AMP"!
AMP provides a great opportunity for emerging and experienced leaders to learn some new organizing skills and get to know others from different backgrounds that have the same passion for social justice. Click here to find information about the workshops. There's something for everyone this year, including workshops in Spanish and for youth. Registration ends on July 22nd! If you are interested in getting a scholarship through ROP to attend AMP 2012, please contact Keyla at Keyla@rop.org or at (503) 543-8417 as soon as possible.

"Immense Possibilities" is moving to Fridays
"Immense Possibilities" will now be seen on SOPTV, Friday, 8:30
See what's coming at www.immensepossibilities.org

JCD Facebook Page
If you want up-to-the-minute news about JCD activities, please "like" us on the Jackson County Democrats Facebook Page.