Voting is Always the Option

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."  John Quincy Adams

May 6th is primary voting day in Delaware County.

Sometimes it's tempting to pass up a vote in a primary election -- especially if it's raining or we're running late.  However, your primary vote may be the one that makes the most difference come November. If you want your Democrat candidate to be on the November ballot, exercise your right to vote.

YOU CAN'T VOTE IF YOU DON'T REGISTER!

Today, April 7th, is the last day to register if you want to vote in the May election. You can register at the Delaware County Courthouse in downtown Muncie or online at www.indianavoters.com.

Exciting Plans for 2013 and 2014

It’s been a good start to 2013 for the Team Democrat Political Action Committee. Our January 19^th annual meeting was well attended – you may have seen Larry Riley’s column, which described our actions related to values of transparency and inclusiveness. 

The January 19th meeting  featured election of new Board members and lively discussion of activities for the upcoming year.  New Board members are Judith Roepke, Victoria Rose, and Jason Waters.  They will replace Ann Reagan, Charlotte Shepperd, and Mike Sullivan, who plan to remain active. Anne will lead our fundraising effort.

What was great about the meeting and actions since, is our effort to bring together ideas, networking skills, and contact lists to start recruiting candidates for the 2014 Primary Election of members to the Democrat Precinct Committee. We hope to recruit candidates so that new members to the Democrat Precinct Committee better represent Team Democrat PAC values.

Now here’s the really exciting part – Mucie Councilwoman Linda Gregory has agreed to lead the recruiting effort.  In true Linda style, she wants to make the process as open and inclusive as possible.  The first step will take place the first Saturday in April.

Date:                     April 6

Time:                     9:00 a.m.

Where:                 Murpha Shrine Club

                             3222 East McGalliard

Why then:           The Shriner’s have a great all-you-can-eat breakfast at 8:30.

Filing for the precinct offices will begin in late January 2014…so it’s not too early to start this effort. If you cannot come on April 6, contact Linda Gregory if you have suggestions for candidates or want to work on the precinct recruitment committee.  Linda can be reached at lindagregory@comcast.net.

New Board Members

The January 19th meeting of Team Democrat members featured election of new Board members and lively discussion of activities for the upcoming year.

New Board members are Judith Roepke, Victoria Rose, and Jason Waters.  They will replace Ann Reagan, Charlotte Shepperd, and Mike Sullivan, who plan to remain active.

Annual Meeting January 19, 2013

The annual meeting of Delaware County Team Democrat Political Action Committee will be on Saturday January 19th at the Murpah Shrine Club located at 3222 E McGalliard Road, Muncie. The PAC supports local political candidates and policies that promote political integrity, civil behavior, competency and accountability in government, and transparency in all political actions.  These concepts are embodied in the PAC's Code of Ethics, which you can read by clicking on the above tab.

The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM.  The primary focus will be to consider candidates for the Executive Board, as put forward by the Nominating Committee.  Nominations can be accepted from the floor.  Anyone who has been a member of Delaware County Team Democrat PAC for 60 days or more is eligible for nomination. 

Prospective members are welcome to attend the meeting.  For more information you may call Chair Rick Edmundson (765-286-8640) or email Teamdemopac@gmail.com.

Annual Dinner on December 8th

The December 8th annual dinner of the Delaware County Team Democrat PAC members and guests is getting closer.  This year we have reason to celebrate!

On behalf or Rick Edmundson and the board, please consider joining with others for some good conversation, food, light music, and a short program.  

Annual Delaware County Team Democrat Dinner

Murpah Shrine Club

3222 E McGalliard Rd (it sits back from the road)

Muncie

5 p.m. cash bar

6 p.m. dinner

A short program after dinner will include remarks from Ashlee Batt, John Dorer, and Sue Errington on their campaigns. (Kim Dowling will be out of town.)

All evening:  good conversation

Cost:  $30 per person

Team Democrat Announces Endorsements

The Delaware County Team Democrat Political Action Committee (PAC) has endorsed five Muncie and Delaware County candidates who are on the ballot for the November 6th general election.  The PAC supports local political candidates and policies that promote political integrity, civil behavior, competency and accountability in government, and transparency in all political actions.  These concepts are embodied in the PAC's Code of Ethics.

The endorsed candidates and offices they are seeking include:

• Ashlee Batt, Delaware County Council At-Large
• John Dorer, Delaware County Treasurer
• Kim Dowling, Judge Circuit Court #2, 46th Judicial Circuit
• Sue Errington, State Representative District 34
• Cindy Spears, Yorktown Community Council at Large

The PAC made its selection following an interview process in which all Democratic candidates living in Delaware County were invited to participate.

To learn more about the PAC and its Code of Ethics, visit www.teamdemocratpac.blogspot.com.  For additional information on the PAC or its endorsement selection process, contact Rick Edmundson at 765-286-8640.

Rick Edmunston & Ashee Batt

Rick Edmunston & Sue Errington

More Than 100 Attend Meet and Greets

Buley Center attendees listen attentively.

The two candidate "Meet and Greets" that Delaware County Team Democrat PAC sponsored drew good crowds and gave the participating candidates a chance to discuss their positions and mingle with voters.

Team Democrat Chair Rick Edmundson welcomed more than 60 people to the Buley Center on April 20th. Attendees heard remarks from  candidates: Ashlee Batt (County Council At-Large), John Dorer (County Treasurer), Kim Dowling (46th Judicial Circuit 2), Sue Errington (IN House District 34), Jeff Koontz (County Commissioner, District 2), and Andy Schemenaur (IN House District 33), and Bob Wolf (County Surveyor). As members of the Indiana House, Errington would represent the district comprised of most of the City of Muncie, while Schemenaur's district would include much of the rest of Delaware County.

Charlotte Shepperd

Charlotte Shepperd, Team Democrat founding chair, greeted more than 40 at Maring Hunt Library.  At that April 26th event were candidates: John Dorer (County Treasurer), Kim Dowling (46th Judicial Circuit 2), Sue Errington (IN House District 34), Dan Harty (Delaware County Council At-Large), Jeff Koontz (County Commissioner, District 2), and Cindy Spears (Yorktown Town Council), and Bob Wolf (County Surveyor).

The most common theme was that candidates wanted the chance to not just represent the citizens of Delaware County but to work toward making government more efficient and accountable to the voters.

Rick Edmundson closed the Maring Hunt session.