Person One Vote Amendment

Transcription

1 August 2018 Staten Island Democratic Association est as Staten Island s reform Democratic Club At our Next Meeting: One Person One Vote Amendment Steve Harrison on the Proposed Constitutional Amendment to Replace the Electoral College Tuesday, August 21, 2018, 8:00 P.M. **PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATON** Oriental Plaza, 1845 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 1

2 Editorial Policy Items for publication should be submitted to the newsletter no later than the last Friday of the month before the meeting. Please send items to: Unless explicitly stated, the views herein are those of the authors and not of S.I.D.A. Chris Bauer, Editor (917) Table of Contents Carl Chew... 3 President s Statement... 4 One Person One Vote Constitutional Amendment... 5 Adam Baumel... 6 June 2018 Minutes... 7 July 2018 Minutes... 9 Letter from Senator Schumer Endorsed Candidates Peace Action of Staten Island Make Food Not War S.I.D.A. Banquet S.I.D.A. Banquet Response Card S.I.D.A. Banquet Journal Rate Card Upcoming Meetings Renewal Form I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms are in the physical. - Thomas Jefferson 1787 Submission Deadlines for the newsletter are: September...September 3 October... October 1 S.I.D.A. Executive Committee President... Bobby Digi Member at-large... Roy Moskowitz Vice President... Radhakrishna Mohan Member at-large... Clara Ogburn Executive Secretary... Dennis Brown Member at-large... Liz Price Corresponding & Member at-large...jasmine Robinson Recording Secretary... Marie Dwyer Ex Officio... Michelle Akyempong Treasurer... Bonita Rothman Ex Officio... Belinda Dixon Social Secretary... Sharon Santana Ex Officio... Joann Olbrich Member at-large... Patricia Kane Ex Officio... Rosemarie Mangano Member at-large... Phil Marius Ex Officio... John Mastellone Member at-large... Pearl Minsky Ex Officio... Tom Shcherbenko S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 2

3 Carl Chew S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 3

4 S.I.D.A. President s Statement August 2018 I n 1961 the Staten Island Democratic Association started as a reform Democratic Club. Back in the 1960s reform politics was about fighting corrupt heavy-handed machine politics and trying to give a voice to progressives, people of color, and other folks who are often ignored when party bosses meet behind closed doors. To that end, we often ran our own candidates, made our own petitions, and ran our own people for County Committee. We often lost. But we did get one of our own, Assemblyman John Lavelle, as Chairman of the Staten Island Democratic Party, until his unfortunate passing. Through our efforts, the Party stopped cross-endorsing incumbent Republicans and, instead, started to fight back and rebuild itself. We made a difference. Tammany Hall may be dead but our mission is not. Like me, many of you were unhappy about the way the June County Convention was administered. We saw the vote stacked with last minute appointments and a process that seemed anything but democratic. Similarly, many of you were unhappy with the 2016 Democratic Presidential Primary. In New York, archaic rules and state laws prevented many voters from having their voices heard. And much was left to be desired by the national Party as well. Without even mentioning the name Donald Trump, there is plenty to be fed up about. But the problem is not the system. The problem is not even the Party. The problem is all of us. We are the system. We are the Party. The question is whether we want to wake up and become involved and make the changes that are needed. The only reason the Chairman was able to pack the Party convention is because there are vacant seats. We need members to step up and run for those seats on County. We need to elect Democrats in the national election. Volunteer for Max Rose and help push Dan Donovan out of office. We need to nominate Democrats who reflect our values. In the North Shore of Staten Island there is an open Assembly seat. I would love to have as many of you as possible volunteer and help me. But, if you like someone better, volunteer for them. The important thing is that you get involved and make your voice heard. We are a reform Democratic club. That means we not only complain about the system, but we fight to change the system. All politics is local. Let s all step up and start rebuilding our Democratic Party on the local level, and work with like-minded Democrats to do the same on the State and Federal level. Let s get going. - Bobby Digi President S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 4

5 One Person One Vote Amendment The S.I.D.A. Human Rights Committee Chair Clara Ogburn invited Steve Harrison to be the club s guest speaker at the August 21 General Membership Meeting to discuss the following proposed Electoral College constitutional amendment, the "One Person One Vote Amendment," acronym OPOVA. S One Person One Vote Amendment (OPOVA) (Ver. 3.0) ection. 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. The President shall hold that office during the term of four years, and together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected by a simple majority of the total of all qualified citizens, of each of the several States, casting ballots in the election, herein referred to as voters. The voters in each State shall have the same qualifications requisite for the voters of the most numerous branch of the State legislature. Section 2. Any candidate for President shall select a candidate for Vice-President whose name shall appear on any ballot in such manner that a vote cast for the candidate for President is automatically a vote for that candidate s chosen Vice-Presidential candidate. Section 3. The election shall take place, concurrent with the election of Representatives and Senators, in each of the several States, from the fifteenth of October in every year evenly divisible by four, through and including the first Tuesday of November. Each voter shall cast but one vote. Starting on the fifteenth of October through the Sunday preceding the first Tuesday in November, the voters shall be permitted to vote by a mail-in ballot, in such manner as the legislature of each of the several States shall direct. On the first Monday and Tuesday of November each State shall provide polls, open from at least 5AM to7pm, local time, in such locations, manner and number as the legislature of each of the several States shall direct to adequately and equitably accommodate all voters. A State may add additional methods of voting supplemental to, but not in place of, the requirements of this section, provided only that such additional methods are adequately and equitably available to all voters. Section 4. The Secretary of State of each State, or the chief election officer of the State, as the case may be, shall count the votes cast in the election and prepare a tally sheet of said count which shall be signed and certified as accurate. The certified tally sheet shall be sealed and S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 5

6 transmitted to the President of the Senate such that it is received by the President of the Senate by the fourth Tuesday in November. Upon receipt of all tally sheets from the several States, the President of the Senate shall then, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives open the certified tally sheets and the clerk of the Senate shall total the tallied votes. The person having the majority of votes cast shall be President and that person s chosen Vice President shall be Vice President. Section 5. If no person shall receive a majority of votes cast, the persons having the two highest vote counts will stand for a run-off election on the first Monday and Tuesday in December immediately following the election. The procedure for the run off election shall be the same as that for the first election except that all votes must be cast at a designated polling place and by no other method. Section 6. The Congress shall have power to enforce and implement this article by appropriate legislation. Adam Baumel Adam Baumel is a Democratic candidate for the 64 th Assembly District and was a guest speaker at our July 17 General Membership Meeting. His campaign supplied the following for publication in the newsletter. Since there was no July newsletter, it is being published in the August. A dam Baumel, like many people who have lived in Florida, has ties to New York. He grew up the son of a Sheepshead Bay native. Both of his parents shared their love for this vibrant city with him, and his two younger sisters Victoria, and Elizabeth. His mother Debra planned week long vacations for the whole family most summers to the city. At a young age, he knew he would one day make this great city his home. Adam had always wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself. After the attacks on 9/11 it became clear how he could give back to his country. When he was able to, he answered the call to our country, and served in the Navy from During his time in the Navy he embodied honor, courage, and commitment while working as a logistics specialist aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68). At the rank of E-3, he coordinated all disposition services of the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). This job is generally only given to sailors with the rank of E-5 or higher. When the time came for Adam to end his active service, he knew it was time to make his life long dream come true. He was ready to focus on his future, and New York City. He applied to John Jay College, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. He did not see this opportunity just as a career path, but rather a chance to give back to the people, and the city that gave him so much hope, and the power to dream big as a child. In , he spent a year participating in a Veteran Affairs work-study program. There he aided fellow student veterans with getting set up in school. He also S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 6

7 educated them on resources the school offered, along with beginning the sometimes arduous process to receive VA healthcare. In 2016, he had the privilege of taking part in the New York State Assembly internship program. He worked in the Albany office of assembly member, the Hon. Michael Benedetto from the Bronx, who was the Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee at the time. During this time, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was indicted for campaign finance charges, and in the following months Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos was brought up on similar charges. This was a turning point for Adam. Like most people, he knew the government had flaws, but not like this. He has since made it his mission to help get our government on the path to respectability and legitimacy. During his senior year at John Jay College he worked part time as a field director in the Stacy Prefer Amato Assembly campaign. This experience was invaluable as it provided an opportunity to learn how a successful campaign is run from the inside. Although he has lived in numerous areas across different boroughs, he has settled in the 64th district. This is where he has chosen to plant roots, and build a life. As your assemblyman he will encourage an actual open door policy, where constituents will be able to reach their representative without jumping through hoops. He plans to create efficient communication, with the intention to keep you in the loop regarding upcoming legislation at all times. His website is June 2018 Minutes V General Meeting June 19, 2018 Oriental Plaza 1845 Richmond Avenue ice President Radhakrishna Mohan chaired the meeting due to President Digi s later arrival and called the meeting to order at 8:24 p.m. David Jones made a motion to accept the minutes as published in the monthly newsletter. The motion carried. Vice President s Report Executive Secretary Dennis Brown filled in for Vice President Mohan and provided highlights from the recent Executive Committee meeting. 1 st Guest Speaker Margie Bald Eagle, co-founder of Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe, spoke about the North American Indian Memorial Association which was created by Rodman Wanamaker. This association was started to raise money to build the North American Indian Monument in honor of our nation s indigenous people. The project was started in 1913 by President Taft to break ground for a monument at Ft. Wadsworth and it wasn t completed. Margie has been part of this S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 7

8 project for several years. She announced that on August 25 there will be a concert at Snug Harbor Music Hall to benefit the North American Indian Monument. The concert, which is presented by the Staten Island Downtown Alliance, will feature Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe as well as several other musicians and comedians. Ms. Baldeagle handed out Benefit Concert Sponsorship Packages and information. She asked S.I.D.A. members to contact their elected officials about this concert since this project is part of Staten s Island s history. President Digi urged members to support the project to help raise money to complete the statue. 2 nd Guest Speaker Rachelle Suissa of Dare to Run thanked Roy Moskowitz for inviting her to come to the meeting. She spoke about the grassroots non-partisian group she started to train women to run for elected office. The group runs programs which provide skill building and tools women need to run. Ms. Suissa handed out information about the groups upcoming Women s Leadership Conference scheduled for October 6 and co-sponsored by Chipotle and the New York State Nurses Association. Ashley Zanatta (Republican Candidate, 62 nd Assembly District) President Digi introduced Ms. Zanatta. She told members she was just recently endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Richmond County. She spoke briefly about her background and education. She spoke briefly about her candidacy mentioning that she wants to represent everyone on Staten Island. She urged members to go to her website, After her presentation, there was a brief question and answer period. Gun Control Position Paper Issues Committee Chair Richard Reichard spoke about the position paper he wrote on Federal Gun Control and which was published in the June newswletter. Peter Killen made the following motion: A motion to endorse Richard Reichard s position paper. The report of Federal Gun Control speaks for itself. It is concise, comprehensive and addresses all the problems of today s gun problems. His policy positions for S.I.D.A. to support are excellent and we should support them with legislation and endorse his position paper. The motion carried with 29 in favor, 0 opposed and 1 abstention. Treasurer s Report Treasurer Bonnie Rothman provided members with the opening and closing bank balance. She also read a letter she received from S.I.D.A. member Todd Turner who spoke about former S.I.D.A. member, Janet Wilson who had recently passed. Social Secretary s Report Social Secretary Sharon Santana reminded members about the upcoming Mark Herman Memorial Picnic scheduled for July 15 at Willowbrook Park. New Business Maria Vella announced that there are paid petitioning jobs available working for Matt Titone s campaign for Surrogate Court Judge. S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 8

9 Human Rights Committee Chair Clara Ogburn reported that she and her committee are working diligently with Steve Harrison on a paper to change the constitutional amendment regarding the Electoral College. She reported that the committee plans to present the paper to S.I.D.A. in a few months. President Digi reminded members about the Congressional primary on June 26. The meeting was adjourned at 10:17 p.m. Respectfully submitted Marie Dwyer Corresponding & Recording Secretary July 2018 Minutes I General Meeting July 17, 2018 Oriental Plaza 1845 Richmond Avenue n the absence of President Digi Vice President Mohan called the meeting to order at 8:25 p.m. Mohan asked members to cooperate by following a few basic ground rules to keep conduct at the meetings and to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. He also reminded members that the club endorsed President Digi for State Assembly and urged members to volunteer to help with his campaign. He also urged members to help the other candidates that the club endorsed. Vice President s Report Marie Dwyer filled in for Mohan, who was chairing meeting. Dwyer presented a brief summary of the highlights from the Executive Committee meeting held on July 3. Censure Motion Mohan announced that Dennis Brown, who was unable to attend meeting, had sent a motion that he wanted discussed with the members. Mohan read the following motion: A letter will be prepared and sent by the Executive Secretary on behalf of S.I.D.A., addressed to the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives (with copies sent to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Representatives Republican Dan Donovan and Democrat Gerald Nadler, and The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Staten Island Advance, The New York Post, and The Daily News) requesting that a Censure Motion be presented in both houses of the United States Legislature against President Donald Trump in reaction to his treasonous behavior and comments during the Helsinki Summit and in reprimand for his shocking and dangerous dereliction of duty to the people of the United States and to the oath of office he swore to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Michael Sirotta seconded the motion. Sarah McPherson made a friendly amendment that the letter be sent out by July 31 after it is reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. A copy of the S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 9

10 letter will also be shared with all S.I.D.A. members before it is sent out to the list of people and organizations referred in the motion. The motion carried with 2 opposed. The amended motion passed. Social Secretary s Report Social Secretary Sharon Santan reported that the picnic turned out well in spite of the fact that there was rain in the morning and other issues. She thanked everyone who helped out and attended. Sharon also announced the final names of the honorees for the upcoming banquet scheduled for September 6 at the Crystal Room. She reported that the invitation is being made up and will be sent out on July 26. Sharon encouraged members to purchase their tickets and to buy and solicit ads for the journal. Treasurer s Report Treasurer Bonnie Rothman provided members with a brief report regarding the bank balance as well as recent credits and debits. Human Rights Committee Chair Clara Ogburn reported that Steve Harrison and the rest of the committee would like to present the proposed Electoral College Constitutional Amendment (OPOVA, One Person One Vote Amendment) at the August 21 meeting. She encouraged members to attend. Guest Speaker Adam Baumel, Democratic candidate for New York State Assembly, 64 th District, spoke about his background and campaign. He mentioned that he is running to advocate for people. He was also appalled when he recently found out that his opponent Nicole Malliotakis is taking donations from the Charter Spectrum PAC in light of how unfairly they are treating their workers by taking away important benefits. Mr. Baumel works to advocate for the rights of people in this working class borough. Baumel told members he wants to push for better health care, education and a better quality of life on Staten Island, as well as investing in infrastructure. Mr. Baumel also mentioned that the subways need to be ADA compliant. He is against taking donations from non-union PACS. He mentioned that there are many ways to help his campaign which is temporarily located at county headquarters. Mr. Baumel feels there is a lot of work to do in the district. He doesn t have a primary opponent. He mentioned that he needs a lot of support and he urged members to help in any way they can. After the presentation there was a question and answer period. VP Mohan announced that the deadline for getting items to Chris Bauer for the newsletter is July 27. The next Executive Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, July 26. The next General meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 21. The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted Marie Dwyer Corresponding & Recording Secretary S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 10

11 Senator Schumer Letter Executive Secretary Dennis Brown sent a letter from the club to Senator Chuck Schumer through the Senator s website. Dennis received the following in response. From: Senator Schumer Date: Fri, Jun 29, 2018 at 5:24 PM Subject: A message from Senator Charles E. Schumer Dear Mr. Brown: Thank you for contacting me regarding Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. On April 26 th Secretary Pompeo was confirmed as Secretary of State by the U.S. Senate by a vote of I had serious concerns about statements he had made in his testimony during his confirmation hearing and, when after several meetings, he did not sufficiently address my concerns, I was unable to support his nomination in this role. I was most disappointed by Sec. Pompeo s hearing. President Trump has shown that he often directs foreign policy by impulse. We are contending with several hot spots in the world North Korea, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, and Russia and we need a Secretary of State who not only prizes the value of diplomacy, but is also willing and able to be a check on President Trump. Unfortunately, Sec. Pompeo s testimony did little to convince me that he could be a tempering influence on the president. For this reason, I opposed his confirmation. As important and difficult as our foreign policy decisions are, Sec. Pompeo will have to address a host of global security challenges facing our nation. It is my hope that he will be a calming voice in the administration s diplomatic efforts. Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch with your thoughts and opinions. Sincerely, Charles E. Schumer United States Senator S.I.D.A. s annual dinner is scheduled for Thursday, September 6, at The Crystal Room. (see page 14) S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 11

12 S.I.D.A. Endorsed Candidates S ENDORSED CANDIDATES.I.D.A. endorsed the following candidates at is May 15 Meeting. Please help their campaigns for the September 13 primary. Governor Cynthia Nixon Lieutenant Governor Jumaane Williams Surrogate Court Judge Matt Titone NYS State Senator, District 23 Diane Savino NYS Assembly, District 61 Bobby Digi S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 12

13 Peace Action of Staten Island Make Food Not War Save the Date Make Food Not War Awards Dinner Peace Action of Staten Island's annual fundraiser honoring Staten Island's Own Peace Makers & Advocates Saturday, October 27 5:30-7:30 pm Olivet Presbyterian Church, Broadway and Myrtle Ave S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 13

14 S.I.D.A. Banquet S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 14

15 S.I.D.A. Banquet Response Card S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 15

16 S.I.D.A. Banquet Journal Rate Card S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 16

17 August 21, 2018 General Meeting 8:00p.m. Oriental Plaza, 1845 Richmond Ave. Steve Harrison on the One Person One Vote Constitutional Amendment (OPOVA) September 18, 2018 General Meeting 8:00p.m. TBD Speaker TBD It s Time to Join or Renew Your S.I.D.A. Membership! To become a member, renew membership, or make a donation, call Bonita Rothman at (917) , or complete and return the coupon. Voting privileges begin 45 days after joining DUES DONATION $25 - Family $5 $20 - Individual $50 $15 - Senior, Student, or Unemployed $100 Other Check (payable to: S.I.D.A.) Cash I understand SIDA is a Democratic Party club. I (or we, if this is a Family Membership) am (are) at least 17 years of age and an enrolled Democrat, or intend to enroll as a Democrat upon becoming eligible. Signature Name(s) Address Apt # City State Zip Phone Make checks payable S.I.D.A. to S.I.D.A. and send to: P.O. Box Staten Island, NY For internal use only: Comp: Received $: Deposited $: Entered Sht: Computer: S.I.D.A. August 2018 Page 17