Celebrating 90 Years of a Stronger Democracy

This August 26 marks the 90^th anniversary of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote.  The League of Women Voters of Delaware County invites the community to join in the celebration of Women’s Equality Day with a viewing of the PBS video One Woman, One Vote, at the Delaware County District Library on Thursday, August 26, from 7:00-9:00 PM.  The library is located at 84 E. Winter Street in Delaware.

One Woman, One Vote documents the 70-year battle for women’s suffrage, which was finally achieved with the passage of the 19^th Amendment to the Constitution in August, 1920.  The video portrays the factions involved and the differences in tactics used in the struggle—from the more conventional strategies of education and lobbying to the civil disobedience that landed suffragettes in prison.  The video is narrated by Susan Sarandon.

The League of Women Voters was founded in 1920 to prepare women—and men—to take part in the democratic process and its opportunities for positive impact on communities.  LWV Delaware County has been an integral part of the Delaware community since 1948, providing citizen education and voter information as well as lobbying for programs such as recycling over the years.

The League celebrates not only the right to vote, but also the progress made in expanding and protecting voting rights in the past 90 years.  The League continues to work to safeguard democracy through expanded civic participation and healthy debate on the issues that matter most to our communities.

Sunshine or Secrecy Forum Sparks Lively Discussion
League’s annual community forum, held March 15, led to enlightening panel presentations and lively table discussions. The discussions reinforced the citizens’ right to know and the need for transparency in government. As one public official attending noted, “We should have more meetings like this.” We agree! A special thanks to chairman Bill McCartney, who kept everyone on task.

A lively groups attends the Sunshine or Secrecy forum.

Panelists exchanging information. Panelists are l to r: Rozella Miller, Community Volunteer; Paul Kostyu, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel; David Hejmanowski, Magistrate, Delaware Juvenile Court; Andrew Tobias, Reporter, The Delaware Gazette; and Frank Deaner, Executive Director, Ohio Newspaper Association.

Submitted by Marianne Gabel, Chair, Nancy Snook and Ashley Doctor, members of the Nominating Committee.

LOCAL PROGRAM POSITIONS for Readoption
Developing Beneficial Social Programs for Delaware County
The League of Women Voters of Delaware County believes that provision of human services is imperative to maintaining the health and well-being of our community. To this end the League supports:
1. Adequate funding of the Department of Job and Family Services by the County Commissioners until a continuing stable source of funding becomes available.
2. Encouragement of policy makers to provide funds for meeting needs such as affordable housing, public transportation, and medical coverage for low-income families and individuals.
3. A coordinated system to administer multiple services to promote and support stable families.
4. Efforts to promote 24 hour child care seven days a week for low-income working families.
5. Interagency cooperation to provide Adult Protective Services to Delaware County residents. Promoting awareness of Adult Protective Services and prevention of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Managing Growth in Delaware County
The League of Women Voters of Delaware County believes that it is crucial to the quality of life of county residents that growth be managed carefully to assure that the needs of current residents are met, that future development is orderly and environmentally friendly, and that infrastructure needs are met concurrently with growth in the population. To this end, the League supports:
1. Careful long-range planning for development that addresses infrastructure needs, including transportation and public transit networks, water and sewer, and storm water drainage.
2. Intergovernmental cooperation and coordination among regional, county, city and township governments in order to achieve a balanced, desirable mix of high-quality business, residential, and public service development.
3. Consideration of LEED principles in building requirements, with building standards that protect the environment and conserve energy.
4. Provision of infrastructure and public services (including public schools) at a pace that does not lag new development
5. Preservation of farmland, open space, parkland, waterways and wetlands to protect the environment and enhance the quality of life of residents.
6. Preservation of the unique character of Delaware County’s neighborhoods and their historic architecture, including residential, commercial and public buildings.
7. Inclusion of housing developments that meet the needs of all Delaware County residents.
8. Transparency in the review of development proposals and provision for citizen input.
Supporting Education in Delaware County
The League of Women Voters of Delaware County believes that a free, high quality public education is critical to the lives of children and to the vitality of the entire community. The attractiveness of the community to new residents, the community’s economic well-being, the stability of property values, and the quality of public discourse are all increased by a system of quality local public schools and other educational programs. To these ends, the League supports:
1. The provision of local and state funds as needed to increase the capacity of the districts to accommodate growing number and the increasing diversity of children.
2. Government planning and policies that ensure a fair equitable allocation of industrial, commercial, and varied residential development among the county’s public school systems.
3. The evaluation of student progress, in combination with challenging curriculum, of broad interest to students. The schools must also prepare students for their role(s) in a global economy.
4. Ongoing communication and cooperation among the school districts, and county government, local agencies and the public to strengthen education.
5. The construction, preservation and or rehabilitation of school facilities with sensitivity to the environment by use of “green” materials, increased energy efficiency and use of environmentally friendly building techniques.
6. Education as it takes place in many venues and activities in the community.
Adopted May 14, 2009

Picnic in the Park : Annual Meeting May 12

Plans for LWV Delaware County’s annual meeting on Wednesday, May 12, are shaping up. We will gather at 6:00 to socialize, with a catered picnic supper at 6:30. The place is Preservation Parks’ newest lodge, at Deer Haven Preserve, 4183 Liberty Road in Delaware Township. (For more information about the park and a map, go to www.preservationparks.com.) Rita Au, Executive Director of Preservation Parks, will address our group.

Meeting Agenda
The business side of the annual meeting includes the election of officers and directors, the adoption of local League program, and the adoption of a budget for 2010-11. Information on these items is included in this Voter.
Two recommendations to note from the board: A dues increase from $55 to $60 for an individual member and from $82.50 to $90 for a household membership. The increase is necessitated by increases in Per Member Payments (PMP) to both the state and the national organizations. The second is a recommendation to adopt a study of public transportation in Delaware County. It’s been several years since LWV Delaware County has undertaken a study, and this is an issue the board believes is very relevant to growth and development in the county.

Our League will also honor two valued members who are leaving the board: Margaret Jones and Corinne Lyman. Both have given extensively to the League and to the community. We’ll also recognize our past presidents as we celebrate our history this anniversary year.

Cost and Reservations Due Date
Your cost is $15 per person. Please e-mail Marilyn Sesler at mbs.1002@live.com or call afternoons only (740.201.5695). Please indicate the number attending by May 3.

Bird Sanctuary and Hiking Trails
Come early and hike the trails at Deer Haven. Keep an eye out for wildlife (the four-legged variety); casual dress is encouraged. The annual meeting is an opportunity to reconnect with friends and make new friends. We hope to see you there.

The Presidents’ Post: Check us out at the Library
We’re combining our sponsorship of Earth Day Delaware with League’s historic emphasis on the environment in a display at the Delaware District Library for three weeks this month. Please stop by, take a look, and add to your appreciation of our past.
As we explore League history in this 90th anniversary year, we find recurring themes at the national, state and local level. Among these: water quality, smart growth and development, protection of the environment and energy conservation. Which brings us to Earth Day Delaware—an idea that started with our “green county” initiative and mushroomed into a community-wide collaboration celebrating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Don’t miss this event—there will be something to engage all ages, including the free movie series at the Strand Theater. LWV Delaware County will also be an exhibitor—look for us in downtown Delaware on April 17 from 10:00-2:00.
We have a shower of events in April—in addition to Earth Day, come to the candidate forum on Thursday, April 22 to meet the candidates and learn about the issues on the ballot for the May 4 primary election. This event will be at the Delaware County Bank corporate headquarters in Lewis Center; it starts at 7:00 PM. Be an informed voter!
And don’t miss the brown-bag Data on DATA program at the Delaware District Library on Wednesday, April 28 at noon. This will feature Denny Schooley, director of the Delaware Area Transit Agency (DATA), discussing public transportation and future needs in our county. This will be good background information should we adopt a transportation study at the annual meeting. Beverages will be provided.

Diane and Karen

Report of the Nominating Committee
The following persons have been nominated for board positions:
First Vice President: Phyllis Bahrick
Treasurer: Andrea Smith
Director: Karen Chapman, Larry Cline, Hallie Serazin (two-year terms)
Ashley Doctor (one-year term)
Submitted by Marianne Gabel, Chair, Nancy Snook and Ashley Doctor, members of the Nominating Committee.

Voter Guides:
The candidates to represent Delaware County in Congress and the Ohio General Assembly have been asked to respond to League questions; their replies can be found Here.

You can find the LWV Ohio’s positions on the state ballot issues at www.lwvohio.org, as well as the pros and cons on the issues. League supports Issue 1, the Third Frontier continuation, and is neutral on Issue 2, to change the location of the central Ohio casino. Also on the LWVO site is the voter guide for statewide candidates.

Primary day is May 4!

Click here to view the LWV of Delaware County OH financial reports and budget.

The Voter: Your LWV Newsletter for Feb. 2010

The Voter
Feb. 2010 LWV Newsletter

In This Issue:

-Report to the Community – Homelessness
-90th Anniversay Luncheon
-In memory of Shirley Parker
-Recap- National and Local Planning
-March 15 Community Forum – Sunshine or Secrecy
-Presidents Post-Happy Birthday to US!
-Earth Day Delaware
-Redistricting Forum
-Public Transit Forum

February 23
Report to the Community:  Homelessness in Delaware County

Yes, there is homelessness in Delaware County.  To learn about the issue, come to our public meeting on Tuesday, February 23, when the Affordable Housing Task Force will report to the community on progress made in meeting the needs of homeless persons.  The meeting will be held at the Willis Building, 2079 US 23 North (next door to Big Lots), beginning at 7:00 PM.

Three years ago, the task force–a broad-based coalition of public
agencies, service providers, and citizen organizations, including the League–adopted a ten-year plan to end homelessness in Delaware County.   While progress has been made in achieving the plan’s goals, Delaware County still has significant service gaps.

The task force also functions as the county’s  Continuum of Care
Committee, coordinating activities and applications for federal
funding for programs serving  homeless persons.  On January 26,  the C of C Committee held its annual point-in-time count to determine how many people need assistance and to learn more about their situations.  This information will be presented during the meeting.  A resource pamphlet showing program and contact information will be available to attendees.

League is joined by the Concerned Citizens Against Homelessness in sponsoring this meeting.   We are hoping to build on growing awareness of the problem and come together to create solutions.

Celebrate!  League Turns 90 this Month

Birthday Luncheon to be held February 27

You’re invited!  LWV Delaware County and LWV Marion are collaborating to host a celebratory luncheon at All Occasions Catering in Waldo on Saturday, February 27, from 11:00 to 1:00.  The cost is a nominal $15, payable to LWV Delaware County and mailed to Carolyn Kneisly, 49 Euclid Ave., Delaware 43015.  Reservations are due by February 12, so please act swiftly; we can add but not subtract after that date.

Guests are welcome to join us.

Our program will be a presentation by Sherry Hall, site manager for Harding Home in Marion, entitled:  1920:  The Women’s Suffrage Experience.  Sherry notes that before he was elected president, Sen. Harding and his wife were key players in the passage of the 19th Amendment–an interesting story indeed.

Remember when women wore hats and men wore ties to meetings?  Check your attics and cedar chests for vintage clothes and accessories–wear something to the luncheon that reflects an era of League history–or perhaps the time when you joined the League.    Note that this is not a requirement for attendance, but it will make for some great photo ops.

The buffet lunch will include a vegetarian entree.  We’ll end the meal with birthday cake and homemade ice cream.

In Memory of Shirley Parker

Shirley Parker, a charter member of LWV Delaware,  died on January 18 at the age of 90.  Shirley was president of the League in the late 50′s, and is quoted extensively on the League’s  early days in a 1995 Gazette article.  Initially, she noted, League members stood on street corners to pass out the Voter Guide, and later involved Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to help deliver the material door to door.

Some things haven’t changed–Parker stated, “You work like the devil when you’re in the League.”    Thanks to her commitment and her family’s designation of the League of Women Voters of Delaware County Education Fund as a recipient of donations in her honor, the League’s Education Fund has received several donations.  We are grateful for this legacy, and will continue the voter service activities Shirley worked so hard to  establish.

A memorial service will be held March 20 at the First Baptist Church, 101 N. Franklin St., Delaware.

Recap:  National and Local Program Planning

League members came together on January 20 to review options for national program planning prior to the LWVUS convention this summer, as well as to look at local program positions and possibilities.

On the national level,  League members could  consider and select one of four options:

· Recommend a new topic for study by the entire League of Women Voters;

· Recommend a revision to an existing position;

· Recommend that no study be undertaken at this time; or

· Endorse a study proposed by another state or local League.

Each League can only recommend one topic for national consideration.  Our group chose to recommend a revision of the health care position, which currently emphasizes the “single-payer” approach, believing that incremental steps toward better health coverage may need consideration.  A close second was a new study of the federal role in education, particularly in view of the coming reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind legislation.

Locally, no changes were recommended in existing positions, but a new study was recommended:  Public transportation in Delaware County.  The study could include a review of current transportation and plans for expansion, with a focus on consumer needs.  This recommendation will be presented in full for consideration at the annual meeting May 12.

March 15 Community Forum:  Sunshine or Secrecy

Stay tuned for more information in your next Voter– Sunshine or
Secrecy:  A Community Forum on Your Right to Know and Your Right to Privacy will be held on March 15 at the Summit Room at Willow Brook Delaware Run, beginning at 7:00 PM.  A great panel of speakers has been assembled to stimulate discussion.  Access to public information, transparency  in campaign funding, and protection of your personal information in government records are the chief  topics.   The forum will take place during the annual Sunshine Week sponsored by the American Society of News Editors to promote dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.

The Presidents’ Post:  Happy Birthday to Us

The League was founded on February 14, 1920, six months before the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote was passed, to “finish the fight,” in the words of founder Carrie Chapman Catt.  From its beginning, the League has been a grass-roots organization, strictly non-partisan, but always political, advocating for issues critical to our nation and our communities.

On the 25th anniversary of the founding of LWV Delaware, President Janie Wilson stated, “The League of Women Voters is here because 25 years ago a group of women cared what happened in this community.  We care today and hopefully  some of us will still be caring and filled with curiosity and willing to act 25 years from now.”  We couldn’t say it any better than that.  Our League, now 62 and encompassing the entire county, is proud to be a part of this organization.

Diane and Karen

EARTH  DAY DELAWARE
Is Coming!

Please remember to talk to your frineds and neighbors aobut our earth day events and invite them to join us.

Our next planning meeting will be Thursday February 27, at noon.
38 E. Winter St., second floor. Please attend if you can.

Earth Day:
Saturday, April 17, 2010, 10 am to 2 pm
Marking the 40th anniversary
of the first Earth Day

Scheduled events include:
Green Expo in downtown Delaware
Activities and film screenings
Creation of local “green network”
and Environmental Advocacy group

This event has come to life through the efforts of many in Delaware including: League of Women Voters, Ohio Wesleyan University, DATA, Delaware Health Department, Main St. Delaware, Northwest Neighborhood Association, Ohio Wildlife Center, Delaware Parks and Recreation, Strand Theatre; Roxanne Amidon, Laurel Anderson, Karen Chapman, Larry Cline, Joseph Diamond, Sheila Fox, Marianne Gabel (chair), Cara Hering, Corinne Lyman, Karen Rainey, Susan Sutherland, Barb Tull, Sally Waterhouse, Traci Cromwell.

For more information e-mail: emgabel@gmail.com,
or call 740-363-1324

Redistricting Forum

Redrawing the Boundaries: An Ohio Redistricting Discussion

Monday, March 1, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Auditorium – Downtown Columbus Metropolitan Library
95 South Grant Avenue, Columbus OH 43215

The forum is open to the public, geared in particular toward community leaders, academics, public officials and staff, and concerned citizens.
The cost is FREE, including a catered lunch.

Please RSVP before February 24 by going to

http://www.midwestredistricting.org/ohioforum.php

For questions, please call Leontien Kennedy at 614-221-6077

Public Transit Forum

The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus is hosting a forum on Public Transit in Central Ohio .  You can help us inform others by forwarding this email message to.interested parties.  You can also help by copying the attached flier for distribution or posting in the community.

No matter how you choose to disseminate this information the League of Women Voters appreciates your help.  If you have any questions please contact Amy Pulles, vote@lwvcols.org or 614-837-1089. Thank you.

Beyond the Bus?
Public Transit in Central Ohio
Presented by
The League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus

Thursday, March 18, 2010

University Plaza Hotel, Ballroom V-VI
3110 Olentangy River Road,
Columbus , Ohio 43202

5:30  Registration with a cash bar
6:15  Dinner at a charge of $25.

RSVP to Amy Pulles at vote@lwvcols.org or 614-837-1089 by March 11 to reserve a dinner, indicating regular or vegetarian.

7:15  Panel discussion is free and open to the public.

Gulsah Akar, a visiting assistant professor in city and regional planning at OSU’s Knowlton School of Architecture, will moderate a discussion of transit prospects among a panel that will include:

Chester Jourdan, executive director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Bill Lhota, president and chief executive officer, Central Ohio Transit Authority Brent Simonds, advocacy coordinator, Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment, Inc. ( MOBILE )

The dinner and panel discussion are presented by the
League of Women Voters of Metropolitan Columbus.