Justice ∙ Respect ∙ Compassion ∙ Diversity
August 23 2020
|
|
Notes from the Chair:
IT’S OUR TURN NOW AND WE ARE READY!
Our National Convention is now over and it is time to start making a difference. I was concerned that it might not generate excitement done virtually. It turned out to be wonderful. I was sure impressed by the speakers and interplay of everyday folks supporting our movement to save the nation. From Michelle Obama’s dire warning that it could get worse to Joe Biden’s pledge to bring unity, fairness, responsibility and love to the Presidency, I was moved. I thought the car rally with the Biden’s and Harris’ was a great way to end the evening. In between Michelle and Joe, we had so many great speeches and moments, even from Republicans and I was especially impressed by historian Jon Meacham’s remarks. “Our democracy is under assault from an incumbent more interested in himself than he is in all of us,” he went on to call for a Biden victory saying “It's now time to write the next chapter of the American story – one of hope of love and justice. If we do so, we might just save our country and our souls...”
Barack Obama made it clear that what’s at stake is our democracy and called for America to fully live up to its creed. “Tonight, I am asking you to believe in Joe and Kamala’s ability to lead this country out of these dark times and build it back better. But here’s the thing: no single American can fix this country alone. Not even a president. Democracy was never meant to be transactional — you give me your vote; I make everything better. It requires an active and informed citizenry. So, I am also asking you to believe in your own ability — to embrace your own responsibility as citizens — to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure.”
Kamala’s remarks were so right and appropriate. “So we’re at an inflection point. The constant chaos leaves us adrift. The incompetence makes us feel afraid. The callousness makes us feel alone. It’s a lot. And here’s the thing. We can do better and deserve so much more. We must elect a president who will bring something different, something better, and do the important work, a president who will bring all of us together, Black, White, Latino, Asian, indigenous, to achieve the future we collectively want. We must elect Joe Biden.” She ended “Let’s fight with hope. Let’s fight with confidence in ourselves and a commitment to each other, to the America we know is possible, the America we love.”
Finally, the most touching moment for me was when Brayden Harrington, a boy with a stutter, told us how Joe, a former stutter himself, helped him. No way to top that young man.
I can’t really add anything to what these tremendous patriots have said. Now, let’s embrace our responsibility as citizens and focus on our mission to turn Texas Blue, to kick the current president and his zombie like vice president out of office and to elect Democrats. In future newsletters, I’ll be outlining actions that we all can take to make a difference. Here’s this week’s suggestion.
FLIP THE HOUSE
|
|
We must increase the number of Democrats in the Texas Legislature by at least nine to take control of that body and head off a Republican led redistricting effort. Current boundaries, particularly for US Congress, are mightily gerrymandered to help Republicans get elected. We of course should support our House District 73 candidate Stephanie Phillips but we must also help the other Texas State House candidates. The United States census is in progress and is the data used to determine how legislative districts are drawn. This only happens once a decade, so it is how gerrymandered districts happen. For Democrats in Texas to have a shot at fair legislative maps, we must gain control of the State House. Here’s a website you should visit to learn more and find candidates that you can help by contributing to their campaigns. Also, it lists upcoming events.
Please check this site out: https://flipthetxhouse.com Just click on the candidate button and you can link directly to each of their websites and donate. In addition to donating to Stephanie, I have donated to most of these State House candidates. You can pick one or a few if you like. Please, give it a go, it’s a great time to help!
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
Stay Safe and Stay Engaged
Kevin Henning
Kendall County Democratic Chair
|
|
Help Build the 2020 Blue Wave! |
|
We want you to know at this critical moment in history: whatever your talents or skills and whatever your interests, you can use them to help bring about change for the better.
And you can join many others doing the same — and our collective actions can be both safe and very effective.
So what’s your talent? What’s your interest? Whether you’re into writing, texting, social media, art/graphic design, talking on the phone, data management, networking with people, training or presenting, your help is just what we need! Here’s how you can make a difference between now and November!
- Call local Democrats to share information on various topics
- Volunteer for the Signs Committee
- Monitor Boerne City Council by attending meetings
- Monitor BISD by attending meetings
- Poll Workers for General Election/Early Voting
|
|
Follow up to the August BAD “Volunteer Fair” meeting
Join us for an in-depth session on one of our two major topics.
All sessions will be archived on the KCDP YouTube channel if you cannot attend the live session. After you RSVP, you will receive the Zoom call-in info a few days prior to the meeting.
- Phone Banking: Learn everything you need to know to call local “friendly” voters and encourage them to vote!
Wednesday, 8/26, 10 am-noon
- Community Involvement: Learn everything you need to know about testifying at local boards and commissions and deliver your message effectively
Wednesday, 9/9, 10 am-noon
|
|
Over the next 9 weeks leading up to early voting, we’ll run a Candidate Profile in each newsletter. These profiles will introduce you to our amazing slate of Democratic candidates, what they’re running for, why that office is important, and a short candidate profile. Please share with your friends and family! |
|
Chrysta Castañeda
Running for: Railroad Commission of Texas (RCT)
Donate here:
As both an engineer and a lawyer, Chrysta Castañeda knows the law and knows that technology can help get us out of this mess. She has worked in the industry for over three decades, representing all sectors of the industry. She has the right experience and education to make the Railroad Commission a better place and improve the environment for all Texans.
Chrysta is an engineer, a lawyer, a community leader, and a mom. After receiving her degree in industrial engineering from Kansas State University, she earned her law degree from Southern Methodist University. As the founding partner of her law firm in Dallas, Chrysta focuses on oil and gas litigation.
Chrysta says, “The Railroad Commission's number one job is to prevent waste and protect our natural resources. At this very minute, oil companies are lighting on fire enough energy to power the city of Houston, wasting natural gas and polluting our air. That doesn't make sense.”
Why is this office important?
The Railroad Commission of Texas is the state agency that regulates the oil and gas industry, pipeline safety, and surface coal and uranium mining. Despite its name, it ceased regulating railroads in 2005. Currently, all three commissioners are Republicans (one is a former president of the Texas Conservative Coalition). The current incumbent was defeated in the Republican primary by a businessman with business interests in the oil and gas industry. Electing Chrysta will bring much-needed balance and deep oil and gas industry experience to the RCT.
|
|
PLANT A DEMOCRATIC GARDEN
We’re fired up and proud of our great Democratic candidates
We want all of Kendall County to know it! It’s very important for us to be visible and open about the great candidates on our ticket, to remind neighbors and passersby: “There are more of us than you think!”
So if you’d like to plant a “Democracy Garden” like the one pictured here, we’ve got the “seeds” you need. At the Democratic HQ in Boerne, we’ve got the following campaign signs, with more on their way:
-
Biden for President (Biden/Harris- expected by end of the August)
-
Wendy Davis for Congress (official campaign logo, light blue)
-
Texans for Wendy Davis (Texas flag graphic)
- Stephanie Phillips for Texas House District 73
-
Justice Rebeca Martinez for Chief Justice, 4th Court of Appeals
-
Vote Blue 2020 / Votar Azul 2020 (Currently Out-more on order)
We also have signs and “car magnets” with the “Vote Blue 2020 – Unite the Country” message featured on our new billboard on I-10 (eastbound between Comfort and Boerne).
You can either stop by our Democratic HQ in Boerne to pick up your campaign signs.
and we will deliver them to your door or plant them in your yard for you!
NEW: Bracelets for Joe Biden. A donation of $5 per bracelet is optional.
|
|
Democratic HQ's
Open Wed, Fri, Sat 1:30-4:30
Starting next week August 30
Wed-Sun 1:30-4:30.
Masks are required. We have masks available if needed.
We’ve seen a lot of energy lately, with people wanting to pick up yard signs and sign up to help. We want to expand our office hours, but we need MORE VOLUNTEERS to do so. Please contact Sherry Thurman to sign up.
518 East Blanco, Boerne
|
|
Donations made via Act Blue go directly to Kendall County Democratic Party, except for a 3.95% credit card processing fee. The money we raise supports the Democratic Operations for Kendall County. We need funds to operate an Office, Train volunteers, “Get out the vote” efforts; Mailings, Posters, Advertising, etc.
Donate Online!
We encourage you to donate to the Party online with the secure online donation site ActBlue accessible from our home page.
We understand that some folks just don’t like online donations: “Prefer to donate via check or money order? Send it to PO Box 2321, Boerne TX 78006-6321.”
|
|
Check out KCDP Facebook page!
|
|
Feel free to forward to a friend!
Office 518 East Blanco, Boerne
( same building as Mary’s Tacos, enter through rear entrance)
|
|
830-388-0109 bstrain947@aol.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
