|
The Democratic Women of DuPage County (DWDC) is recognized by the Democratic Party of Illinois and was founded to create a forum for Democratic Women to work together to promote the ideals of the Democratic Party and to foster the participation of women in all levels of the Democratic Party.
Our objective is to unite women of the Democratic Party and to encourage full participation of women in every level of the Democratic Party Structure:
- To recruit, develop and support women
- To promote cooperation among women in politics
- To enhance the participation of DuPage Democratic women by providing educational, social and networking experiences and opportunities
|
|
Message From the President |
 |
It's been a busy year, complete with celebrations and disappointments. On the national scene, we celebrated the inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States. We have been proud to see Secretary of State Hilary Clinton represent our country with leaders around the world. We also saw the appointment of Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Hilda Solis as Secretary of Labor, and Janet Napolitano as Secretary of Homeland Security. Our friend Tammy Duckworth moved to Washington as Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
While women have made some gains in the Cabinet and the Supreme Court, women continue to lose in health care reform. The addition of the Stupak amendment to the House bill and the continued jockeying over the public option are disappointing and unacceptable. The never ending wars and the condition of the economy cause great concern for all of us who looked forward with anticipation to a Democratic President and Congress.
In Illinois, we were relieved to have a new Governor take over the reins following the removal of a second corrupt leader. However, we have been devastated to learn the magnitude of the budget crisis that we face in our state. We have pride in an excellent team of constitutional officers, but are frustrated by the continued gridlock in the legislature. The staggering budget deficits facing our state have created dramatic challenges for our schools, community colleges, universities, social service agencies, health care providers and other entities that depend on state tax revenue for a portion of their operating expenses. All are searching for solutions.
Democratic candidates made significant breakthroughs in 2008, with the election of three County Board candidates, a Congressman in the 14th Congressional District and a President who received the majority of votes county-wide. Unfortunately, the momentum did not carry forward to the township elections in 2009.
The political rollercoaster has left many Democrats reeling after the big drop and their hearts beat with nervousness as they wait for the coaster to go back up to the next peak. Over the past few weeks, I have heard more dissatisfaction with the pace at which the massive problems we face are resolved. However, now, more than ever, Democratic candidates need our support so that we can build on the foundation that has been laid for a contemporary government that reflects the democratic principles that we value.
Some voters, like fair-weather fans who desert the White Sox, Cubs and Bears by the end of the season, may choose to stay home in 2010 because an elected official did not agree on one of their issues, or because the health care debate did not meet their personal visions, or because they are embarrassed that they did not take the time to learn about the candidates and the issues. Despite the gains we have made over the years, some voters will still lament about their perceptions of the "Republican" majority in DuPage County. Many people will forget that President Obama received more than 50% of the vote in DuPage County, as did most of the state constitutional officers in their last election.
The truth is that more than half of the voters in DuPage County will vote Democratic! It is our job as friends and neighbors to encourage Democrats to come out and vote in the Primary and in the General Election. I challenge each of you to become involved at some level in helping to elect our candidates. If we are to permanently change the political environment in the County, all of our supporters need to find a way to help whether it is driving an elderly neighbor to the polls, encouraging young friends and relatives to register and vote, or helping a candidate by distributing literature or posting signs in your yard.
From candidates for Forest Preserve District and County Board to Lt. Governor and Governor, I have had the opportunity to meet almost all of the Democratic candidates on the ballot. I can assure you that this excellent pool of candidates deserves your attention and support. Please take time to learn about our local candidates, but also the candidates for the U.S. Senate and the state constitutional officers and take the time to go vote. All of the candidates are committed to serving the community as elected officials who will work on behalf of the common good, so I urge you to become knowledgeable and engaged in this election cycle.
Thanks for your continued support of the Democratic Party!
Kim Savage, President
|
|
Hilary Denk, Candidate: Forest Preserve Commissioner District 2 |
|
There are many issues facing the DuPage Forest Preserve District. The Dupage Forest Preserve District (DFPD) must refocus upon its mission of protecting the County owned natural areas for the use and enjoyment of all people living in and visiting DuPage County.
It will be incredibly important in the coming years to use common sense and best practices to fulfill the mission of the DFPD. Political insiders and the old boy network must be challenged and removed from trying to maintain the status quo. A fresh approach to governing, as well as professionalism in the business of government, must be provided by the Board and staff to foster a customer service approach to providing services. In addition, the Board must focus upon fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly conservation and restoration projects. With the current issues facing DuPage government, those elected in 2010 must restore the basic foundation of trust with every citizen by providing transparency to all Forest Preserve District activities. A common sense approach to the District's activities will save money, restore the public trust in government and bring more participation in civic life.
One area of concern specific to District 2 is the lack of communication from the current Commissioner. When 2.2% of our property taxes are used for Forest Preserve District services, it is a basic government function to provide information about how those funds are spent, and therefore, be accountable to constituents. Commissioners should regularly communicate to all of the citizens of District 2 about the plans and activities of the Forest Preserve District through electronic and print media. Input must be invited and quick responses should be made to questions and concerns. In addition, Commissioners should participate in meetings in District 2 communities so constituents will feel comfortable talking about issues and see their Commissioner as a resource for information and assistance. Weekly Board meetings currently occur on Tuesday mornings at nine o'clock and are not video recorded. The technology needed to provide real time web-cast and broadcast meetings on local television is not costly and should be obtained immediately to make meetings accessible to all. The DFPD should also schedule regular evening meetings just as most municipalities, school boards and park district boards do.
Another area that will require close attention by the DFPD Board is the budget process. Budget decisions should be made with prudence and sensitivity to public and staff needs. A primary function of the fiscal manager and the Board is to reduce waste in the budget each fiscal cycle. A needs assessment based upon census information and citizen surveys will help guide the Board in 2010 to make budget choices based upon long term community needs. The DuPage Forest Preserve website provides fiscal information from 2005 through 2008 and it shows a trend in increased funding for "General Government" and "Business Type Activities" from 25% of the budget to 26.5%. These areas must be examined to determine if outside vendors are needed, and high legal expenses and insurance costs must be reviewed. Ending the use of no-bid contracts for all outside services will reduce costs and bring fairness to the way business is conducted.
All of these issues and many more will be raised and discussed during this campaign season. As candidates, we must listen to our constituents and be prepared to respond with honesty and professionalism.
Please visit my website: www.ElectHilaryDenk.com
Hilary Denk, Candidate
Forest Preserve Commissioner District 2
|
|
Shannon Burns, Candidate: Forest Preserve Commissioner District 6 |
|
The Forest Preserve is not the first thing most people think of when government and politics come to mind. But in fact, the DuPage County Forest Preserve District is an important part of County Government. And - as much as we wish it weren't true - the Forest Preserve is a part of County politics as well.
The mission of the Forest Preserve is to protect and preserve the environment for the good of the land and for the enjoyment of the people. Some DuPage County residents believe that the current Forest Preserve Board has lost sight of this mission. The planned construction of a 28,000+ sq. ft. Fleet Building within 200 feet of McKee Marsh and the construction of a CNG natural gas station at Blackwell are two examples of how the Board has forgotten that Forest Preserve land was set aside to protect it from this very type of development.
Some County residents also believe that the current Board has lost sight of the fact that it exists to serve the citizens of DuPage County. All community services, including the Forest Preserve District, should be responsive to the Public. It is not enough to inform the community of plans once they are in motion. Examples of how the current Board has failed to involve the community in a meaningful way include: Transfer of land to the Village of Lisle (Navistar) without a full understanding of how that land was to be used, the proposed Fleet Building at Blackwell, construction of a CNG Gas Station at Blackwell with no public notice, and lack of notice to local residents of the proposed Hawk Hollow Bicycle Trail. By not responding to emails when concerns are presented by citizens, by waiting as long as three months to post meeting minutes, and by failing to accurately report events in the Board's meeting minutes, the Forest Preserve Board demonstrates a concrete lack of regard for the Public. This lack of two-way involvement with the community it serves is tragic because citizen concerns often focus on what is best for the environment at a grass roots level.
So what is the solution? The future of the Forest Preserve District depends on a fresh mentality; one of balancing land acquisition, program development, and community involvement with stewardship of the land. This can only be done when the Board makes a full commitment to managing the organization according to its mission. All activities of the Forest Preserve District must be conducted in full view of the Public, with due diligence in every aspect, and with serious attention to the concerns of the Community.
Please visit my website: www.ElectShannonBurns.com
Shannon Burns, Candidate
Forest Preserve Commissioner District 6
|
|
Notes from the President-Elect |
|
Some people love Democratic politics: they watch MSNBC 24 hours a day, they volunteer as precinct committeemen, they run for office, and they'll talk your ear off about the ins and outs of the health care reform bills. Other people care about politics, try to vote regularly, but don't have time for much more right now. The Democratic Women of DuPage County, formed in 2008, was designed to enhance the participation of all DuPage Democratic women by providing educational, social, and networking experiences and opportunities, addressing all levels of political interest.
The Leadership Team, comprised of the elected officers and appointed committee chairs, directs the operation of the organization. They meet frequently to plan our activities. Events are held at least once a quarter, and have included: "Empowering Democratic Women" with Dawn Clark Netsch and State Representative Julie Hamos, Tea with Attorney General Lisa Madigan, "Women Elected" - a panel of area women office holders, a pre-election Rally featuring former Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, and two Networking Dinners. Kim Savage, our first President, has done a fantastic job, and has set the bar high for future years.
We will be launching the 2010 year with our Annual Meeting, a Brunch to be held on Saturday, January 30th at the Oakbrook Doubletree. Last year, Cook County States Attorney Anita Alvarez gave an inspiring and informative speech to a capacity crowd: we look forward to this year's Speaker doing the same! As the current President-Elect, I will automatically become President; but the members will have the opportunity at the Annual Meeting to elect the remaining officers.
Membership in the Democratic Women of DuPage County is open to anyone who supports the objectives of the organization. Annual dues are $25, plus a $5 entrance fee for new members. Dues are payable in January of each year.
As we begin our third year, the Democratic Women of DuPage County plan to continue to offer exciting events, to work to recruit, develop, and support women candidates and to promote cooperation among women in politics. I hope we'll be seeing you!
Karol Sole, President-Elect
|
|
SAVE THE DATE |
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Democratic Women of DuPage County
Annual Meeting Brunch
Invited Speaker: Loretta Durbin
Saturday, January 30, 2010
10:30 am
Oakbrook DoubleTree Hotel
1909 Spring Road
Oakbrook, IL 60523
|
|
|
Your Membership |
|
|
Time to Renew Your Membership
This is a reminder to renew your membership to DWDC for 2010.
We also welcome new members!
Returning Members: Simply send your check for $25.00 to
Democratic Women of Dupage County
P.O. Box 224
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138
New Members: Please add a $5.00 processing fee. Your check for $30.00 should be sent to the above address.
We look forward to growing our membership and helping to elect more Democratic women to office!
Julia Kennedy Beckman, Vice President, Membership
|
|
|
Election Day February 2nd |
|
|
The General Primary Election is Tuesday, February 2nd. Please remember to vote. The Primary Election tends to have a low voter turn out. This election is very important for our communities. Every vote counts! This is your chance to get Democratic Women elected to office in DuPage County!
|
|
Paid for by the Democratic Women of Dupage County. A copy of our report will be available from the DuPage County Clerk.
|
| Quick Links... |
|
|
