.comment-link {margin-left:.6em;}

Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Name:
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

I am a research biologist in NYC. Married with two kids living in Brooklyn.

Google
  • Help end world hunger
  • Thursday, June 19, 2008

    WISCONSIN FOCUS: Dams, Blogs, Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

    REPORT ON AMERICA'S DAMS: This might be of interest to those suffering from the Midwest floods. On June 8th, 2008, NPR ran a report on the decline of America's flood control dams (you can listen with Openplayer, I think). There has been a jump of 33% in the number of dams that are considered unsafe. Consider that as you ponder the impact of these floods.

    Blogging Wisconsin: Blogging Blue covers progressive issues in Wisconsin.

    Milwaukee Rising covers local issues in Milwaukee

    Watchdog Milwaukee is another local Milwaukee blog of note

    Badger Blues is a local Madison blog.

    And here is an article I came across on Urban Farming in Milwaukee, an idea whose time has come. And once again Wisconsin is ahead of the pack.


    WISCONSIN ACT BLUE SITE: Wisconsin is a critical state this year both because it is always a Presidential swing state, and because there are some important local elections. You can give through my Act Blue site to help win Wisconsin big this year. Within this list are two women I would particularly like to call your attention to. Justine Kozanoglu is running for the Wisconsin 21st State Assembly seat against a right wing fanatic who voted against emergency contraception for rape victims, and against hearing aids for hearing impaired children under 5 years old. She is an educator, involved with the Head Start program and is a member of National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, indicating her focus on both energy issues and education. Tara Johnson is running for the Wisconsin 32nd State Senate seat against a right wing fanatic incumbent who voted against a bipartisan bill in the Wisconsin legislature ensuring compassion for rape victims. Tara Johnson was recruited to the Progressive Majority Farm Team in the fall of 2007. She is currently serving her fifth term on the La Crosse County Board. Tara is the former executive director of United Way. On the La Crosse County Board, she is the chair of Health and Human Services Committee and Second Vice-Chair of the board. Tara is well respected and admired for her ability to fight for progressive values while building consensus among her peers. This is an important seat to pick up on the state level. Please, if you are in either district, volunteer. If you aren't, please donate $10 or more to help out.

    And here are some other candidates endorsed by Progressive Majority: (Progressive Majority candidates win about 50% of the time in Wisconsin elections...so these people have a good shot)

    Jessica King
    Candidate for Wisconsin State Senate - District 18 (Challenger)
    Oshkosh, East Winnebago County



    Progressive Majority in Wisconsin helped Jessica win election to the Oshkosh City Council in 2007, where she ran an aggressive race that unseated an incumbent. During that race she impressed us with her work ethic; she raised over $11,000 for her race and knocked thousands of doors. Jessica is now looking to move up and challenge Carol Roessler, a conservative member of the State Senate. This seat is one of our top targets for 2008 because an additional victory will bolster the one-seat majority in the State Senate. Jessica has attended Planned Parenthood and It's Up to Us training and is a recent graduate of Emerge - an intense, eight month leadership development program for Democratic women. Jessica is a practicing attorney and is active on numerous community boards including the Grand Opera House Foundation, the City Energy and Environment Committee, Transit Committee, and United Way.

    Click here to support and learn more about Jessica.

    Sandy Pasch
    Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 22 (Open Seat)
    Fox Point, River Hills, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood



    Sandy Pasch is running in an open seat vacated by Democrat Sheldon Wasserman, who is running for the State Senate to challenge conservative Alberta Darling. The 22nd is a seat that Democrats must protect. Sandy Pasch entered the race early and has been campaigning aggressively. Sandy has attended Camp Wellstone and secured the endorsement of the Inspector of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, the Milwaukee District Attorney, and many prominent progressive activists. Sandy is a registered nurse and 21-year resident of the 22nd district. She is married and has rasied three grown children. As a second job, Sandy teaches ethics, mental health, and community nursing at Columbia School of Nursing. She also serves on numerous community boards and works with the Milwaukee Police Department conducting training on how to effectively deal with people living with mental illness.

    Click here to support and learn more about Sandy.

    Paul Tubbs
    Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 34 (Challenger)
    Oneida and Vilas Counties



    Paul Tubbs is running for State Assembly in Wisconsin's 34th District. This will be Paul's second run for the 34th Assembly District. As latecomer to the 2006 election, despite having a small budget, he out-performed all other Democratic challengers who had run for this seat since 2000. This cycle we recruited Paul to run again. Paul is currently a member of the Rhinelander School Board, has worked as a school counselor for 34 years, is a member of Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and is a 30-year resident of his district. Paul owns a small business that has sold recreational equipment since 1988. His wife Cheryl is a teacher and they have three children.

    Kristen Dexter
    Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 68 (Challenger)
    Altoona, Eau Claire, Fall Creek



    Kristen is running for the State Assembly in the 68th District, a top target for us in 2008. Kristen has lived in this district for 14 years and was elected to the Altoona School Board in 2002. She serves on the Regional Steering Committee for Health Literacy Wisconsin. She owned a small business working as a metalsmith for several years. She has been married for 15 years to David Dexter, a neurologist at Luther Midelfort/Mayo, and she is a mother of 3 children. Kristen was a star campaign volunteer for Pat Krietlow, a Progressive Majority candidate elected to the State Senate in 2006.

    Dale Klemme
    Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 96 (Challenger)
    Prairie du Chien, Gays Mills, Viroqua, Hillsboro



    Dale Klemme is running for the 96th Assembly District seat - a top target for us in 2008. We identified and recruited Dale to run in the Spring of 2007. Dale is working to unseat Lee Nerison, a conservative Assembly member who has consistently voted along party lines. Dale is a community development planner who has lived in the district for 30 years, and his wife is the Mayor of Prarie du Chien. He is an active member of the Praire du Chien community, participating in the Praire du Chien Chamber and School Board. He is also a Vietnam veteran.

    Click here to support and learn more about Dale.


    Here are some Wisconsin Democracy for America Groups:

    Democracy for Wisconsin - Madison
    Meets first Wed. of each month, 7 PM, Madison, WI

    Join us in building a brighter and more progressive future for our country.

    For more information (including where) email: russwallac_at_aol.com or go here.

    DFA Northeast Wisconsin
    DFA - Northeast Wisconsin (DFA-NEW) meets the first Wednesday of each month to discuss issues, promote progressive candidates and actively work to bring democracy to the political process locally, regionally and nationally. Sign up here to get information on their meetings.

    Democracy for America-Greater Milwaukee
    Sign up here for information on this group.

    Democracy for SE Wisconsin
    Join this Yahoo Group to get information on this group.

    Democracy for Stevens Point:
    A group of progressive, concerned citizens in the Stevens Point, WI area who are interested in political change as described in Democracy for America, and organization originally begun by Governor Howard Dean.

    Join this Yahoo Group for more info on this group.


    Here are some other Wisconsin Groups and Events:

    Ozaukee First Friday Forum
    First Friday Forums - public affairs breakfast forums co-sponsored by MATC-Mequon, UW-Extension and the Ozaukee County Board.

    Held on the first Friday of every other month from 730am to 900 am at MATC-Mequon. $5 registration fee per session.
    Additional information: Sandra Webster 262-238-2205/ websters@matc.edu

    2008 Small Wind Conference
    June 17-18, 2008 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin

    Mark your calendars for the 2008 Small Wind Power Conference: June 17 & 18, 2008 in Stevens Point, WIsconsin at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. The Conference will be held just prior to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Energy Fair (June 20-22, 2008).

    Register here.

    TOPICS INCLUDE: - Updates from manufacturers and importers - Test results and updates on turbines and equipment under development - The real costs of system installations - Successfully navigating your way through insurance, zoning and the permitting process - Problem solving in the field - Innovations in the Industry - Input from dealers and installers - Update on NABCEP installer certification - Much, much more!

    CONFERENCE COST: $150 per person

    CONFERENCE INCLUDES: Light breakfasts, lunches, evening receptions and materials

    ACCOMMODATIONS: Discounted hotel rooms are almost sold out! Please reserve your room as soon as possible.

    Single/Double: $94 per night Suite: $149 per night 2-Room Suite: $189 Call the Holiday Inn & Convention Center to reserve your room today (715) 344-0200! Mention the Midwest Renewable Energy Association for the discounted rate.

    Go here for more info.

    The Small Wind Power Conference is hosted by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association.

    Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair
    Jun 20 – 22 2008
    Stevens Point, Wisconsin

    The Midwest Renewable Energy Association's annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair is the nation's largest gathering of renewable energy supporters, vendors and presenters.

    Join us for the 19th annual Energy Fair June 20-22, 2008. The Fair will be held at the ReNew the Earth Institute. The ReNew the Earth Institute is located at 7558 Deer Road in Custer, WI. See the Travel and Accommodations page for mapquest details and other information.

    General Energy Fair Information:
    Since its inception in 1990, the Energy Fair has shown 190,000 fairgoers how to change the world while having fun. Each summer the Fair transforms rural Custer, Wisconsin into the global hot spot for renewable energy education. The Energy Fair is the world’s largest renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living educational event of its kind. Please join us this year!

    The Energy Fair features hundreds of workshops and exhibits all emphasizing clean energy & sustainable living and is fun for the whole family. In 2007, the Energy Fair hosted over 19,500 attendees. We hope to see you in 2008!

    More info here: www.the-mrea.org

    Milwaukee County Democratic Club:
    We meet on the fourth Monday of most months (third Monday in May), 7 PM in the Hall of Fame Room of the Pettit National Ice Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park. We look forward to seeing you there!

    Petitt National Ice Center
    500 S. 84th St
    Milwaukee, WI, 53214

    For the bicycilists in Madison, here's Critical Mass Madison:

    Critical Mass is a movement (not an organization) that advocates for better transportation alternatives. Meets 5:30 PM, the last Friday of Every Month, no matter the weather. Gather where West Washington meets Capitol Square. Where the ride goes after that is decided by whoever shows up.


    And for those who like to combine social events with politics, here are the Drinking Liberally Groups in Wisconsin:

    Fitchburg, Wisconsin
    * Second Thursday of each month, 5:30-7:00 pm
    * Kelly's Grill, 2685 Research Park Dr
    * Hosted by Alice Jenson and John Mosman, fitchburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

    Sister Bay, Wisconsin
    * Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
    * Shipwrecked Restaurant & Brewery, 7791 Egg Harbor Rd (Hwy 42), Egg Harbor (village center on Hwy 42)
    * ALERT! We are currently on seasonal hiatus with our next gathering in May of 2008.
    * Hosted by Dick Kaiser, sisterbay (at) drinkingliberally.org

    0 Comments:

    Post a Comment

    << Home