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SPRING ELECTIONS
It seems like yesterday that we elected Joe Biden President and Kamala Harris Vice-President. Now it’s time to take our enthusiasm for change into 2021.
The only state election is for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. There are seven candidates who will be on the ballot in the February 16th primary. Two of them have been invited to come to our January 20th Zoom meeting which will be held at 6:00 pm since the candidates will be involved in a Forum from 6:30-8:00 pm. Shelia Briggs is presently the Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Jill Underly is the Superintendent of Schools for the Pecatonica Area. Also reaching out for support from the Shawano Dems was Dr. Shandowlyon Hendricks who is an author and consultant in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals for District 3 has three candidates. Antigo attorney Aaron Loudenslager and Wausau attorney Rick Cveykus have both wanted help from the party.
Website information about all the candidates can be found on our website.
Those living in the School District of Shawano have an opportunity to vote for Robin Raber Bergeron for the Shawano School Board in the at-large member position. Robin works as a clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor In her private practice in Shawano . She is active in her daughter’s school’s PTA and PTO.
Also, in the primary will be candidates for Shawano Alderperson for District One. Maureen (Muffy) Culhane and Daniel Poels will be on the ballot with two others. Muffy is a pharmacist at ThedaCare and board president for SAM25. She is also on the board for Red River Riders. Dan is an insurance agent for Humana with 12 years of experience in the Medicare industry. He has done volunteer work for Shawano Pathways and is a volunteer driver with SHHS to bring people to their doctor’s visits.
ZOOM MEETINGS
Because of the continued need to socially distance, we will be having our monthly meetings on Zoom until further notice. January’s meeting will begin at 6:00 pm on January 20th (Inauguration Day). February’s meeting will be held at 7:00 pm on February 17th and will feature State Representative Katrina Shankland. She is a co-sponsor for cannabis reform and marijuana legalization. Zoom links will be sent out on email prior to the meetings.
MONTHLY TOPICS
The Shawano Democratic Party continues to have the opportunity to be a part of the WTCH Breakfast Club on the 2nd Thursday of the month and have monthly op-eds published in the Shawano Leader. It is important that we continue educate the public about our democratic values.
In January we discuss our polarized politics. At this moment in history, it is less about Conservatives versus Liberals and more about those who believe in democracy and those who are killing it by their actions. Trump’s political movement has caused the decline in the quality of our democracy.
In February the topic will be voter suppression. Republicans have been trying to make it harder to vote for decades. They know that the majority of the American people want better jobs, health care, a clean environment and quality education which Democrats are continually fighting for. By suppressing the vote, Republicans think they have a better chance of winning.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 20: 6:00 pm Dems’ meeting on Zoom
February 11: Listen to WTCH’s Breakfast Club from 8:30-9:00 am on 960 AM & 96.1 FM.
February 17: 7:00 pm Dem’s meeting on Zoom
Chair’s Comments
We are all frazzled by the events of January 6th at the Capitol. It wakes us up to the fact that our democracy is fragile but is worth defending. It will require the continued efforts of each and every one of us to maintain it for the next generation. Unfortunately, the dangerous forces responsible for this event will remain long after Trump leaves office. Taking them on will require our continued, concerted action. We must take on this challenge together.
The Shawano Dems have some changes in leadership. New officers include Patty Luff as 2nd Vice Chair and Carrie Pitt as Treasurer. A special thanks to Denise Riley and Bob Koch who served in those positions for the last two years. Also, a big thanks to Kathy Nodolf who recently stepped down as our Facebook administrator. We are currently looking for someone to take her place.
Don’t’ hesitate to contact us with your ideas or concerns.
Jan Koch, Chair 715-526-2955 (home); 715-296-6726 (cell)
Dan Weidner, 1st Vice Chair 715-250-1212
Patty Luff, 2nd Vice Chair 725-851-5761
If you haven’t heard Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comments on what went on last week, you need to hear them. Lick on this link.