A confidential document for Douglas County, Nevada Democrats

Blue Notes
Douglas County Democrats
The voice of Douglas County, Nevada Democrats February 2014

State of the Union, State of the County

Early in his 2014 State of the Union Address, President Obama told Congress, This chamber speaks with one voice to the people who represent it: it is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong. He went on to list varied accomplishments: The lowest unemployment rate in more than ve years. A rebounding housing market. A manufacturing sector thats adding jobs for the rst time since the 1990s. More oil produced at home than we buy from the rest of the world the rst time thats happened in nearly 25 years. Our decits cut by more than half. For the rst time in over a decade, business leaders around the world have declared that China is no longer the worlds number one place to invest. America is. I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America, the President said. In the coming months, he said, Lets see where else we can make progress together. Lets make this a year of action. Obamas message holds true for Democrats in Douglas County. Lets make this a year of progress and a year of action.

Whats a Caucus?
All Douglas County Democrats are urged to participate in the caucuses Feb. 22, but just what is a caucus? A precinct caucus is a meeting of people who live in the same voting area or precinct. The Democratic Party uses precinct caucuses to get grassroots participation when selecting our delegates to the state convention, as well as submitting names for consideration to the county central committee. The county central committee of each major political party in each county shall have a precinct meeting of the registered voters of the party residing in each voting precinct entitled to delegates in the county convention called and held on the dates set for the precinct meeting by the respective state central committees in each year in which a general election is held. (Per NRS 293.135). We will collect and forward resolutions to draft our county and state platforms. Then, county conventions will discuss resolutions and platform issues to be forwarded to the state convention. This is an excellent time to put forth those (Continued on Page 6)

Please share this newsletter with your Democratic friends

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2014 Douglas County Democratic Caucus; Plan to attend and bring a Democratic friend
The 2014 Douglas County Democratic Caucus will be held at Douglas High School. Feb. 22. There will be a call to action for us to do our part to take the House of Representatives back. This is your chance to see our party in action and bd a part of history in the making.

Nevada State Treasurer candidate to address Douglas Dems at February DCDCC meet
!

Kim Wallin, our candidate for Nevada State Treasurer, will address the

Central Committee Feb. 27. Lets give her a big welcome to Douglas County. The meeting will start with a social at 6:30 p.m. The business meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Annual Keep Nevada Blue Dinner March 22

! Kate Marshall will deliver the keynote address to the annual Keep Nevada Blue Dinner Saturday, March 22, at the Carson Valley Inn. She is currently the Nevada State Treasurer and a candidate for Secretary of State. Other constitutional state ofcers are expected to attend.

What precinct are you in?

! If youre not sure what precinct you reside in, contact Douglas County Democratic headquarters at (775) 783-1903, or drop by the County Clerks ofce at 1616 8th St. in Minden, or call (775) 782-9820.

Note:

February is Black History Month

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From the Chair ...

You can make a difference

As the world continues to grow more complicated there are problems as well as challenging choices to make. When it comes to the current political arena, proactively nding common ground to move the country forward continues to elude many current legislators. When election cycles return every other year or so, I nd myself thinking, Oh boy, here we go again! I know if I have the television on there will be plenty of commercials. Depending on who produces the spot, there may be grand pronouncements that a chosen star is incredible beyond human description or barbs stating why the opposing candidate is lower than the lowest life form. Although theres usually a grain of truth to most advertisements, an ordinary magnifying glass isnt always strong enough to make it clearly visible. It can feel so frustrating at times that tossing ones hands in the air and pondering whether ones lone vote will make a difference may seem like an option. And one lone vote may or may not make a difference. But if one doesnt, maybe two will; or three; or eleven. Just recently, in a very closely contested special election in Virginia, a Democrat was able to win a seat that will allow Dems to seize control of the Virginia Senate. The winning margin was 11 votes. ELEVEN! Out of more than 20,000! That brings into keen focus how important every single vote can be! The upcoming election cycle is nonpresidential, so it will be even more important to dig deep, make sure we get out and cast our own votes, as well as encourage our friends and fellow Democrats to do the same. Since its a nonpresidential year perhaps we will have to work a bit harder, make a few more phone calls, knock on a few more doors, or register a few more voters. Any time I make such suggestions, the rst place I look is in the mirror and demand of myself as much or more than I ask of anybody else. There are races for local, regional and state ofces that can have signicant impact on our lives. Imagine a Congress member who has the good of the state and the country in mind when he or she votes. Or a Secretary of State who continues the legacy of protecting and strengthening voter rights. Or a Governor who is still close enough to working class roots to identify with the challenges of improving middle class life in Nevada. Imagine elected ofcials willing to work for YOUR interests! Although some political activities may seem rather distant or impersonal, my perspective has changed tremendously the past several years. Ive gotten more familiar with the processes of creating and passing legislation and the results that transpire from such activity. I have discovered, in the entire process, there is one incredibly important factor that can help steer the county, state or country in a desirable direction: YOUR VOTE! Cast it on or before election day! You say somebody needs to do something? Well, by golly, YOU look like somebody to me! Kimi Cole

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Member prole:

Gim Hollister: Democrat Emeritus

(Editors note: Each edition of your Blue Notes features a prole of a Democratic leader in Douglas County.) Gim (thats pronounced with a hard G) Hollister moved to the high desert of Northern Nevada in 1946 at the age of six. He grew up with politics and ranching. Gim says his parents were always interested in politics and were Democrats. His dad served as campaign director for Grant Sawyers successful campaign to become the states 21st Governor. He remembers his dad driving around the state with a huge Sawyer for Governor sign atop Gims little Volkswagen. The sign was too big. The car sort of sailed, he said with a smile between spoons full of ice cream in his present hometown of Genoa. After winning the governorship, Sawyer urged President John F. Kennedy to appoint his dad, Graham, as special assistant to Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. It was the early 60s when Gim and his wife Joyce, stuck our toes in the political water. He was named a delegate to the Young Democrats national convention in New York City. He was hooked. But Gim was still a farm boy and has fond memories of cattle ranching in the Genoa area. The ranch now raises golf balls, he said. But during its day, the family raised registered Angus cows. Family friends had a herd, and for every three calves born the Hollisters were able to keep one. Gim Hollister We never did well at it, he recalled. It was a small ranch: 400 acres here and another 140 on top of the ridge. Hes retired now, but said with a wink, Ive probably been retired all my life, really. His dad ran for State Senate in 1966 but lost to Archie Pozzi, the incumbent. Like father, like son, Gim took a shot at the Nevada State Senate in 1986. Hollister said he never wanted to run for local ofce, so he tackled the senate, running against Lawrence Jacobsen. I didnt see the point in running for county commissioner and being beaten up every day, he said. Although he didnt win, he garnered 42 percent of the vote, pretty remarkable for a Democrat in this area. I enjoyed campaigning, and I loved meeting people. Hes served as chair of the Douglas County Democratic Central Committee twice, rst in 1989 and again in 2007. He doesnt like to be tied to formality. Sometimes you have to have a little bit of wiggle room to be able to play the game in places where you have maybe 35 (central committee) members one year and the next year you might have only six or eight, he said. Gim said the membership ups and downs are typical in rural areas depending on whether there is a Presidential election at stake. He loves living and serving in a rural area and proudly claims to be a very good California liberal even though hes spent most of his life in the Silver State. Gim believes the current Central Committee is on the right path, and said, I really appreciate what (present chair) Kimi (Cole) is trying to accomplish. Hes also encouraged by the apparent rift amongst Republicans, noting the recent departure from the GOP ranks by former legislator and Lt. Gov. Sue Wagner, who became an independent. Rurals are indispensible, he said. The rural (counties) may never win, but they stop defeat. They are absolutely key in so many races. He credits President Obama for creating enthusiasm within the Democratic ranks. Its very difcult to create enthusiasm unless there is a big string pulling us, he said. I believe that string is the President.

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Join the Carson City Democratic Womens Club

Celebrating 150 Years of NEVADA Women

Saturday March 15, 2014 12p.m. to 3p.m.

Governor's Mansion 606 Mountain Street

History Tea

There are two tables per era, so reserve your table early. Come dressed in that period costume.
Shop for period clothes at FISH and Classy Seconds

Best costume for that era will win a prize!

! !

Come and hear! the History of Nevada Women!

Doors Open At 11a.m.

Tickets:
$25.00 w/no drink token and 1 door prize ticket $33.00 w/2 drink tokens and 1 door prize ticket

Advance Tickets include 2 more door prize tickets!

Eras will be from: 1864 - 1900 1901 - 1939 1940 - 1959 1960 - 1979 1980 - 1999 2000 - Present

Please R.S.V.P. by March 7, 2014 Margaret Mello at 775-883-1082 or CCDCC at 775-841-DEMS

Benefits the Carson City Democratic Womens Club activities and scholarship fund

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What is a caucus?
(continued from Page 1) great ideas you have wanted to see implemented at state or national levels. Local party building efforts are another key purpose for convening the caucuses. We will feature guest speakers, including candidates for congressional districts and at least one Democratic candidate for Governor. Its time to take a look at the political landscape from the eyes of working class representatives! County caucuses will provide training for those actively committed to electing Democrats in the next election cycle. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, its the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

Timely Ticklers
Young Democrats Club
"" Plans are continuing to establish, then support, a Young Democrats Club in Douglas County. For information, contact Carol Lark at (775) 636-0050 or email her at carollark678@gmail.com.

Scholarship fund
DCDCC is looking for high school students who may be eligible for our $1,000 scholarship. The award will go to a student at Douglas or Whittell High school. Contributions toward the scholarship fund would be greatly appreciated. "Please send to DCDW, P.O. Box 939, Minden, NV 89423.

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Your 2013 DCDCC Ofcers ...

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Chair of DCDCC: Kimi Cole (kimimcole@gmail.com) First Vice Chair: Paul Belt Second Vice Chair (Campaign Liaison): Cindy Trigg Secretary: Katherine Winans Treasurer: Eric Grifn Member-at-large: Melanie Meehan-Crossley Member-at-large: Gim Hollister Chairs of Standing Committees: Administration Committee: Nancy Downey (data base maintenance, etc.). Publicity/ Public Relations: Pat Stanley Fundraising/Finance: Pending Membership: Pending Candidate Recruitment: Pending Political Action/ Programs: Pending

YOUR BLUE CALENDAR

February 15 Saturday A Few Of My Favorite Things DCDW art show & reception 1143 Country Club Drive (Saratoga Springs off Stephanie Way) February 17 Monday 6:30 p.m. DCDCC Executive Committee Headquarters 1513 Hwy 395, Gardnerville February 22 Saturday Douglas County Democratic Caucus 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Douglas High School February 27 Thursday DCDC Central Committee 6:30 p.m. social 7 p.m. business Headquarters 1513 Hwy 395, Gardnerville March 22 Saturday Keep Nevada Blue Dinner Carson Valley Inn May 3 Saturday DC County Convention Douglas High School