News & Events


August 28, 2019
Save The Date!

New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner
New Date - Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant, Old Orchard Mall, Skokie
More Details Following Soon

New Trier Democrats' Endorsement Meeting
for the 2020 Primary
Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka
A prescription for justice
Today I read a couple news stories that reminded me of how disappointed I am that certain aspects of our justice system fall short of delivering true justice. The stories were about separate lawsuits targeting two well-known pharmaceutical firms.
 
One of the stories was about the state of Oklahoma suing Johnson & Johnson. The suit said the company and its subsidiaries “created a public nuisance” by using misleading language to aggressively market addictive painkillers, downplaying the risk of addiction.
 
An Oklahoma judge determined Johnson & Johnson had indeed practiced such promotion, with dangerous consequences. And the good news is, the judge ordered J&J to pay Oklahoma $572 million in compensation, one of the largest monetary awards in U.S. history, -- However the bad news is, this impressive sum is a fraction of the $17 billion settlement that Oklahoma sought and (considering the damaged lives, families and deaths) possibly deserved.  Yes, a Big Pharma corporation was held responsible for egregious misdeeds, but for a corporation that enjoyed $76.5 billion in worldwide sales in 2017 alone, a one-half billion-dollar penalty is peanuts.
 
The other drug company story involved Perdue Pharmaceuticals. They are probably best known as the makers of OxyContin. They’ve made a variety of other pain medicines for years, but OxyContin, introduced in 1996 as an “extended release” formula of oxycodone, has been their super seller. It promised 12 hours of powerful time-released pain relief and demanded a price of up to hundreds of dollars per bottle. Once things got rolling, Purdue’s earnings boomed from a few billion dollars in 2007 to $35 billion in 2017.
 
Such a successful product made the owners of Perdue richer than ever. Those owners are the Sackler family, who share an estimated fortune of $13 billion. And as I learned in my research, dealing with accusations and lawsuits isn’t new to them.
 
In 2007, Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges that the company had misrepresented the dangers of OxyContin, and three of their top officials pleaded guilty to criminal misdemeanors. The company and the men paid $634.5 million in fines. In a 2015 settlement, Kentucky received $24 million from Purdue Pharma. And most recently, prior to the Oklahoma court’s judgment against Johnson & Johnson the Sackler family and Purdue settled with Oklahoma out of court for $270 million.
 
As of right now, forty-eight states and Washington, D.C., as well as approximately 2,000 local and county governments, hospitals, and patients have gotten involved in suing Purdue and the Sacklers for allegedly using deceptive sales practices. The complaints have now been consolidated by a federal judge.
 
This brings me to the interesting proposal the Sacklers just made to resolve the grievances against them and their company. -- Perhaps they see the writing on the wall. For sure, they’re aware of the recent revelations of documents showing they clearly did encourage behavior that helped lead to our opioid disaster.
 
The Sacklers are proposing they declare bankruptcy and that Purdue be reorganized as a for-profit “public benefit trust. ” Reportedly, the “public benefit trust” would last for at least a decade with Purdue contributing between $7 billion and $8 billion, some of it coming, ironically, from the sales of drugs that combat opioid overdoses.
 
The trust would provide $4 billion in drugs to local and state governments to fight opioid addiction and also provide governments with profits from the sale of OxyContin. On top of that, the Sackler family would give up its ownership in Purdue, and contribute $3 billion to the settlement. – You might notice that this personal sacrifice would leave the family with only $10 billion for their personal needs.
 
I would not be surprised if the Sacklers and some of their peers running other Big Pharma firms envision wriggling out of this predicament in a way similar to the model presented by the tobacco industry. That group still has growing sales overseas and has found a profitable new product line at home that continues to deliver addictive nicotine. Those guys lied to the U.S. public for years as they knowingly sold a product that caused sickness and death. Then they lied to congress about their actions. Eventually, their corporations paid huge fines – but they’re still in business.
 
At this point in my litany of misdeeds, guilty pleas and settlement payments, you might notice that nowhere is there a mention of any person spending any time in jail. You never see it in the news either, because it doesn’t happen. The penalty they pay is always just...money.  This is where my disappointment surfaces. Corporate crimes require corporate criminals, and they should pay for their actions with a piece of time from their lives. Virtually all other criminals do.
 
Outrageous quantities of drugs have been pumped into communities and regions with populations that clearly do not justify the sales figures. People all through the system have known what was going on was wrong – from the manufacturers and marketers to the distributors, pharmacies, doctors and public officials. The national media even reported on it.
 
With all the destruction of human lives, the willful ignorance of criminality, the displays of soulless greed...so far it appears that nobody has been held accountable beyond paying a financial settlement – and finding dollars has not been a problem. Get people hooked on a drug, make lots of money from it and, if you’re caught, pay a fine. It’s the kind of system that would make “El Chapo” Guzman envious.
 
According to the CDC, last year nearly 49,000 Americans died from opioids. It may not be pre-meditated murder, but these opioid epidemic enablers are definitely accessories to that ultimate crime. They should face the justice of jail time.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
Saturday, September 14, 2019: New Trier Democrats’ Annual Meeting & Picnic at Gillson Park

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 - Annual Members' Meeting from 1:00pm to 2:00pm; Picnic for Everyone from 2:00pm to 4:00pm


What : At our Annual Members' Meeting, you'll hear what we've been up to this past year, as well as our plans for the 2020 election season. Please note that the Annual Meeting is restricted to Members only - If you're not currently a member,  why not join right now?

Our Picnic will begin immediately after our Annual Meeting and everyone - family, friends, neighbors - are welcome to attend. Our Picnic is always a great opportunity to meet fellow Democrats and hear from some of our local elected officials and candidates. We look forward to seeing you there!
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Tomorrow Night, August 29, 2019: Sierra Club Illinois Chapter 60th Anniversary Reception

When : Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where : The Roof Crop, 1516 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago
What : A celebratory fundraiser in support of Sierra Club Illinois PAC.  Link to RSVP .
Saturday, September 7, 2019: Petition Signing Kick-Off with Democrats of Northfield Township and Brad Schneider

When : Saturday, September 7, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Where : 3710 Commercial Ave., Suite 5, Northbrook
What : The Democrats of Northfield Township and Congressman Brad Schneider hold a petition-signing event for Democrats running in the March 17, 2020 primary. Come sign the petitions and grab a packet to gather signatures from your friends and neighbors. Training will be provided. Open to all Democrats of Northfield Township, which includes most of the Villages of Northbrook, Glenview, and Northfield. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, September 9, 2019: Information Session on Becoming a Delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention

When : Monday. September 9, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster Street, Evanston
What : The top priority of Illinois Democrats in the next year is choosing a Democratic Presidential candidate who can win back the White House and who shares our common goal of supporting the hard-working people of Illinois. The Democratic Party of Illinois wants to engage Democrats across Illinois in the process of selecting our next President – someone who better reflects the values of our country and the diversity of the Democratic Party. That’s where you come in!  Sign up to attend a Delegate Selection Information Session to learn more about how to become a 2020 delegate .
Wednesday, September 11, 2019: State Rep. Gabel’s Chief of Staff Available for Assistance

When : Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm
Where : New Trier Township Hall, 739 Elm St., Winnetka
What : Rep. Robyn Gabel’s Chief of Staff, Karen McCormick, will be available to answer questions about State of Illinois services. Township residents and neighbors are encouraged to drop by during the scheduled office hours.
Thursday, September 12, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch Party

When : Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : Watch the Third Democratic Presidential Debate with Indivisible Evanston (attendees will buy their own food & drink). The third (and next) round of debates will be hosted by ABC news in partnership with Univision in Houston.
Saturday, September 14, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Wisconsin Canvass

When : Saturday, September 14, 2019 – see signup for time options
Where : Kenosha, WI – see signup for meeting location options
What : Join Indivisible Evanston on September 14 as they canvass in Kenosha, WI as part of the Wisconsin Democrats weekend of action. After a great first canvass on August 10th, they are looking forward to heading back up north again to knock doors! Why Wisconsin is THE Pivotal State in 2020 & Why Our Boots on the Ground are Needed to Flip it: All predictive lists concur that Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral votes, could easily be the state that determines the 2020 presidential winner. Sign up for ONE of the four options available for canvassing on 9/14 from the Kenosha County Dems office, 5712 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI.  SIGN UP HERE
Sunday, September 15, 2019: Wilmette Skype Meet and Greet Fundraiser with Ghazala Hashmi

When : Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Where : Address provided upon RSVP
What : Join Sister District for an opportunity to meet  Ghazala Hashm i ! Ghazala is the Democratic candidate working to flip Virginia Senate District 10 (Richmond). She will join them by Skype at 4:00 pm. Democrats are just one seat down in both the VA House of Delegates and the VA Senate. Sister District is working to flip both houses blue. This goal is within reach, but it will not be easy—and it is crucial, as Virginia is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country. This event is a great way to learn about Sister District, and if you plan to support Ghazala in any way this year, meeting her will be very motivating and help you connect with voters. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit their event webpage .
Tuesday, September 17, 2019: The Fight For Immigrant and Economic Justice In Our Own Backyards

When : Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where : Am Shalom, 840 Vernon Ave., Glencoe
What : The Jewish Council on Urban Affairs’ North Suburban Organizing Team presents an evening with Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, staff from the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, and attorney and activist Lee Goodman. Hear about economic and systemic problems in our own neighborhoods and the connection between what we see here, within our immigrant community, and what is going on across the state and the country. Light refreshments will be served. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Wednesday, September 18, 2019: Deputy Voter Registrar Training with Tenth Dems

When : Wednesday, September 18, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Where : Northbrook Public Library, Civic Room, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
What : A training for Deputy Voter Registrars will be held. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and registered to vote in Cook County. The event is open only to Cook County residents who are interested in helping to register new voters. Deputy Registrars must be trained in the county in which they live, but once trained, can register voters anywhere in Illinois. Training takes less than an hour. This training is being held through the County Clerk’s Office and is free of charge. Sign-ups will be taken up to five hours before the class starts. In most cases, late sign-ups will not be added to the class.  Register online in advance . For additional information, contact Tenth Dems at [email protected] or call 847-266-VOTE(8683).
Michael Cabonargi
Sunday, September 22, 2019: Reception for Michael Cabonargi, Candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

When : Sunday, September 22, 2019 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Where : Address provided upon RSVP
What:  Please join John & Nicole Borovicka, Bill Brandt & Patrice Bugelas-Brandt, Pedro DeJesus, Susan Gallagher, Dan Johnson, Michelle Jordan, Eamon Kelly, Dave Lundy & Jen Jobrack, Richard Saines, Hon. Debra Shore, Regina Stilip, and Eric Sussman for an afternoon reception supporting Mike Cabonargi in his race for Cook County Circuit Clerk of Courts. For additional information, contact Eric at [email protected].  RSVP online .
Monday, September 23, 2019: Personal PAC Annual Awards Luncheon

When : Monday, September 23, 2019, Registration and reception at 11:00am; luncheon at 12:00noon
Where : Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
What : Personal PAC holds its Annual Awards Luncheon that will highlight the group’s efforts and raise funds to elect pro-choice officials. Pro-choice activist Cecile Richards is the keynote speaker. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Tuesday, September 24, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s September Meeting

When : Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : At their September monthly meeting, Indivisible Evanston will discuss “The Path to 2020: Flipping Wisconsin and Keeping the House Blue.” Want to hear about why flipping our neighboring WI is the path to removing Trump from the White House? Felesia Martin, 1st Vice Chair, WI Dems will speak to the WI Dems strategy to flip WI and how YOU can help with Indivisible Evanston’s “Reach Up Wisconsin” program of canvassing, voter registration, phone banking, postcards etc – Indivisible Evanston needs YOUR help. Plus, Marie Newman, Congressional candidate for IL – 3, is running against incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski. Marie will talk about how she will make the House Blue(r) in 2020 and how Indivisible Evanston can help her do that!
Thursday, September 26, 2019: Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz’s Campaign Kickoff Celebration

When : Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Ten Ninety Brewing Co., 1025 N. Waukegan Rd, Glenview
What : Join State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for her reelection Campaign Kickoff Celebration fundraiser. Co-hosts for her Campaign Kickoff Celebration include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Brad Schneider, State Sen. Laura Fine, State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Robyn Gabel. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit her event webpage .
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting began August 17 and will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
Need help contacting your
representatives in government?

Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats?
 
Your participation in grassroots political action
will make a difference. Come join us!

When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

Come be a part of New Trier Township's grassroots political community.    
New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.