OUR LEADERSHIP & DGTDO OFFICE SUPPORT |
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MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR - NOVEMBER EDITION
By Kim Savage, DGTDO Chair
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Woo hoo! Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2020 election historic! While it has been a tough year for everyone, we can take pride in all of the excellent candidates who put themselves out there on behalf of the community! Five residents of our township stepped up to run as Democrats in this cycle; Sean Casten for U.S. Congress, Jennifer Zordani for State Representative, Gail Cabala-Lowery for County Board, Greg Whalen for Coroner, and Bill White for Auditor (unofficial results have Bill in the lead by 75 votes). At the time I am writing this, it appears likely that Bill will overcome the Election Night vote deficit and win his election.
We made some historic gains in DuPage County by electing Candice Adams as Clerk of the Circuit Court, Kathy Carrier as Recorder of Deeds, and Peggy O’Connell as a Circuit Court Judge. Closer to home, both candidates in District 2 that serves the northern part of our township won their races; Paula Deacon Garcia for County Board and Tina Tyson-Dunne for the Forest Preserve District. Altogether, Democrats have now captured the majority of seats on the County Board and the Forest Preserve District. Kudos to Sean Casten and Anne Stava-Murray for their re-elections.
These historic gains and the massive voter turnout are due to the diligence of the candidates, Precinct Committeepersons and other volunteers who stuffed bags, distributed literature, made calls and wrote postcards (both local and national). Thank you! We also owe a debt of gratitude to the volunteers who kept the office open seven days each week, as well as the Election Judges and Pollwatchers who worked on Election Day to ensure that votes were safely cast. Thank you! We also need to give a big shout out to Cynthia Borbas, Chair of the DuPage Democrats and Nate Sippel, the Executive Director of the DPDC who gave their endless energy and support to the Election effort. Thank you! Unfortunately, we did not have a clean sweep across the board, but we are proud of everyone who ran. Thank you! We should also mention the awesome organization of Postcard 2 Swing States by two of our township residents Reid McCollum and Ramsey Ellis and all of the volunteers who engaged with the project. Thank you! All of the wins were built on the shoulders of the true believers who have volunteered to carry the Democratic torch here for decades. Thank you!
Our thanks could go on for pages and pages, but the important point here is the massive team effort contributed to wins locally, as well as nationwide. Even though we may be tempted to take a deep breath, we cannot slow down; there are two Senate races in Georgia that need immediate attention! Beyond that, we still need candidates to step up to run for municipal, library, park district, school boards, College of DuPage, and Fire Protection Districts. We also need to stay engaged to make historic gains in April by electing Democrats to the Downers Grove Township Government.
Once again, thank you to everyone who helped make this a glorious year and please stay engaged in 2021. The best is yet to come!
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THANK YOU! YOU ARE THE VICTORS!
By Carla Feinkind
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Democrats nationwide elected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris! We did not manage to get the huge, blue tsunami… But, we still have the Georgia runoffs that WILL give us the Senate! (PLEASE DONATE to those January runoffs.) And, keep an eye out for Lauren Underwood's victory!
So… a very big…
THANK YOU to ALL the members of the DGTDO who worked so hard for months to elect Biden and Harris, as well as Democrats down the ballot!
THANK YOU to the MANY who walked precincts handing out candidate and election materials!
THANK YOU to the MANY who wrote postcards to voters in our local communities and in other states, too. Those postcards helped turn out the vote!
THANK YOU to the MANY who phone banked!
THANK YOU to the MANY who donated to local Democrats and to Democrats statewide and nationally!
Finally, THANK YOU to our dedicated and visionary LEADERSHIP in DGTDO.
2020 showed us that motivated people ARE THE POWER! Now, let's remember that Democracy is not "WON" and DONE... and clearly 2022 is going to be the challenge that we the MANY can and WILL meet.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DID SO MUCH TO KICK TRUMP OUT!
YOUR PASSION AND EFFORTS DID IT!
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Send checks to DGTDO, PO Box 785,
Downers Grove 60515
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SUPPORT DGTDO OFFICE AND HELP ELECT DEMOCRATS! |
We continue in this time of the COVID-19 crisis to applaud the efforts of our doctors, nurses, health care professionals, health care support staff, fire fighters, EMTs, police, letter carriers, sanitation workers, teachers, store clerks, food production employees, farmers, and everyone else who makes it possible for us to care for those who are ill and those who are isolated at home.
While we are not meeting in person or out knocking on doors, our work continues. In addition to social media and email, we will be doing more outreach through the U.S. Mail. We must also continue to pay for our office rent and utilities.
The benefit of having our office can’t be overstated. It is instrumental in having a central location to coordinate the efforts of our candidates, Precinct Committeepeople and volunteers; having a drop off and pick up location; a place for voters to stop in when they have questions; and much more. We were very successful in the November election in electing and re-electing Democrats up and down the ballot. And Democrats are now the majority on the DuPage County Board and the DuPage Forest Preserve.
If you are a monthly supporter, we appreciate your ongoing commitment to the organization. We also appreciate the annual checks that we have received from some of our special donors. We hope that everyone will continue to donate to fund our work during these vital election years. Our priorities will shift from Federal, State, and County election to the local Municipal and Township elections in 2021. Local government has the most impact on our day-to-day lives. Our priorities will be on voter outreach and engagement to elect more elected officials who believe in and support Democratic values.
It is our job to help get voters to the polls and we welcome your support. Here are links to online donation opportunities:
Send checks to DGTDO, PO Box 785,
Downers Grove 60515
Thank you for your continued support!
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PC CORNER - NOVEMBER 2020.
By Chris Hotchkin
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We Democratic Precinct Committeepersons do not spend much time sitting on our laurels. On to the next election!
Things to do this month:
- Thank your voters. Send a postcard or letter or make a phone call to Democratic voters in your precinct who voted in the General Election and thank them for making their voice heard by voting.
- Recruit more helpers. Ask Democrats in your precinct if they might like to help you by being a block captain. If you have friends or family who live in the township, talk with them about being a Democratic Precinct Committeeperson. Our Township Chair and County Chair can appoint them to an empty precinct.
- Consider being a candidate for village council, library board, school board, or township.
- Help municipal and school board candidates get signatures on their petitions.
- Keep informed about local, state, and national issues.
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OFFICE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR PCs. |
DGTDO has resources available at the office to assist precinct committeepersons in their efforts to get ready for 2021 Township and Municipal election. Resources include:
You can also drop of yard signs at the office. Need something else, just ask.
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IT'S GEORGIA POSTCARD WRITING TIME. |
We need to Get Out the Vote in Georgia for the January 5, 2021 runoff election. The Senate majority is hanging in the balance. To neutralize Mitch and to be able to get things done, we need these 2 Democratic Senators elected! We can do it!
Stop by DGTDO office and pick up Postcards to Georgia. Voter addresses and instructions are included. Good news is the message is short! Postcards are to be mailed between December 26 to 28. Office hours are:
- Monday - Thursday, 1:30 to 6:00 pm
- Friday. 2:00 to 6:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:00 am to noon
Change of plans for Thanksgiving? Writing postcards for this cause will be a great alternative!
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SUPPORT DG TOWNSHIP BUSINESSES |
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DEMOCRATIC-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES DIRECTORY. |
During this difficult time, we continue to encourage everyone to support their local businesses.
DGTDO is compiling a list of "Democratic Friendly" businesses in DuPage County, and we are asking for your help.
Our goal is to create a directory to share and encourage support for these businesses. If you know of businesses that support our democratic values and should be included in the directory, fill out this form.
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REPUBLICAN STATES ARE THE WORST |
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- Republican Rule Has Created Taxpayer Dependent Red States
- Red States Have the Highest Percentage of People on Disability
- Red States Have the Lowest Labor Force Participation Rates
- Red States Are the Poorest
- Red States Have the Least Educated Populations
- Red States Have the Least Healthy Populations & Worst Healthcare Systems
- Republican Rule Has Created Taxpayer Dependent Red States
- Red States Have the Highest Percentage of People on Disability
- Red States Have the Lowest Labor Force Participation Rates
- Red States Are the Poorest
- Red States Have the Least Educated Populations
- Red States Have the Least Healthy Populations & Worst Healthcare Systems
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RED VERSUS BLUE.
By Ken Kuchar
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Republican Rule Has Created Taxpayer Dependent Red States
Red states are the most dependent upon “big government.” The overwhelming majority of the top state recipients of federal taxpayer money are Red states. In fact, the overwhelming majority of Blue states pay more in federal tax dollars than they get back and the overwhelming majority of Red states get more in federal tax money than they pay.
Mitch McConnell’s Kentucky is a prime example. For every $1 Kentucky pays in taxes, it gets back $2.41 in federal taxpayer money. In fact, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana rely on the federal government for more than 40% of their state revenue. By contrast, Blue states like Connecticut, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York get the lowest percentage of federal money and pay far more in federal taxes than they get back.
Red states are responsible for much of our federal budget deficit. Red states are consistently taking more in federal money than they pay in. Decades of Republican dominance in Red states have left those states dependent on our tax money.
Red States Have the Highest Percentage of People on Disability
The top 5 states with people on disability are Red states. Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, and West Virginia have the highest number of people on federal disability.
Red States Have the Lowest Labor Force Participation Rates
9 of the top 10 states with the lowest labor force participation rates are Red states, including, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Red States Are the Poorest
Red states are the overwhelming poorest states in the country with the highest poverty rates. Mississippi (19.8%), Louisiana (18.7%), West Virginia (17.4%), Arkansas (16.8%), North Carolina 14.1%), Alabama (16.8%), Kentucky (16.7%), Texas (14.9%), Florida (13.7%), South Carolina (15.2%), Oklahoma (15.5%), and Tennessee (15.2%) all have incredibly high poverty rates. With the exception of New Mexico with its impoverished Native American population, all of the top 10 highest poverty rate states are Red states.
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2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION |
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DOWNERS GROVE TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS SCHEDULED: DECEMBER 1. |
WATCH YOUR EMAIL FOR DETAILS.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
This is an opportunity to meet candidates who plan to run for one of the Township offices. It's your opportunity to be part of the process to determine who our candidates will be. More information will be sent by email, so STAY TUNED.
See the next article for details about Township offices that are open and how to let us know if you are interested in running for an office.
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Downers Grove Township Offices
2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION
April 6, 2021
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TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT CANDIDATE ROUNDUP! |
It is time to start finding Democratic candidates to run for the Downers Grove Township Offices that will be on the ballot in April. We will have an information session during the next week or so for people who are interested in running or helping manage the campaign.
Please fill out this form if you are possibly interested in running on the Democratic slate for Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, Highway Commissioner or one of the four Trustees. These candidates will be chosen by caucus on Tuesday, December 1.
Downers Grove Township Offices
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Village/City Offices, Library Board, School Board, Park District, Fire Protection
2021 CONSOLIDATED ELECTION
April 6, 2021
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MUNICIPAL, SCHOOL BOARD, LIBRARY BOARD, PARK DISTRICT OFFICES |
If you are interested in running for school board, library board, park district, fire protection district, or city/village council, please also fill out this form. We will schedule another meeting to discuss these non-partisan races.
Library
- Clarendon Hills Library Trustee (4)
- Hinsdale Library Trustee (4)
- Indian Prairie Public Library District Trustee (2)
- Westmont Library Trustee (3)
- Woodridge Library Board Member (2)
Village / City
- Burr Ridge Village Mayor, Clerk, Trustee (3)
- Clarendon Hills Village Trustee (3)
- Darien City Alderman Ward 1, Ward 3, Ward 5, Ward 7
- Downers Grove Village Commissioner (3)
- Oak Brook Village Trustee (3)
- Westmont Village Mayor, Clerk, Trustees (3)
- Woodridge Village Mayor, Clerk, Trustees (2)
Park District
- Downers Grove Park Commissioner (2)
- Darien Park District (2 or 3)
- Golf View Hills Park Commissioner
- Lemont Park District Commissioner
- Westmont Park District Commissioner (3)
- Woodridge Park District Commissioner (2)
Board of Education
- Butler School District 53 Board of Education Member 4 year (4)
- COD District 502 Trustee (3)
- Community Consolidated School District 180 Board of Education Member (4)
- Community High School District 99 Board of Education Member (4)
- Community Unit School District 201 Board of Education Member (2)
- Darien Public School District 61 Board of Education Member (3)
- Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Board of Education Member (4)
- DuPage County Regional Board of School Trustee (2)
- Gower School District 62 Board of Education Member (5)
- Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board of Education Member (4)
- Lemont Township 210 Unit School District Board Member (3)
- Lemont- Bromberek Combined School District 113A (3)
- Maercker School District 60 Board of Education Member (3)
- Woodridge School District 68 Board of Education Member (3)
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MORE EVENTS AND RESOURCES |
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DWDC ANNUAL GREEK ISLANDS DINNER. (Virtual)
By Joanna Williams
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The Democratic Women of DuPage County’s Annual Greek Islands Dinner will be virtual this year with a very special speaker and an actual (non virtual!) dinner option from the Greek Islands!
Monday, November 23, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Special Speaker: Jill Wine-Banks
Join Sean Casten and many other elected officials and candidates
Sign up now AND order your dinner from Greek Islands to enjoy during the event! Your dinner order will not only help a local business during tough times but will also help our bottom line since Greek Islands is donating $8 for every dinner we purchase!
Sign up and details at:
DWDC Greek Islands Dinner package – November 23:
- Fixed meal menu: Soup (Avgolemono), Traditional Greek Salad. Pastichio, Spinach Pie (Spanakotiropita), Dessert (Galaktoburiko, custard in pastry, because it is nut free).
- $30 per fixed meal, $8 returned back to us for each fixed meal order.
- People can add anything else onto their fixed meal order including the wine special.
- No delivery. Pick up at restaurant only.
- Order only by phone 630-932-4545, specify the DWDC special dinner and time of pickup, credit card # will be taken when ordering but not charged until Nov 23.
- Orders have to be in by Saturday Nov 21.
- Pick up can be anytime on Nov 23 after 11am.
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If one person is picking up multiple orders all orders should specify the same pickup time.
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SAVE THE DATE. DGTDO HOLIDAY PARTY (Virtual)
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MARK YOU CALENDAR!
LET'S GET TOGETHER (VIRTUALLY) AND CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS
DGTDO HOLIDAY PARTY
Wednesday, December 16
DETAILS TO FOLLOW
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PEACE! TOASTMASTERS
1ST FRIDAY 6:30-8:30PM
3RD SUNDAY 3:00-5:00pm
DUPAGE DEMOCRATS OFFICE
CURRENTLY MEETING VIRTUALLY
- Improve your impromptu speaking
- Learn to articulate your message clearly
- Learn to use feedback to improve performance
- Try out new ideas
- Vent with like-minded people
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On the Home Page, scroll down to see a list of events that that will take place in our DGTDO Office. Upcoming events that may be of interest are updated regularly on the website. If there is an event you would like added, let us know.
Our goal is to make the website more useful to everyone including voters, precinct committeemen, and people looking to get involved in our democratic efforts.
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THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO & WAYS TO HELP. |
Left Out – DuPage Area is a unique local Facebook group that serves as an informational clearinghouse for all Democratic leaning - progressive events occurring in and around DuPage County. It has over 2,700 followers.
Left Out DuPage is a great way to find events in the area. Also, if you have a progressive event, you can post it. On a weekly basis, Left-Out - DuPage Area searches Facebook for events hosted by local campaigns and grassroots organizations and reposts them to their followers. It is volunteer-run and has no affiliation with any organization or campaign.
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White House: (202) 456-1111
Click on GET INVOLVED in the blue header
Dept of Justice: (202) 353-1555
Congressional Switchboard for Both Houses: (202) 224-3121
Local offices if Washington office is busy:
Sen. Dick Durbin (312) 353-4952
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (312) 886-3506
Rep. Sean Casten 202-225-4561, 630-520-9450
Rep. Mike Quigley (773) 267-5926
Rep. Bill Foster (630) 585-7672
Rep. Dan Lipinski (708) 242-0853
NEED TO MAKE SURE THE GOP LEADERSHIP HEARS YOU?
State of IL: JB Pritzker:
(217) 782-0244
State Sen Suzy Glowiak
(217) 782-8148, Local TBD
Rep Deanne Mazzochi
(217) 782-1448, (630) 852-8633
State Sen John Curran
(630) 796-2623, (217) 82-9407
State Rep Jim Durkin
(217) 782-0494, (630) 325-2028
State Rep Anne Stava-Murray
(217) 782-6578 , 630-605-0595
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Contact the corporate media too!
ABC News: (212) 456-7777
CBS News: (212) 975-3247
NBC and MSNBC News (212) 664-4444
CNN (404) 827-1500
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DGTDO OFFICE HOURS:
November / December 2020
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DGTDO Office
(PO Box 785)
908 Curtiss, Downers Grove
630-297-8600
Office Opened with Phase 3 Guidelines. BE SAFE!!
Monday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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Upcoming Events and Key Election Dates
Types of events: DGTDO, Candidate, Education / Issues, “Be Active”, Organization Meeting
Updated November 18, 2020
Recurring Events
DGTDO Office (Virtual)
Saturdays, 10:00 to 11:00 am
DGTDO Office
*VIRTUAL Coffee and Chat
DGTDO Office Hours
Saturdays, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
DGTDO Office (for dropping off and picking up materials)
908 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove
Weekend hours plan to be expanded. Call to make sure someone is in office. 630-297-8600
NOVEMBER 2020
November 23 (Monday), 7:00 to 8:30 pm
DWDC Annual Greek Islands Dinner (Virtual)
Special Speaker: Jill Wine-Banks
Virtual Meeting
DECEMBER 2020
December 1 (Tuesday) Time TBD
Downers Grove Township Democratic Caucus
Stay tuned for meeting details
December 4 (Friday), 6:00 to 9:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
December 9 (Wednesday), 7:30 to 9:00 pm
DGTDO Monthly Meeting - NO DECEMBER MEETING
December 16 (Wednesday), 7:30 to 9:00 pm
DGTDO HOLIDAY PARTY
Virtual Meeting
details TBD
December 20 (Sunday), 3:00 to 5:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
JANUARY 2021
January 8 (Friday), 6:00 to 9:00 pm (Jan 1 Holiday)
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
January 13 (Wednesday), 7:30 to 9:00 pm
DGTDO Monthly Meeting (2nd Wednesday)
Virtual Meeting
January 17 (Sunday), 3:00 to 5:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
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