We Rely on Your Sustaining Support
As I mentioned in my post last week, money is the lifeblood of politics. That is why fundraising is so vital for sustaining our political organization. Your small dollar donations are what make it possible for us to operate on a continuing basis. These recurring donations are the basis for our budgeting and planning. Personally, I donate $10/month through ActBlue to the KCDCC.
Here is my ask. Meet me at the donor window with $10 each month. If one thousand Democrats donate $10 per month for 18 months, we would accrue a campaign fund of the $180,000 for the November 2024 election. With this level of funding, we would be able mount a serious challenge to our conservative opposition.
Attention Voters Living in the CDA School District
In Idaho, the Legislature chronically underfunds public schools, leaving a funding gap for local school districts to fill. That is the purpose of the CDA Schools Supplemental Levy. It fills a twenty-five percent gap in their annual operating budget. This added funding pays for employee costs, textbooks and classroom supplies, student computers, elective classes, sports and extracurricular activities, safety personnel, transportation, custodial services, and more. That is why your vote on May 16th is so important. If the levy fails, CDA Schools will have to implement school closures, teacher layoffs, and service restrictions affecting children in the district.
Attention Voters Living in the Lakeland Joint School District
A levy election is on the ballot for the Lakeland Joint School District. The LJSD is running replacement Supplemental and Plant Facility Levies to continue current programs. If you are a voter served by LJSD, please support these levies by voting YES in the May 16 Election.
Get Out the Yes Vote for CDA Schools
The YES Campaign for Coeur d’Alene Public Schools is asking Kootenai Democrats to coordinate a flag waving campaign in front of the County Elections Office during the early voting period (May 1-12). If you want to help with this effort, Signup Here. There are multiple 3-hour shifts to cover. You are welcome to fill as many as you can. If you have any questions, email kootenaicountydemocrats@gmail.com.
Early Voting
May 5 is the last day to Request an Absentee Ballot. As a reminder, when you submit your application, be sure to request absentee ballots for all 2023 elections. If you would rather Vote Early in person, you can do it at the Elections Office on 3rd Street between May 1 and May 12 from 8 am to 5 pm. Otherwise, plan to vote at Your Polling Place from 8 am to 8 pm on Tuesday, May 16 aka Election Day.
Poll Workers Needed
The Kootenai County Clerk is still short of poll workers. If you are interested and willing to serve as a poll worker on Election Day, please Apply Here. For more information, go to the Kootenai Elections website.
Earth Day Recap
I would like to offer a BIG thank you to all who participated in the 2023 Earth Day Event at the CDA Library. Especially Paula Neils, Adela Sussman, Barbara Ostipwko, and Lydia Laezza who registered voters, and recruited potential volunteers at our information booth. They also educated kids and awarded a stuffed polar bear to the winner of our prize drawing. It was an incredibly fun day.
Boundary County Democrat’s Chili Feed
Also, the Boundary County Democrats are holding their Annual Chili Feed in Bonner’s Ferry on May 20th. I am traveling north to attend this fun event, and I invite other Kootenai Dems to join me. It will be good to support our fellow Dems, living in the heart of “Trump Country.” They need all the help we can provide them. The cost for the Chili Feed is $15 per person. If possible, bring an item to contribute to their silent auction.
In Memoriam
Harry Belafonte, one of my personal heroes died this week. Belafonte managed to be both uplifting and entertaining while challenging the power structure that kept his (and all) people oppressed. He was a hugely influential person who helped to make our country a more perfect union. Enjoy this little tribute: https://wapo.st/3NdWvVZ.
Have a terrific week.
