12 Nov 2013

Are We Underutilizing Our Most Precious National Resource - Our Founding Principles?

By Rick Martin
3 Truths About Our Country that Support Freedom, Civil
Peace & Prosperity

In a recent CNN poll, 75 percent of respondents said U.S. House Republicans don't deserve re-election. That could bode poorly for either party next year, when all 435 House seats are up for grabs.

That's because it's likely only a small group of Americans will decide our country's future, says historian and researcher Merrilyn Richardson. Traditionally, only 40 percent of eligible voters turn out for mid-term elections on average, compared with 60 percent for presidential elections.

In the Senate, 33 seats could change, which could tip the balance of power for the subsequent six years.

"Voting is just one of the many privileges too many citizens of the United States take for granted,'' says Richardson, a former editor of Air Force Bases newspapers and author of "You ARE God: The Challenge to Achieve Christ Consciousness in the Modern Era," (www.merrilynrichardson.com). "Many do not believe the rights they have enjoyed their entire lives can be taken away from them, but they are wrong."

It takes actively involved citizens to protect our fragile democracy, Richardson says. The American origin story and its legacy are not only unique to our globe, they're nothing short of miracles and we need to advocate for what we enjoy.

She reviews three inspiring founding U.S. principles.

• The American Revolution has outlasted competing ideologies. Since 1776, many other revolutions have come and gone. That includes the Russian Revolution, which has all but disappeared and left a country with an identity crisis. The Chinese Revolution, which has morphed into something unrecognizable from its original ideology, and the Cuban Revolution, which has proven to be an unsustainable economic burden for its people. Rather than attempt to force an entire country to conform to an unrealistic ideology, the U.S. founding fathers proposed a Bill of Rights that continues to shape the history of the world.

• Individuality, free speech, the right to bear arms and religion are all protected. Enlightened, Western nations have to pay taxes to support religious institutions of which many citizens are not participants; in England it's the Church of England, in Germany it's the Catholic Church. The United States does not make anyone support any church - we can worship and financially support what we choose. This emphasis on individual rights often provides more momentum to our social movements, such as the Tea Party or Occupy Wall Street, because people can choose what they support.

• As our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms protect us, it's our duty as stewards of the Constitution to protect freedom. When people say nasty things, it's tempting for some groups to call for the censorship of one's speech. When someone does something barbaric with a gun, even more people call for severe limitations on one's right to bear arms. If living in a free society were easy, more countries would be doing it. There are many countries throughout the world that are experimenting with a free society, including some in the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt, for example, is finding out just how difficult freedom is to maintain. While terrorist groups may seek to fell the system of governing we were fortunate enough to inherit, we also need to make sure domestic efforts to chip away our liberties are not successful.

About Merrilyn Richardson

Merrilyn Richardson received a degree in journalism from Texas Tech University and was editor of Air Force Bases newspapers. At 89, she has spent decades searching for truth and found that studying spiritual subjects provides a basis for understanding our human condition. Her latest book, "You ARE God: The Challenge to Achieve Christ Consciousness in the Modern Era," is a concise glimpse of American history and other events that have affected individuals worldwide. She is a founding member of the Center for Spiritual Living in Midland, Texas. Her two previous books were "Initiation of the Master" and "The Master's Quest, an End to Terrorism."

12 Nov 2013

USDA Announces Funding to Improve Rural Housing

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that recipients in 45 states, the Western Pacific and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive grants to make housing repairs and improve housing conditions for limited income rural residents. Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O'Brien announced the selections on Secretary Vilsack's behalf.

"Providing safe, reliable housing to rural residents is key to maintaining stable communities and creating jobs," O'Brien said. "USDA has developed strategic partnerships with Tribes, community organizations and non-profit groups to improve the living conditions for thousands of rural residents."

Funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program. Funds are provided to intermediaries such as local governments, public agencies, federally-recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit, faith-based and community organizations. These organizations then distribute the grants to homeowners and owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income residents. Funds are not directly provided to eligible homeowners by USDA.

Grants may be used to make general repairs, such as installing or improving plumbing, or providing or enhancing access to people with disabilities. Funds may also be used to make homes more energy efficient.

Today's announcement includes a $38,860 grant to Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation, Inc., in Rochester, N.Y., to assist 12 very-low income households. The grant will be used to repair foundations, roofs and electrical wiring, and make energy efficiency and accessibility improvements. Coupled with funding from Rural Development, the foundation's effort will make a significant impact in rural New York. ACTION Inc. in Athens, Ga., has been selected to receive a $30,000 Housing Preservation Grant to help very-low income and low-income elderly households make repairs.

In 2009, Neighborhood Housing Services of the Black Hills, Inc., in Western South Dakota, received a $50,000 Housing Preservation Grant to help 14 families with electrical repairs, roofing and plumbing. These 14 families now have safe, secure housing.

O'Brien said that today's announcement is another reason why Congress must get a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill passed as soon as possible. Farm Bill programs are important to the economic vitality of rural America, and a comprehensive new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill would further expand the rural economy, he added.

View the list of recipients for Housing Preservation Grants. Each award is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users)

12 Nov 2013

Treasurer Fitzgerald Encourages Shoppers to Give the Gift of Higher Education this Holiday Season

By Karen Austin

And get a gift of your own, a state tax deduction

DES MOINES, IA (11/12/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald has a simple solution for the gift giving dilemmas that are usually associated with the holiday season. "Instead of trying to put together a wish list of toys that will soon be forgotten or broken, invite the special people in your life to give one of the most meaningful gifts a child may ever receive," Fitzgerald said. "Opening a College Savings Iowa account has two-fold benefits, not only are you helping a child prepare for their future education, but you can take advantage of the tax benefits as well. Anyone can help toward paying for a college education."

"Families need all of the help they can get. That's why College Savings Iowa is pleased to offer the Ugift® service to plan participants," added Fitzgerald. "This easy-to-use service allows participants to invite family and friends to celebrate a child's milestones by contributing to his or her College Savings Iowa account."

. Also Like College Savings Iowa on Facebook and Follow the Plan on Twitter (@Iowa529Plan) to stay up to date on all current news and giveaways.

* Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as the responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 1-888-672-9116, or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor.

College Savings Iowa is an Iowa trust sponsored by the Iowa State Treasurer's Office. The Treasurer of the State of Iowa sponsors and is responsible for overseeing the administration of the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan. The Vanguard Group, Inc., serves as Investment Manager and Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., assists the Treasurer with marketing and distributing the Plan. Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, provides records administration services. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in Vanguard mutual funds, are not mutual funds.

12 Nov 2013

College Invitational at the Figge

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (November 12, 2013) - The Figge Art Museum is proud to announce another installment of the annual College Invitational exhibition which will open Saturday. Students from nine area colleges and universities will have their artwork on display in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery.

The 2013 installment will feature over 50 works selected by professors from the art departments of Ashford University, Augustana, Black Hawk College, Knox College, Monmouth College, Scott Community College, St. Ambrose University, Western Illinois University and University of Iowa. The works include oil on canvas, acrylic paint, digital photography, charcoal, mixed media, watercolor, 3-D sculptures and more.

The exhibition celebrates the remarkable talent and achievements of area students, as well as the faculties and institutions that support them. This year's exhibition is sponsored by Barbara Leidenfrost in loving memory of her husband, Oscar. Thanks to this generous sponsorship, the Figge will award cash prizes for first, second and third place winners ($250, $150 and $50, respectively).

Interested parties are invited to attend the opening reception on Thursday from 5-9 p.m. which will include activities for students in the studios, free refreshments and a cash bar. The awards ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on view through February 9, 2014.

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays 12-5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-
12 Nov 2013

SURVEY SAYS MATURE DRIVERS CATCHING UP TO PHONE-OBSESSED YOUTH

By Holly Anderson

Annual State Farm® Distracted Driving survey shows drivers use phones for much more than talking.

Bloomington, Ill., November 12, 2013 / PRNewswire / ? The holiday travel season is upon us, and State Farm today released its annual research report on distracted driving, with troubling findings. Though cell phone use and texting while driving remain a serious concern on the nation's highways, with increasing frequency drivers admit to other distracting behaviors, particularly accessing the internet while driving.

The July 2013, survey of nearly 1000 motorists highlights a growing safety concern: a significant increase in the percentage of drivers who own smart phones, particularly among drivers age thirty and older. Additionally, the percentage of drivers who access the internet on their phone while driving has nearly doubled over the past five years, going up from 13% in 2009 to 24% in 2013.

The survey results also showed the use of hands-free cell phones while driving has increased, while the percentage of people talking on a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving has become stagnant over the past three years.

"As smart phone ownership increases for all age groups, the safety community must ensure we are keeping pace with our understanding of the types of distractions drivers face," said Chris Mullen, Director of Technology Research at State Farm. "Much attention is paid toward reducing texting while driving, but we must also be concerned about addressing the growing use of multiple mobile web services while driving."

While much of the distracted driving focus has been on young people, the data indicate that the percentage of motorists who own smart phones is increasing for all ages:

  • Ages 18-29: 78% in 2011 to 86% in 2013
  • Ages 30-39: 60% in 2011 to 86% in 2013
  • Ages 40-49: 47% in 2011 to 82% in 2013
  • Ages 50-64: 44% in 2011 to 64% in 2013
  • Ages 65+: 23% in 2011 to 39% in 2013

We asked drivers to share how distracting they find a variety of common occurrences:

  • Hand-held cell phone: very distracting - 34%, somewhat distracting - 46%
  • Hands-free cell phone: very distracting - 14%, somewhat distracting - 43%
  • Sending a text while driving: very distracting - 76%, somewhat distracting - 14%
  • Reading a text while driving: very distracting - 62%, somewhat distracting - 27%
  • Talking with a passenger: very distracting - 4%, somewhat distracting - 41%
  • Reaching for a non-moving object: very distracting - 22%, somewhat distracting - 62%
  • Attending to children in the back seat: very distracting - 41%, somewhat distracting - 29%
  • Pet in lap: very distracting - 53%, somewhat distracting - 20%
  • Reaching for a moving object: very distracting - 61%, somewhat distracting - 31%

When asked for their opinion on ways to encourage drivers to be more engaged in the task at hand, 74 percent of drivers surveyed strongly agree with laws or regulations prohibiting texting or emailing behind the wheel. However, more than half believe that laws governing cell phone use while driving are enforced to little or no extent. To a lesser degree, 44 percent of survey respondents were extremely likely to support technology that would prevent texting or emailing on a cell phone while driving.

"State Farm continues to support a multi-pronged approach to encouraging more engaged driving," Mullen said. "Legislation, enforcement, education and technology all have a role to play in making our roads safer for all who share them."

About the survey:
In August 2009 and 2010, and in July 2011, 2012 and 2013, The State Farm Strategic Resources Department used an outside panel vendor to conduct an online survey of U.S. consumers ages 18+. Survey responses were received from approximately 1,000 consumers each year, who identified themselves as having some insurance and financial responsibility for their household. Only responses from consumers who had a valid driver's license, owned a cell phone, and reported driving between 1 and 80 hours per week were used when reporting the findings of behavior-based questions. Responses from all respondents were used for the attitudinal questions. State Farm Consumer Consultants is an online community sponsored by the State Farm Strategic Resources Department and managed by Communispace. The 300 Consumer Consultants participants are influential, involved, activist consumers, who offer advice and perspective on a range of insurance and financial services topics. Opinions voiced may not be representative of all consumers. However, the comments can provide insight into how consumers feel about the topic at hand.

About State Farm®:
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 18,000 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca. along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 44 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.

12 Nov 2013

Tom's of Maine Announces Nonprofit Winners In Its Annual 50 States For Good Community Giving Program

By Erin Williams

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspiration across the nation! From Washington to West Virginia, 15 nonprofit organizations with a passion for human, healthy and environmental goodness are winners in the fifth annual Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good program.  With more than 58,000 votes cast online, the 15 nonprofits with the most votes will share $150,000 in funding to put towards preserving land, promoting community gardens, empowering children, helping people with disabilities and looking out for seniors. To date, the 50 States for Good community giving program has benefited 5.5 million people and dozens of communities.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110602/NY13344LOGO-b)

Each 50 States for Good winner will receive $10,000 to support their community project. The dedicated group of winning nonprofits follows, in alphabetical order, along with details on how they'll put the funding to use.

  • Cape Ann Farmers Market Backyard Growers Program (Gloucester, MA) - Backyard Growers will enhance and expand the school garden program, which provides elementary school students with opportunities to grow, harvest and eat fresh vegetables.
  • Connecticut Radio Information System (Windsor, CT) - Ten schools will receive a one-year subscription of CRISKids™ for Schools, audio recordings of print materials for children who are blind or print-challenged, including those with learning, physical, emotional or intellectual disabilities.
  • Gilda's Club Quad Cities (Davenport, IA) - A new program called G.R.O.W. (Giving Resources Organically Within) will plant an organic community garden and provide workshops on sustainability for members who have all been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
  • Kompost Kids (Milwaukee, WI) - A large scale food waste collection and processing pilot will be executed in the Milwaukee area in order to divert from the landfill and create compost to sustain urban agriculture projects.
  • Michael T. Goulet Traumatic Brain Injury and Epilepsy Foundation (Saco, ME) - The Foundation's efforts to advance brain safety and awareness in Maine will be expanded and serve as a model program for other states.
  • MISSION POSSIBLE KIDS (Plano, TX) - 5,000 existing and 1,000 new program participants will be empowered to make a social impact on their communities, enacting service-oriented "top secret missions" to change the world and impact thousands in need.
  • Mountaineer Food Bank (Gassaway, WV) - The Mobile Pantry Program will provide healthy, nutritious foods to people in need in rural or underserved areas of West Virginia.
  • Neighbor Ride (Columbia, MD) - The expansion of Neighbor Ride's volunteer program will aid in continuing to serve the growing number of seniors who rely on the Neighbor Ride transportation service to remain healthy, independent and connected to the community.
  • One Simple Wish (Trenton, NJ) - More than 100 simple, special wishes will be granted to children in foster care.
  • Operation BBQ Relief (Pleasant Hill, MO) - Funding will purchase the perishable supplies necessary to feed approximately 10,000 meals during the organization's next disaster deployment.
  • Play-Place for Autistic Children (Sterling Heights, MI) - Building a new playscape will help to advance the coordination, climbing, balance and motor-planning skills of children affected by autism.
  • Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland (Mount Vernon, WA) - InFARMation radio programs will provide information to area highway travelers about seasonal happenings in Skagit agriculture and help grow community support for the organization's mission.
  • The Poverello Center (Missoula, MT) - Completing the construction of a new emergency housing facility will aid in feeding and sheltering thousands of area neighbors living in poverty each year.
  • Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership (Warren, OH) - Up to 100 free-standing flower boxes, soil and plants will be made available to residents of the Garden District to help the neighborhood earn its name.
  • Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park (Gansevoort, NY) - Funding will support the start of the organization's accessible trail project.

"The ingenuity of this year's winners to help their neighbors and the environment is incredibly inspiring," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "These community projects are an important reminder that we can accomplish so much more when we work together. Community support, passionate volunteers and creative thinking can bring lasting goodness to our communities in a way that matters every day."

During the public vote, volunteer and nonprofit nominators were showcased as part of an interactive voting hub that highlighted inspiring stories across the country. From a pool of more than 1,000 nominations, 51 finalists were chosen by a judging panel of passionate leaders in the nonprofit community including Sam Davidson, president of Cool People Care, nonprofit strategist and Huffington Post columnist Lisa M. Dietlin, Matt Petronzio, assistant features editor covering social good for Mashable.com, and star of "The Vampire Diaries" and nonprofit founder Ian Somerhalder.

Since it was founded in 1970, Tom's of Maine has donated 10% of its profits back to the community and encourages employees to use 5% (12 days) of paid time off to volunteer every year. To learn more about this year's winners, visit www.50StatesforGood.com.

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care carrying high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, deodorant and bar soap products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For over 42 years, TOMs has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness and by encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. TOMs employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, suppliers and community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine

12 Nov 2013

The Secret Office of Precinct Committeeman

By Laurie Bluedorn

In the last election, the Illinois Republican Party suffered its worst defeat in modern history ? spawning Democrat super-majorities in both houses of the General Assembly.

Solution: Run for Precinct Committeeman

You have no doubt heard the expression, "All politics is local." That may be true in many respects, but it's certainly true in one way which Republicans have paid little attention to. Democrats fill all of their Precinct Committeeman (PC) positions with active party members who get out the vote. Republicans have filled only half of their PC positions throughout the state. It's PCs who turn out Republican votes at the local level, who elect Republican County Chairmen, and who vote for members of the Illinois Republican State Central Committee.

If we want to restore honor and accountability to the party at the state level and enable conservative candidates for success in future elections, the answer is within our reach: fill as many Republican PC positions with some real grassroots conservative people.

Unfortunately, it's often difficult to find information on what a PC is and how to run for that position. Do a search for "precinct committeeman" on the official Illinois Republican web site weareillinois.org -- you won't find any references. If you want to control a party, you need to discourage grassroots participation and keep the power in the hands of a few -- and this principle is one which the establishment Illinois Republicans hold dear. It's called top-down politics.

Duties of a Precinct Committeeman

1. A Republican Precinct Committeeman represents the Republican voters of his precinct. He is the liaison between the Republican voters in his neighborhood (precinct) and the county's Republican Party.

2. Get out the vote. "This volunteer position is really what one makes of it. Some do more than others. But the Republican Precinct Committeeman's job is in essence all about helping to grow the GOP and working to deliver the maximum number of Republican votes from his or her precinct on Election Day. Precinct Committeemen comprise the core of any grassroots effort and no political campaign can be successful without these front line GOP ambassadors." (taken from Republican News Watch by Doug Ibendahl  http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/)

3. Republican Precinct Committeemen are to advance the Illinois Republican platform principles of lower taxes, smaller government, fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, strong national defense, and traditional family values.

4. Precinct Committeemen are responsible for appointing their party's election judges and are also able to register voters in their county. This will allow people to register to vote without having to drive to the courthouse.

5. All the elected PCs of a county make up that county's Central Committee.

10 ILCS 5/7-8(d): "The county central committee of each political party in each county shall consist of the various township committeemen, precinct committeemen and ward committeemen, if any, of such party in the county."

For example, Mercer County has a total of 24 precincts. Those 24 elected Precinct Committeemen of Mercer County (if indeed all 24 precincts have people running for PC) are called the Mercer County Central Committee.

6. The members of this county Central Committee are the only people who are allowed to vote during the County Convention, which is held every two years, 29 days after the March primary. Two important votes happen during a County Convention: 1) election of the County Chairman, and 2) election of the Illinois State Central Committee member (more on the Illinois State Central Committee here  http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/?p=12222). The County Chairman is elected for a two year term and the Illinois State Central Committee member is elected for a four year term.

10 ILCS 5/7-9(a): "On the 29th day next succeeding the primary at which committeemen are elected, the county central committee of each political party shall meet within the county and proceed to organize by electing from its own numbers a chairman and either from its own numbers, or otherwise, such other officers as such committee may deem necessary or expedient. Such meeting of the county central committee shall be known as the county convention."

How to Run for Precinct Committeeman

1. MEET THE REQUIREMENTS ? To run for Precinct Committeeman you must be:

-A registered voter of your precinct.

2. GET ON THE BALLOT

-Fill out the Precinct Committeeman Primary Petition and print two copies.

 http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/P-27.pdf

-Begin gathering signatures of registered voters IN YOUR PRECINCT beginning on September 3, 2013.

-Meet the signature requirements - Precinct Committeemen require a minimum of 10 signatures. Make sure to get at least 20 signatures to avoid a petition challenge.

-File the following nominating papers with the County Clerk (along with your petitions with the 20 signatures) the week of November 25th thru December 2nd, 2013:

 http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/P-1.pdf

 http://www.elections.il.gov/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/P-1C.pdf

Elected Vs Appointed Precinct Committeemen

1. The County Chair must be a currently elected Precinct Committeeman. Any other county party officers (vice-chair, secretary, treasurer) do not have to be elected PCs. See 10 ILCS 5/7-9 (a) cited above.

2. What if there is a vacant precinct -- no one runs for Precinct Committeeman in any particular precinct in that year's primary? The newly elected County Chair (elected at the County Convention) may appoint a Precinct Committeeman for a vacant precinct one day after the County Convention, not before.

10 ILCS 5/7 9(i): "Except as otherwise provided in this Act, whenever a vacancy exists in the office of precinct committeeman because no one was elected to that office or because the precinct committeeman ceases to reside in the precinct or for any other reason, the chairman of the county central committee of the appropriate political party may fill the vacancy in such office by appointment of a qualified resident of the county and the appointed precinct committeeman shall serve as though elected; however, no such appointment may be made between the general primary election and the 30th day after the general primary election." 10 ILCS 5/7-8(b): "All precinct committeemen elected under the provisions of this Article shall continue as such committeemen until the date of the primary to be held in the second year after their election."

An appointed PC serves "as though elected," so, his term, as well as the elected PC's term, expires at the date of the next primary. Therefore, an appointed PC cannot be elected as county chairman, vote for county chairman or vote for the SCC unless he is elected at the primary election preceding the county convention.

Conclusion

Just like the person who serves on the petty jury -- whose vote may be the most important judicial vote there is -- if you believe in small "r" republicanism, then the Precinct Committeeman may be the single most important political position in state government.

And it only takes a few signatures.

Laurie Bluedorn

New Boston, Mercer County

12 Nov 2013

Volunteers Needed - Quad Cities FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Tournaments SOON!

By Dr. Jeffrey Bassman

Are you looking for a way to volunteer, have fun and give back to the community supporting 600+ students age 9-14?

~ 150 Volunteers (adults and students in college & high school) are needed for supporting the 5th annual Quad Cities FIRST LEGO League (FLL) regional qualifiers on December 7 in Moline at John Deere Middle School for Illinois teams and December 14 & 15 in Davenport for Iowa Teams at the Putnam Museum.  In total, the combined tournaments will have 87+ FLL teams with over 600 students with the expected number of attendees over 2,500+ people.  The top teams from the qualifiers will go on to the State Championships in Iowa & Illinois. 

No previous experience or technical background is required for many of the volunteer positions.  Positions requiring a technical background  and /or requiring pre-work with training  are noted including for judging and referees.  

Volunteers will be provided food, beverages and a great experience supporting our local youth!

Link to further information including registering to volunteer. (Please register by 15Nov or sooner)

Thanks for your support!

Feel free to forward this note to others interested in volunteering including students in high school and college.

12 Nov 2013

Branstad launches Home Base Iowa in national effort to match veterans with available Iowa jobs

By Tim Albrecht

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Branstad today launched an innovative new public-private partnership called Home Base Iowa, an effort that will match military veterans with jobs available across Iowa.

Home Base Iowa will raise private funds to support national targeted marketing efforts to veterans, including in-person outreach, a social media campaign and outreach through military publications.

Former Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey's General Stores CEO Bob Myers will co-chair the effort.

"Through their service, veterans have already proven they share the values we hold dear as Iowans - hard work, leadership, and patriotism, among others," said Branstad. "We'll be calling upon the business community to partner with Home Base Iowa to help us meet our goals of increasing employment in this state, decreasing veterans' unemployment, and recruiting high quality individuals to Iowa."

Several hundred thousand veterans will leave the service over the next few years, while having a higher unemployment rate nationally.

Gov. Branstad notes that in his travel to Iowa's 99 counties, he's heard from companies that are ready to hire, but struggle to find workers with the right skills.

"We repeatedly hear from employers that they are ready to hire," said Branstad. "We've made significant investments in developing the skills of Iowa's workforce - through education reform, increased support for community colleges, the STEM initiative, and Skilled Iowa. However, this skills gap still exists. Home Base Iowa is a public-private partnership which will recruit veterans to come to Iowa to work, to become part of our communities - to be Iowans."

Branstad made the announcement during his weekly news conference, held at the Iowa Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

# # #

12 Nov 2013

Typhoon Haiyan: Help survivors now

By CWS

It's the strongest storm to make landfall in recorded history.

Typhoon Haiyan brought catastrophic wind and rain to nearly 10 million people in the Philippines, with storm surges as high as 20 feet. Government officials are saying the storm's death toll could top 10,000.

But you can help.

Already CWS is tapping into global networks to help provide emergency food, shelter, water and other relief to those most in need. And as the weakened storm moves north, CWS staff in Vietnam stand prepared to help.

Help survivors now.

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