League of Women Voters
of Kent County
The VOTER
The Price of Liberty Is Still Eternal Vigilance
January ~ 2012
President - Christine Stillson, 697-8600, [email protected]; Editor - Les Stillson 697-8600, [email protected]; Website: lwvkc-de.org/
Calendar
Feb 9 -
Great Decisions – Heritage, Dover ~ 10:00 to Noon
Feb 11 -
Delaware Environmental Summit – Wilmington University, Dover ~ 8:30 to 1:00
Feb 20 -
Film on Civil Rights - Camden Friends Meeting House ~ 6:30 pm
Feb 21 -
Camden Mayoral Candidate Forum – Tentative pending candidate participation
Feb 25 -
Annual Mid Winter Tea – Barclay Farms Clubhouse, Camden ~ 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Feb 28 -
LWVKC Board Meeting –St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Camden ~ 12:30 pm
March 3 -
The War of the Roses – Delaware and the Battle for Womens Suffrage ~ details below
March 8 -
Great Decisions –Topic and venue to be announced later
March 14 - Consensus – Privatization Part I~ Watch for details
March 21 - League Day in Dover – The Outlook at the Duncan Center, Dover ~ 9:00 to 1:30
March 27 - LWVKC Board Meeting –St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Camden ~ 12:30 pm
April 10 -
Dover City Council Candidate Forum – Modern Maturity ~ Tentative
April 12 -
Great Decisions –Topic and venue to be announced later
Apr 13 -15 LWVDE Retreat at Center for the Inland Bays ~ Details coming soon
April 18 -
Consensus – Privatization Part II ~ Watch for details
April 24 -
LWVKC Board Meeting –St Paul’s Episcopal Church, Camden ~ 12:30 pm
May 16 -
LWVKC Annual Meeting and Luncheon ~ Watch for details
May 1-
Consensus on Privatization Response due to LWVUS
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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President’s Message – Greetings in the New Year, League members!
This is our first newsletter following the holidays, and its full of news and great plans for the next few
months. But taking a quick look back to the early part of our League year (which started in July) we had some
great programs I hope you were able to enjoy. Thanks so much to Julie Price for her hard work on the second
in a series on Income Inequality which had a great speaker, great audience participation and a great turnout !
Later in the fall, we had two great programs with speakers on the Consensus topic of the ―Role of the Federal
Government in Public Education.‖ Discussions were lively and the speakers provided much grist for thought as
members moved towards consensus. Thanks to all who participated in this nationwide LWV activity. And
thanks to Ellen Wasfi for her terrific organizational and moderating skills !
In December, a month in which we usually do not have a program, 18 LWVKC members joined with
LWV Sussex County for a joint Fun Lunch at Abbotts Grill in Milford. Members had a great time sharing ideas,
networking and getting to know their southern League counterparts.
Following the holidays, January brought ― Reviving the Dead Ladies‖ to our League. Again, members
and friends enjoyed an enlightening and entertaining presentation by skilled Sussex LWV thespians. Later in
the month our annual review of Bylaws, Policy and Program took place. The special significance of this
meeting is the opportunity it provides for members to help focus our local, state and national league on issues
of particular importance and concern to us. Some of these ideas with make their way to the 2012 national
LWV convention in June, which will be in Washington, DC this year. Thanks to all who attended the Program
Planning meeting and provided important input for future League activities.
Over the next few months we’ll experience a mixture of engaging and thought provoking activities and
events: the annual Mid-Winter Tea, Candidate Nights/debates, a new Consensus on the topic of ―Privatization
of Government Services, Assets and Functions‖, League Day in Dover, a League ―Retreat‖ at Center for the
Inland Bays, and culminating in our Annual Meeting in May.
Please look inside for details on all of these events !!! And please let me know if you have some ideas
or suggestions about our League and its activities---697-8600. I look forward to seeing you at our next
League event !
Yours in League,
Christine Stillson
President, League of Women Voters of Kent County
In Memorium
Laurie van Rooten, a League member since 2010, passed away after a valiant fight against cancer. She
was a valued Councilwoman in the town of Camden and to her community in Barclay Farms.
Phyllis Levitt, a League member since 2007, passed away in November. For over 40 years Phyllis and her
husband Irv made community service a central part of their lives. Phyllis was a leader, an advocate, and an
extraordinary teacher.
With sorrow at their passing, we acknowledge the positive contributions these women made to
strengthening democracy through civil engagement in their daily lives.
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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FIRST CALL TO CONVENTION 2012
From LWVUS President Elisabeth G. MacNamara
“Join Us for the LWVUS 50th National Convention in Washington DC!”
June 8-12, 2012:
Imagine, Commit, Act! "The Power of the Vote!"
Washington Hilton Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Avenue
Fourth Delaware Environmental Summit – February 11 - Dover
Environmental activists from throughout the state will gather on February 11, 2012 from 8:30 to 1:00 at
Wilmington University in Dover to discuss major environmental topics. Goals of the event include disseminating
information and focusing thought on specific legislation that might reasonably be presented in the State
Legislature. The meeting will be divided into five discussion groups.
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Statewide Land Use Issues
Shoreline and Ocean Issues
Public Health and the Environment
Delaware River Issues: Fracking and Deepening
Each session will be run just once in order to allow sufficient time for formulation of concrete plans for actions
to be taken. Following the completion of the breakout sessions, these plans will be presented to the entire
Summit. All attendees will have a chance to join one or more working groups that will meet during the next
year (or more) to accomplish the desired goals. You may join a working group started by the session you
participated in and/or you can join another group that interests you and could benefit from your skills and
experience. Working together, we can accomplish our goals.
LWVDE is a co-sponsor for this event so admission is free to all LWV members. Others: $5.00
(News compliments of LWVDE members Pat Todd and Peggy Schultz)
Implementing the Affordable Care Act – Sunday, February 12 - Jo Ann Fields, MD
Jo Ann Fields, MD, Health Care Chair of Kent County League of Women Voters, will participate in a Health Care
Forum on Sunday, February 12th in Rehoboth Beach at the Nage Restaurant on Rt. 1. All are welcomed to
attend and encouraged to bring their questions and comments. Presenters at this Health Care Forum include
Representative John Kowalko and Representative Earl Jacques who will talk about the new Single Payer Bill
they plan to introduce in the State Legislature; Jo Ann Fields, MD will talk about the Affordable Care Act and
the Health Benefits Exchange whose design is supposed to be decided and approved by 1/1/13; and Mitch
Crane, candidate for Insurance Commissioner, will talk about the impact of the Blue Cross/Highmark affiliation.
The Nage Restaurant is on Rt. 1 just outside of Rehoboth Beach in the same Center as Outlet Liquor and has
plenty of free parking. This is a dinner event with happy hour 4:30 pm, dinner 5:00 to 6:15 pm and the Town
Hall Meeting at 6:15 pm. Please RSVP with names of guests to [email protected]
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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Camden Friends Meeting Film Series – February 20 - by Ruth Johnson
The next film to be shown at The Gathering Place (Camden Friends Meeting) will be at 6:30 pm Monday, February 20, 2012: Title: Brother Outsider, the life of Bayard Rustin, unknown hero of the civil rights movement.
Brother Outsider illuminates the public and private lives of Bayard Rustin, a visionary activist and strategist
who has been called "the invisible man" of the civil rights movement. A tireless crusader for justice, a disciple
of Gandhi, a mentor to Martin Luther King, Jr., and the architect of the legendary 1953 March on Washington,
Rustin dared to live as an openly gay man during the fiercely homophobic 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Brother
Outsider reveals the price that Rustin paid for this honesty, chronologically both the setback and triumphs of
his remarkable 60-year career. A short discussion will follow the film. All are welcome to attend this free film.
Films will now be shown on the 3rd Monday of each month; these will be documentaries supplied by Pacem in
Terris in Wilmington.
Annual Mid-Winter Member Tea - February 25, 2012 ~ 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Barclay Farms Clubhouse, Camden
It’s that time again when we get together with members, new members and prospective members to renew
acquaintances, learn what’s going on with our many League activities and find out what’s happening on the
issues that concern us as citizens. Please put this informal social gathering on your calendar, and banish those
mid-winter doldrums! Bring your friends and introduce to the League. Watch the mail for details on this
much-enjoyed annual event.
Delaware Wetlands Conference – February 29, 2012, Dover, DE
Plan to attend to join scientists, decision makers and natural resource managers as they share current research on the value of Delaware’s wetland services and the impact their management has on community, tidal
and non-tidal wetlands and sea level rise.
www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/DelawareWetlands/Pages/Delaware-Wetlands-Conference-2012.aspx
The War of the Roses—Delaware and the Battle for Women’s Suffrage First State Heritage Park event: March 3, 2012
The Delaware First State Heritage Park helps celebrate Women’s History Month on March 3rd with an interactive living history event at 1 PM at the Old State House in Dover.
In the spring of 1920, Dover was the site of its own historic ―war of the roses.‖ The 19th amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote had recently been approved by Congress and ratified by a number of states.
The debate over women’s rights descended upon Delaware with a vengeance. No one – men, women, legislators, or average citizens – could avoid taking sides on this important issue, proclaiming their pro or con opinion
with a simple flower worn on their lapel.
The First State Heritage Park is designed to recreate the spirit of the women’s suffrage movement. Visitors will
hear speeches that might have been made by pro-suffragists and anti-suffragists alike and learn about some
of the often surprising tactics and arguments used by both sides. Visitors will even get the chance to take part
in the debate.
League Day in Dover - March 21, 2012 - The Outlook at the Duncan Center, Dover
9:00 am 9:30 to Noon
12:15 to 1 :30 pm
REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS
PROGRAM
BUFFET LUNCHEON with legislators invited (cost $25.00 per person)
Following is the tentative program focusing on campaign finance reform and lobbying reform.
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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Charlotte King, LWV of Delaware Action Corps Chair, will act as Moderator and give a brief overview of
League of Women Voters involvement with campaign finance reform and issues dealing with lobbying
reform.
Elaine Manlove, Delaware Election Commissioner, will provide an overview addressing the basic requirements of Delaware campaign finance laws and plans for improving the process.
Janet Wright, Esq., Counsel, Delaware Public Integrity Commission, will provide an overview of the requirements for lobbyists in Delaware and issues that she thinks improve the process.
Panelists include:
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James Browning, Regional Director of State Operations, Common Cause, will focus on what he sees are
important for reforming the system, to include Citizen’s United Supreme Court decision and its effects on
elections.
Richard Heffron, Sr., Vice President, Government Affairs of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, will
provide his outlook/views on what the issues are in Delaware.
Chad Livengood, Reporter for the News Journal will discuss what the issues are from a reporter’s point of
view and the reforms he believes are needed.
News and Views from Peggy Swygert, Membership Chair
Spotlight on Our Newest Member – Mary K. Eggers
Mary K. Eggers, a retired Psychologist, and her husband Don Harshbarger, have lived in Delaware for the past
5 ½ years. They currently reside in Camden. She is a Ph.D. Psychologist specializing in memory and
depression. Her list of interests are many and include: Air Quality under Natural Resources, Campaign Finance
Reform, Land Use/Housing, Accountability (Education), Foreign Policy and Insuring the Uninsured. Mary
indicated that she would be willing to participate in preparing the newsletter/flyers and voter registration.
Mary indicated that she would prefer attending meetings in the afternoon or evening, and she cannot attend
morning meetings. This is an issue that will be explored, because LWVKC would like to meet the needs of the
majority of its members.
League Membership Open to All
The League of Women Voters has evolved from what it was in 1920, a mighty political experiment designed to
help 20 million enfranchised women carry out their new responsibilities, to what it is today: a unique,
nonpartisan organization that is a recognized force in molding political leaders, shaping public policy and
promoting informed citizens participation (women and men), at all levels of government. Despite the fact
that the name remains the same (for identification and historical purposes), membership is now open to men
also. The LWVKC now boasts a current membership that includes 11 couples and 1 single man. We are in
step with today’s society and expectations.
Fun Lunches Added To The 2012 Calendar
The Fun Lunches modeled after the Sussex County Chapter, provides an opportunity for members to socialize
in an informal setting. There is no set agenda, attendance is optional and members pay for their own menu
selection. The Fun Lunch is a great time to meet, greet, eat and share thoughts and ideas. The location for
each Fun Luncheon is selected by members suggestions and consensus. We have already had the pleasure of
dining together at Abbott’s Grill in Milford and McGlynn’s in Dover. The next stop should be Smyrna and then
we will have covered all parts of Kent County. A joint Fun Lunch with Sussex League members took place in
December. Fun Lunches are scheduled every other month—please watch your emails for announcements.
Donations Are Always Appreciated
Contributions to the LWKC’s General fund are not tax deductible. However, donations to the LWVKC’S
Education Fund ARE tax deductible and help fund our many educational programs. Special thanks to
the following members for their recent donations to the Education Fund: Richard and Annie
Scott, Mary Snydner and Beverly Jackson.
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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Reviving the Dead Ladies - A Special Presentation by LWV Sussex County
Revisiting the First Women’s Rights Convention of 1850, a dramatization entitiled ― Reviving the Dead Ladies ―
was presented by the League of Women Voters of Sussex County on Wednesday, January 18, 2011. The
presentation at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Camden for our local League took the audience back to 1850
through the words of some of the courageous women who dared to flaunt society with their demands for
equal rights, then held only by men. At that time, women could not own property and were allowed no voice
in government. They had no right to an education and could not vote.
The 1850’s press coverage called the convention ―that awful combination of Socialism, Abolitionism and
Infidelity,‖ while accusing the women of being ―the Pantalettes Striking for the Pantaloons.‖ Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, Sojourner Truth and Lucretia Mott, among others, appeared in period dress, calling for ―the
enlargement of the Sphere of Woman.‖
Members and guests enjoyed the theatrical talents of the Sussex County League. Led by LWVSC member,
Valerie Driscoll, the group portrayed at least ten attendees/speakers at the 1850 convention. The group’s
presentation reminded us about how much work and time produced the right to vote that we take for granted.
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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FOIA and the Capital School District Board
The following is among several of the news clippings confirming the FOIA efforts of LWVKC member, Mickey
McKay. ―The Capital School Board violated the state's Freedom of Information Act several times last year by
improperly advertising its scheduled meetings according to a ruling from the Attorney General's Office. The
opinion upheld most of the FOIA violation claims laid out in an October complaint submitted to the AG's Office
by Margaret M. McKay, chair of the open government committee for the League of Women Voters of Delaware‖.
Mickey continues to diligently seek out instances of violations of FOIA that obscure the transparency of public
meetings. We very much appreciate her League work and her commitment to ensuring Open Government in
Delaware.
The Privatization Study - ―Privatization of Government Services, Assets and Functions‖
The scope of the study, as adopted by the LWVUS Board [at the 2010 LWVUS Convention] states:
The purpose of this study is to identify those parameters and policy issues to be considered in connection
with proposals to transfer federal, state or local government services, assets and/or functions to the
private sector. It will review the stated goals and the community impact of such transfers, and identify
strategies to ensure transparency, accountability, and preservation of the common good. /
Introduction To The Study Process by Gretchen Knell
Studies are part of League Program and, in League parlance, League Program includes all of the positions the
League uses to affect public policy as well as the procedure for adopting these programs. Program is such an
integral part of the League that, according to League Basics, the League publication formerly titled In League,
―Program is the League’s reason for being.‖
Program has three parts: 1) selection of an issue, 2) study of that issue, consensus and formulating a
position, and 3) use of that position to influence public policy. All LWVUS positions are included in the League
publication, Impact on Issues, 2010-2012: A Guide to Public Policy Positions.
This guide briefly covers how we got here, and, secondly, the perspective of participating in a national study at
the local level. The purpose of a study, at any level, is to educate members so that they can be informed
participants in consensus and provide the necessary data for formulating the ultimate position.
Additional information about conducting a national study is on the LWVUS website with a power point
entitled, ―The ABCs of a National Study.‖
Selection of an issue begins with the Program Planning each League is asked to do. This is where the local
Leagues identify issues that deserve a study at the national level or updates of existing positions. These are
issues where the LWVUS has no position, and, therefore, cannot act. Remember, Leagues cannot take action
without a position.
Study and consensus begins right after Convention when the LWVUS Board appoints a study committee chair,
sets up the process for selecting the committee, and approves the scope and timeline for the study. This sets
the parameters for the study committee’s work. The scope is distributed to the local Leagues to give general
direction to their preliminary work.
The study committee begins its work of refining the areas to be studied, researching and writing background
information about the different areas contained in the scope, and preparing consensus questions and other
materials to help direct local League discussion to consensus. All of these materials are/will be posted at:
www.lwv.org/member-resources/privatization
As each local League reports its consensus (or lack thereof) the reports are consolidated, and, based on this
information, the committee formulates the position which, when approved by the Board, can be used for
action.
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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What is a consensus?
It is easier to say what consensus is not, than what it is. Consensus is not a vote; rather, consensus is mutual
agreement of League members arrived at through discussion. During discussion, everyone has an opportunity
to express their viewpoints, and the issue is examined from all sides. Consensus questions, created by the
appropriate study committee and approved by the Board, provide structure for the meeting. Members discuss
the pros and cons until it becomes apparent that consensus has/has not been reached on each question. The
study committee analyzes the consensus responses and, using this information, creates a position statement.
Scope: The committee’s first task is to create a scope for the study. A scope describes the limits of the study,
describes areas to explore and often includes focus areas. The culminating position will address only those
issues delineated in the scope. The scope of the privatization study was approved by the LWVUS Board and
distributed to local Leagues to give them direction during the study process.
Background Materials:
After establishing the scope, committee members research and write about various issues included in the
scope, compile a list of resources, consolidate information, develop a glossary and create the consensus
questions. The materials and other resources are posted at www.lwv.org/member-resources/privatization.
When the LWVUS Board of Directors approves the position for ―Privatization,‖ it immediately becomes the
League’s position and is the basis for action on the issue. This type of member involvement in the consensus
process tends to ensure member commitment to the resulting positions. In addition, members have the
opportunity at each Convention to decide whether or not to re-adopt these positions or update them.
Fall Fundraiser at Spence’s Bazaar – by Ruth Bochnowski
The League held its fall sale at Spence’s Bazaar on October 7, 1911. Thanks to the help of Ruth and Ralph
Johnson, Ruth and John Bochnowski, Forest White, Ray Grandfield, Charlotte Hunt, Julie Price, Janis Greene,
Gail Clements and Crystal Hamilton, the League made $104.00. This year’s fall sale was a little later than
usual and the number of people milling around was down from prior years. Hopefully we can go back to September next year. We try to do a sale in both the spring and the fall, so start putting aside any goods you
want to unload for next year’s fund raising events. These funds will help cover the cost of League programs.
National Pay Equity Day – April 17, 2012
This year National Pay Equity Day is April 17th, symbolizing how many days into 2012 women have to work to
earn the same amount that men earned in 2011. Today, women who work full-time earn, on average, 77
cents for every dollar that men earn. Compared with white men, African American women earn 67 cents on
the dollar, and Hispanic women earn about 58 cents. One year out of college, women working full-time earn
only 80% as much as their male colleagues earn, even when they have the same degree and the same job.
Ten years after graduation, women fall further behind, earning only 69% as much as men earn. While the issues associated with the gender wage gap are complex, negotiation skills are identified as one key component
to reducing the pay gap between men and women.
Click here for workshop information:
http://www.womenscenter.vt.edu/Program/startsmart.html
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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Economic Inequality – Part II by Julie Price, Second Vice President
At our October 19 luncheon at the Duncan Center, we heard Dr. Michael Casson give a timely and eye-opening
presentation on economic disparity and the growing gap between the wealthiest Americans and everyone
else. The event was attended by 42 members and guests.
The same old, same old………
"Wall Street owns the country. It is no longer a government of the people, by the people, and for
the people, but a government of Wall Street, by Wall Street, and for Wall Street. The great
common people of this country are slaves, and monopoly is the master....let the bloodhounds of
money who dogged us thus far beware." -- Mary Elizabeth Lease, 1890
Mary Elizabeth Lease (1853–1933) was an American lecturer, writer, and political activist. She was an
advocate of the suffrage movement as well as temperance but she was best known for her work with the
Populist party. This is an excerpt from a speech she gave circa 1890. It can be found at:
http://www.historyisaweapon.com/defcon1/marylease.html
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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Witt Brothers Market, Inc.
113 W. Camden-Wyoming Avenue
Wyoming, Delaware –Phone: 697-6174
(across from The First National Bank of Wyoming)
(302) 678-3418
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Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Fresh Seafood and Produce
Freezer Orders Our Specialty
9 E. Loockerman Street
Treadway Towers, Suite 304
Dover, DE 19901
FILLAT & ASSOCIATES
The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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www.fnbwyomingde.com
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The VOTER ~ League of Women Voters of Kent County ~ January 2012
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