The DC Voter
League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia
Vol. 80, No. 8, September 2004

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE By Frances Gemmill

As September approaches again, and we prepare to embark on another League program year, many important and interesting issues will begin to unfold. To begin the year, our new hardworking Health Committee, co-chaired by Goody Braun and Rene Wallis, has planned several events: First, the speaker for our Opening luncheon on September 23 will be Dr. Gregg Pane, our newly named Director of the DC Department of Health. For more about Dr. Pane see the enclosed flyer, and to meet him in person come to the luncheon. We expect a larger attendance than usual this year; because Rene Wallis of the DC Primary Care Association is encouraging members of the Health community and other non-Leaguers to attend it. This will be Dr. Pane's first public appearance since his appointment.

The luncheon will take place this year at Ingleside at Rock Creek, where Ruth Allen (a resident) helped us arrange it. Again, see the flyer for details, and return your reservation for yourself and friends no later than September 17. This promises to be a feast for the body as well as for the mind.
Do I need to remind you that elections are taking place this year? Candidate forums are multiplying in September. See the calendar on the back for a sampling (especially those co-sponsored by the DC League) and attend as many as you can. Another source of information about candidates may be found on our DC DNET, which is up and running and receiving responses from candidates. Thanks to Sheila Willet for designing and managing our DNet for you and other DC voters to use in addition to the personal contact at the forums.

Before you file this September VOTER, be sure to save the new Member Handbook and Directory, containing officers and board members as well as the proposed program calendar for the year.

More good news - sales of Know the District of Columbia (KDC) have already (during three months of summer) produced $1,162. We still need someone to relieve Sheila Willet of the record keeping needed for the distribution ledger. Can you spare a few hours a week to help with this?

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OPENING FALL LUNCHEON

September 23 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Guest Speaker
Gregg Pane, MD
Director, DC Department of Health

Served Luncheon. Cost: $20
(See reservation form)

Visit LWVDC On-Line Voters Guide at www.lwvdc.org
Information about the candidates • Calendar of forums/debates • Voter Information

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HEALTHCARE COMMITTEE PLANNING UPCOMING EVENTS

At the August 19th meeting of the LWVDC Health Committee, held at the offices of the DC Primary Care Association, co-chair Rene Wallis reported that newly appointed Department of Health Director Gregg Pane, MD will address the opening luncheon of LWVDC on September 23, 2004. It will be his first public appearance since his appointment in August, and he is expected to talk about DC government's role in providing and ensuring health care for the vulnerable, where the department is headed, and his vision of the future of health care in the District. The luncheon, which will be held at Ingleside at Rock Creek, a retirement community on Military Road, promises to attract a particularly large attendance. Rene Wallis, through DCPCA, will promote it heavily to the nonprofit healthcare community.

The committee also discussed the DC League Forum to be held October 29, in the afternoon, following the annual meeting of DC Primary Care Association (DCPCA) at GW University, Marvin Center. Jointly sponsored by DCPCA and DC Appleseed for Law and Justice along with the League, the forum will discuss responsibilities of nonprofit healthcare providers to the community. It will feature a panel of experts led by Walter Smith of Appleseed. Co-chairs Goody Braun and Rene Wallis will meet with Smith to develop an agenda for the forum.

The luncheon and forum are expected to generate ideas on questions the committee might develop for unit meeting discussions and possible changes in local and/or national positions on health care issues. Future meetings of the committee will delve more deeply into these questions. Leaguers who want to work on the committee should get in touch with Goody Braun. — Goody Braun (723-2477) & Rene Wallis (638-0252 w), Co-chairs

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VOTER SERVICES COMMITTEE

PRIMARY ELECTION SEPTEMBER 14

Voter Guide: You can see where the Council candidates stand on the issues by visiting the League's newly minted website, which was developed by Sheila Willet. The questions were developed by the Voter Service and other League committees with help from Madlyn Calbert, Frances Gemmill, Naomi Glass, and Pat Hallman. The candidate contact team of Debby Hanrahan, Laura Harris, Naomi Glass, Jane Varner Malhotra, Kathryn Ray, Kathy Schmidt, Judy Smith, Geraldine Whitley, and Sheila Willet made sure the candidates responded.

Candidate Forums: The DC League is cosponsoring a September 9 forum for Ward 8 Council candidates with the Greater Washington area chapter of the Women's Division of the National Bar Association (GWAC). Denise Rolark Barnes will moderate the forum that begins at 6:30 p.m. The location is Malcolm X Elementary School, 1351 Alabama Avenue S. E.

The League also worked with the Ward 7 Democrats and other Ward 7 groups on an August 28th forum for atlarge and Ward 7 Council candidates at the Antioch Baptist Church.

Pick Up Your "VOTE" Sign

We have 500 "VOTE TUESDAY" signs for League members and friends to put up in front yards. They are scheduled to arrive on Sept. 7, a week before the primary Sept. 14. Also in time to be handed out at our Ward 8 Forum on Sept. 9. The signs measure 16" x 26" and are double sided, with a wire frame that slips inside the sign and goes into the ground. They can be picked up at Judy Smith's house, 7628 17th St. NW (one block off 16th St. at Jonquil, across and down from Lowell School). Call ahead, if possible, but if you drop by and no one is home, just go around to the back porch. If the dog is out, talk to him, his name is Bandit, and he should be fine. Make sure to save your sign. It can be used for the November election and again in 2 years. — Elinor Hart (387-2966) & Judy Smith (882-3021), Co chairs

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A MUSICAL EVENING AT INGLESIDE

Our League Ingleside Unit presented a unique musical experience on August 11. A husband and wife team, the world's only professional flute and tuba duo, presented a program of masterpieces including Rossini ("La Gazza Ladra"), Mozart, Scott Joplin, and selections from the Beatles.

The music itself was of high quality. The Chevy-Chase-Ingleside Unit provided refreshments following the concert to round out a highly satisfying event--around $1000 resulted from the effort.

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Be a friend to a child with special needs

Opportunity to make a difference in a child's life: This opportunity is organized and directed by FAMILY FRIENDS DC, an affiliate of the Kennedy Institute. It is an intergenerational program in which older adults (55 and older) are matched with families who have children under the age of 17 with disabilities and chronic illnesses. The volunteers offer respite to the parents, engage the children in recreational activities, accompany the families and, most importantly, provide caring and support to the family as a whole. Kennedy Institute will implement Family Friends DC in collaboration with the DC Office on Aging, Health Services for Children with Special Needs, and other concerned groups. For more information, contact: Michelle Hawkins, Polly Davis, or Thelma Jones at 202-529-0501.

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ISSUE OF CIVIL LIBERTIES MOVED TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF LEAGUE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Great League interest emerged at the LWVUS Convention held here in Washington in June. As a result, the LWVUS Board of Directors at its July meeting addressed in depth the issue of past, present, and future activity in the area of civil liberties, both from an advocacy and an education perspective, and devised a multi-phase approach which allows progress on this important topic, while still enabling Leagues at all levels to focus on election-related activities.

We are reminded of the LWVUS activities and materials that already exist on civil liberties. For example, LWVUS has created questions on civil liberties issues for consideration by federal and local candidates for election. Some of these questions are:

1. In the wake of the horrific events of September 11, 2001, Congress quickly passed the USA Patriot Act, which gave the federal government expanded powers to fight terrorism. Some of the expanded powers are being implemented at the local level. What effect do such federal mandates have upon our own government and upon individuals in Washington, D.C.?

2. With state and local budgets tighter than ever before, what trade-offs or sacrifices do you believe will need to be made to keep Washington safe in a post-September age?

To date, League members have donated $8,326 for civil liberties. This has been put in a separate account dedicated for Civil Liberties within the Education Fund.

Last, but not least: LWVUS has established an online list on civil liberties. The list is now up and running, and you are invited to participate in it. Here are the steps to sign up:

send an e-mail addressed to: subscribe-Iwv-libertv@lists.lwv.org.

You will receive a confirmation e-mail request within a few minutes.

Open the "Your confirmation is needed" e-mail, click on reply, and send the e-mail.

A welcome letter with the Rules and Norms for the list and a few other tips will arrive quickly. Once you have subscribed, you will send messages to: lwv-liberty@lists.lwv.org. — Frances Gemmill

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE BOOK DISCUSSION SLATED

PARIS, 1919: SIX MONTHS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, by Margaret MacMillan: A book discussion will be held at Susan and Firoze Rao's house on Sunday, October 3, from 2-4 pm. It is not a fast read, so interested League members are advised to add the book to their summer reading lists. If you have questions, please contact Co-chair Susan Rao at 636-1688. — Susan Rao (636-1688) and Anne Porowski (364-0556) Co-chairs

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FROM THE NCA LEAGUE

Parliamentary Workshop Planned for Nov. 20, 2004: The NCA League will present a parliamentary workshop on Saturday morning from 9:30 to 12 am. The workshop will address potential by-laws problems as well as parliamentary procedures. The location will be announced later-watch for it.

NCA PROGRAM PLANNING: This is to remind you that NCA's program planning process will take place this League year. Our By-Laws state "Member League Boards may make recommendations for a program to the Board by February 15 in odd-numbered years." 

The NCA League will consider these recommendations and formulate a proposed program which will be sent to the member Leagues by March 15. A list of not-recommended items suggested by member Leagues will be sent as well. [Ed. Note: our D. C. state and local program will be reviewed along with the NCA League program in a general meeting on January 18, 2005.] — Naomi Glass (686-0124), NCA Program Director

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MEMBER NEWS - Remembering

We are sad to report the death of former LWVDC President Ruth Dixon (1979-1981). She died of cancer. Following her term as President, Ruth continued her interest in good government by running for election as Ward 3 Councilmember. She is remembered in the League of Women Voters for her enthusiastic work for good government. She is also remembered for her interest in genealogy, which she pursued at the U.S. Archives, and she eventually taught a course in how to research genealogy. A memorial service will be held at Collington on August 28, where Ruth and her husband Roger have lived in recent years.

Also, we have received word from her sister (in California) that Grace Savage died recently. An active member of the Southwest Unit who in the 1970s contributed in a major way to the League's study of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions at the time of the Congressional consideration of plans to integrate them into the new DC government. We remember Grace well, and sought her advice as long as she remained in D.C.

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CALENDAR, SEPTEMBER 2004

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DC ELECTIONS 2004 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, August 28, 2004 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Ward 7 Candidates Forum at Antioch Baptist Church 1150 50th Street NE
1 pm - 2 pm At-Large Councilmember Candidates Forum 
2 pm - 3 pm Ward 7 Councilmember Candidates Form

Joe Madison will moderate the forum which begins at 1:00 p.m. with the Atlarge candidates. Sponsored by Ward 7 Democrats, other Ward 7 groups, and the DC League of Women Voters.

Monday, August 30, 2004 from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Electronic Voting Machines and more at Ward 1 Democrats Meeting at the 3rd District police station at 17th and V in the community room

We plan to cover electronic voting machines, Smoke Free DC and have some candidates from local elections (like DC State Committee) stop by.

Friday, September 3, 2004 at 4:45 pm

Petition Deadline for ANC Candidates
DC residents wishing to be a Single Member District (SMD) candidate to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in the November 2, 2004 General Election must return petitions to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics with signatures of (at least) 25 registered voters who also live in the SMD the candidate wishes to represent.

See the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions web site ( www.dc.anc.gov) for additional information.

Tuesday, September 7, 2004 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

A People's Candidate Forum at True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street, NW 

Childcare Provided!
YOU tell the candidates what you need: Affordable Housing, Affordable Childcare, Affordable Healthcare, Other Concerns
Candidates Listen To You For A Change!
For more information or to sign up to speak, call 202 234-9119

Co-sponsored by: Empower DC, Fair Budget Coalition, SOME, CARE, Urban Housing Alliance, Plymouth Congregational UCC-Board of Social Action

Wednesday, September 8, 2004 from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

AARP District Council At-Large Forum at Washington Highlands Library, 115 Atlantic Street, SW. Reservations required for box lunch. Call 434-7713.

Come find out where the District Council candidates stand on the issues older District residents have told AARP they care most about -- affordable prescription drugs, nursing home quality and assistance for grandparents raising grandchildren. For additional information contact Grier Mendel, Gmendel@aarp.org

Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 6:30 pm

Ward 8 Councilmember Candidates Forum at Malcolm X Elementary School 1351 Alabama Avenue, SE

Denise Rolark Barnes will moderate the forum with the following Ward 8 Council candidates: (Listed alphabetically): Sandy Allen (D), R. Joyce Scott (D), Marion Barry (D),  "S.S" Sandra Seegars (D), William O. Lockridge (D), Frank Sewell (D), Jacque Patterson (D), Cardell W. Shelton (R), 
Sponsored by the Greater Washington Area Chapter of the Women's Division of the National Bar Association (GWAC) and the DC League of Women Voters. For further information call 202 387-2966

Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 7:30 pm

Ward 3 At-Large Candidate Forum on Public Education at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School Library, 3950 Chesapeake Street, NW (directly behind the Whole Foods Market at Tenleytown Metro Station)

Moderator: Beth Cope, the Current Newspaper. Candidates: Democrats Harold Brazil, Sam Brooks, Kwame Brown; Republicans Don Folden Sr., Robert Pittman, Carol Schwartz; DC Statehood Green Laurent Ross

Sponsored by the Parent Teachers Associations and Home School Associations of the public elementary, junior high and senior high schools in Ward 3. Call 202 337-7658 for additional information.

Thursday, September 9, 2004 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

TENAC CANDIDATES FORUM at Charles Sumner Museum School - Great Hall, 1201 17th Street, NW (cm 17th and M Streets) (Farragut North Metro

Do you care about... Rent Control? Tenant Rights? Affordable Housing? Skyrocketing Rents? Pressures to Move? Fees for everything?
If you live in rental housing, you should come to this forum! Ask the candidates for answers! For more information call 202 628-3688. Sponsored by D.C. Tenants' Advocacy Coalition "Representing All D.C. Tenants"

Saturday, September 18, 2004 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Voter Registration Drive for the November 2, 2004 General Election at the following Metro Train Stations:
Addison Road, Anacostia, Branch Avenue, Capitol Heights, Fort Totten, Minnesota Avenue, Prince George's Plaza, Rhode Island Avenue, Shaw/Howard University, Stadium-Armory

Volunteers still needed. (Shift 1) 11 am - 12 noon (Shift 2) 12 noon - 2:00 pm
To volunteer, please send an e-mail to getyourvoteon@yahoo.com or call Linda Eatmon-Jones at 703 715-8877

Sponsored by the Thursday Network (TN) and The Urban Roundtable (UR), auxiliaries of the Greater Washington Urban League, and the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Thetas Sorority.

See web site www.lwvdc.org for additional events after this printing on Wednesday, August 25, 2004