Happy Holidays

We hope this holiday season has been enjoyable for you and yours, and that it will continue to be as we rush toward Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Here’s an opportunity to celebrate with fellow progressives:

3rd Congressional District
Annual Holiday Party

This Wednesday evening, the 3rd Congressional District is holding their annual Holiday Party here in Senate District 48. It’s open to all progressives who’d like to attend. So, please stop by to meet people, catch up with friends and enjoy some holiday cheer.

What: 3rd Congressional District DFL Holiday Party
When:  Wednesday, December 18, 2013,  7:00 pm
Where:  Nelson Home, 8983 Preserve Blvd, Eden Prairie (here in SD48)
Map

You are welcome to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

We will be collecting warm hats and mittens to donate to children.

Spouses or significant others are invited!

We look forward to seeing you December 18!

The 2014 Precinct Caucuses

Mark your calendars now to participate in next year’s precinct caucuses.

It’s a great opportunity to participate in grassroots politics. You’ll have the chance to meet fellow progressives, too.

And, Precinct Caucuses are the kick off to the election year. Even though we don’t have a presidential election this year, Democrats have a lot on the line:

• Sen. Franken,
• Gov. Dayton,
• the Secretary of State position
• Attorney General Swanson
• State Auditor Otto and
• Rep. Selcer

are all up for re-election in November, 2014.

Not Caucused? Consider this Your Starter Caucus

Where this is what’s called an “off year” (no presidential election and only one endorsement race), this is a great time to attend if you haven’t attended a caucus before. Consider it your “starter caucus”. You can attend without the intensity that comes during a presidential year’s caucus.

Remember What Happened in the November, 2010 Election?

Democrats didn’t turn out to vote, and we lost control of both houses of the State Legislature. Schools were treated as piggy banks, the longest government shutdown in state history happened and Republicans who have been telling us that cutting is the only thing to do for decades now continued trying to cut their way to success and protecting the top 1% from paying any more taxes leading to a downgrading of the state’s credit rating. And, that’s not talking about any of the Republican social engineering that was in the work.

Don’t Want that to Happen in 2014?
Turn Out for Caucuses!

What:  Precinct Caucuses

When:  Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Where:  East Commons, Eden Prairie High School, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Caucused before? Join us again. Never caucused because it sounded strange or scary? Check out our video on what to expect. And, whether you’ve caucused every 2 years since you could vote or this is your first time, bring a friend from your neighborhood. It’ll make it more fun, and you’ll both be helping to keep Minnesota blue.

Have an Issue You’re Passionate About?

You can bring a resolution to your caucus, present it to your neighbors. If the resolution passes, it will be presented at the Senate District Convention on March 8. If it passes there, it will continue to move up to the State DFL Convention. If it passes there, it will be incorporated into the State DFL Platform.

Resolutions need to be presented on the official form provided by the State DFL. Here’s a link to download a PDF of that form:  2014-2015-DFL-Resolution-Form.

Not Able to Attend the Caucus on February 4?

Want to participate in your local precinct as a precinct officer or be a delegate to the Senate District Convention? You have a chance to put your name into nomination for those positions by downloading this form:  2014-2015-Letter-Nomination-Form.

If you have a scanner, simply complete the form and scan it. Attach it to a cover e-mail and send it to [email protected]. Or, you can mail the completed and signed form to:

Sharon Borine, Chair
Senate District 48 DFL
18285 Croixwood Ln
Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Not Certain What Precinct You Live In?

Visit the Secretary of State’s Pollfinder.

What the Heck is a Precinct?

If you’re new to local politics, a lot of the language and process feels pretty foreign. But, like in a business industry, people involved in the process use a lot of jargon.

So, here’s some background.

Precincts

A precinct is the smallest political breakdown in a state. You can think of it as a large neighborhood. In our land of cul-de-sacs, it’s a bit harder to think of it as that. Each precinct contains a polling location where you vote. We’ve uploaded PDFs of each precinct in Senate District 48 here, if you’d like to check them out before Caucus Night.

House Districts

The next larger political breakdown in a state is a house district. It is the geographic area a state representative represents in St. Paul. Here are maps of House District 48A and House District 48B

Senate District

The next larger political breakdown in a state is a senate district. This is the geographic area a state senator represents in St. Paul. The senate district is made up of the two house districts. Here’s a map of Senate District 48.

Congressional District

This is the largest political breakdown in a state, and is the geographic area a U.S. congressperson represents in the U.S. House of Representatives. Here’s a map of the Third Congressional District:  CD3_2012_letter.

We’re Electing People at Caucuses?

Yes, there will be elections to fill positions within the local, Senate District 48 DFL on Caucus Night:

Precinct Chair

This officer sets the agenda for the Precinct Association Leadership Team:

• Communicating with app previous precinct caucus participants about upcoming DFL activities
• Representing their precinct on the Senate District 48 Central Committee (voting member)
• Identifying and communicating with committed Democrats who’re willing to help distribute campaign literature, display a lawn sign, etc.
• Helping with our Get Out the Vote effort

Precinct Vice Chairs

Two Precinct Vice Chairs will be elected (with gender equity) for each precinct to complete the Precinct Association Leadership Team. There will be no differentiation in duties as described above, except that one Vice Chair may vote on the Senate District Central Committee in place of a non-present Precinct Chair.

Senate District Convention Delegate

Delegates elected in each caucus will attend this Year’s convention, scheduled for Saturday, March 8, in the East Commons at Eden Prairie High School (where we’re meeting for Caucuses February 4), as well as the 2015 convention. They will endorse candidates for public office and vote on resolutions. Should any senate district constitutional amendments be presented, they will vote on their ratification.

Want to Help with a
Shorter Term Project?

Volunteer for one of our Convention Committees

Caucus night, you’ll be asked to serve on one of the following committee that will be preparing for our Senate District Convention on March 8:

• Preparing registration materials and badges
• Registering delegates at the convention
• Collecting registration fees
• Recording and proofing delegate information

Nominations:

• Interviewing individuals running for Senate District officer positions and nominate for election before the full Senate District Convention the candidates the committee believes are the best choices
• Members of this committee may not run for Senate District Office

Endorsements:

• Recommending and, if necessary, recruiting a candidate for each of our 2 State House of Representative seats

Resolutions:

• Screening resolutions adopted at the precinct caucuses and prepare a ballot for the March 8 convention
• Preparing a list in MicroSoft Word format of the resolutions adopted at the Senate District 48 convention for submission to the State Platform Commission as soon as possible

Rules and Constitution:

• Preparing suggested rules for the convention
• If required, preparing suggested amendments to the Senate District 48 Constitution for the convention to vote on

Arrangements:

• Handling arrangements with the high school
• Coordinating with campaigns tabling at the event
• Setting up for the event
• Assisting attendees in finding their precinct
• Cleaning up after the event

To participate on any of these committees, you can sign up Caucus Night. Know you’d like to help now? Send us an e-mail at [email protected]. We’ll let the Convention Committee Convener for the committee you’re interested in know. That person will be in touch with you in late January or early February.

Ambassador and Mrs. Kaplan Come to CD3

On November 13, Congressional District 3 DFL, hosted an event honoring the former Ambassador to Morocco and his wife, Sam and Sylvia Kaplan.

Former Ambassador Sam Kaplan, and his wife were interviewed by Don Shelby, long-time WCCO newscaster. Informal and gracious, the Kaplans sat down with Shelby in front of a cozy fire-place surrounded by an audience of around 100 people who came to see and hear about their Moroccan experiences.

It wasn’t just the soft ecru décor and lighting in the Centennial Conference Center in Edina, the gorgeous Mediterranean themed buffet, the who’s who in the Minnesota DFL in attendance, including DFL Chair Ken Martin or the famous-in-his-own-right, moderator Don Shelby, former news anchor on WCCO-TV, whose work has earned him two Peabody awards and an Emmy, it was the former Ambassador to Morocco and his wife, the evening’s headliners, who made the evening unforgettable.

President Obama sends Sam and Sheila Kaplan to Morocco

Samuel L. Kaplan was sworn in on September 18, 2009, as the personal representative of President Obama, with the goal improving U.S. relations within the Muslim world.

Morocco is governed by a constitutional monarchy with an elected Parliament. The King of Morocco is a powerful figure who holds sway over not only executive and legislative authority, but over the military. He controls religious affairs. Morocco is a Muslim country; the main religion is Islam and the languages are Berber, Arabic and French.

Morocco first country to diplomatically recognize the US in 1777

Morocco was the first country to diplomatically recognize the United States, way back in our country’s early beginnings, December 20, 1777. The US and Morocco are longstanding allies. A Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the U.S. and Morocco was signed by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Muhammad III. Interestingly this became the first treaty ratified by the Congress under the Constitution. The treaty has remained unbroken, representing the longest treaty relationship in U. history.

Morocco and the United States

As a moderate Arab nation and a long-time ally of the United States, Morocco plays a critical role in world diplomacy.  A poll from 2009 found that 57 percent of Moroccans had a positive opinion of Obama.

Cultural differences noticeable for Mrs. Kaplan

As an ambassador, Kaplan, and particularly his wife Silvia had to adapt to the cultural differences of their host country which on the surface appear to be a cross between U.S. culture and Islamic culture.  But when you look deeper into the everyday lives of Moroccans patriarchy and Muslim culture particularly related to women’s equality still exist.

Though you might see women in the conservative Jalapa and foulard, there are also women in business suits and younger women in more Americanized trendy attire. But men are still allowed to marry multiple women and carry on some of the more traditional customs like offering dowries to their wives.

Arab Spring and Freedom of Press in Morocco

Freedom of the press in Morocco is improving according to Kaplan. But incidents like the government removing magazines from newsstands because they objected to a published poll about the public’s perception of the monarchy, still occur.

Morocco escaped the Arab Spring.  But, when the Kaplans went to Egypt for a Chamber of Commerce meeting, they stayed with Ambassador to Egypt and got the chance to witness the unraveling of the economy and civil unrest. Kaplan said a new Morocco Constitution, and elections were initiated to avoid Arab spring-style up-rising there. Kaplan said this was a move in the right direction for the current King to take.

Morocco Expels U.S. Christians for Proselytizing

In March 2010, while serving as Ambassador, Kaplan, expressed the US’s “distress” over Morocco expelling 16 Americans who worked at the orphanage “Village of Hope.” Accused of proselytizing Morocco allows people to practice Christianity, but no proselytizing is allowed. The US Consulate deemed this to be a violation of due process by refusing to provide hearings for those accused.

The Day-to-Day living in Morocco

It was not like being home in Minnesota.  They traveled in a motorcade, had security guards. They couldn’t walk to the neighborhood shopping area or anywhere without an entourage particularly during week-ends. But, both said when they had the opportunity to go out and meet the people, they were exceptionally welcoming and friendly.

According to Kaplan Morocco is the most moderate Arab country. They broke off relations with Iran and have helped in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Interestingly their home in Morocco was large, atypically American, so they filled it with pieces from their home in Minneapolis and historical items from the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

The Political Contribution Refund program was re-established in July of this year. The Legislature has set aside fund specifically for this effort.

It is one of the tools that helps keep Minnesota’s politics local by helping people contribute to candidates or parties that they care about or know to support their issues.

Historically, Republicans use this program twice as much as Democrats. Matter of fact, they think Democrats don’t understand politics and money by not using the program.

Prove Them Wrong

Take the time to write a check or visit the contribution page of this website and make a contribution to Senate District 48 DFL.

Here’s how it works:

The first $50 a person makes to a state political party unit or candidate is fully reimbursed. So, it’s like loaning us the money.  Married?  A couple can contribute $100 and receive the full amount back if this is their first contribution of the year. Got voting age children at home? The same thing applies — the first $50 they contribute to us is reimbursed.

You can make this contribution and receive this refund once a year. So, come January 1, you can contribute again and receive another $50 refund.

Please take the time to make a secure, online contribution now by visiting this webpage. Or, you can mail a check to:

Norbert Gernes, Treasurer
Senate District 48 DFL
6990 Alpine Trl
Eden Prairie, MN 55346

Happy Fall

We hope everyone has said goodbye to summer and has moved on to winter things including preparing for the upcoming holidays.

What are We Thankful For?

We’re thankful for our great volunteers who’ve helped make this year’s events successful. We couldn’t have done it without a lot of hands helping. So, in this season of thanks, we want to make certain we say it one more time:

Thank you!

If you’re interested in getting involved in politics at the grassroots level, there’s no better way than by volunteering with other progressives in the community you live in. Just e-mail us at [email protected]. We’ll get back to you and work to find the perfect area or task for you.

What’s Ahead? First Up:  Caucuses

We’re moving into our preparations for the February 4 Caucuses and the Senate District Convention that will follow.

We’ve reserved the East Commons at the Eden Prairie High School for our pre-caucus gathering. And, have started planning what we’ll be doing. So, look for updates here (on our newsletter page, as well as on the website’s other pages).

We hope you’ll be able to join us that evening and participate in true grassroots politics.

Got questions now? Want to volunteer to help with the caucus preparations or with convening your caucus? You can e-mail us at [email protected].

Third Congressional District Holiday Party

This year’s CD3 DFL Holiday Party will again be held in our Senate District at the home of Kathy Nelson. As details come together on this event, we’ll keep you posted. But, we wanted to let you know so you could mark your calendar now. So, pencil in Wednesday, December 14, 7:00 PM.

Update from
Rep. Yvonne Selcer

Rep. Yvonne Selcer (MN House District 48A) has been very busy while not in session, as she has been appointed to both the Governor’s Early Learning Council and the School Facilities working group. Representative Selcer is also a member of the bi-partisan Small Business Caucus, the Childhood Obesity Caucus, and the Childhood Dyslexia Caucus.  She has spent considerable time touring small businesses in our area, listening to concerns and ideas as to how to improve the business climate in MN and create new jobs.

Rep. Selcer has also been door knocking since the end of this year’s session talking with constituents in House District 48A. She has a few more days when she’ll be walking in neighborhoods, weather permitting. If you’d like to help her reach as many households as possible before the snow flies, e-mail us at [email protected] and we’ll get you hooked up.

On November 3, Rep. Selcer joined with the volunteers at The Mother Bear Project, a non-profit organization created by local resident Amy Berman, to create “Mother Bear knitting kits”.

In early November, she and other community leaders and friends celebrated Eden Prairie’s PROP Shop’s new addition. The revenue from PROP Shop is used to fund it’s programs and provide basic household goods for families in our community who need a helping hand.

The much-needed 2,500 square foot addition was a true community collaboration including labor donated by carpentry students at Hennepin Technical College. For more information on the PROP Shop, click here.

Update from Senate Candidate
Laurie McKendry

Laurie McKendry is busy working in both Eden Prairie and Minnetonka.

Through her participation in the AM Rotary, she’s working with the non-profit organizations in Eden Prairie as they gear up for a busy holiday season. “The need for help for families with gifts for children and food shelf needs is 3 times what it was just 6 years ago,” she says. The need for help, especially at this time of year, extends far into the community.

With the City of Minnetonka’s Economic Development Advisory Commission, she’s working on potential station issues within Minnetonka. Through advanced city seminars, she continues to learn how transit affects communities.

She’s also involved in a Commission subcommittee on affordable housing that will be making a report to the City Council soon.

Have You Made Your Fully Refundable $50 Contribution Yet?

If you haven’t, please consider contributing to Senate District 48 DFL. Your contribution allows us to not only support our candidates, it helps pay for the upcoming February 4 Caucus and the Senate District Convention that will follow.

With the reinstatement of the Political Contribution Refund program, any registered voter can contribute $50 ($100 for a couple) and submit the paperwork we will provide to the State. Within weeks, shorter if you opt for a direct deposit, the State will send you a full refund.

You can make this contribution and receive this refund once a year. Our Republican counterparts take full advantage of this. Please take the time to make a secure, online contribution now by visiting this webpage. Or, you can mail a check to:

Norbert Gernes, Treasurer
Senate District 48 DFL
6990 Alpine Trl
Eden Prairie, MN 55346

An Evening with
Hillary Rodham Clinton

A sold-out audience arrived on a windy fall evening to see Hillary Rodham Clinton, former Secretary of State and United States Senator from New York, speak at Beth El Synagogue’s 2013 National Speaker Series, October 27.

Elliot Badzin introduced the former Secretary of State with a list of her accomplishments and background. Before turning the dais over to Clinton, he referred to her as the “PPIW,” (Potential President in Waiting). He said that’s “TBD” (to be announced), whether or not she would run for President of the United States in 2016. Everyone in the audience stood, clapping enthusiastically.

Since 1998, Beth El Synagogue has hosted their National Speaker Series featuring speakers such as Colin Powell, President Bill Clinton, Dan Rather, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Wolf Blitzer, James Carville and many more.

Some of the attendees were Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, Minnesota Associate Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, Major General Richard C. Nash, current Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota House Representative Yvonne Selcer (HD48A, DFL), Minnesota Senator Terri E. Bonoff (SD44, DFL) and other local officials and future candidates such has Laurie McKendy, current AM Rotary Board Member and STRIVE committee member (mentor).

Hillary Rodham Clinton’s Remarks

The former First Lady began by talking about an issue that has always been near-and-dear, a top priority, Women’s Rights and Human Rights, and the work she has been doing for the Clinton Foundation with her husband, former President Bill Clinton, and daughter Chelsea Clinton.

Mrs. Clinton said 1 in 3 Minnesota children live in poverty. That figure is up 8%. Half of the children in Minneapolis live in poverty. According to Clinton, new brain research shows poverty affects children from the time they’re born. A lack of interaction does not build brainpower or vocabulary; Clinton says experts call it the “Word Gap.” A disheartening statistic from 2001 is that only 40% of impoverished children were ready to learn when they started school. If all children don’t have the opportunity to live in good neighborhoods and attend good schools, their future will be stunted: inequality impacts their ability to learn.

When Clinton was First Lady of Arkansas in 1985, she worked with the Children’s Defense Fund and the National Council of Jewish Women, who helped bring programs like HIPPY (The Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters) to Arkansas. HIPPY is a two-year, home-based early education intervention program that helps parents with limited formal education prepare their four- and five-year-old children for school.

The Clinton Foundation initiative “Too Small to Fail” stresses the importance of Early Childhood Development to reinforce with mothers that learning must start when children are babies. Clinton used a beautiful metaphor from the Talmud — every child is like a blade of grass and “Every blade of grass has an angel that bends over it and whispers grow, grow…”

Clinton said though there’s “No More Barn Raising”, we have to continue to build and grow our country:

• Leadership and Citizenship — the future belongs to those who participate, problem solve and make investments for tomorrow.
• American DNA — habits of the heart, everyday values and customs, the welfare of neighbors
• Build Trust — it’s the glue that holds democracies together
• Partisanship — only frays the social network
• Government Less Trusted — results in a people who are disconnected from each other
• Civic Virtue — there should be a social aspect to gatherings for the good of the community
• Common Discovery — shared commitment
• Reconcile the Trends — build support networks of shared values and common ground.

Continued here.

Save the Date!

Whether you’ve caucused with us before, have been interested but wondered what it was about or if you’d like to participate in true grassroots democracy, the upcoming precinct caucus is a date you should add to your calendar now. We’ll be getting more information to you over the next couple of issues.

Mark your calendar:

Tuesday, February 4
East Commons
Eden Prairie High School
6:30 pre-caucus meeting
7:00 caucuses convene

Our 2013 Fall Feast

The afternoon of September 29, after the Vikings’ win, we gathered at Eden Wood Conference Center to enjoy a sunny, warm fall afternoon, some great food, check out an array of Holiday Silent Auction items, and dine an a wonderful spread of southern food.

We also were also joined by State Auditor Rebecca Otto, Rep. Steve Simon, Joel Hilstrom speaking on behalf of his wife, Rep. Deb Hilstrom, Rep. Yvonne Selcer (48A, D), State Senate Candidate Laurie McKendry and Minnetonka Mayoral Candidate Grace Sheely. State Attorney General Lori Swanson sent her regrets. She’d hoped to join us, but was called to another part of the state. From the State DFL, Vice Chair Marge Hoffa joined us, as did State Treasurer Tom Hamilton.  Third Congressional District Chair Cheryl Poling rounded out our list of dignitaries.

Here are some photos of our event:

Cheryl Poling, Chair, Third Congressional District DFL

Joel Hilstrom, representing Secretary of State Candidate Rep. Deb Hilstrom

Senate District 48 DFL Candidate Laurie McKendry

State Auditor Rebecca Otto

Rep. Yvonne Selcer (48A, DFL)

Secretary of State Candidate Rep. Steve Simon

We thank all our distinguished guests for joining us. And, we send out a hearty thank you to all our SD48 DFL volunteers including Carl B., Sharon B, Nick F., Norb  G., Pat G, Marge H., Doug L., Cheryl P., Victoria P., Geri R. and Pam S. We couldn’t have done it without your help.

This Just In — Save the Date
CD3 DFL Fall Fundraising Event

An Evening with Ambassador Sam Kaplan
and Sylvia Kaplan

November 13, 2013, 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Hughes Pavilion Building, Centennial Lakes Park, 7499 France Ave S, Edina, MN 55435

November Elections

As we mentioned last month, there are a number of elections on the ballot this November 5.  Where there isn’t a national race or event a state race on the ticket, people tend to tell themselves it doesn’t make any difference if they don’t take a bit of time away from work (it’s in statute that you can take time off to vote) or an evening to do that one action that makes us a representative democracy — vote.And, in several of these races, they will have a direct affect on your life than some of the state or national positions do.

So, please, put voting on your calendar and make certain you take that time that citizens of Minnesota and the United States and cast your ballot.

Eden Prairie School Board

At the recent Eden Prairie School Board Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, these candidates stated they were endorsed by the Senate District 48 Republican Party of Minnesota:  Murshid Burud, Renee Jacobus and Holly Link.  Elaine Larabee is the Treasurer for Rep. Jenifer Loon (48B-R).

Of the people running for office, we believe Timothy Laurie’s most closely match those of the DFL Party.

Eden Prairie School District Referendum

Want to find out more about the referendum that’s on this November’s ballot? From the StarTribune today:

The Eden Prairie School District has scheduled three opportunities for parents and community members to hear an informational presentation about the operating levy and technology/capital projects levy ballot questions that will be on the ballot on Nov. 5.

The presentations will be held in the boardroom of the district’s Administrative Services Center, 8100 School Road. All sessions will be from 7 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 14, Oct. 23 and Oct. 29.

A question-and-answer session will follow each presentation.

Hopkins and Minnetonka School Boards

We are awaiting reports on the candidates running for positions on the above two school boards. When we receive information, we’ll pass it along to you.

League of Women Voters Forums

Most of the League’s forums have taken place by our issue date. If you didn’t have a chance to attend, you can still watch them. They will be aired on local cable channels (information not yet available). Or, you can visit the League’s website to watch the forums there.

Where to Vote

If you’re voting in Minnetonka, it looks like you’ll be voting at your regular polling place.

If you’re voting in Eden Prairie, with just school district candidates and referendum on the ballot, you may not be voting at your regular polling location.

To find out where you’re voting November 5, and to find out about candidates and see a sample ballot, please visit the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder.

Rep. Selcer’s Education Town Hall

On Saturday, September 21, Rep. Yvonne Selcer and Rep. Paul Rosenthal co-hosted an Education Town Hall at Forest Hills Elementary School in Eden Prairie.

“We had a great discussion about how we moved education forward for our Minnesota students during the last legislative session,” states Rep. Selcer. “This includes providing optional, all-day kindergarten to our students, as well as freezing tuition at the college level for the next two years.”  Also covered at the town hall were options to meet the future challenges and opportunities we face, such as closing the achievement gap.  Rep. Selcer went on to state that she felt it was  very thoughtful and worthwhile conversation.  “I appreciated people coming out to talk education on a beautiful fall afternoon,” Rep. Selcer stated.

Door Knocking with Rep. Selcer

Rep. Selcer continues to lead her colleagues in the House in the number of constituents she’s reaching with information on this year’s legislative session.  You can help her increase her lead by joining her as she door knocks in her district. E-mail us at [email protected] for more information.

We Had a Great Summer!

Divots for Democrats

On Saturday, July 13, we hosted our 7th annual Divots for Democrats Golf, Dinner and Silent Auction. While the weather was hot, attendees had a great time golfing at the Glen Lake Golf Course.

Thank you to all who helped make this event happen.  Thank you to all the SD48 volunteers who came together to organize the event.  Thank you to those who donated items to our Silent Auction.  Thank you to the candidates and elected officials who joined us.  And, a special thank you to Shanti Shan for chairing the event again this year.

Event Chair Shanti Shah

Summer Picnic

On Saturday, August 29, Senate District 48 DFL hosted our first summer picnic at Edenvale Park. Entitled “Learn the ABCs About the DFL Eat, Meet and Greet Picnic,” we offered a range of activities for children.  And, we had elected officials, candidates and party officials at the event to talk with people about the political process, how to get engaged, how to get help on issues affecting them, etc.

Here, again, we’re grateful to all the volunteers from Eden Prairie and Minnetonka who came out to help make the event happen. Those volunteers include Carl B., Dan D., Jan E., Luke F., Norb G., Pat G., Marge H., Doug L., Pat L., Tim L. and family, Donna M., Malik M., Victoria P., Ahmed S., Jeff S. and son, and Pam S.

2013 Elections

Just a reminder that we do have elections this November 5:

Eden Prairie School Board
Hopkins City Council
Hopkins School Board
Minnetonka City Council
Minnetonka School Board

The League of Women Voters is holding candidate forums for these races.  Here’s the specifics:

The Hopkins School Board forum will be held Tuesday, September 24, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Minnetonka Community Center’s Council Chambers, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345.

The Eden Prairie School Board forum will be held Thursday, September 26, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Eden Prairie City Center’s Council Chambers, 8080 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.

The Minnetonka School Board forum will be held Tuesday, October 1, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Minnetonka Community Center’s Council Chambers, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345.

The Minnetonka City Council forum will be held Thursday, October 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Minnetonka Community Center’s Council Chambers, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345.

The Hopkins City Council forum will be held Thursday, October 10, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Hopkins City Hall’s Council Chambers, 1010 First St S., Hopkins, MN 55343.

The forums will be televised live and rebroadcast on local cable. Most will also be available on streaming video. Please visit their website for more specifics as the forums are taking place and streaming information becomes available.

Annual Minnesota Legislature’s
State Fair Survey

As it does each year, the Minnesota House of Representatives conducts a poll of State Fair attendees. This year’s survey has a universe of over 7,000 people. Of those

• 65.5% believe the State’s minimum wage should be increased to $8.50 per hour for employers with annual gross sales of less than $500,000, and $9.50 per hour for large employers
• 82% believe a background check should be conducted if a buyer wants to purchase a firearm from a private seller at a gun show
• almost 75% believe doctors should be able to prescribe medical marijuana to seriously ill people if they believe the drug will ease a patient’s suffering

To see the survey’s complete result, click this link:

2013 Legislature State Fair Poll Results

to download a PDF copy.

Rep. Selcer Hosts Education Town Hall

On Thursday, August 29, Rep. Yvonne Selcer hosted an Education Town Hall at Gatewood Elementary School in Minnetonka. She was joined by Minnesota House Majority Leader Erin Murphy and Hopkins Superintendent Dr. John Schultz.

Rep. Selcer says, “We enjoyed the productive conversation we had with many of you at my community education forum last week at Gatewood Elementary School, Minnetonka.  It was good to hear your many positive comments about the ways in which the 2013 legislature moved education forward in MN, as well as to discuss the needs, challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead of us as we work to provide every child in Minnesota with a world class education.  Please continue to contact me with your thoughts and questions as we move forward.  By working together we can ensure a bright future for our children!”

Dr. John Schults, Rep. Yvonne Selcer and Rep. Erin Murphy

If you weren’t able to attend this Town Hall, Rep. Selcer has scheduled another on education, which she will be co-hosting with Rep. Paul Rosenthal. This will be held Saturday, September 21 at 1:00 PM, and will be located at Forest Hills Elementary School, 13708 Holly Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.

She will also be hosting a Senior Fraud Prevention forum on Saturday, October 26, at 10:30 AM at the Eden Prairie Senior Center, 8950 Eden Prairie Rd, Eden Prairie, MN. She will be joined by Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Better Business Bureau Representative Gary Johnson. They will be presenting important information on this topic. There will be an opportunity for discussion.

Please Join Us for Our Fall Feast

Your support at this event will help us elect more Democrats in Eden Prairie and Minnetonka

On Sunday, September 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, we’ll be hosting our annual Fall Feast. All our elected officials and candidates have been invited. And, we’ll be posting updated on our website.

We’ve got a great program and menu in place.

Consider Applying for a State Board

There are lots of openings where people can help the State function. Please consider visiting the Secretary of State’s website to see if anything is a fit for you at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=308

Here’s the latest listing:

Vacancies:

BIOFUELS TASK FORCE
Vacancies: One (1) – At-Large Member

BOARD OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
Vacancies: Two (2) – Members

CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE BOARD
Vacancies: One (1) – Member

CONSTRUCTION CODES ADVISORY COUNCIL
Vacancies: One (1) – Fire Chief or Fire Marshal

COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
Vacancies: One (1) – Member from Economic Development Region 6

DENTAL SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vacancies: Two (2)

– One Health Plan Company Representative
– One Scientist actively engaged in oral health research.

METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Vacancies: One (1) – Member – Must live in Metropolitan Council District 10.

A map of Metropolitan Council Districts can be found here

METROPOLITAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
Vacancies: Nine (9)

• MSOP District A (Metropolitan Council Districts 1-2)
• MSOP District B (Metropolitan Council Districts 3-4)
• MSOP District C (Metropolitan Council Districts 5-6)
• MSOP District D (Metropolitan Council Districts 7-8)
• MSOP District E (Metropolitan Council Districts 9-10)
• MSOP District F (Metropolitan Council Districts 11-12)
• MSOP District G (Metropolitan Council Districts 13-14)
• MSOP District H (Metropolitan Council Districts 15-16)
• MSOP Chair
  (Must reside in the Metropolitan Area)

Please locate your district by consulting the following maps:

A Map of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission Districts

A Map of the Metroplitan Council Districts

MN ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FOUNDATION
Vacancies: One (1) – Business Representative

MN BOARD OF NURSING
Vacancies: One (1) – Licensed Practical Nurse for a term ending January 6, 2014.

NEWBORN HEARING SCREENING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vacancies: One (1) – Rural Birth Hospital Representative

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTITIONERS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Vacancies: Two (2) – Public Members

OMBUDSPERSON BOARD FOR ASIAN-PACIFIC FAMILIES
Vacancies: One (1) – Member

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST AND AUDIOLOGIST ADVISORY COUNCIL
Vacancies: One (1) – Public Member

STATE GUARDIAN AD LITEM BOARD
Vacancies: One (1) Member who is acquainted with the guardian ad litem program as well as laws that affect a guardian ad litem’s work. Member cannot be a registered lobbyist or a current judge.

SURPLUS LINES ASSOCIATION OF MINNESOTA
Vacancies: One (1) – Member

TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Vacancies: One (1) – Representative that is actively involved in business planning for state executive branch agencies.

TRUSTEE CANDIDATE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Vacancies: One (1) – Member