MISSION STATEMENT: To build and sustain an inclusive proactive community that will protect our environment, our freedoms and our basic human and civil rights. We are committed to an indivisible St. Johns County with liberty and justice for all.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Here's what we did last night at our monthly Indivisible meeting.

We welcomed Jeanne Moeller, long time member of our Mosquito Control Board. She explained the budgeting challenges of the mosquito control district and her deep commitment to spending our tax dollars wisely. She used her opposition to the purchase of a Bell helicopter far above our means without budgeting for staffing nor upkeep in 2010. Her resistance resulted in a smaller, more appropriate and affordable helicopter. This kind of vigilance is important: the Mosquito Control cannot carry debt. Despite the increase in population in our county, the district has maintained services. She did note that the amendment on the upcoming ballot to allow yet another $25,000 homestead exemption will have a direct negative impact on their budget and should be opposed.

We ran down our list of great candidates updated as of last night. Check sjcvotes.us for latest updates. It was suggested to follow candidates whose issues speak to you and check their websites, promote them on your social media, canvas and phone bank for them.Pick a candidate you love and get busy!

Future Congressman Ges Selmont joined us to thank us for our work and outline his basic platform:
We must flip districts 04 and 06 and take back the House of Representatives. He has digital billboards in Duval County (illegal here) and is running Facebook ads and getting ready to release 3 more policty videos. His view is that Florida is a tourism and farming state so environmental issues are a big issue and he has a deep concern for legal and economic justice. He denounced the refusal of federal funding by Rick Scott for  high speed rail as well as Medicaid expansion. He stated he's invited Congressman Rutherford to debate at Flagler but has not received a response. Shortly however, the Times Union will conduct a joint editorial board meeting so keep your eyes open for that. We've forgotten what Rutherford sounds like.

We previewed the trailer for Active Measures, a stunningly well documented video about our elections and Russian interference and/criminal activity going back decades and featuring former Russian ambassador McFaul, recently departed Senator McCain, investigative reporter Craig Unger and numerous other officials. The members agreed to secure a license for a screening to the public. Details will be announced. The trailer, in case you missed it a few posts back, is here Active Measures Trailer

We reviewed our expenditures as defined by both the FEC and Indivisible restrictions. Our fundraising via our ActBlue link is going well, with the matching funds being applied through October. This money may be used on Federal elections for issues advocacy related to our candidates. Our members who do not want to donate online are continuing to support us through buying tee shirts (now $10) and cash donations. That money can be sued to support our local candidates in the form of printed materials and postage for example.

Marie Garnes trained about 6 members in the phonebanking app used by our partner Blue Coalition. Members downloaded the app, set up accounts and reviewed the menu and scripts. This is a great way to reach out to Democratic, and later, Independent voters, to GOTV from the comfort of your home. Please call Marie at 904.315.1537 if you're ready to get started. We will be scheduling a house party type training in the near future as well. We need everyone! Please give us what hours you can.

No comments:

Post a Comment