[statecom-discuss] Common Local Ballot Question 2008 Notes, Saturday March 10th & March 24th Meetings

[Gracegrnrnbw at aol.com]

(JRon - what counties do you have represented?   Love, Grace(B
(JIn a message dated 3/6/07 6:07:00 AM, ronwf777 at yahoo.com writes:(B


(J> A good observation about flexible timing,... but that is counter to the (B
(J> idea of the CLBQ. Doing all of the questions at the same time with the same (B
(J> language, on the same date gives(B
(J> (B
(J> a) coherency(B
(J> b) party signature(B
(J> c) not having to learn 351 rules (351 municipalities !)(B
(J> d) not having to rely on needing a local person to always be present to help (B
(J> negotiate with the local municipality. In the CLBQ proposal, all we need is (B
(J> a local person to support signature gathering (not because we need them in (B
(J> particular but because it is good organizing proactice and also so that we (B
(J> have a chapter post-signature gathering)(B
(J> e) Easier use of Che Quevara's foco theory.(B
(J> f) State Rep district candidacies are partisan so that after we embarass the (B
(J> Republocrats in 2008 we can remove the in 2010 or 2012.(B
(J> (B
(J> Thanks for pointing this out however; it has convinces me even more that (B
(J> sweeping State Rep questions are the way to go. However I'm open to discussion (B
(J> on this matter ... and want to read Bill's two articles about why municipal (B
(J> ballot questions are very difficult to do.(B
(J> (B
(J> I have produced a graphic outlining most of the arguments in favor of the (B
(J> CLBQ. I will now change it based on this conversation !... so thanks for (B
(J> pointing this stuff out.(B
(J> (B
(J> ron(B
(J> (B
(J> (B
(J> (B
(J> (B
(J> Gracegrnrnbw at aol.com wrote: I think your analysis is correct about the (B
(J> differences - But in many(B
(J> communities there are other processes besides just the ballot so probably (B
(J> the timing(B
(J> would actually be more flexible - Love, Grace(B
(J> In a message dated 3/5/07 9:10:02 PM, mikeheichman at verizon.net writes:(B
(J> (B
(J> (B
(J> > Hi Grace,(B
(J> >(B
(J> > I would like to know more about binding municipal questions.(B
(J> >(B
(J> > 1. Assuming that we go through a process of selecting one issue, which I(B
(J> > believe would be preferable, I don't think that we have enough time to(B
(J> > do this "statewide" this year. Could we do this in 2008? Or would we(B
(J> > have to do this in 2009?(B
(J> >(B
(J> > 2. I assume that there would be different rules and schedules for the(B
(J> > 351 cities and towns. Is there a set of general instructions that(B
(J> > communities would follow?(B
(J> >(B
(J> > 3. Potentially, could this be done in conjunction with Ron's advisory(B
(J> > state legislative proposal? My guess is that your idea, since it would(B
(J> > be mandatory, would probably be a more difficult process, but more(B
(J> > "meaningful" in changing public policy. Ron's advisory has the same set(B
(J> > of rules throughout the state and would probably be easier to get more(B
(J> > local groups involved.(B
(J> >(B
(J> > Mike Heichman(B
(J> >(B
(J> >(B
(J> > Gracegrnrnbw at aol.com wrote:(B
(J> >(B
(J> > >Can someone help me distinguish this from a coordinated statewide (B
(J> effort?$(D*$(J $(D*$(B
(J> > >This may become the defining issue of our politics for 2008 and it is(B
(J> > >EXPLICITLY about building the GRP (see below)- yet, I as an elected(B
(J> > statecom rep have(B
(J> > >never been asked if I am okay with what issue is chosen- *to represent* (B
(J> and(B
(J> > >*build my party*.(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >Let me say here: I prefer binding initiatives, chosen by locals for their(B
(J> > >local community, to build their local.$(D*$(J $(D*$(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >An advisory question to legislators has been done - witness the questions(B
(J> > on(B
(J> > >finneran (and the other one I cannot remember but was better that year)-(B
(J> > then(B
(J> > >the legislators get to decide!$(D*$(J $(D*$(J There was no luck in making how the (B
(J> reps(B
(J> > >voted an issue in the next election.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J the anti-war advisory will do (B
(J> better(B
(J> > but(B
(J> > >that is because there is huge public visiblity and support on the issue (B
(J> and(B
(J> > they(B
(J> > >are now lobbying legislators to continue the grassroots buildling (not (B
(J> sure(B
(J> > >how effective that is being...)(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >Lets organize for real change now.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J and lets do it on thingsl ocal(B
(J> > >communities can bind - home rule petitions on housing, CORI, living wage,(B
(J> > conservation,(B
(J> > >water use, municipal utilities, etc.(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >Love, grace(B
(J> > >In a message dated 3/5/07 2:37:32 AM, ronwf777 at yahoo.com writes:(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >$(D*$(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >>Common Local Ballot Question 2008 Notes, Saturday March 10th & March (B
(J> 24th(B
(J> > >>Meetings(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Dear GRP folks,(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The next meeting of the Common Local Ballot Question 2008 initiative(B
(J> > >>(CLBQ2008) will be Saturday March 10th at noon in Somerville (44 benton (B
(J> Rd(B
(J> > #1) and(B
(J> > >>then Saturday March 24th , noon, in Western MA.$(D*$(J The meeting after that(B
(J> > will(B
(J> > >>likely be Thursday April 12th at a place to be announced.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J For more info about the CLBQ2008 draft proposal, see end of this (B
(J> email(B
(J> > or(B
(J> > >>call 617 230-2835 to get a copy sent to you.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J Also see footnote (1) (B
(J> at(B
(J> > end(B
(J> > >>of this email.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J In brief the CBQ2008 calls on GRP local entities and individuals to(B
(J> > carry(B
(J> > >>out State Rep. level local Ballot Questions in as many State Rep (B
(J> districts(B
(J> > as(B
(J> > >>possible on one common issue that has a root cause wording that(B
(J> > definitively(B
(J> > >>distinguishes the GRP from other parties.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The proposal is based on an analysis of a GPUS and GRP-endorsed local(B
(J> > >>ballot question in Somerville in 2006 that used root-cause language and(B
(J> > generated(B
(J> > >>45 % vote despite being strongly opposed by all Democrats and (B
(J> Republicans(B
(J> > !$(D*$(B
(J> > >>For questions on this matter please call me at 617 230-2835.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The proposal is also based on the need for significantly increased (B
(J> LOCAL(B
(J> > >>organizing as the key to building the GRP into the future.$(D*$(J The plan is(B
(J> > for(B
(J> > >>2008 so that it can be well thought out and so that there is enough time(B
(J> > for(B
(J> > >>solid mobilizing.$(D*$(J Let$(D+$"o(Js build our GRP from the bottom up and(B
(J> > systematically(B
(J> > >>create the socially, economically and ecologically just world that we (B
(J> all(B
(J> > need(B
(J> > >>!(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J WHAT DO WE WANT ? $(D+$$B".$(D+$$B".(JLocal Organizing$(D*$(J !(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J WHEN DO WE WANT IT ? $(D+$$B".(J..Now ! $(D+$$B".$(D+$$B".(J.(actually 2008.. Oooops !)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Please plan to attend the March 10th meeting.$(D*$(J We need asmany people (B
(J> on(B
(J> > >>board as possible (!) to grow this initiative.$(D*$(J Let$(D+$"o(Js build our GRP (B
(J> at the(B
(J> > >>local levels and clearly expose the ever-so-clear bankrupt policies of(B
(J> > Dems and(B
(J> > >>Repubs.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Here are the notes from last Thursdays (March 1st) informational(B
(J> > meeting:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Last Thursday we held an informal informational meeting for folks(B
(J> > >>interested in Common Local Ballot Question 2008 (CLBQ2008).$(D*$(J $(D*$(J Three of (B
(J> us(B
(J> > met and(B
(J> > >>reviewed the draft proposal and then sprinted (!) into an energetic(B
(J> > discussion(B
(J> > >>about next steps.$(D*$(J The original intention of the meeting was to just(B
(J> > explain(B
(J> > >>the draft proposal and answer questions about it but we wound up going(B
(J> > further(B
(J> > >>as there was good synergy.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J Two of us were from Somerville, one from(B
(J> > >>Watertown and a fourth called in from Plymouth and contributed over the(B
(J> > phone.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Notes from March 1st Preliminary Informational session and Next (B
(J> Steps:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J We covered 4 items for moving forward which we hope people will agree(B
(J> > >>with, more or less.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #1:$(D*$(J Initial Questions for each issue that one might consider(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #2:$(D*$(J Brainstorm of Issues(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #3:$(D*$(J $(D+$)M(JQuestion Formulation Technique$(D+$$B".(J for considering and(B
(J> > gathering(B
(J> > >>data for each issue(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #4:$(D*$(J CLBQ2008 Meetings and Organizing Ourselves(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Here each item is described one at a time:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #1:$(D*$(J Initial Questions for each issue that one might consider(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J We talked about what were the goals of the CBLQ2008 in general and(B
(J> > >>generated some preliminary questions to think about.$(D*$(J They were:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Will the ballot question be able to get at least 35 % of the vote ?(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Will the ballot question capture voters$(D+$"o(J and volunteers$(D+$"o(J (B
(J> imagination ?(B
(J> > (a(B
(J> > >>good idea attracts people$(D*$(J thus we can grow through the interest of new(B
(J> > >>folks)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Will the ballot question clearly distinguish us from other parties ?(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Will the ballot question be applicable to each State Rep district ?(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Will the ballot question be phrase-able in terms of a root cause(B
(J> > analysis(B
(J> > >>matching our Key Values ?(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #2$(D*$(J Brainstorm of Issues(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J We brainstormed 13 different issue areas where ballot questions might (B
(J> be(B
(J> > >>done (realizing that there might be others$(D+$$B".(J.) and decided to do a(B
(J> > preliminary(B
(J> > >>poll to see which issues people might be interested in:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J A) Decriminalization of Marijuana(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J B) Electoral reform (Instant runoff voting and proportional(B
(J> > >>representation)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J C) No Child Left Behind (exposing it as an attack on public (B
(J> education)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J D) Living Wage for Public and Big Box stores (or other abolish (B
(J> poverty(B
(J> > >>related issue)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J E) Right of Return of Palestinian Refugees and Divestment(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J F) Single payer health care that eliminates health insurance (B
(J> companies(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J G) Global Warming emission / alternative energy(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J H) Public Transportation initiatives(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J I) Immigrants Rights (right to vote for residents, reform of laws)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J J) Anti-War related such as high school recruitment issue(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J K) Genetically Modified Food Reduction or Elimination(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J L) Gay marriage(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J M) Reparations(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J By email, each person is asked to identify the their 1st, 2nd and 3rd(B
(J> > >>Choice: "1" for first choice, "2" for 2nd Choice and "3" for 3rd (B
(J> choice.$(D*$(B
(J> > People(B
(J> > >>receiving physical mail are also invited to $(D+$)M(Jcall-in$(D+$$B".(J their 3 (B
(J> choices at(B
(J> > 617(B
(J> > >>230-2835.$(D*$(J Please feel free to choose an issue not listed. (email(B
(J> > >>ronwf777 at yahoo.com)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The poll will not be used to make any long term decisions ! one way (B
(J> or(B
(J> > the(B
(J> > >>other.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J The spirit of the process that we agreed to would be that we(B
(J> > would(B
(J> > >>just ask questions and not advocate for any issue ! (see below).$(D*$(J $(D*$(J At (B
(J> this(B
(J> > >>point we are collecting questions and information and de-emphasizing(B
(J> > advocacy(B
(J> > >>for any particular issue$(D+$$B".(J.. We GRP$(D+$"o(Js are so cooperative, .. aren$(D+$"o(B
(J> t we ?!$(D*$(B
(J> > We(B
(J> > >>hope you share the spirit that the three of us are suggesting.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Instead of thinking of the poll like a vote, the 3 of us thought that(B
(J> > the(B
(J> > >>results could be used to decide which two issues would be the first to (B
(J> go(B
(J> > >>through the $(D+$)M(JQuestion Formulation Process$(D+$$B".(J that we came up with, (B
(J> at our(B
(J> > March(B
(J> > >>10th Meeting.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J (Charlene from Watertown has used$(D*$(J techniques similar to the (B
(J> Question(B
(J> > >>Formulation Process many times, and suggested it as a vehicle to help(B
(J> > bring out(B
(J> > >>as much information on each issue $(D+$$B!H(J see below for the $(D+$)M(JQuestion(B
(J> > Formulation(B
(J> > >>Technique$(D+$$B".(J $(D+$$B!H(J and the rest of us agreed that it seemed like a good(B
(J> > technique(B
(J> > >>for what we were doing.$(D+$$B".(J).(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J We can use the March 24th meeting for the next two issues.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #3$(D*$(J $(D+$)M(JQuestion Formulation Technique$(D+$$B".(J for considering and (B
(J> gathering(B
(J> > >>data for each issue(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J At our March 10th meeting we will review the overall plan and (B
(J> thinking(B
(J> > >>behind CLBQ2008 for folks that have particular questions, and then(B
(J> > collectively(B
(J> > >>choose two issues to subject to the $(D+$)M(JQuestion Formulation Technique$(D+$$B".(B
(J> (B
(J> > >>guidelines.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The Question Formulation Technique was explained to us as a method of(B
(J> > >>drawing out the critical questions that revolve around a decision that (B
(J> one(B
(J> > >>intends to make.$(D*$(J The spirit of the technique is to not advocate but(B
(J> > instead to ask(B
(J> > >>questions and share information.$(D*$(J We actually did a trial run of the(B
(J> > process(B
(J> > >>at our meeting and we all liked it !(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The way the Question Formulation Technique works is simple.$(D*$(J First (B
(J> an(B
(J> > >>issue is chosen.$(D*$(J Then participants asks questions about the issue (B
(J> (such(B
(J> > as $(D+$)M(JDo(B
(J> > >>we know the Democratic position on the issue ?$(D+$$B".(J)$(D*$(J Then three (B
(J> questions are(B
(J> > >>collectively prioritized.$(D*$(J For each of the top 3 questions, more (B
(J> related(B
(J> > >>questions are asked.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J By the end the group has honed in on key (B
(J> questions(B
(J> > for each(B
(J> > >>issue and can plan to get the answers to help with decisin-making.$(D*$(J We(B
(J> > will(B
(J> > >>use this technique as a guideline.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The Question Formulation Technique is one simple way of developing a (B
(J> lot(B
(J> > >>of questions about any choice one faces, prioritizing those questions, (B
(J> and(B
(J> > >>honing in on answers.$(D*$(J Emphasis is on formulating questions and getting(B
(J> > info.$(D*$(B
(J> > >>Thanks Charlene for sharing this technique,... which she noted might be(B
(J> > useful(B
(J> > >>for any decision one faces.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J ITEM #4$(D*$(J Meetings and Organizing Ourselves(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J We decided that we would try to have several meetings around the (B
(J> state(B
(J> > at(B
(J> > >>different locations and at each meeting choose a few issues to take(B
(J> > through(B
(J> > >>our versions of the Question Formulation Technique.$(D*$(J After several of(B
(J> > these(B
(J> > >>meetings we would be in a better position to collectively decide on an(B
(J> > issue(B
(J> > >>using the GRP$(D+$"o(Js consensus decision making process.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The dates are:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Saturday, March 10th, Noon(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J 44 Benton Road #1 (off of Highland Ave) in Somerville(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Home of Ron Francis 617 230-2835(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Saturday March 24th Noon:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Western Mass location (stay tuned$(D+$$B".(Jwe will inform you of the (B
(J> meeting place(B
(J> > $(D+$$B".(B
(J> > >>.)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Sincerely Yours folks,(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Ron Francis(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J (Ron Francis was the male co-chair of the Green Rainbow Party in(B
(J> > 2004-2005(B
(J> > >>and in 2005-2006 and was a coordinator for the GPUS and GRP-endorsed(B
(J> > >>Question 5 and Question 6 campaigns in Somerville)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Footnote referenced earlier:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J (1) Please note also that the CLBQ2008 is NOT meant as a substitute (B
(J> for(B
(J> > >>the strategic planning being done at the state level of the party.$(D*$(B
(J> > CLBQ2008(B
(J> > >>has a local organizing focus and gets it's energy from locals and(B
(J> > >>individuals.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J One of the state level strategic planning coordinators(B
(J> > noted$(D*$(J $(D+$)M(JThe(B
(J> > >>Strategic Plan (statecom approved) is not supposed to place any official(B
(J> > limitations(B
(J> > >>on what GRP members decide to work on.$(D+$$B".(J)(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Background(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Feb 5th email:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Common Local Ballot Question 2008 Draft Proposal(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J $(D*$(J $(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Dear Statecom folks,(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J One of the models that the membership committee (circa 2005) explored(B
(J> > was(B
(J> > >>the idea of a Party-led local ballot question(s) as a way of developing(B
(J> > local(B
(J> > >>chapters.$(D*$(J It is high time that this strategy be tried.$(D*$(J (Note that a(B
(J> > >>related strategy is being tried in Somerville in which the party - State(B
(J> > and(B
(J> > >>National - got behind a ballot question led by a community group (... a(B
(J> > different(B
(J> > >>strategy but clearly related.))(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J For several reasons I believe that this strategy (Party led,(B
(J> > >>Party-signature local ballot questions - probably on one but maybe on (B
(J> two(B
(J> > issues max - for(B
(J> > >>2008 leading to statewide in 2010) is the best strategy for the GRP to(B
(J> > >>pursue at this time and look forward to discussing the reasons why at(B
(J> > upcoming(B
(J> > >>strategy sessions.$(D*$(J (Also see arguments below).(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J In the meantime I invite people to help out with the preparation work(B
(J> > >>necessary to get this strategy moving before it is too late.$(D*$(J If a(B
(J> > critical mass(B
(J> > >>of people would like to pursue this strategy then perhaps it will (B
(J> happen.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Some people might feel that this is jumping the gun on our strategy(B
(J> > >>sessions.$(D*$(J It is not.$(D*$(J What this effort represents is a doing the (B
(J> homework(B
(J> > to(B
(J> > >>develop one possible strategy to the point where it is ready to go if(B
(J> > enough GRPs(B
(J> > >>want to do it.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J In four weeks two meetings will be held, one in Eastern MA and one in(B
(J> > >>Western Mass for people interested in this strategy.$(D*$(J Both will be(B
(J> > potlucks held(B
(J> > >>on Saturday March 3rd and Sunday March 4th respectively.$(D*$(J Times and (B
(J> places(B
(J> > to(B
(J> > >>be arranged.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J One thing that needs to be done is to begin suggesting specific (B
(J> ballot(B
(J> > >>question language that scores well on each of the following criteria and(B
(J> > submit(B
(J> > >>the text of the ballot questions on this newly established thread.$(D*$(J (B
(J> People(B
(J> > >>can then begin to edit the ballot question(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The local ballot questions would have the party signature on it and(B
(J> > would(B
(J> > >>call for a specific instruction to be given to the State Rep in the(B
(J> > district(B
(J> > >>as most ballot questions do.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Here are some criteria that should be considered in developing the (B
(J> text.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J a) The ballot questions must be such as to challenge the ROOT causes (B
(J> of(B
(J> > a(B
(J> > >>particular social change issue and possibly associated with abolishing(B
(J> > >>poverty but not necessarily.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J b) The ballot question must be clearly distinguishable from any(B
(J> > intiatives(B
(J> > >>that would be supported by Progressive Democrats - our competitors for(B
(J> > >>social justice minded people.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Just to get the ball rolling I will throw out one example that I am (B
(J> not(B
(J> > >>particularly wedded to, and instead throw out for general discussion and(B
(J> > as an(B
(J> > >>example.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J "Shall the State Represetative from this district be instructed to (B
(J> vote(B
(J> > in(B
(J> > >>favor of a living wage law that covers state employees that work over (B
(J> 500(B
(J> > >>hours per year, the employees of state service contractors that hold(B
(J> > contracts(B
(J> > >>worth over $25,000 per year, and employees of large retailers with gross(B
(J> > >>revenues over $1,000,000.$(D*$(J The law would call for payment of $10.00 per(B
(J> > hour if(B
(J> > >>the employer provides health insurance of at least $2.50 an hour, or(B
(J> > $12.50(B
(J> > >>per hour if not and all amounts are indexed annually."(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J I would like to see other ballot question language as well on other(B
(J> > issues(B
(J> > >>such as IRV or health care and then let the issues compete based on a(B
(J> > >>variety of factors including the degree to which we can make this issue (B
(J> a(B
(J> > party(B
(J> > >>signature issue(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Below is some of the background for this initiative:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Please call if you are interested in discussing this or would like to(B
(J> > help(B
(J> > >>in the process.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Ron Francis 617 230-2835(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Background and rational for this strategy:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Our party needs to be identified with a particular issue that we have (B
(J> a(B
(J> > >>passion about.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J It is essential that we choose ballot question that clearly exposes (B
(J> the(B
(J> > >>root causes of the system of power that elites and corporations in the (B
(J> US(B
(J> > hold(B
(J> > >>over ordinary people.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J It is also essential that the established(B
(J> > Democrats(B
(J> > >>and most of the Progressive Democrats be unable to support the ballot(B
(J> > >>question.$(D*$(J This can be done by choosing an issue that exposes the(B
(J> > Democrats(B
(J> > >>(supposedly the party of the working person) so that people will choose(B
(J> > GRP over(B
(J> > >>Democrats because they see the Democrats for what they really are.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J The Someville ballot Questions on Palestine met the above (B
(J> requirements:$(D*$(B
(J> > >>They got to the root cause of a social problem and had language that (B
(J> could(B
(J> > not(B
(J> > >>be supported by Progressive Democrats in Somerville since the upper(B
(J> > echelons(B
(J> > >>of the Democratic Party made it clear to local Democrats that the Party (B
(J> is(B
(J> > >>zionist and that these local Democrats (some of whom are even (B
(J> Progressive(B
(J> > >>Democrats) would go no where if they were openly anti-zionist.$(D*$(J These(B
(J> > Progressive(B
(J> > >>Democrats in Somerville must now answer to voters who in fact voted at a(B
(J> > 45%(B
(J> > >>level for the Right of Return of Palestinian Refugees.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J A similar effort is needed for a poverty-related issue.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J This propsal is intended to develop a dozen or so local ballot (B
(J> questions(B
(J> > >>in 2008 that lead to a 2010 statewide ballot question that firmly plants(B
(J> > in(B
(J> > >>the public's mind what the party stands for.$(D*$(J This could be coordinated(B
(J> > with a(B
(J> > >>Statewide candidacies if the party is at that level of development and (B
(J> has(B
(J> > a(B
(J> > >>candidate in place by Summer of 2009.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J If this plan works it sets up the party to win a substantial (B
(J> percentage(B
(J> > of(B
(J> > >>the vote in A) many local races or B) in just a few local races and then(B
(J> > >>connected to a statewide candidacy anchored on the ballot question (B
(J> issue.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Feb 18th email:(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J Common Local Ballot Question 2008 based on Somerville experience and(B
(J> > other(B
(J> > >>factors.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J $(D*$(J Dear GRP's(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>(Quick Note: Local Ballots 2008 phone conference is sunday night 9:30 (B
(J> pm.(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J To participate call, 641 497 7002 code 724655.$(D*$(J I look forward to(B
(J> > getting(B
(J> > >>feedback on the plan and discussing in detail the thinking behind the 2(B
(J> > year(B
(J> > >>Plan)(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>Some people are interested in how I came up with Local Ballots 2008 - a(B
(J> > two(B
(J> > >>year plan to do State Rep Ballot Questions in every district using root(B
(J> > cause(B
(J> > >>politics.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>It all has to do with a little experiment in Somerville:(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>In Somerville in 2006 I helped a group do two ballot questions:$(D*$(J one of(B
(J> > our(B
(J> > >>ballot questions read something like " .... support the right of return(B
(J> > for(B
(J> > >>all refugees, including Palestinian refugees, to return to their (B
(J> homes".$(D*$(B
(J> > Now(B
(J> > >>how could you be against that !(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>Yet Deval, "Bomb Lebanon" Patrick and the other racists (Capuano, Healey(B
(J> > and(B
(J> > >>Somerville Mayor Curtatone) came out visibly against us ! with their(B
(J> > photos(B
(J> > >>all together.$(D*$(J WE obviously struck a cord !$(D*$(J $(D*$(J The state GRP and (B
(J> national(B
(J> > GPUS(B
(J> > >>supported the ballot questions of course.$(D*$(J We got 45 % overall and 50% (B
(J> in(B
(J> > my(B
(J> > >>home precinct !$(D*$(J $(D*$(J Now if that 's not a set-up for the GRP then I don't(B
(J> > know(B
(J> > >>what is.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>It is a perfect set-up because the ballot question, by the nature of its(B
(J> > >>wording, showed the difference between GRP social justice politics and(B
(J> > racist(B
(J> > >>politics.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>(Also note that The Dems and Republican racists fell into the trap we (B
(J> laid(B
(J> > >>for them and did us a big additional favor by all coming together on one(B
(J> > large(B
(J> > >>campaign poster-board used by the zionists to campaign against us at (B
(J> each(B
(J> > >>polling station.$(D*$(J Thus helping making it very clear the difference (B
(J> between(B
(J> > GRP(B
(J> > >>politics and racist Democratic and Republican politics.$(D*$(J It was a dream(B
(J> > come(B
(J> > >>true as far as a strategist is concerned ! )(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>Among other things the 45 % percent shows concretely that the Dems and(B
(J> > >>Republicans are out of step with ordinary folks sense of human rights.$(D*$(B
(J> > The(B
(J> > >>zionists (racists) are still recovering, although they won't show it and(B
(J> > neither(B
(J> > >>would I.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>(Also note that a Plymouth county GRP respondent noted that the ballot(B
(J> > >>questions are mainly for concepts and shouldn't be too specific.$(D*$(J (B
(J> That's(B
(J> > perfect(B
(J> > >>!$(D*$(J It is exactly a concept that we are trying to get across by using (B
(J> the(B
(J> > >>ballot question mechanism to have people appreciate why GRP is the way (B
(J> to(B
(J> > go.)(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>OK, so that was Somerville.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>Lesson learned was clear:$(D*$(J Craft a ballot question that clarifies the(B
(J> > >>difference between Dems, Repubs and us.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>The next step in my thinking followed straightforwardly:$(D*$(J Let's just do(B
(J> > the(B
(J> > >>same thing in all State Rep districts and really draw out the(B
(J> > distinction.$(D*$(J $(D*$(B
(J> > >>If we are lucky, and all goes as planned, then we can run candidates in(B
(J> > 2010(B
(J> > >>based on the distinction and get big percentages.$(D*$(J $(D*$(J With the (B
(J> Somerville(B
(J> > work(B
(J> > >>the distinction was between human rights and racism.$(D*$(J With the Local(B
(J> > Ballots(B
(J> > >>2008 initiative the distinction needs to be between GRP social justice(B
(J> > values(B
(J> > >>and Dem, Repub corporate values - that's what ordinary people need: a(B
(J> > clear(B
(J> > >>difference.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>The issue that we use doesn't have to be Palestine but it needs to be(B
(J> > >>something that hopefully Deval and other prominent Democrats, local(B
(J> > Progressive(B
(J> > >>Democrats (who opposed us in Somerville by the way), and Republicans (B
(J> will(B
(J> > all(B
(J> > >>come out against !$(D*$(J $(D*$(J Let's pray that they'll do us that favor.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>And that means that the issue has to strike right at the root and it has(B
(J> > to(B
(J> > >>be done in 3 or 4 sentences and it would be better if there was some(B
(J> > passion(B
(J> > >>behind the issue (like refugee rights).$(D*$(J We want a voter to say (B
(J> "hmmm...(B
(J> > that(B
(J> > >>makes a lot of sense..." when she/he reads the ballot question and begin(B
(J> > to(B
(J> > >>wonder why the Dems, Prog Dems, and Repubs are all against it.$(D*$(J (if you(B
(J> > were(B
(J> > >>against our refugee ballot question then you had to, logically, be a(B
(J> > racist(B
(J> > >>!)(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>And thus the idea of Local Ballots 2008 was born.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>The main problem with Local Ballots 2008, going forward, is that we have(B
(J> > to(B
(J> > >>find the appropriate issue and the appropriate wording.$(D*$(J When I (B
(J> realized(B
(J> > that(B
(J> > >>we needed careful thinking and careful wording, I knew that there was no(B
(J> > >>time to waste because it will take a lot of education and 1.7 years is (B
(J> not(B
(J> > a lot(B
(J> > >>of time - although I would settle for 10 or 12 districts rather than all(B
(J> > 160(B
(J> > >>state rep districts.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>Realizing that time was of the essence, I drafted Local Ballots 2008 and(B
(J> > >>sent it out to as many GRP lists as I could find to set up some(B
(J> > discussions and(B
(J> > >>see if people want to do it.$(D*$(J I'll only go forward if a critical mass(B
(J> > wants(B
(J> > >>to do it.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>The other parts of my thinking are this:(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>a) We need to do more local organizing.$(D*$(J Too high of a percentage of (B
(J> GRP(B
(J> > >>work is spent at the State level. If you add up the person-hours at one(B
(J> > Statecom(B
(J> > >>meeting you get about three new chapters that could have been formed.$(D*$(J (B
(J> $(D*$(J We(B
(J> > >>need a plan that strongly encourages local organizing and encourages us (B
(J> to(B
(J> > >>meet ordinary people more often than meet with ourselves.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>b) Local State Rep ballot questions are easy to do (only 200 signatures (B
(J> !)(B
(J> > >>and encourage local organizing.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>c) We aren't ready for a Statewide ballot question and it may not fit (B
(J> with(B
(J> > >>the "concept" idea mentioned by the woman from Plymouth.$(D*$(J It also would(B
(J> > not(B
(J> > >>encourage local base-building.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>d) We need to rely on direct democratic means: that is use ballot(B
(J> > questions(B
(J> > >>rather than trying to lobby Dems and Republicans: the "mainstream" (B
(J> parties(B
(J> > >>have shown their colors... I'm not going to try to get their elected(B
(J> > officials(B
(J> > >>to vote for social justice (takes too long and they'll waffle forever(B
(J> > anyhow)(B
(J> > >>- I would rather strategize to boot them out of office.$(D*$(J I think that(B
(J> > single(B
(J> > >>issue pressure groups are better at forcing concessions out of elected(B
(J> > >>officials than the GRP would be, anyway.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>So that's most of the thinking.(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>I hope it is clear, but if not I'm happy to answer questions (at(B
(J> > conference(B
(J> > >>call or individually if you prefer)(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>Ron 617 230-2835(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(B
(J> > >>_______________________________________________(B
(J> > >>statecom-discuss mailing list(B
(J> > >>statecom-discuss at green-rainbow.org(B
(J> > >>http://www.green-rainbow.org/mailman/listinfo/statecom-discuss(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >>$(D*$(J $(D*$(B
(J> > >>(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >(B
(J> > >**************************************(B
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(J> > >(B
(J> > >$(D*$(B
(J> > >(B
(J> >(B
(J> > _______________________________________________(B
(J> > statecom-discuss mailing list(B
(J> > statecom-discuss at green-rainbow.org(B
(J> > http://www.green-rainbow.org/mailman/listinfo/statecom-discuss(B
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