ALTERNATIVE

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lêp^M *0W ÈiM i0^ Juiy 1977 Editer: Barbara Bick

IN THIS ISSUE

"Women Seek Major Offices" (p. 3) by Barbar- Bick From Mayor to Manhattan ' Borough President, a group of activist women are campaigning in New York City.

"Great Plains Conference Sets Strategy Priorities" (p. 5) by Marilyn McNabb Regional conference brings together new grouping with old concerns.

"Ecologists New Force in France" (p. 6) by Barbara Koeppel Ecologists, aligned with the Left but independent of them, are forging a new politics in France.

"Disabled Movement Gains Support" (p. 12) by Leonard Goldberg A new movement of disabled people raises issues which go beyond traditional paternalism.

"Whistle Blowing For Public Employees" (p. 13) by Jim Wright A new response by public employees that confronts public agencies and management. Ron Asta tells of right-wing impact on Arizona politics. See story p. 10. Alternative Legislation New Public ment, she has hired two New Property Tax monetary fine. House Bill 196 Representation Bills women who each work part- is a fair lending housing act. time to share one legislative Measures Both bills were defeated this Three pieces of innovative assistant job. Two tax reform measures session. Copies can be ob­ legislation have been pre­ Miller's bill, which is simi­ aimed at increasing revenues tained at the State Legislative pared for the Wisconsin Leg­ lar to legislation passed in for financially-strapped Bos­ Bureau, State Capital, Salt islature with backup work by Massachusetts and Maryland, ton, were introduced into the Lake City, Utah. the Center for Public Rep­ would increase the number Massachusetts House by Rep. resentation. Assembly Bill and types of part-time jobs in Barney Frank. The first, 383 would remove certain state government. Such bills H305, would remove the call for gradual increases in zoning restrictions on the property tax exemption for Curb or Insurance establishment of community the percentage of part-time university and college proper­ living arrangements in resi­ jobs available up to a ceiling ty in the state, except for Redlining dential neighborhoods. The of between six and 10% of all classrooms, libraries, and lab­ The Missouri Senate has bill defines facilities licensed positions. These bills also oratories. Non-educational guarantee part-time workers passed a bill designed to curb by the Department of Health buildings, such as dormi­ r e insurance redlining. The bill & Social Services as including fringe benefits such as sick tories, dining halls, and ath­ would prohibit insurance group foster homes, child leave, vacation, merit in­ letic facilities would have to companies from refusing to welfare agencies, and adult creases, and seniority. 13® pay property taxes. insure or from cancelling community-based residential The second bill would re­ homeowner policies on the facilities. The bill excludes quire airlines to pay property grounds of location of resi­ day-care centers, nursing taxes on their terminals and dence, occupation, sex or age. homes, hospitals, prisons, Curbs on Mandatory facilities at Logan Airport, It would also require in­ and jails. Retirement Laws which the airlines are present­ surance companies to give An Open Public Records ly refusing to pay. specific reasons for cancella- Act that would establish a 10- Mandatory retirement of tion or non-renewal. Senate day time limit within which municipal workers was abol­ Bill 300 was supported by an agency must respond to a ished in Seattle, WA by an intensive lobbying efforts of citizen's request for public executive order of Mayor Farm Loan Aid Missouri ACORN. For more records, is sponsored by Sen. Wes Uhlman, who called it Under a recent Minnesota information, ACORN is Gary Gayke. The Act would "arbitrary age discrimination law, the state will assist located at 2335 South Grand, also create a Commission on against older Americans." Los Angeles voters recently ' 5 farmers with assets of less St. Louis, M G 63104. Public Records which would than $50,000 to purchase review appeals by individuals passed an amendment to re­ move mandatory retirement farm land. The state will who have been denied access guarantee loans of local com­ to government records. The in that city's work force, but continued a requirement of mercial banks up to a state­ Computer Software Open Records Act would ap­ wide total of $100 million. ply to all government units, annual physical examinations Tax Reform for older workers. Seattle For more information, con­ including the Legislature and tact Don Garry, Adminis­ judicial branch. eliminated the physical exam­ A bill defining computer ination requirement also. trator of Farm Security Pro­ software as tangible personal Finally, a bill to create a gram, 510 B State Office ______non-profit Citizens Utility property and therefore subject j^ “ Building, St. Paul, MN 5 5 1 5 5 the state's 5% sales tax, Board which could intervene in all proceedings involving was signed recently by Ten public utilities, has been in­ nessee Governor Ray troduced by Assembly Major­ Tenant Victory Blanton. The new law is a Anti-Redlining Bills strong victory for tax reform­ ity Leader James Wahner. A town-controlled trust ac­ ers and a defeat for the com­ The CUB would be financed count to hold rental-security Two strong anti-redlining puter industry. by $3 a year memberships deposits was voted up at the bills were introduced in the The tax status of computer sold through special inserts in May Town Meeting in Am- 1977 Utah legislative session. software (programming and the monthly billings of major iCPhersi, MA. Tenant groups Senate Bill 40 would give a services) is a very important utilities. For more informa­ fought hard for this legisla­ Commissioner of Financial In-, . . , * . . ‘ yVOissue, including potentially tion on any of these bills, tion and it is considered a stitutions the power to estab-^ hundreds of millions of dol­ contact the Center for Public great victory for them. Under lish and regulate mortgage­ lars in tax revenues. With Representation, 520 Univer­ the new law, landlords can lending policies. Under the pressure growing for taxation sity Ave., Madison, WI no longer hold security de­ }£ *b ill, an institution charged of software in Missouri, 53703. posits, which gives tenants with discriminatory practices California, New York, and equal rights in a dispute over would receive a public hear­ New Jersey, the industry apartment damages. In addi­ ing; if found guilty, the Com­ trade association—the Associ­ tion, tenant deposits will be Flex-Time Job Bills missioner could suspend or ation of Data Processing Ser­ protected against landlord revoke the institution's vice Organizations, is begin­ Wisconsin Assemblywoman bankruptcy. For more infor­ license, issue rules to further Midge Miller practices what mation, contact James Starr, g e provisions of the Act, re- V- to^top^he she legislates. The sponsor of Task Force on Security quire the State Treasurer to reforms. a bill to create more part- Deposits, Town Hall, Am­ withdraw all state funds from time jobs in state govern- herst, MA. the institution, or impose a C on tin u ed on p a g e 7 1ZD V 5 =• noO Women Seek Major Offices in New York City

by Barbara Bick On the first of June, Bella Abzug threw her hat in the ring to become a candidate for the top municipal elec­ Abzug on Neighborhoods We are a great city. We fighting to revive the Hud­ toral office in the U S. In so doing she joined a group of are the financial, educa­ son River waterfront. dynamite women who have already begun campaigning tional, cultural, small busi­ I think of the people in for a number of the highest decision making positions in ness, and idea center of Queens, Staten Island and the embattled Big Apple. These crusading women in­ the nation, But we are also the other boroughs who clude Ronnie M. Eldridge—running for Manhattan a collection of hundreds of volunteer their services, Borough President, Carol Bellamy—running for New neighborhoods. I've been grow vegetable gardens, to most of them and I run food co-ops, organize York City Council President, and Ruth Messinger and know the people who live anti-crime patrols, join the Miriam Friedlander—campaigning for City Council there. auxiliary police, transport seats. I am always impressed and help feed senior citi­ by their ideas and energy. zens, and figure out so If any group of elected officials can turn back the 1 think of the people at many ways to make this spiraling decline of the nation's most important city, it Co-op City who are work­ city more livable. might well be these committed women who represent a ing so hard to save their These people are our project. greatest resource. Our city new sort of political activist seeking electoral office. 1 think of the people in can never die as long as Each of them has an outstanding history of participation Brooklyn who have or­ the people who live here in the important social movements of the 60's and 70's: ganized a green-line cam­ retain hope and work to civil rights, anti-war, women's equality, and anti-pover- paign against red-lining by save it. A nd as long as the banks. ZÙ ty. They share a deep commitment to the restructuring they have leadership to I think of the longshore­ inspire and organize them. of American society for the benefit of people. f men in Chelsea who are In seeking the mayoralty, former Congresswoman Bella Abzug would rank as the world's most visible municipal spokesperson for urban alternatives. Abzug's t long history as a labor and civil rights attorney and as a national leader in the anti-war and women's movements is well known. During her two terms in Congress, Abzug worked for a national mass transit policy, na­ tional health insurance, and additional aid to the cities. In her last year's race for the U.S. Senate, Abzug spoke out sharply for reduced military spending, nationaliza­ tion of welfare, and tax reform. She lost that bid for the Democratic nomination to Daniel Moynihan by less than 1 % of the vote. In her campaign for Mayor, her primary '■ issues will focus on restructuring the city bureaucracy, going after the more than SlVz billion owed to the city in uncollected taxes, fees and fines, and upgrading the city's faltering mass transit system by trading in a pro­ posed super highway for transit construction money. Running against Abzug are incumbents Mayor Abra­ ham Beame, Manhattan Borough President Percy Sut­ ton, U.S. Reps. Edward Koch and Herman Badillo, and N.Y. Secretary of State Mario Cuomo. The Board of Estimate, rather than the City Council, H't has the political clout in the city of New York. The Board approves every contract that the city funds and has the crucial power of shaping the Mayor's budget and

Bella Abzug Aims for New York City Mayoralty Continued on page 4

3 !o~QSZ> w ets* Ruth Messinger campaigning for New York City Council

the delivery of services. The office of Borough President Board member, Messinger is also a community activist carries two votes on the Board; the Mayor, City Council and was a leader in the fight opposing West Way, a President and City Comptroller each have four votes. super highway which would slash through city neighbor­ N.Y. State Senator Carol Bellamy, running for City hoods to the suburbs. Messinger participated in the Council President, said she would use her votes to mold December meeting in Hartford, CT of Northeast Cities, the budget. Bellamy, an attorney, was first elected to the organized by the National Conference. State Senate in 1972. She has been a strong advocate for the communities and neighborhoods of New York and These women are opposed by candidates with far believes that the city should have begun an economic greater access to money and other resources. In turn, development program long ago. Bellamy said that, "My they are strong on program—and devoted volunteers. understanding of financial problems and my ability to For more information about their candidacies and posi­ meld that with the human and social needs of the city tion papers, contact Abzug for Mayor, 1460 Broadway; qualify me for the job." Eldridge for Borough President, 1472 Broadway; Bellamy for Council President, 270 Broadway; Messinger for City Ronnie Eldridge, running for Manhattan Borough Council, 175 W. 77th St.; and Councilmember Fried- President was a close associate of Bobby Kennedy and lander, Qty Hall—all in New York City. an early reform worker. She was a Mayoralty Aide under John Lindsay. Most recently she directed TV Channel 13's Woman Alive, and the station's community service program. For a number of years she was associ­ The Urban Fiscal Crisis Unmasked ated with MS Magazine. . A supurb new book by York to its knees, is critic­ The two activist candidates for City Council include Paul DuBral and Jack ally important information one incumbent, Councilperson Miriam Friedlander, who Newfield, The Abuse of for everyone concerned represents the southern tip of Manhattan. It is the poor­ Power—the Permanent about urban policies and Government And The Fall what must be done to est district of the island and the most widely diverse Of New York, Viking change them. Four years ethnically. Friedlander has been an unusual advocate, Press, presents with fas­ of research by New York ombudsman, and organizer for community groups in her cinating detail the story of journalist Newfield, and district. New York's crisis—which planner, organizer DuBrui in the final analysis is the has resulted in a brilliant story of the potential expose cum analysis. Price Ruth Messinger, a long-time peace activist, is running catastrophe in store for all is $12.5C, but worth the for a Council seat representing the upper West Side. of America's cities. Who— investment. Ask for it at Messinger directs a program at the College of Human and what—brought New your local bookstore. Services which trains and places unemployed and wel­ fare persons in social service jobs. An elected School

4 Great Plains Conference Sets Priority Strategies

by Marilyn McNabb A hundred public officials auditing the books of Stand­ tively promoting what recent Gonzales, member of the and activists gathered in ard Oil, U.S. Steel, and the books called a One Time Ogiala Sioux and Judge on Lincoln, NE over Memorial likes. Harvest (Mike Jacobs) and the Pine Ridge Reservation. Day weekend to exchange Maps of the region—rough­ The Rape of the Great Plains Federal obligations under strategies for promoting the ly the Missouri and Upper (K. Ross Toole). In fact, Treaties and Supreme Court public welfare in the face of Mississippi River Basins— views were inconsistent and rulings include not only the the region's new dynam ic- were heavily marked over as as diverse as this sampling protection of resources on crash development. From participants from 10 states suggests: reservation land in the best Montana to Missouri, life on drew in sites of new and interests of the tribes, but the Plains is under stress from planned coal stripping, gasi­ In South Dakota, John also certain rights outside the the coal boom, the rapid fication plants, coal and nu­ Sieh, chairman of his 15- reservation boundaries, in­ spread of new irrigation tech­ clear plants, mineral extrac­ county local Reclamation cluding water rights. A niques, and soaring farmland tion, major irrigation and Board came into office with a Supreme Court decision initi­ prices. water diversion projects, and change of 10 of the 11 di­ ated in Montana (the Winters The priorities of resource- coal slurry pipelines. The rectors. The campaign was Doctrine) established that oriented politicians and local scale is awesome. organized and funded by Native Americans have groups proved to be as varied Nebraska State Senator local farmers and ranchers supreme rights to present and as the forms of change ex­ Steve Fowler pointed to a ("no environmentalists!") who future, good quality water. perienced. There seemed to be common element in each had taken a long look at a Ground and surface water broad agreement, however, development plan—water. proposed billion dollar water which flows into reservations that there are three serious Decisions about water may be project. The Oahe Project cannot lawfully be diverted obstacles to the region's an important lever still avail­ would destroy about 150,000 or polluted. Court rulings "progress": 1) progressive able to gain some public con­ acres of farm and ranch land have clarified the status of state and local officials and trol over the region's future. to irrigate 190,000 acres, some Indian lands—for exam­ activists; 2) "the greed factor" One major objective of busi­ much of which can't maintain ple, that mineral rights on the —tangled and conflicting ness is generous public sub­ irrigation. Before the election, Northern Cheyenne Reserva­ claims to land, water, and sidies to river barges, accord­ the Bureau of Reclamation tion in Montana are held in mineral rights that could take ing to John Marlin of the had provided no opportunity perpetuity by the tribe, not decades to sort out; and Coalition on American rivers. for local input. The new by individuals. Many treaty 3) a resistance that bubbles Ownership of the barge lines, Board held a series of public land areas however, like the up from the conservationist catalogued by Friends of the hearings, hired a manager Black Hills of South Dakota, spirit of the Great Plains, Earth, turn out to be familiar "who would listen to people," are still under litigation. combined with popular con­ names—in addition to the and submitted an unprece­ For Gonzales' own reserva­ victions about authority, grain companies, they are dented budget to Washington. tion, Federal care has meant public or private. many of the same oil-chem­ Of the 300-some Boards in 80% unemployment, low in­ Local and state govern­ ical-energy giants which have the country, only Sieh's re­ come rates, high infant mor­ ment's defensive scramble to staked out Plains' resources. quested that their project get tality, and the regular siphon­ comprehend and plan for the The urgency of public access no funding. ing off of Federal funds to impact of corporate, federal to water-use choices was non-Indians off the reserva­ government, and investor ac­ underscored by announce­ In Illinois, Jane Johnson ran tion. Still, because "most tivity was a shared theme. ment of Carter's support for for her County Board to try Indians desire to maintain Byron Dorgan, Tax Commis­ coal slurry pipeline develop­ to save excellent farmland their culture, and the reserva­ sioner of North Dakota, re ment. One projected pipe from being stripped for coal. tion is a way to do that, we lated how the advance plan­ would take scarce Plains By a six-vote margin she won do not desire to go to state ning of the energy giants had water to flush coal into the election to the Board, but jurisdiction." brought their representatives largest petrochemical complex found that there was little winging in on company jets in the country, located in support there for her goals— In Montana, fourth-term to buy coal leases from Houston. or in the State Legislature. state legislator Dorothy Brad­ farmers on the iignite nobody The Plains Conference was More hope is offered in fed­ ley reported, there is serious had ever wanted. By the time probably most unlike other eral legislation to protect worry that Washington's Project Independence was regional meetings of State prime agricultural land, she massive changes in energy decreed, North Dakotans and Local Alternatives in its believes. priorities could undermine the found they didn't own or loud chorus of negative views state's gains. In recent years, control the coal. The state did of Washington. The Feds, For Native Americans on Montana has put into law the what it could. A tough coal especially the agencies of the the Plains, the Federal Gov­ strongest stripmine and severance tax was passed and Department of the Interior, ernment's special relationship reclamation act in the coun­ it will be implemented with all too frequently seem to to the tribes is of critical im­ try, a facility siting act that an aggressive approach to bless resource rip-offs, ac­ portance, according to Mario requires proof of public need, Continued on page 7 5 Ecologists New Force in French Politics

by Barbara Koeppel always rooted at the center (it is said here that "when O'' Paris sneezes, the rest of France catches cold"), it was Paris. consolidated still more under De Gaulle. If 1977 will be remembered as the year France swung "Today, there is a total lack of decision-making at the left, with Socialist-Communist coalition slates of can­ local level. Even the elected officials have no power. didates sweeping the spring municipal elections—it is Everything is decided at the national level by the govern­ also the year it discovered ecology. ment (the ministers and the bureaucracy)," Lalonde says. Astounding the pollsters, politicians and ecologists Against this background, promises abound from both themselves, candidates running under the ecology banner the left opposition parties and the government majority captured 12.5% of the first round vote in Paris and as to consider local concerns. But the ecologists argue that high as 20% elsewhere—though somewhere between 5- ù Othe promises are empty, that the government offers only I b 10% for the country overall. Veteran politicians on both token representation and speaks mainly for the industrial left and right, who at the start largely dismissed or de­ powers which destroy the environment. At the same nounced the environmentalists as amateurs or spoilers, time, they claim the parties of the left are highly central­ were claiming deep concern for their cause at the end. ized, see issues as national problems rather than local Who are they? According to Brice Lalonde, spokes­ concerns and most important, view control of the State man for Paris Ecologie (the electoral alliance for this as crucial to their objectives. Thus, the ecologists refuse region), they are a convergance of many autonomous to join them. movements, special interest groups and disenchanted in­ "They want, as we, to transform France into a more dividuals who had waged unsuccessful battles defending ‘ just society. But they believe a strong, centralized gov­ the environment for several years. ernment is vital to that transformation," he observes. 2 0 "Despite our efforts, no one in power listened. Also, For the ecologists. State power is no answer. In fact, it we can't lobby our legislators, as ecologists do in the is an anathema. They argue that nationalizations alone, United States, since our system is totally centralized and which are the mainstay in the left's Common Program (a elected representatives vote strictly on party lines. Thus series of measures it promises to adopt if it wins the up­ we decided to take the offensive and enter the political coming national elections and takes over the govern­ arena ourselves," he explained. ment) won't solve society's problems. "Nuclear energy is Some of the groups in the movement, like their U.S. already controlled by the government and is just as counterparts, focus directly on the natural environment, dangerous as if it were in the private sector," Lalonde launching attacks against air and water pollution or the stresses. spread of nuclear energy. Others limit their scope to Their solutions, instead, involve local control, self­ 30 promoting more trees, parks and recreation space for the management at work and in the community, with fre­ cities. quent referendums. In this way, they claim, individuals Unlike the Americans, however, from whom Lalonde can decide on matters that affect their lives, like the says they have learned much, the French wrap under the location of new factories, highways or shopping centers environmental umbrella the struggle over community in their neighborhoods and towns, or what they produce control, the destruction of neighborhoods by property and consume. speculation, highway and high-rise development, public When accused of being utopian, Lalonde insists the vs. private (auto) transportation and the nature of the TO opposite, arguing it is "they—the government—who are political and economic system which, he asserts, "creates utopian. They think their system works. But a quick ^0 polluted and unlivable cities, besides spawning the eco­ look at the mounting unemployment and the economic nomic crisis. crisis that won't disappear proves it doesn't." "Inflation, unemployment, pollution, the deteriorating Strengthened by the election results, the ecologists quality of life—all these problems are linked to the have intensified their battles, at both the local and na­ system ." tional-levels, organizing neighborhood campaigns against For the movement's militants, whose political con­ evictions and forming national coalitions to launch full- sciousness’ were forged in the May, 1968 upheavals, the scale attacks against all candidates or parties who favor key themes are the abuses of industrial growth and eco- further development of nuclear energy. They are quoted nomic and political power. Though power in France was IqO daily in the media and, in deference to their growing

6 joö )/L io * lo c O - w r f û . Limits on Corporate Alternative Legislation Campaign Spending Sought Continued. .. by Bob Schaeffer Still smarting from their ture's Election Laws Commit­ defeat on five referendum tee. Using the excuse that Liberalizing Class for housing as property taxes, questions last November, some of the loophole-plugging Action Possibilities while homeowners can. Massachusetts progressives proposals had drafting flaws, Indiana, for instance, al­ are seeking to close a legal the committee grouped all the Recent state actions are lows renters to deduct from loophole through which big legislation into a package that widening the possibilities of their state income taxes the business and conservative is to be sent to the State class action suits—a favorite total amount of rent paid, or interests poured more than $4 Supreme Judicial Court for tactic of consumer and en­ $1000, whichever is less. million to finance "Vote No" review. vironmental groups—which Arizona permits renters to campaigns. Though state Pending a verdict on the were narrowed by two busi­ deduct 10% of their rent or campaign law limits personal constitutionality of each bill, ness oriented decisions of the $50, whichever is le9S. contributions to $1000, there supporters of limits or a ban U.S. Supreme Court in 1973 Bills proposed in California is no ceiling for corporate on corporate campaign spend­ and 1974. The New York and Colorado would benefit giving. As a result, the 1976 ing can do little. It is now Legislature recently passed a rent-payers by transferring election saw the container in­ believed to have been an liberalized class action rule liability for paying property dustry spending over $1.5 error to submit so much legis­ and the North Dakota taxes from landlord to tenant. million to defeat the bottle lation on the same topic Supreme Court recently As a result tenants could bill, while electric power rather than to focus energies adopted similar rules as a deduct property taxes from companies financed massive on one carefully drawn pro­ part of its court procedure. In their state and federal taxes. canvassing and advertising posal. Still the legislative ef­ Pennsylvania, a revised class A problem with the Arizona, drives against the state power fort was valuable in turning action statute is being dis­ Indiana, Colorado and Cal­ authority. public attention to the mag­ tributed for comment. Other ifornia legislation is that it More than two dozen bills nitude of corporate interven­ states that have shown an does not provide the benefits were filed in the 1977 Legis­ tion in the electoral process. interest in liberalizing are of "circuit breaker" legislation lature to close this loophole. Plans are underway for a Maryland, Iowa, Washing­ since most low-income people Initial pressure was impres­ better coordinated effort in ton, and the District of do not itemize their deduc­ sive: a public hearing on the 1978. Columbia. These changes in tions. issue was mobbed with sup­ statutes and court procedure "Circuit breaker" legislation porters of corporate restric­ were based primarily on a gives tax rebates to home- tions and many media outlets Bob Schaeffer is a staff model statute adopted last owners and renters who pay provided favorable coverage. member o f Citizens for Par­ summer by the National Con­ more than a certain per­ But the drive stalled in the ticipation in Political Action ference of Commissioners on centage of their income on back rooms of the Legisla- (CPPA) Uniform State Laws. rent or in property taxes. Michigan, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin offer some type of rebate to homeowners and renters, while 11 states SrsBt Plans ContinuedE. „ Tax Help For Renters and the District of Columbia a three-year moratorium on ing among farmer, labor, restrict such assistance only water development in the community, and environ­ A number of states are tak­ to homeowners and elderly Yellowstone River Basin mental groups, approaches to ing steps to lower taxes for renters. (passed in 1974), a 30% tax low-energy agriculture, farm people who rent. At present on coal, part of which goes to credit, and schemes of big in most states, renters can not renewable energy develop­ banks to buy up farmland— deduct the money they pay ment, and other measures to these and other exchanges re­ protect the people and land. vealed much about the "con­ This year, reformers suc­ servationist spirit" and fair- ceeded in defending their play ethic which insists on legislation against amend­ alternative policies in the ments to exclude citizen par­ Plains. Perhaps the political appeal, have been invited to sit on newly created region­ ticipation in planning, to strategies proposed have al advisory commissions. change water-use priorities to more coherence to Plains As one University of Paris professor of urban studies favor industry, and to gut the residents than to all who notes, "The ecologists struck a deep chord of French dis­ reclamation standards. But equate the area with dull satisfaction, voicing those concerns that neither left nor the fights were tough to win, driving hours on the way and that was before Carter's somewhere else. Or perhaps right chose to articulate. And though they won no push to coal, which will have there is a basis here of work­ municipal posts in the last go-round, they are a growing to target the Northern Plains. ing agreement as to what is force with which the others must reckon." Discussions of legislation possible, worth fighting for, proposed by the Farmers how it can be done, and with Barbara Koeppel, a Washington-based free lance journal­ Union in North Dakota to set whom. up a public land bank to aid ist, is spending the year in France. She has published in the passing of family-farm- Marilyn McNabb is a Re­ articles in the Nation, the Progressive and other size units to young farmers, search Analyst with the journals. potentials for alliance-build- Nebraska Legislature

7 Bibliography of Books and Manuals on tf

Mulchaky, Kevin and Katz, Richard, America Votes, For tiie Busy Candidate Prentice-Hall, 1976. A short, very readable and recent book with useful Compiled by Mena Hochberg charts about voting behavior, parties and state election patterns. This bibliography was first compiled for a series of campaign workshops that were held this spring. The idea was to sort out the numerous manuals and books that Nichols, David, Financing Elections ; The Politics of an are available; a task that most busy candidates do not American Ruling Class, New Viewpoints, 1974. have time to do. Though this will not tell you where to get money for Absent from the list are philosophical statements of your campaign, it thoroughly documents how the rich what a candidate and his/her respective ideology has to and mighty give money for campaigns. offer. Sam Brown's and Tom Hayden's books will suffice here for liberal candidates running strong issue cam­ Parkinson, Hank, Winning Your Campaign;A Nuts and paigns. The National Conservative Political Action Bolts Guide to Political Victory, Prentice-Hall, 1970. Committee's manual, and other publications l have Parkinson starts at the very beginning, with instruc­ noted, include conservative stands as well as detailed tions on how and when to file for your candidacy. Un­ practical information. There is no reason to read only fortunately, the book tends to be condescending, such as those books whose politics you feel you would agree "one good woman is worth three men in any campaign" with; valuable tips can be gotten from the "other side"— and then recommends that women are useful for coffee and, o f course, it is always important to see where your and shopping sessions. opponent is getting information from. Any progressive candidate needs to find out the spe­ Seligman, King, Kim and Smith, Patterns of Recruit­ cific filing date for his office and state. After that, it is ment; A State Chooses Its Lawmakers, Rand McNally, all the issues, the media, your staff, your stamina 1974. . . . and some help from the following books. This book concerns the politics of Oregon, but is useful for anyone in a state race who would need to Books gather and interpret state voting patterns. Good in­ formation on what to do during the filing, primary and Brown, Sam, Storefront Organizing ; A Momin Glories election periods. Manual, Pyramid Books, 1972. This is based on Brown's experiences fund-raising and Simpson, Dick, Winning Elections: A Handbook in Par­ organizing with the peace movement and the McCarthy ticipatory Politics, Swallow Press. campaign. It is not a what-to-do manual as much as Detailed strategies for candidates and an excellent an­ recollections of what other politicians have done, along notated bibliography make this an excellent beginners with a logical theory approach to campaigning. book.

Hershey, Marjorie Random, The Making of Campaign Simpson, Dick and Beam, George, Strategies for Strategy, Lexington Books, D.C. Heath & Go. 1974. Change; How to Make the American Political Dream This is a very analytical and scholarly book, compiled Work, Swallow Press. of charts and statistics on how to evaluate apathy, A thorough citizen action book for "Winning issue decision-making, mind-changing and voting patterns to campaigns without violence." predict behavior. Schwartzbaum, Edward, Campaign Craftsmanship, Myer, D.C., The Winning Candidate; How to Defeat Universe Bocks, 1973. Your Political Opponent, James Heineman, Inc., 1966. A good comprehensive book written especially for Gocd chapters on involving others in your issue cam­ local candidates in their first election who want to use paigns and on organizing political rallies. Read this book "professional" techniques. for its suggestions on speech writing and on playing up the candidate's strengths. Wilson, James, Political Organizations, Basic Books, 1973. Political Participation, Milbrath, Lester, Rand McNally, A huge book concentrating on the effects of parties, 1965. unions, business, and civil rights organizations on cam­ This is not a primer, but a conceptual analysis of suc­ paigns. No direct, practical how-to's, but a book some­ cess, or lack of it. It is useful only if the reader does not one important in a campaign organization should read to mind the sweeping generalizations made so the voters better understand how to deal with large special interest can be fitted into categories. groups.

8 e Business and Art of Political Campaigns

Manual« National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing, The following manuals written by organizations and in­ 1425 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. dividuals can be ordered from the addresses listed. The This Committee prints an excellent Media Action prices for these books run from 35c to $4. Exact prices Handbook, which in great detail outlines not only how can be obtained from the organizations. an individual can gain access to the media but also how the mass media functions. Since the book is written by a American Association of University Women. Tool public interest group, it can be used well by someone Catalog: Techniques and Strategies for Successful Action running an issue campaign. Good bibliography of addi­ j Programs, 2401 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC. tional media communications .books. This is a huge book, incredibly useful, which does not \ concentrate on campaigns specifically, but is loaded with National Conservative Political Action Committee : In information on action projects, and the techniques of Order To Win: A State Legislative Campaign Manual, dealing with institutions, holding demonstrations, re­ 1911 N. Fort Meyer Dr., Suite 706, Arlington, VA searching, and publicity planning. The AAUW also has 22209. two smaller publications. An Action Bag and Power Information is mostly from professional political con­ Quotient Bag. Both have charts, lists of questions and sultants, on "how to run a professional campaign on activities, and posters. limited resources of people and money." The book does succeed in being all-inclusive in 50 pages, covering cam­ Carr, Billie, Don't Default to the Bastards: Organize! A paign structure and personnel, finances, communications Common Sense Handbook for Left-Wing Democrats, and getting the votes. This is a decent survey specifically 2418 Travis, Suite 3, Houston, TX 77006. designed to assist state legislature races and lower level political offices. Instruction on how to run a successful liberal precinct club. Carr's belief is that liberals get their strength run­ National Federation of Republican Women: Consider ning as Democrats in grass-roots elections and then Yourself for Public Office, 310 E. First St. S.E., working their way up. A wonderfully serious yet Washington, DC 20003. humorous manual, Carr's deep convictions are always How to deal with your children, your husband, your clear. It is a great guide on how to run a tough, ag­ community, and your staff. The stories of five Repub­ gressive campaign. lican women who have done it successfully.

Democratic National Committee : The Democratic Cam­ Republican National Committee, 310 First St. S.E., paign Manual, 1976, 1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20003. Washington, DC 20036. The GGP publishes booklets on a variety of subjects. This is a good survey book with a bibliography and There are the usual topics, thoroughly handled, of fund­ an exceptional section on communications covering raising, organization, media, and advertising. Then there everything from television to direct mailings. Special sec­ is a book comprised of the do's and many more don't's tion on dealing with minority voters. for candidates' wives and a manual on opposition re­ search, "a composite of ideas on how to develop a com­ Hayden, Tom, Make the Future Ours, 204 Santa Monica plete picture of your opponent, assess his strengths and Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401. exploit his weaknesses." If you don't know the fine From Hayden's bid for the Senate, a manual explain­ points of investigating your opponent's tax returns, ing why we must go from "protest to political power". military and scholastic records, then you need this The book is useful for those running an issue campaign, manual. looking for analyses of the problems the country faces today. Hayden covers energy, the environment, com­ The Woman Activist, 2310 Barbour Rd., Falls Church, munications, the economy and equality for minority VA 22043. groups. This organization has small but substantial booklets geared towards women running for local office. Printed League of Women Voters: Making an Issue of It: The in '73 and '74, they are full of optimism for the coming Campaign Manual, 1730 M St. NW, Washington, DC years' possibilities. Good bibliography and easy ref­ 20036. erence charts and timetables for organization of duties. Geared towards getting legislation passed, there are There is a 1976 guide to precinct politics. It is excellent short but practical paragraphs on building coalitions and for both sexes and this grass-roots book has some in­ committees, lobbying, testifying and overcoming the ap­ teresting ideas for volunteers and voters. position. The League also has a yearly campaign guide, written by their education fund, discussing the issues and Mona Hochberg is an intern at the National Conference how to rally community strength around them. from Sarah Lawrence College.

9 IN THE CONFERENCE What's Happening?

Arizona Progressives Plan Comeback Good visits last month with some alternative activists —including Ron Asta and Jim Wright from Arizona. I learned from them that a successful and growing coali­ tion around the issues of growth-control, environmental protection, tax reform, and improved social services, had been brought down in last November's general elec­ tions by an invasion of right-wing forces into Arizona politics. The coalition had been sparked by the 1972 election of charismatic Ron Asta to the Pima County Board of Supervisors. At one point, the "Astacrats," as the coalition's successful candidates were dubbed by the press, held 24 offices, including a number in the State Legislature, the Tucson City Council and School Board, a Judgeship, and the County Board of Supervisors. Al­ though Asta himself was defeated for his fourth term by GOP candidate Katie Dusenberry, he reported that the growth-control advocates are geared for a strong fight- back. The right-wing tactic in the state, according to Asta, has been the formation of a seemingly "nonpartisan" Good Government League. The League, which hired many of Ronald Reagan's people in Arizona, was the biggest spender in the local elections. While the Good Government League collected more than $63,500 from its members, according to reports filed with the County Election Bureau, most was spent on "advice" and polls made available to candidates supported by it, rather than in direct contributions. But Ron Asta seemed optimistic about the successful comeback of the progressive Democrats. There is an District of Columbia City Councilmember Hilda Mason energetic state-wide movement made up of rank-and-file trade unionists, consumer and environmental groups, minority and women's groups, and others concerned Whereas the only alternative . . . is to increase regres­ about the problems created by uncontrolled, unplanned sive taxes or cut basic social services; and growth spawned by real estate speculators and other Whereas, there has been a drastic reduction in Federal business interests. And the movement is growing. assistance over the past two years to cities and states for funding vitally needed social programs, while spending on defense programs have simultaneously increased; and . . . Transfer Amendment Support Whereas, the cost of one military program alone, the A resolution to urge the U.S. Congress to approve the B-l bomber fleet is estimated to cost more than $92 bil­ Mitchell Transfer Amendment to the FY 1978 Budget, lion over its lifetime—enough to fund the current oper­ which calls for reduction in defense spending and trans­ ating budget of the District of Columbia for over 80 ferring the monies to domestic programs, was placed years; . . . before the District of Columbia City Council by Coun- Now, therefore be it resolved . . . cilmembers Hilda Mason and Marion Barry. The resolu­ Both Mason, who is acting as the Statehood Party's tion stated, in part: Councilmember until the July special election to fill the Whereas The District of Columbia faces a continuing At-Large Seat left vacant by Julius Hobson's death, and fiscal crisis due to insufficient funds to meet pressing Barry have participated in National Conference meet­ social needs; and ings. Mason is a candidate in the special election.

10 Yanatta's Strong Campaign Runs Second Senior Citizens New Constituency For Change Derek Shearer called to tell us that Ruth Yanatta was Josie Anderson, National Conference office manager narrowly defeated in the special election, May 31, for a who warmly receives all and sundry who visit, sent us California Assembly seat. Consumer-advocate Yanatta the following report : placed second in a field of 13, receiving 27.5% of the "A tall, white-haired man walked into our office one vote. The winning candidate, Mel Levine, who ran with day early in May. He was J. P. Noterman, a retired in- the backing of the Democratic Party establishment, re­ suranceman-tumed-activist who was running for the ceived 30%—a margin of 1500 votes. Derek stressed that Wilkes-Barre, PA City Council. Radiant with energy and Yanatta actually won a majority of the Democratic enthusiasm, he did not hesitate to admit being 70. I votes. However, in special elections to fill vacant seats in asked about the devastating floods the region had recent­ California, all candidates, regardless of party, appear on ly experienced and he answered, 'It's not the floods that's one ballot and crossover voting is allowed. Levine was the problem, it's the developers.' Then I learned that it endorsed by a number of well known Republicans. was the earlier, 1972 floods that,got him started. He and The Levine campaign outspent Yanatta two-to-one, other senior citizens, who joined to protest the federal and relied on the mailing of 25 different, computer government's bad handling of flood damage, became a printed and targeted letters to voters discussing issues new constituency for change. Since then he has taken a from a variety of points of view. For example, voters strong stand in favor of progressive property taxes, and received letters from such "groups" as Teachers for against local water policies. Members of the Wilkes- Levine, Lawyers for Levine, the Jewish Committee for Barre Water Board own high-priced land in the area and Levine, Italian-Americans for Levine (headed by Tommy want to sell it for expensive suburban development. In Lasorda, manager of the L.A. Dodgers), as well as tele­ order to protect the existing water supply for the new gram-like communications from Democratic heavies such developers, they now propose that water from the Sus­ as Senators Humphrey and Cranston—topped off by a quehanna River should be diverted to supply drinking message to black families signed by Sugar Ray Robin­ water for people living in lower-income areas. son. A number of the most powerful California labor "I've been in touch with Noterman and learn that he union officials also endorsed Levine. was defeated in his bid for a Council seat. His campaign Despite such formidable opposition from the establish­ was "low-key"; he didn't have alot of money to adver­ ment, the Yanatta campaign, managed by husband tise. When he came to our office he expressed feelings of Derek Shearer and utilizing more than 200 volunteers— isolation, of a need to share experiences with others of 80% of whom were women—put together a coalition of similar interests. I told him that was one part of our senior citizens, women, minorities, labor, and local com­ reason for being. Maybe he'll try again. I hope so." munity activists. The local press Hayden-baited the Yanatta campaign, implying that Ruth was a puppet of Tom Hayden and New Florida County Commissioner A Challenge serving his ambition. However, the coalition which came A visit with Palm Beach County Commissioner Dennis together around the Yanatta campaign will not dis­ Koehler was rather like stepping into the middle of a integrate. There are discussions about opening a maelstrom—but clearly the hectic pace was still chal­ "shadow" Assembly office to continue work on such lenging after half a year in office. Koehler was the local issues as housing, food prices, and neighborhood Florida county's Environmental Control Officer when he redevelopment. attended last year's national conference in Austin, TX. Although the youngest commissioner (35) and known as an activist, Koehler is rapidly gaining the respect of the Southwest Conference Projects Parley Council staff, the media, citizens at large, and even his Mary Sanger, who put together the widely praised conservative opponents on the Board. He has worked Southwest Regional Conference, held in San Antonio, hard to get the charter government movement rolling, to December 1975, reports that a two-day statewide con­ remove agricultural exemptions from local pollution en­ ference entitled "Growth In Texas: Who Pays? Who forcement standards, and for a number of land-use plan­ Profits?" has been scheduled by the new Southwest ning and density control issues. Most recently, he sup­ Center for Public Policy. Funds for the two-day Growth ported the claims put forward by a Citizens Coalition on Conference were granted by the Texas Committee for Revenue Sharing protesting the county's proposals to use the Humanities & Public Policy, and the National En­ federal money for new roads and bridges rather than for dowment for the Humanities. The meeting, set for social services for the poor or aged. Koehler proposed March, 1978, will explore the implications of the state's and the Council agreed to the creation of a Citizens Ad­ recent economic, population, and cultural growth. For visory Committee to help decide how the $2.1 million in more information, contact Mary Sanger, Southwest Cen­ federal revenue-sharing funds should be spent. ter for Public Policy, P.O. Box 4841, Austin, TX 78765. Continued on page 12

11 Disabled Movement Gains Support by Leonard Goldberg The new movement of dis­ abilities into regular employ­ abled people raises issues ment would be a major step which go beyond the tradi­ beyond the present tokenism tional paternalism of present of limited positions for a few welfare policies. Disabled people. people are demanding not just The movement which raises more resources but control these issues has been growing over those resources. They in influence and organization are also demanding access in California. The recent which breaks down the tradi­ demonstrations, demanding tional segregationist policies federal implementation of the of the society which separate Rehabilitation Act of 1973, disabled from non-disabled. received broad legislative sup­ They raise a challenge for port through a letter authored progressives to respond in by Bates and signed by 46 ways which recognize the other California legislators. questions of self-determina­ Many of the demonstrators in tion and full access. San Francisco had worked Palm Beach County Commissioner Dennis Koehler Along these lines, Califor­ with Berkeley's Center for In­ nia Assemblymember Tom dependent Living, which has Over iunch Koehler questioned some of the "political Bates has introduced legisla­ achieved national recognition principles" of the National Conference, i,e. that it is tion which requires all state for its efforts to build a self- agencies to develop affirma­ determined community of dis­ necessary to build constituencies and citizen movements tive action policies for hiring abled people. And Califor­ for alternative programs and policies, rather than relying disabled individuals. The leg­ nia's Department of Rehabili­ on charismatic politicians. Koehler postulated that the islation calls on each agency tation is headed by Ed two major hurdles to accomplishing progressive policy to develop goals and time­ Roberts, the Department's change at the local level was 1) getting elected in the first tables to correct the under­ first disabled director and cc- representation of the disabled founder of the Center for place, and 2) developing a working rapport with fellow in employment. It also re­ Independent Living. At Board members that will actually allow you to institute quires an advisory committee present, the climate in sup­ progressive policies. "Under these circumstances," ac­ of disabled people to oversee port of the rights of the dis­ cording to Koehler, "you often don’t need political the implementation of the abled is favorable. Progres­ movements and coalitions to accomplish such goals. You plans. The bill has cleared the sives should take some lead­ Committee on Public Em­ ership to make sure that cli­ need winning candidates with winning ways, who are ployees and Retirement in the mate gets translated into poli­ able to stimulate their fellow Board members and their Assembly, but is expected to cies which give the disabled own professional staffs with new policy ideas." run into opposition based on control of their destinies. Well. Let's hear some debate on the question. potential cost of providing access. The concept is simple, Leonard Goldberg is a Legis­ but the inclusion of people lative Aide to California with physical and mental dis­ Assemblymember Tom Bates Populists Win—And More Tries Despite some set-backs, the populist trend in state and local elections surges ahead. The biggest gain was the surprise victory of underdog Henry E. Howell in the Vir­ N otes Continued... ginia Governor's primary. His opponent spent a record $1 million—outspending Howell 3-1. A coalition of Conservation hopefully may be able to get seme specific useful ideas blacks (Howell received nine out of every 10 black Publications Scheduled from the Davis experiment. votes), urban poor, liberals and intellectuals, came to­ The Elements, a project of Price: $2 for individuals and gether in support of Howell's advocacy of consumer pro­ the new Public Resource Cen­ public interest organizations; tection, tax reform, equality in legislative apportionment ter, will publish in July a $5 for institutions, including —and his 30 year record in civil rights. special detailed report on the business and government Reports from Texas are that an unprecedented number Davis, CA energy conserva­ agencies. Postage included. of good candidates won victories in recent elections, tion program. The study will There is a 10% reduction for tell how the program works, more than 10 copies. The including a member of the Arlington City Council, the and how the city put it to­ report will be sent free to all Mayor of Ft. Worth, and seven of the City Council- gether. Planning drawings, those who renew or take out members PLUS the Mayor of San Antonio. News that photos, ordinances, and other new subscriptions to The long-time civil-rights attorney and activist Ken Cockrel basic documents are to be Elements. is running for a seat on the Detroit Common Council— included in the report which At the same time, James is good news indeed. I hope you all out there will keep will run about 50 pages. The Ridgeway, editor of The Ele­ report is aimed at citizen ments, announced the month­ the good news flowing in ; we need to share our vic­ groups and state and local ly paper will begin publishing tories. government agencies which a compendium o f legislation

12 Whistle Blowing for Public Productivity

by James W right does little toward meeting poorly organized on-call elated that their story and In Fima County, AZ, a citizen expectations. Public system. frustrations were finally being County Supervisor holds a employees know that feeling ■ A medical emergency explained to the public, which press conference, or provides well. How to respond is an­ notification system in the hos­ had always been quick to a press leak, with the same other question. pital's recovery room that condemn them. And the public message every other The public employee union fails to notify other medical union's disclosure forced the month. It is a simple mes­ for which I work tried one staff when an emergency resignation of the hospital's sage. And the public loves it. tack. The union recently is­ arises. Staff are forced to de­ administrator. The message: the budgetary sued a press release enumer­ pend upon an unreliable Since then our union has ills of county government can ating a long list of horror phone system or to leave the recognized that it must fight be solved by laying off 200 stories and Marx Brother-like patient in order to obtain within local agencies to allow county employees—at bungling which occurred in a assistance. employee participation in random. local county hospital. That • Medical supplies stocked reorganization and produc­ This particular Supervisor hospital is one of the institu­ in no particular order in the tivity programs. The union's happens to be a local univer­ tions included in the Super­ hospital's Central. Supply De­ Blow-the-Whistle for Im­ sity government professor. He visor's "random, personnel partment forcing the staff to proved Productivity Program is fully aware of his not so layoff fantasies." check each aisle and shelf for is expanding with marked "at random" actions. Some of the items disclosed any given item. success. It seems to be one His message is becoming a by the union included: The response of county effective way to respond to more and more familiar one. elected officials to the press the "lay-off more public em­ It is part of a national politi­ ® Critical emergency med­ disclosure was to denounce ployees" syndrome. Our cal flim-flam act directed at ical supplies arriving at nurs­ the union as "irresponsible" union will continue to harass voters in an effort to find a ing stations 26 hours after and exploitive of the adminis­ and embarrass elected of­ scapegoat for inappropriate being ordered from the hos­ tration's problems of transi­ ficials and their managers taxing systems, the failure of pital's Central Supply Depart­ tion to a new facility. Inter­ until public employees are al­ local and national economies, ment. nally, hospital employees lowed to participate in agency and gross mismanagement of 0 An anesthesiologist not were admonished for talking decisions which affect their inept elected officials and informed of an operation, to "outsiders" about hospital work and their ability to be their managers. leaving the assembled oper­ "business." productive in the public Public employees have been ating staff and a preped However, "blowing the service. slow to respond. They are patient waiting in the oper­ whistle" on inefficient and aware that there exists a per­ ating room. No one knew bungling hospital manage­ James D. Wright is Executive vasive feeling that govern­ who the on-call anesthesi­ ment was a tremendous suc­ Director of AFSCME Local ment is unresponsive and ologist was because of the cess. The employees were 449, in Tucson, Arizona

on alternative energy meas­ plementation for local school 56 State Women's Meetings ures (including solar, wind, boards. State legislatures energy conservation, etc.) have to enact compliance tion, homemakers' legal by Karen Lynch pending before Congress. The measures and set rules and rights, rape, wife abuse, child compendium will be updated deadlines for participation in Fifty-six State Women's care, the image of women in periodically and will include the program. Meetings have been scheduled the media, and many other a run-down on how each During the past seven years for this year by the National problems faced by women. member voted on key energy only nine states have passed Commission on the Obser­ Pamphlets and fact sheets conservation measures. In some compliance legislation. vance of International Wom­ have been prepared for the April, 1977, The Elements Most of it has been unsatisfac­ en's Year (IWY), to enable State Meeting by the IWY. published a detailed analysis tory: lack of voluntary partic­ women of diverse back­ A National Women's Con­ of all solar programs pending ipating and accountability on grounds and opinions to ference will be held Novem­ before Congress. The journal the local level, and no enforce­ share ideas about issues ber 18-21 in Houston, TX will publish a similar run­ ment agencies. which effect them. Coor­ with representatives elected at down on alternative agricul­ The Department of Agricul­ dinating committees were the State Meetings and ap­ ture and family farm legisla­ ture is required to pay the established in each conference pointed by the National Com­ tion. Subscription rate is $7 school district for each free or area to plan outreach strate­ mission. Based on the results per year for individuals ; $20 reduced meal served in the gies with the goal of attract­ of the State Meetings, the Na­ per year for institutions, in­ program. ing thousands of women from tional Conference will make cluding business and govern­ A Guide for State School a spectrum of ages, incomes, recommendations to eliminate ment agencies. Write to: The Breakfast and Lunch Legisla­ ethnics, racial, religious and the barriers that prevent Elements, 1747Connecticut tion can be ordered from the professional backgrounds. women from participating Ave. N.W., Washington, DC Food Research and Action The Commission hopes to in­ fully and equally in all as­ 20008 Center, 2011 Eye St. N.W., clude homemakers, students, pects of national life. These School Food Programs Washington, DC 20006. working women, civic recommendations, together Along with analysis of exist­ leaders, union members, with a final report, will be Federal law P.L. 94-105 ing state bills, the guide also church workers, and especial­ submitted to the President calls for breakfast and lunch includes contact people and ly women who have never and the Congress in 1978. programs to be available in strategies for introducing and been to a women's meeting. In Vermont, where the first all public schools. However, gaining support for legisla­ State Meeting workshops State Meeting was held in the law offers no concrete im- tion. focus on employment, educa- C on tin u ed on p ag e 15

13 Democratically Controlled Conference Publications Health Service Proposed NEW DIRECTIONS SERIES □ New Directions in State & Local Public Policy. This newest confer- by Leonard Rodberg source Center in Washington, ence*publication takes complex questions facing city and state Congressman Ronald Del- DC). governments, including: energy, public capital, tax revenues, lums has introduced his long- agricultural land use, controlling corporations, disclosure and re­ The Health Service Act that awaited Health Service Act, investment, and women's economic issues. 300 pages of progressive emerged from this lengthy providing for the creation of analyses and programs by expert practitioners. $7.50, $15 for drafting process establishes a comprehensive, nationally- institutions. the U.S. Health Service Or­ financed but community-con­ ganization, a non-profit cor­ O New Directions in State & Local Tax Reform. A handbook of new trolled health service. Del- poration mandated to provide revenue opportunities for cities and states struggling with a shrink­ lums' proposal puts on the comprehensive health services ing tax base. What tax reformers have done, and plan to do, in national agenda—and on without charge to everyone such areas as property taxes, corporation audits, new city reve­ state and local agendas as within the boundaries of the nues, and taxes on coal and real estate speculation. 390 pp. $6.50, well—the issue of whether to United States. The Organiza­ $13 for institutions proceed with more and more tion is to be controlled stringent Federal controls on CD Revenue Strategies for D.C.: Potential Initiative Actions. A unique through a "community-fed­ a chaotic and inflationary pri­ action-guide to potential tax strategies, using the District of eralist" system that begins vate health system, or to Columbia as a model. 92 pp. $1.50, $3 for institutions. with elected community move toward a democratical­ health boards ("communities" ly-planned, publicly-funded □ Legislative Handbook on Women's Issues by Kathy Rhodes and contain 25,000 people—less Ann Beaudry. A collection of legislation on economic issues af­ health service. for isolated rural areas). fecting women, including the best, most innovative proposals, These boards oversee the and a detailed bibliography. $2.50, $5 to institutions. In sharp contrast with the provision of primary, out­ Hie Cities' Wealth : Programs for Community Economic Control proposals for national health CD patient care as well as nursing in Berkeley, California, compiled by the Community Ownership insurance— which would only homes and other facilities in Organizing Project. This report outlines in detail the programs prop up with Federal money the community. and organizing strategies of the Berkeley Coalition over the seven an inadequate, maldistrib- years of its political work with the Berkeley City Council. uted, and inflationary private Community boards elect $2.50, $5 to institutions. health industry—a health members of district boards service such as Dellums has which, in turn, oversee gen­ [D Public Control of Public Money : Should States and Cities Have proposed would ensure that eral hospitals for "districts" of Their Own Banks?, by Derek Shearer. Analyzes the advantages high quality health care ser­ about 250,000 people. These and disadvantages of state and city-owned banks. Includes vices were available in every boards, in turn, choose mem­ descriptions of the state-owned Bank of North Dakota, and recen­ community and were ac­ bers of regional boards which tly proposed state banks in New York, Washington, Oregon, and countable to the residents of conduct planning and coor­ California. $1.50, $3 to institutions. those communities. dination for regions of a mil­ lion or so people. The Dellums Bill has been level planning, the communi­ under discussion since the Health care facilities would ty-based governance and Notes Continued... early 1970s, when the Med­ be managed on a day-to-day provision of care, the equit­ ical Committee for Human basis through a program of February, more than 1000 able financing, and other people traveled to Mont­ Rights, working with other democratic worker self-man­ measures could all be intro­ progressive groups, proposed agement appropriate to each pelier, exceeding the 300 ex­ duced, even before the Fed­ pected participants, and a set of principles for a na­ facility. The provision of eral Government acts, by tional health program. These health care would emphasize passed resolutions in support individual states and local­ of the Equal Rights Amend­ included such basics as com­ health team organization and ities. prehensive accessible care to delivery. The Health Service ment, affirmative action, and be available without dis­ Organization is funded by a scholarships for older women Summaries and copies of students. An informal poll crimination and without progressive federal income the bill are available from the charge at the time of delivery, tax, with funds distributed on showed that 45% of the National Conference as well women participating in Ver­ thorough health care institu­ a capitation basis to the vari­ as from the Health Service tions controlled by represen­ ous levels. It is this prepaid, mont had never attended a Action, P.O. Box 6586, T St. meeting of that kind before, tatives of patients and health community-based-budgeting, Station, Washington, DC workers. Dellums declared his and the provision of services and 54% did not belong to 20009. A contribution, to any women's organizations. willingness to introduce legis­ through an organization that Health Service Action of $5 lation embodying these prin­ employs salaried health work­ For further information or more will put you on their about the State Meetings or ciples, and a task force of ers under "consumer control" mailing list to receive addi­ health professionals and or­ that makes the Dellums Bill the IWY publications contact: tional material and a news­ IWY Commission, Room ganizers was assembled to such a departure from any of letter containing information develop the legislation. A the national health insurance 1004, Department of State on regional conferences and Building, Washington, DC model bill was prepared by proposals now extant. hearings that are being the Community Health Al­ 20520, (202) 632-8978. planned around the bill. ternatives Project (originally Many parts of the bill at the Institute for Policy ' could be adapted readily for Leonard Rodberg is a Di­ Karen Lynch is an intern Studies but now located at implémenta don at the state rector of the Public Resource with the National Conference- the newly-created Public Re­ and local level. The three- Center. from Dartmouth College.

14 ALTERNATIVE POLICY PACKETS ALTERNATIVE LEGISLATION 1 Toward A Working Economic Policy ______SERIES 0 Public Policy Reader. The issues of the 70s facing cities and ED Community Development Finance Corporation. 1975 Massachu­ states, including programs and legislative proposals for energy, setts legislation creating a public corporation to invest in not-for- public enterprise, political organization, economic develop­ profit community-developed businesses. ment, tax reform, health, education, criminal justice, and food, land and growth issues. If ordered separately, $5, $10 for CD National Consumer Cooperative Bank Act (H.R. 2777). 1977 institutions. legislation creating a federal bank to finance and give technical assistance to self-help and not-for-profit cooperatives. e The Cities' Wealth: Programs for Community Economic Con­ trol in Berkeley, CA, compiled by the Community Ownership □ National Community Health Service Act (H.R. 6894). 1977 model Organizing Project. The programs and organizing strategies legislation for a community-based, nationally funded health of the Berkeley Coalition toward winning a majority on the service. Berkeley City Council. □ South Dakota Homestead Land Act. A bill to help new farmers get e "Public Control of Public Money", by James Rowen. A 6-page started by purchasing and then leasing back farms at low cost, reprint from Progressive Magazine capsulizing the programs LU Advisory Neighborhood Commission Act. A Washington, D.C. and proposals presented at the Estes, CO banking conference. e State Bank for Co-Ops, by Lee Webb, A proposal to establish a statute passed in 1975 that created basic institutions of neighbor­ hood government to advise the city government on policy state bank for cooperatives and a state cooperative develop­ ment agency. The bill was prepared for the Department of questions. Employment Development, State of California. ED Metropolitan Government Act. Minnesota law establishing in­ 0 The Manitoba Auto Insurance Plan, by Sherman Bernard. A tegrated land use planning with strong authority in the St Paul- report on the operation, costs, and social and economic con­ Minneapolis seven-county area. siderations of providing auto insurance through a public cor­ ED State Bank Acts. Bills from New York and Oregon establishing poration. state-owned banks. Price: $12, $24 for institutions. HD Non-Criminal Police Surveillance Act. District of Columbia bill prohibiting intelligence-gathering related to "political, economic, □ Toward Public Employees Rights and Working social or sexual preferences or ideas" where constitutionally Public Management ■ ■ protected or not unlawful. A digest of articles, legislation and alternative proposals put into ED Model Anti-Surveillance Legislation. A draft model statute by practice by public officials, practitioners and public employee Jerry Berman, Center for National Security Studies, to prohibit unionists. Edited by Robb Burlage. political surveillance activity by local police and to regulate police Price: $2.50, $5 for institutions. conduct that may intrude on First Amendment activity. Price: $3. □ Controlling Energy ED Runaway Plants Acts. Ohio and Michigan bills requiring notice A comprehensive collection of innovative and model legislation on to affected employees and communities before any industry shut­ key energy issues, with introductory analysis by Ed Murray. down, relocation, or reduction in operations. ° Nuclear Safeguards. Nuclear safeguards moratorium initiative ED Family Farm Security Act. 1976 Minnesota legislation creating a measures from seven states. Family Farm Security Board to administer a guaranteed loan fund • Public Power Authority. Summary and text of bills establishing for farmers seeking to buy land. publicly owned electric utilities in five states. 0 Model State Energy Act. a draft bill for democratically con­ ED Capital Gains Tax. Vermont tax on land speculation and District trolled, publicly owned state energy system. of Columbia proposed tax on real estate speculation. ° Model State Public Utility Commission Act. A draft bill in­ ED Disclosure Legislation. The Chicago municipal ordinance plus cluding recommendations in all areas of electric utility regula­ Illinois and Alaska state legislation for financial disclosure by tion: commission structure, procedure, jurisdiction, enforce­ banks. ment, etc. ED Displaced Homemakers. Bill to establish multipurpose centers to ° Lifeline Electric Utility Rates Structure. Summary and text of provide counseling, training, skills and referral services to dis­ proposals introduced in various state legislatures. placed homemakers. e Coal Severance Tax. Program for a North Dakota state sever­ ance tax of 33 Vi % on each ton of coal extracted by coal Price: $1 each, except where indicated differently. companies. • The RUCAG Proposal. Model state legislation, with comment ——----- —------— ORDER FORM------—------analysis, to establish consumer representation before state regulatory agencies, paid for by a voluntary check-off on Conference/Alternative State & Local Policies monthly utility bills. Reprinted from Harvard Law Review. 1901 Q Street NW Washington, D.C. 20009 Individual Price: $6.50 (or $1.00 each) Enclosed is $ ______for publications checked above, including Institution Price: $13 (or $2.00 each) 75

News and views from the Conference network of state and local activist Address______elected officials and progressive reformers across the country, with C ity______State______Zip. reports on the organizing work of the Conference on Alternative State & Local Public Policies. $5, $10 for institutions. Position/Organization______15 Notes to Note "Nuclear Power: State Architect. The defini­ Disclosure Agri Publications The Bargain tion of "energy" is broad— & Neighborhood the use of electricity and fuels Two new publications on You Can't Afford" within the building is only Reinvestment corporate farming are avail­ able from the Center for The Environmental Action part of the picture. The aim A series of resource guides Rural Affairs. A Land Re­ Foundation, a national clear­ of the report is to present on neighborhood revitaliza­ search Tenure Guide outlines inghouse on electric utility is­ basic information, policy tion, written for public of­ how to research agricultural sues for more than 1000 con­ guidelines and a checklist of ficials and community action land ownership. Who Will Sit sumer and environmental considerations which client groups, are being published Up with the Corporate Sow groups, has Just published agencies can refer to in the by The National Center for reports on the growing cor­ another excellent booklet programming, planning, de­ Urban Ethnic Affairs. The porate control of hog produc­ which explains how citizens sign and evaluation of public most recent. Neighborhood tion in Nebraska. For copies can challenge the construction facilities. Available from the Reinvestment: A Citizen's State Architect's Office, P.O. contact the Center for Rural of nuclear power plants be­ Compendium of Programs Box 1079, Sacramento, CA Affairs, P.O. Box 10, Wait- fore state utility commissions and Strategies, by Karen hill, NE 68067. and other agencies. Nuclear 95805. Copies of Building Kollias, describes a wide Power: The Bargain You Value: Energy Design Guide­ range of reinvestment pro­ Can't A fford, by Richard lines for State Buildings, cost grams throughout the coun­ Morgan, claims that electrici­ $3.25 each. try. The Compendium ($4) New Housing Finance ty from new nuclear plants Consumer Protection and other materials can be will cost considerably more ordered from the Disclosure Publication than would coal power or Units & Reinvestment Project, A 10-point Housing Finance energy conservation. The Ombudsman-type consumer NCUEA, 152116th St., Plan has been published by book charges that most state protection units to deal with N.W ., Washington DC 20036. the D.C. Commission on regulators have given utilities utility commissions can now In addition, a NCUEA sub­ Residential Mortgage Invest­ a "blank check" to charge be funded on the state level sidiary, the Organization for ment following a study of customers for any costs as­ by grants from the FEA. Neighborhood Development, where lending money in sociated with atomic energy— Guidelines for the new, $2 Inc. can provide technical as­ Washington has gone in the thus insulating the utilities' million a year program are sistance to community past. While the study showed stockholders from risk, and now being set. The state of­ groups, public officials, and that past practice was clearly forcing electricity consumers fices will assess the impact of lending institution representa­ discriminatory, it also deter­ to pay for the cost overruns proposed rate changes on tives for neighborhood devel­ mined that minority neigh­ and malfunctions which have opment programs. For more consumers. They will also as­ borhoods are no higher lend­ been commonplace at atomic sist consumers in presenting information, write to Bob ing risks than others. In the reactors. their positions before utility Corletta, ONDI, above planning stages are the estab­ The book is available from regulatory commissions, and address. lishment of a housing loan EAF, 724 Dupont Circle can argue consumer positions pool to benefit moderate in­ Bldg., Washington D.C. on their own behalf. The con­ come groups, and the crea­ 20036. Price: $3.5G ($15 for Neighborhood sumer offices will be able to tion of a Loan Review Com­ profit-making businesses). Empowerment assign staff members to work mittee to hear complaints. directly with consumer A pamphlet that details These will be projects of the Energy Planning groups to provide legal ser­ possibilities for strengthening D.C. Neighborhood Reinvest­ for Public Buildings vices or expert witnesses, and neighborhood cohesion has ment Commission, an out­ can employ consultants or recently been published by growth of the investment A comprehensive report on contractors to provide tech­ the Policy Options for Neigh­ commission. The 10-point creative energy designs and nical services to citizen borhood Empowerment. Housing Finance Plan is planning for public buildings groups. Written by Arthur J. Napar- available from DCPIRG, 1346 and facilities, has been pre­ For details, contact Nancy stek, it is available from the Connecticut Ave., NW., pared by Rain, a Journal of Tate Gavin, FEA, 1200 Academy for Contemporary Washington, DC 20036. Appropriate Technology, for Penna. Ave., N.W. Washing­ Problems, 1501 Neil Ave., the California Office of the ton DC 20461 (202) 566-7472. Columbus, OH 432C1. M ore on p a g e 12

National Conference Newsletter Non-Profit Org. Institute for Policy Studies U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1901 Que Street, N.W. Permit 45748 Washington, D.C. 20009 Washington, D.C.

STAFF OF NATIÜNAI. CONFERENCE LEE WEBB BARBARA SICK ANN BEAUDRY JOSIE ANDERSON