VOTER The League of Women Voters of New Castle County, Delaware

March 2017 www.lwvdelaware-newcastlecounty.org Vol. 21, No. 7 The Mission of the League of Women Voters is to empower citizens to shape better communities.

HOT TOPIC LUNCH MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017,11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

CCoolloorreedd CCoonnvveennttiioonnss SSppeeaakkeerr:: DDeenniiissee BBuurrggeerr,, PPhhDD ccaannddiiiddaattee aatt UUDD Michael’s Restaurant, 1000 Churchman's Rd, Newark, DE 19713 Buffet lunch is $15.00 paid at time of the luncheon. Please pay in cash if at all possible

Join us at Michael’s for a buffet luncheon and discussion. Great food choices and the price of $15.00 per person covers lunch, beverages and gratuity.

Denise Burgher is a Ph.D. student in the English Department at the University of Delaware. Denise is interested in nineteenth-century literature written by women of the African diaspora but particularly the texts that come out of the Afro-Protestant world. She is chair of the Colored Conventions Project historic church out-reach committee, where she works to connect members of church communities to the colored convention movement.

The presentation will take the form of a brief introduction to the colored convention movement, major players, goals and geographic reach. Substantively, she will endeavor to demonstrate the similarities and differences in the history and evolution of LWV and the CCM as citizen led, run and defined organizations which chose to be at the forefront of shaping and challenging American democracy.

The public is invited to all Hot Topic meetings to become informed on a wide variety of topics. It is also a time to check in with members of LWV, make new friends, invite your neighbors, and colleagues to experience the League in an informal setting.

Please RSVP at [email protected] or 302-571-8948 by Saturday, March 25, so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect. If you need a ride, leave a message on the League Office phone or e-mail when you RSVP. There will be carpooling from Wilmington area. Call 302-571-8948 and leave a message. If you have not made a reservation please come anyway; meal is buffet style.

Directions: Michael’s is located at 1000 Churchman’s Road, Newark. See http://michaelsde.com/directions/ 1

CANDIDATE FORUM

Your assistance is needed with Newark Candidate Night, That evening we need greeters and members to assist in collecting questions from the audience. If you are available Tuesday, March 21, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, please let Judy Taggart know at [email protected] . See details for Candidate Night below

The League of Women Voters of New Castle County and the American Association of University Women of Newark are cosponsoring a forum for candidates for Newark City Council Tuesday, March 21, 7:00 - 8:30 P.M. at the Newark Senior Center, 200 White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE, 19713.

The public is invited to attend the forum for candidates for Newark City Council Districts 2 and 4 on Tuesday, March 21, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Newark Senior Center. All candidates who are ballot qualified have been invited to participate. Candidates are: District 2: Jerry Clifton and Sharon Hughes; District 4: Marge Hadden and Chris Hamilton.

Doors will open at 6:30 PM and members of the audience will be given index cards at the entry door and throughout the program on which to write questions for the candidates. Members of the League of Women Voters of New Castle County and AAUW will moderate and staff the event. The forum will be video recorded and posted, in its entirety, for later viewing on the League website at lwvdelaware-newcastlecounty.org.

In compliance with federal regulations for nonpartisan forums, at least two candidates for the same office must be present in order for a candidate to participate in the formal program; no stand-ins are allowed.

The League of Women Voters, the American Association of University Women and the Newark Senior Center are nonpartisan organizations that do not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

All are welcome to attend. The Election is Tuesday, April 11, 2017.

GREAT DECISIONS GROUP DISCUSSION - open to all

What: Great Decisions: Trade Policy When: Monday, March 20th 1:30 - 3:30 pm Where: Newark Free Library Who: A member will lead the discussion What else: Lunch, for those who wish it When: Before discussion, noon - 1:15 pm Where: Bamboo House How: Call Vicky Kleinman, 302-731-4950, to arrange seating

April 10: South China Sea May 15: Saudi Arabia June 19: Geopolitics of energy Sept: Latin America Oct: Afghanistan/Pakistan Nov: Nuclear Security

Vicky Kleinman, 703 Fiske Lane, Newark, 302-731-4950 The April meeting will be the 2nd Monday [because the library inconsiderately decided to use our room for themselves on our day in April. The nerve!] Actually, how lucky we are to have such a facility. Thank you, Newark Free Library.

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LEAGUE DAY IN DOVER/PAY EQUITY DAY Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Outlook at the Duncan Center, 500 West Loockerman Street, Dover, DE 19904

JUSTICE: The Solution to Poverty Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Delaware (LWVDE) and the American Association of University Women of Delaware (AAUW). Cosponsors: ACLU of Delaware; Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence; Delaware ERANow; Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice

Come learn, and advocate on four key issues the LWV of Delaware and the AAUW, along with our cosponsors, are addressing during the 149th session of our General Assembly. Hear from speakers on these topics: Justice, Education, Health and Affordable Housing, plus our Luncheon speaker, the Honorable Senator Karen Peterson, who will discuss the impact of the gender pay gap and how it is leading many women into poverty. Enjoy lunch with fellow members and legislators, then attend a press conference about Pay Equity in Delaware, visit Legislative Hall with a volunteer, registered lobbyist to meet with your Representative and Senator to present Position Papers that express our views on each of these issues

8:30-9 AM Registration and refreshments PROGRAM

9:00 AM Welcome: Jill Fuchs, League President

9:05 AM Sandy Spence, Advocacy Corps Chair, will introduce and frame the issues and introduce speakers. Each speaker’s schedule will include time for Q&A

9:10 AM Keynote Speaker to address Justice: The Solution to Poverty, to be announced. Q & A

9:40 AM Education and Poverty in Delaware. Professor Dan Rich, Policy Director, Wilmington Education Improvement Commission and Professor of Public Policy at the University of UD, will speak to this issue. Q & A 10:10 AM Break

10:25 AM Health. Steven Groff, Director of Medicaid, will speak about what programs currently exist. Q & A

10:55 AM Affordable Housing and Homelessness in Delaware. Jeanine Kleimo, Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing and board member of NCALL. Q & A

11:30 AM Lunch with Legislators (buffet)

12:00 PM Key Note Speaker: The Honorable Senator Karen Peterson will discuss the impact of the gender pay gap and how it is leading many women into poverty . Q & A

1:15 PM Press conference on Pay Equity in Delaware in Legislative Hall. Attendees may also visit legislators to provide them with fact sheets on the issues discussed today as well as other LWVDE and AAUW issues. Individuals are also encouraged attend legislative sessions of the House and Senate. (Continued on page 4 League Day)

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(Continued from page 3 League Day)

REGISTRATION DEADLINE THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017 NAME (S)______$30.00 EACH______TOTAL $______ADDRESS:______TELEPHONE ______EMAIL ______RECEIPT REQUESTED ______LWVDE Fed tax ID 516021961 [501(c) 4] CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED—YOU CAN GO TO LWVDELAWARE.ORG AND PAY THROUGH PAY PAL OR Please complete the following: CHECK:______CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: Discover______Master Card______Visa______CREDIT CARD NUMBER:______CREDIT CARD EXPIRATION DATE: ______SECURITY CODE______

Send this form and check (if using check) to LWVDE, 2400 W. 17TH Street, Clash Wing, Room 1, Lower Level, Wilmington, DE 19806-1311. Please call the League office at 302-571-8948 or e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions. www.lwvdelaware.org Contact 302-571-8948.

THEY REPRESENT YOU 2017-18: A listing of elected officials is now available. If you would like a printed copy send an email to [email protected] and the list will be post- mailed to you. The listing will also be emailed to all shortly.

Financial contribution since November newsletter: Alice Davis

THANK YOU TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS WHO PRESENTD THE CONSENSUS MEETINGS IN ALL THREE COUNTIES IN FEBRUARY: Chad Tolman, Pat Todd, Peggy Schultz and Ellen Wasfi from the Delaware League, Diz (Linda) Swift from the LWVCA, Gary Witt from Temple University, Lance Noel from UD, Dick Bingham from the Delaware Nature Society, and Elizabeth Siftar from Delaware Interfaith Power and Light. And a HUGE thanks to Peggy and Jerry Schultz who provided their home and arranged a reception for guest speaker Diz (Linda) Swift, LWVCA. The food was delicious.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Dr. John and Marianne Green, 302-731-7375 H, 302-545-4374 cell, [email protected] Levine Coates, 302-593-9914, [email protected] Sarah Bucic, [email protected] Jeanne Remedio 302-762-2698, [email protected] 302-762-2698 4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The 2016 Presidential election had brought out innumerable activists in our country. Marches and demonstrations supporting certain issues, marches and demonstrations against particular issues have crowded the news headlines, from the Internet, to national and international news coverage on T.V.

These events have occurred throughout our state of Delaware. The very positive outcome for the League of Women Voters is that the energy of the political activity has created an interest in joining the League. In the last three months, 16 people have become first-time members of the League of Women Voters of New Castle County. The new members represent both male and females under the age of 50. Interest in various aspects of League activities will offer tremendous growth for the expansion of existing committees. As the League of Women Voters grows, so does political information spread to the voters in the State of Delaware. Emily White, LWVNCC President

HIGHIGHTS of HOT TOPIC LUNCH held Monday, February 27, 2017, at Michael's Restaurant."Delaware, 1777: Two Great Armies And A Battle"

A lively group listened to a dramatic and exciting presentation by Bill Conley, President of the W3R in Delaware (French army role at Yorktown) and coordinator of the preservation of Coochs Bridge battlefield in Newark. Nancy Willing was unable to speak due to illness.

Conley provided colorful maps to show the routes taken by the British, French and American armies, and spoke about life in the army and the revolutionary war battles which took place in our area and surrounding states. In addition, he shared W3R's work with the National Park Service in creating the new National Historic Trail - the Washington- Rochambeau Revolutionary Route - through Delaware.

We also learned that Bill Conley and his sons are raising funds for the Brian Conley Resiliency Center at 104 S. Broad Street, Middletown, DE 19709. The Mission of this center is helping Warriors Inc., a nonprofit incorporated in Delaware and located in Middletown. The organization was formed on the premise of helping fellow veterans and their families navigate and reintegrate into society after returning home. In its endeavor to capture the resiliency of our military men and women, the organization is opening a Resiliency Center before the end of 2017 where veterans can adapt to their new mission. (Pictured above: Members of the Park Service and W3R.) 5

DO YOU WANT TO LET YOUR NEW GOVERNOR AND YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW HOW TO IMPROVE AND FUND OUR GOVERNMENT - THEN HERE IS YOUR CHANCE!

Citizens to be solicited for Ideas to Deal with Budget Challenges

There are still opportunities to attend the Budget Reset" Community Conversations that our Governor Carney is holding.

If you have ideas about tackling the state's budgetary shortfall, you will soon get a chance to share them with the Governor and your local elected officials.

Governor Carney will join members of the General Assembly – Democrats and Republicans – at their constituent coffees and town hall events to discuss Delaware’s budget challenges and listen to ideas from members of the public. 6:00 p.m. – March 8 – Carlisle Fire Hall, Milford, hosted by Senator Gary Simpson and Representatives Harvey Kenton, William Outten, Charles Postles, and David Wilson 7:00 p.m. – March 16 – Thomas McKean High School, Wilmington, hosted by Representatives Deborah Hudson, Joseph Miro and Mike Ramone 8:00 a.m. – April 5 – Caffé Gelato, Newark, hosted by Representative Paul Baumbach 6:00 p.m. – April 10 – Delaware State Police: Troop 3, Camden, hosted by Representative Lyndon Yearick 7:30 a.m. – April 11 – ChesDel Restaurant, Middletown, hosted by Representative Kevin Hensley 7:30 p.m. – April 26 – Rose Hill Community Center, New Castle, hosted by Senator Margaret Rose Henry and Representative J.J. Johnson

Together with members of the General Assembly, Gov. Carney will listen to ideas from Delawareans on how to address Delaware's structural budget challenges.

Anemic state revenue growth, combined with higher expenses, have produced an operating budget shortfall currently estimated at $350 million for the fiscal year that begins July 1st.

Before leaving office in January, then-Governor Jack Markell released his recommendations to close the gap and balance the budget. The package of tax hikes, program cuts, and cost-shifting received a chilly reception from lawmakers and was roundly criticized by citizens.

Gov. Carney said the Budget Reset meetings would be a chance to "present the problem to the public and invite their suggestions."

2017 HALL OF FAME FOR DELWARE WOMEN AWARDS CEREMONY AND RECEPTION March 22, 2017, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Christiana Hilton, 500 Continental Drive, Newark, DE 19713. To register go to: www.commissionforwomen.delaware.gov

The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was established in 1981 by the Delaware Commission for Women to recognize the lasting contributions and achievements of Delaware women in a variety of fields. Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was established in 1981 by the Delaware Commission for Women to recognize the lasting contributions and achievements of Delaware women in a variety of fields. On the next page is an invitation to this Hall of Fame related event. 6

The Department of State / Delaware Commission for Women Hall of Fame of Delaware Women Legislative Information Day Wednesday, March 15, 2016 11:30 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Legislative Hall 2nd Floor Lobby

Carolyn Berger Debra Heffernan

Janice Kendall Nevin Wilson

Women who embody... Determination Endurance and Achievement Please join the Delaware Commission for Women on Wednesday, March 15th in recognition of Women’s History Month. This year celebrates 36 years of recognizing and celebrating the great achievements of Delaware women at our annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women Dinner at the Christiana Hilton in Newark.

Come learn more about this prestigious event and meet the Commissioners. Explore the importance of expanding your knowledge about accomplishments the women of Delaware are making everyday. Get to know your Delaware Commission for Women Commissioners. For more information call Nina DeVoe 302 577‐5289.

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You are invited to view a screening of the award winning film SOLD followed by a discussion on how human trafficking impacts Delaware

On behalf of American Mothers, Inc., Michelle Wall will be hosting a local screening of the award winning film SOLD followed by a discussion on how human trafficking impacts Delaware. SOLD tells the unforgettable story of a girl who risks everything for freedom after being trafficked from her mountain village in Nepal to a brothel in India. It is both a call to action and a testament to the power and reliance of the human spirit.

This event will raise funds for the Coalition on Human Trafficking and the Delaware Chapter of American Mothers to fight against and bring awareness to the problem of Human Trafficking. Human trafficking isn’t a problem of the past-it’s an epidemic in the here and now.

The event will be on March 16th at The Everett Theater. Doors will open at 6:30pm and the film will start at 7:00pm.

Tickets will be $10. Ticket Sales and online donation will be available through the Everett theatre.

Yolanda Schlabach from Zoe Ministries will be speaking following the film. 1) Human Trafficking in DE 2) How local Delawareans can help 3) How to talk to child about this sensitive issue.

This is the link to the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/247929278976274/

THE LEAGUE IN ACTION

February 16, 2016

MAKING DEMOCRACY WORK™ CAMPAIGN League Urges Opposition of Election Assistance Commission Termination Act

The League sent a memo to members of the Committee on House Administration ahead of the markup of HR 634, the Election Assistance Commission Termination Act. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is the only federal entity devoted exclusively to improving election administration on a bipartisan basis. At this time the League does not believe terminating the EAC is warranted and urges the committee on House Administration not to report this legislation. LWVUS also joined a coalition letter sent to the committee opposing the termination of the EAC and the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.

Money in Politics Action Kit Now Available

We’re pleased to announce a new Money in Politics Action Kit, developed by LWVUS Board member Amy Hjerstedt and MIP co-chair Barbara Zia. The kit provides tools for both seasoned leaders and newcomers, League members and nonmembers alike, to take action related to reforming money in politics. Other issue-related toolkits will be considered in the future and we welcome your feedback.

Leagues Support Effort to Rescind Call for Article V Convention in Maryland

LWVUS joined LWVMD and 40 other national and local organizations supporting rescission of a resolution that calls for an Article V Constitutional Convention. Under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, a convention can be called when two- (Continued on page 9 LWVUS Advocacy) 8

(Continued from page 8 LWVUS Advocacy) thirds of the states (34) petition for a convention to enact amendments to the constitution. There are no safeguards or guidelines in the U.S. Constitution that limit a convention to one issue or govern the rules of a convention, which makes the threat of a runaway convention very real.

ADVOCACY

LWVUS Board Sets Legislative Priorities for 2017

The LWVUS Board set the following as the legislative priorities for 2017: 1. Campaign for Making Democracy Work™ (MDW), with special emphasis on protecting voting rights. 2. Watchdog: Respond strategically on issues with LWV positions when needed, but focus on the campaign for Making Democracy Work™. 3. The board recognizes that the next year will be full of the unexpected. The main focus for LWVUS should be our MDW Campaign, but other topics are expected to pop up that are important to the LWV—including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), immigration and climate change. There will doubtless be other, unpredictable legislative issues. Advocacy staff, working with the president and advocacy chair, will respond to watchdog issues as time allows. The board can re-examine or re-align legislative priorities as the situation may dictate during this next year.

2016-2018 Impact on Issues Now Available

The League’s 2016-2018 guide to public policy positions is now available for download HERE. Those Leagues who wish to receive a printed copy may make a purchase on Amazon or download for Kindle. Thanks to Joyce Corrington, president of the LWV of Louisiana, for driving this partnership with Amazon to make print copies available to those Leagues who desire them without large printing, shipping and storage costs to our organization.

League Calls on U.S. House to Keep Key Elements of the ACA

The League sent an action alert urging members of the grassroots lobby corps to contact their Representatives regarding the Repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Please contact your Representatives or call 866-426-2631 to be connected via phone. You can also use this page to contact your Senators. Tell your member of Congress: Don’t repeal the Affordable Care Act without an effective plan that will assure we have affordable, quality health insurance. Now is not the time to take away health care protections and coverage without an effective plan that will assure we have affordable, quality health insurance. Stop rushing to make major changes that will harm millions of Americans while throwing the U.S. health care system into disarray.

League Opposes Effort to Overturn Methane and Natural Gas Waste Rule

The League joined a letter to members of Congress opposing efforts to overturn the Bureau of Land Management’s Methane and Natural Gas Waste Rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The BLM rule is a common sense policy that requires the oil and gas industry to reduce venting, flaring and leaks on public and tribal lands by deploying methane mitigation technology.

Follow the League on Instagram! This week the League launched our Instagram account @leagueofwomenvoters. We will be sharing historical photos as well as current campaigns and cross promoting the work of state and local Leagues. Updated social media guidelines - including best practices for Instagram – will be available soon and in a future League Update. END

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CALENDAR

Wednesday, March 8, Legislative Hall, Dover LWVDE Advocacy Corps meeting. LWVDE Advocacy Corps meeting. 2017, 9:30 am-12 pm Contact Committee Chair Sandy Spence for details (302-841-2882).

Monday, March 13, League office, 2400 W 17th LWV of NCC Board Meeting. Monthly meeting of the NCC board of 2017, 6:30-8:30 pm Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 directors

Wednesday, March 15, Legislative Hall, 2nd Floor, Legislative Information Day. Sponsored by the Delaware Commission 2017, 11:30 - 2 pm Dover, DE for Women (part of the Hall of Fame activities).

Wednesday, March 15, Dover City Library LWVDE & Education Fund board meetings. 5:30-7:45 pm Lookerman Street, Dover.

Thursday, March 16, The Everett Theater, Film SOLD followed by a discussion on how human trafficking impacts 6:30 pm doors open- Middletown Delaware. Sponsored by American Mothers, Inc. film at 7:00 pm Tickets can be purchased through the Everett Theater.

Monday, March 20, Newark Free Library Monday Great Decisions Group from 1:30 to 3:30. Topic: Trade 2017, 1:30 - 3:30 pm 750 Library Ave Policy. As usual, many of the attendees will meet for lunch at noon Newark, DE 19711 Bamboo House, Newark beforehand. Contact Vicky Kleinman 302-731- 4950 for more details.

Tuesday, March 21, Newark Senior Center, 200 Candidates Forum for Newark City Council 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm White Chapel Drive, Newark, DE, 19713

March 22, 2017, 5:30- Christiana Hilton, 500 HALL OF FAME FOR DELWARE WOMEN register at 8:30 p.m Continental Drive, Newark, www.commissionforwomen.delaware.gov DE 19713.

Monday, March 27 Michael's Restaurant Hot Topic: Colored Conventions: Denise Burger, PhD candidate at 2017 11:30 am- 1 pm 1000 Churchman's Rd UD. Newark, DE 19713 http://michaelsde.com/directions/

Monday, March 27, Pat Todd's Home Environmental Committee meeting 2017 1:30 - 3:30 pm 302-545-5196

Monday, May 22, Kirkwood Library, Kirkwood LWVNCC Annual Meeting 2017. Highway, Newark

Saturday, June 10, Dover Downs Hotel LWV of Delaware state biennial convention 2017

League of Women Voters of New Castle County 2400 W 17th Street Clash Wing, Room 1, Lower Level Wilmington, DE 19806 [email protected] www.lwvdelaware-newcastlecounty.org 10