All posts by Roger Straw

2024 Election, Endorsements, Meeting notices

Our Next Meeting – WEDNESDAY, September 4

MEMBER MEETING
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 4, 2024, 7:00 PM

ZOOM MEETING

___________________________________________________________________________

Dear members and supporters—

The Progressive Democrats of Benicia (PDB) will host a candidate forum TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 4, at 7pm via Zoom (sign-in details are below and on our website).   This virtual event, which is free and open to all regardless of city of residence or political party, will feature interviews with Democratic candidates vying for local office.  (Find out more about our guests below.)

This is YOUR opportunity to engage with local Democratic candidates and gain insights into their positions on key issues affecting Benicia and to learn about the important measures on this fall’s ballot.  We ask that you share this notice to your family, friends and network.  Everyone is welcome.

Endorsement Interviews

At our meeting, we will be interviewing Kashanna Harmon-Lee (left), one of the candidates for the Benicia Unified School District Board of Education – Area 3, which is generally between 780, Rose Drive and west of Grove Circle.  For details, see the pink area on this map:  BeniciaUSD_Trustee_Areas_Scenario1.pdf.  We will also interview and endorse Shannon Frisinger and Rosemary Thurston (Incumbent) for the Solano Community College District that includes Benicia.

The November election will have some important local tax measures on the ballot; we will vote whether or not to endorse these as well. Measure G (Charter City) and Measure H (Real Estate Property Tax). Maggie Kolk will talk about the Citizens’ Initiative to Save our Streets, Measure F.  David Lindsay will speak about CA Prop. 5 that would lower the electoral hurdle for housing bond issues from 67% to 55%.

Zoom Details

The link and sign-in information for most PDB membership meetings in 2024 is below. 

Topic: PDB General Meeting
Time: September 4, 2024 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86273821941?pwd=WktDazJLaTJHVTBPNWd3dzlXaGd2Zz09

Meeting ID: 862 7382 1941
Passcode: 528756

One tap mobile
+16699006833,,86273821941#,,,,*528756# US (San Jose)
+16694449171,,86273821941#,,,,*528756# US

Why Endorse?

Democratic club endorsements like these matter in local elections because they provide the candidates and causes we believe in most with crucial grassroots support. Clubs like PDB often promote their endorsed candidates and help them build name recognition, connect to important volunteer and professional networks, and access Party resources that can elevate campaigns to the next level. Additionally, voters often use club endorsements to help them select candidates.

An endorsement from a PDB is a strategic asset for any Democratic candidate–led campaign, even if the candidate doesn’t identify as progressive. Ours is a big tent – all registered Democrats are invited and welcome to seek endorsement from the club. Our Club may only endorse Democratic candidates, per our by-laws.

Have You Checked Your Voter Registration?

While we have your attention, don’t wait until the last minute to find out there are issues with your voter registration! If you haven’t voted in a long time, if you moved and want to make sure your registration is exactly as it should be, or if you’re just double-checking, you can check your registration at the Secretary of State’s website. This website also gives you helpful information like your polling location, language preference and more.

Check Your Voter Registration! (CA)

California Politics, Endorsements, Progressive Candidates

Congratulations to our Endorsed 2024 Candidates for Benicia Mayor & City Council

Dear members and supporters –

The Progressive Democrats of Benicia (PDB) are proud to announce their endorsements for the upcoming City Council and Mayoral elections. Following a thorough and engaging interview process with all candidates, the club’s voting membership has made their decisions.

Endorsements

After interviewing Democratic candidates for Benicia City Council Christina Gilpin-Hayes, Trevor Macenski, and Franz Rosenthal, the PDB membership has voted to endorse

  • Christina Gilpin-Hayes
  • Trevor Macenski (Incumbent)

The club also interviewed Mayor Steve Young, who is seeking re-election. Members voted overwhelmingly to endorse Mayor Young for re-election.

The club also interviewed Mayor Steve Young, who is seeking re-election. Members voted overwhelmingly to endorse Mayor Young for re-election.

(From left to right: Endorsed candidates for City Council Christina Gilpin-Hayes and Trevor Macenski, and endorsed candidate for Mayor Steve Young. Photos supplied by candidates.)

The club membership also authorized contributions to endorsed candidates.

The Progressive Democrats of Benicia congratulate the endorsed candidates and thank everyone who participated. Visit their websites at ChristinaForBenicia.com, TrevorMac.com, and ReElectYoungForBenicia.com to learn more about their campaigns, sign up to volunteer, and donate.

The Endorsement Process

The presentation started with the candidates sharing brief introductions before joining a wide-ranging discussion covering critical issues facing Benicia, including industrial health and safety, Benicia’s future as a refinery town, housing challenges, City budget shortfalls, and potential ways to address those shortfalls. After the candidates answered a few prepared questions, members, supporters, and viewers were able to engage in a lively Q&A.

“We’re incredibly proud of not just the program the club put on, and not just the candidates who all rose to the occasion, but also our members and supporters,” said Kathy Kerridge, Chair of the Progressive Democrats of Benicia. “It’s their commitment to the democratic process that brought us all together for a packed Zoom meeting on a Monday night, to learn more about the candidates and real Benicia issues. More than sixty people showed up to take part, and the recording is now available on our website so even more undecided voters will have a chance to watch it.”

Thank You…and Don’t Forget to Vote!

The Progressive Democrats of Benicia wish to thank the candidates for the time they spent with us. As we look toward the future, the club encourages all Benicia residents to stay informed, get involved in local politics, and exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections. In preparation, don’t forget to check your voter registration at the Secretary of State website (voterstatus.sos.gov). There, you can verify your mailing address for mailed ballots, confirm your party registration, and more.

More Exciting Endorsements Ahead

The Progressive Dems will next meet at 7pm on Wednesday, September 4, over Zoom, to interview Benicia School Board and Solano Community College Board candidates, and hear about the ballot measures Benicia will be voting on in November. This meeting is free and open to the public, regardless of party registration or city of residence, and a recording will be posted for this meeting as well.

Learn how to join the Sept. 4 endorsement meeting and find more information about the Progressive Democrats of Benicia here on progressivedemocratsofbenicia.org. Dues are $30/year and you must be a registered Democrat to join as a full member. (Non-Democrats are welcome to attend public meetings.)

 

 

                         – Kathy Kerridge, PDB Chair