Because This Is America!
Weekly News, Updates, and Events
We As Democrats Believe:
"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress."
— Barack Obama
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NEWS
Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center May Be "Inevitable"
(From WECT) At a meeting at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning, New Hanover Regional Medical Center CEO John Gizdic and New Hanover County Manager Chris Coudriet explained to business leaders and elected officials in attendance they thought the need to eventually sell the hospital was “inevitable.” They said the amount of money it’s going to take to expand the hospital for population growth, and the limited leverage NHRMC has negotiating as an independent hospital are the main reasons they want to explore the possibility of selling.
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners plans to vote at its September 3 meeting on whether to sell the New Hanover Regional Medical Center to a larger healthcare group. NHRMC is currently owned by New Hanover County and operated by an independent board of directors appointed by the Commissioners.
With over 7,000 employees in the hospital system, New Hanover Regional Medical Center is by far the biggest employer in this area. Officials recognize there is anxiety about the proposed sale and what that could mean for employees, providers and patients. Skeptics are concerned that sale of the hospital to a larger for-profit corporation will result in higher prices for all, and declining services for poor and vulnerable residents. Read here: US News & World Report, What Happens When A Community Hospital Is Sold To A Large Corporation and here: When Hospitals Merge To Save Money, Often Pay More. According to Suzanne Delbanco, executive director of the Catalyst for Payment Reform, an employer-led health care advocacy group quoted in the US News & World Report story "[t]he main motivation of for-profit companies is to grow so they can cut costs, get paid more and maximize profits. . . They are not as focused on improving access to care or the community's overall health." If the Commissioners decide to proceed with the sale, selection of a new owner and execution of an agreement could take more than a year. The County will hold two public forums in August to gather input on the idea. See the events calendar below for details.
Governor Cooper and NC Democrats Raising Much Bigger Election War Chest than Republicans
(From NCDEMS) North Carolina Democrats from the Governor’s race to the Council of State are handily outraising their opponents as 2020 approaches. Cooper raised three times more and has more than five times as much cash on hand than Republican opponent Dan Forest. The NC Democratic Party reported nearly $1 million raised and $800k cash-on-hand, compared to the NC GOP’s anemic $362k and $131k.
Despite desperately trying to spin a reset, Republicans can’t get away from a string of recent scandals including the indictment of their former chairman and a president whose racist attacks and broken promises are hurting North Carolinians.
No End in Sight As Statehouse Republicans Continue to Stonewall Budget Compromise
(From NCDEMS) North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore told the Daily Reflector that he and his fellow Republicans may hold out until fall in their futile attempt to override Governor Roy Cooper' as veto of a Republican-written budget. It has been nearly a month since Governor Roy Cooper offered his compromise budget as an alternative to the Republican plan that fails to do anything to make healthcare more accessible for working people. Governor Cooper's compromise includes Medicaid expansion, pay raises for North Carolina teachers and state employees and middle class tax cuts. Republicans now refuse to hold a vote or engage in good faith negotiations and are instead hoping to strong-arm their way to enough votes to override Governor Cooper's veto. Moore said, “It may take a while, we may be there until October but we’ll eventually get the votes to see it enacted.”
By the way, Virginia announced this week that just over 300,000 Virginians have enrolled in the state’s expanded Medicaid program and 229,000 newly eligible adults received “some type of health service, whether it’s going to the doctor or filling a prescription.” More than half a million North Carolinians could join those Virginians. But Republican leadership, including Speaker Moore and Senate Leader Berger, are hell-bent on holding North Carolina back, refusing to compromise with the Governor if Medicaid expansion is on the table.
EVENTS
Get Out the Vote Phone Bank -- Now through September 10
When: You pick the time
Where: You pick the place
Use this link to help Dan get out the word to Democrats about this special election!
[link removed]
Dan McCready is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. Dan's 2018 campaign was the victim of election fraud committed on behalf of the Republican Candidate Mark Harris. We need to send Dan to Washington, and a message to those who tamper with our elections. Please commit to making calls whenever you can.
Presentation to Wilmington City Council on Air Quality -- August 6
When: Tuesday, August 6, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Wilmington City Council Chambers, 102 N. Third St., Wilmington
Tom Oliviero of Precinct W25 will be addressing City Council on behalf of a group of concerned citizen about concerning the "cat pee" odor they believe is caused by a local industry dumping chemicals. He will address this issue and attempt to persuade the council to follow up with environmental officials. Precinct W25 is looking for support from other Democrats at the meeting.
NHC Senior Democrats Social Security "Birthday" Observation-- August 8
When: Thursday, August 8, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive
Join the Senior Democrats in celebration of the “birthday” of Social Security. Mayra Delgado, a Claims Specialist, will be discussing Social Security and Medicare. Ms. Delgado will be available to answer questions. This is the time to get those questions answered without waiting online or in line. There will be refreshments served.
Fundraising Reception in Support of Elaine Marshall, Secretary of State -- August 8
When: Thursday, August 8, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Home of Carol and Todd Atwood, 2009 Montrose Lane, Wilmington
Elaine Marshall has been North Carolina Secretary of State since 1996. The Secretary of State’s office today is a key law enforcement agency protecting consumers, investors, and charitable givers against securities fraud and financial scams. For tickets and sponsorships, click here. For questions and RSVP, contact Tiffany Reynolds-Richardson at
[email protected].
Canvassing for Dan McCready in Elizabethtown -- Now through September 10
When: Saturdays shifts at 9:00 a.m, 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m., Sunday shifts at 1 p.m.
Where: Elizabethtown office (1 hour from Wilmington)
Dan McCready is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. Sign up for canvassing at [link removed]
Democratic Women of New Hanover County Business Meeting-- August 13
When: Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Crust Kitchen, 124 Princess St., Wilmington
This group of women supports Democratic policies and encourages the participation of women in Democratic activities including running for public office. For information on Crust Kitchen, click here.
Cocktails WithCandidate Leslie Cohen -- August 13
When: Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: the home of Shelly O'Rourke, 213 Forest Hills Dr., Wilmington
Join Leslie Cohen, candidate for Statehouse District 20, for cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres at the home of Shelly O'Rourke on Tuesday, August 13th from 6-8PM. Tickets start at $25 and sponsorships available.To purchase tickets or sponsor, click here.
NHCDP Countywide Meeting – August 19
When: Monday, August 19, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington
The party meets the third Monday of each month.
Forum on Possible Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center #1 -- August 19
When: Monday, August 19, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Northeast Regional Library, 1241 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will seek input ahead of a September 3 meeting where the commission will discuss selling the county-owned medical Center.
Forum on Possible Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center #2 -- August 20
When: Tuesday, August 20, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Where: Senior Resource Center, 2222 South College Road, Wilmington
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will seek input ahead of a September 3 meeting where the commission will discuss selling the county-owned medical Center.
Third Annual SOBAD Golf Tournament -- August 25
When: Sunday, August 25, 9:00 a.m.
Where: Sandpiper Bay Country Club, in Sunset Beach, NC.
Brunswick Democrats are hosting a Golf Tournament, and you are invited! Captain's Choice (Scramble) with three flights, men's, women's and mixed. The $75 entry fee includes lunch. Statewide candidates are expected to attend. Registration deadline is August 16. Contact Dwight Willis at
[email protected] or 910-540-2614.
Taco Monday Event for Leslie Cohen -- August 26
When: Monday, August 26, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: The home of Charlotte and Robert Rosenberg, 302 Lumina Ave. N, Wrightsville Beach
Chef Rebecca Stutts will share her culinary expertise, demonstrating how to make tortillas from scratch! Join Leslie Cohen, candidate for Statehouse District 20, for an evening of tortilla making, build your own tacos with all the fillings and toppings, and themed beverages! Enjoy a lovely sunset over Banks Channel on Wrightsville Beach. Sponsor the event and receive entrance for four. To purchase tickets or sponsor, click here.
Get Out the Vote Canvassing for Dan McCready -- September 7 through 10
When: Saturday through Tuesday, September 7 through 10. Shifts at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
Where: Elizabethtown office ( 1 hour from Wilmington)
Dan McCready is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. Bladen County Democrats hope to recruit 100 volunteer shifts to canvas leading up to the election. Contact Jim Fleagle at
[email protected] if you wish to participate with other New Hanover County volunteers. Sign up for canvassing at [link removed]
2019 NHCDP Unity Banquet With Chief Justice Beasley -- September 21
When: Saturday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm
Where: Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington
Keynote speaker: the Honorable Cheri Beasley, Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court.
To buy an Early Bird Ticket to the Unity Banquet for $75, click here.
To Sponsor the Unity Banquet and meet Chief Justice Beasley at a VIP Reception, click here.
Nominations sought for 2019 Unity Banquet Awards: Awards will be presented recognize the precinct of the year and two individuals who made outstanding contributions to the community over the last year. Please email nominations to
[email protected] by Friday, August 2. For specific criteria for the awards, click here.
Silent Auction Items Needed: Organizers of the silent auction are seeking donations of auction items. Please note that these contributions are not tax deductible for the contributor. All items must be submitted by August 31st, and should be accompanied by an in-kind donation form, downloadable here. Please direct inquiries to Mary Melia at (973) 223-4976, or at
[email protected].
Best,
Richard Poole, Chair
News Content by James Cummings
If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.
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| Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party |
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Mailing Address:
NHCDP
PO Box 3036
Wilmington, NC 28406
Office Address:
5041 New Centre Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
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“It may take a while, we may be there until October but we’ll eventually get the votes to see it enacted.”