Democrats to Hold Public Forum on Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center

 

On Wednesday, August 28^th the New Hanover County Democratic Party will host a forum on the proposed sale of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) at 6:00 p.m. at the ILA Hall, 1305 S Fifth Avenue, Wilmington NC 28401. The speakers will include: Chris Coudriet, New Hanover County Executive, John Gizdic, NHRMC CEO, and Jeff James, Wilmington Health CEO.

 

NHRMC is the largest independent hospital in North Carolina and the third largest in the entire country. It is presently owned by New Hanover County. The County Commission has announced that on September 3^rd it will consider a “Resolution of Intent to Sell” the Medical Center. NHRMC CEO John Gizdic said in a joint press release: “We’re clinically, financially and operationally strong today, but we recognize that to prepare for an uncertain future, we need to consider new ways to support investments in the people, technology and services that can make a significant difference in the health of our community.”

For many, this proposal raises significant questions about the future of healthcare in our community. They include:

• Why sell a healthcare system that serves our community so well?
• If billions in additional investment are needed and cannot be paid for by proceeds from our independent healthcare system, why would a purchaser shoulder that burden?
• How will a sale affect the quality of healthcare services?
• How will a sale impact the cost of healthcare services?
• How will a sale affect uncompensated or charity care?
• How will a sale impact employment? Will there be a no-layoff guarantee? For how long?
• If the hospital is sold, how much will it pay the county in taxes? How will this affect the quality and cost of services, uncompensated care, and employment levels?
• The people of New Hanover County voted to create the hospital in 1961. Should a sale be subject to a vote of the people, who are its owners?

Supreme Court Chief Justice Beasley Aims to Cut School-to-Prison Pipeline

(From NC Policy Watch) Cheri Beasley, who Governor Roy Cooper named Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court this March, has kicked off a campaign to break the cycle of turning school discipline responses into penalties that can put students on a path to prison. Beasley advocates "School Justice Partnerships" (SPJs) as a way to keep minor offenses from becoming life-altering events. SPJs are made up of law enforcement officials, judges, district attorneys juvenile court counselors, teachers and school administrators, who establish guidelines for school discipline in a way that minimizes suspensions, expulsions and school-based referrals to court for misconduct.

“The truth is that school discipline has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, and the thing we want do is to make sure arrest is used in only the most severe offenses,” Beasley said. “Last year, more than 11,000 children were referred to the juvenile justice system from the schools, and only a fraction of those offenses were serious ones.”

Beasley’s comments came during a press conference last week at East Guilford High School in Gibsbonsville to announce the release of the SJP Toolkit, which is essentially a step-by-step guide that shows judges and others how to establish a system of student-centered disciplinary practices. In North Carolina, school-based cases make up about 40 percent of the referrals to the juvenile justice system. Many of the referrals, which frequently clog overburdened courts, are for minor, nonviolent offenses. Only eight percent of school-based referrals were for serious offenses during the 2016-17 school year.

“This project is about helping kids stay in school and out of court for minor misconduct,” LaToya Powell, an assistant general counsel in the Office of General Counsel for the Judicial Branch, said later during a Back to School Safety Summit at UNC Greensboro.Powell described minor misconduct as disobeying a teacher, getting into a fight that doesn’t result in serious injury or involve weapons or “accidentally causing an injury while playing a game of dodgeball.”

Even Republican Leader Knows His Party's Budget Stonewall Isn't Justifiable

 

(From NC Policy Watch) Way back in early July, Governor Roy Cooper and Democratic leaders today offered Republican leadership a state budget compromise proposal that would close the health care coverage gap, raise teacher pay, cut taxes for people and guarantee school construction while balancing the budget and saving money in the Rainy Day Fund. But Republicans have steadfastly refused to negotiate in good faith. 

 

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 on the third Monday of each month. This month's meeting will feature special guest, District Attorney Ben David who will discuss work of his office.

County Commission Forum on 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.

 

County Commission Forum on 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.

 

New Hanover County Board of Elections Special Meeting -- August 20

 

When: Tuesday, August 20, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Board of Elections Conference Room, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington 

 

The Board of Elections will meet to address issues including taking action on the 2019 early voting plan and appointing chief judges, judges and Multipartisan Assistance Team (MAT) members for the 2019- 2021 term.

 

Matt Leatherman for State Treasurer Fundraiser -- August 21

 

When: Wednesday, August 21, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Blockade Runner Beach Resort, 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach

 

Matt Leatherman, who served as policy director for former State Treasurer Janet Cowell, is running for Treasurer in 2020. Scheduled guests at his fundraiser include former mayor Don Betz, NC House District candidate Leslie Cohen, and NC House District 17 candidate Tom Simmons. To RSVP or to donate visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ml-wilmington8-21

 

Precinct Officers Idea Forum -- August 22

 

When: Tuesday, August 22, 6:00 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

 

 

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

 

Voter Empowerment Workshop and Training -- August 27

 

When: Tuesday, August 27, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4313 Lake Avenue, Wilmington

 

You Can Vote is a non-partisan group organized to train and mobilize volunteers to educate, register and empower all North Carolina citizens to successfully cast their ballots. The August 27 event will discuss the latest voting rules, including the Voter ID law that takes effect in 2020; best practices for voter education and registration; and what's on the ballot in 2019. RSVP here.

 

NHCDP Forum On Sale Of New Hanover Regional Medical Center -- August 28

 

When: Wednesday, August 28, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: ILA Hall, 1305 S Fifth Avenue, Wilmington

 

Forum with  Chris Coudriet, New Hanover County Executive, John Gizdic, NHRMC CEO, and Jeff James, Wilmington Health CEO.

 

Forum on Historically Underutilized Businesses in the Commmunity -- August 29

 

When: Thursday, August 29, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Cape Fear Community College, Union Station Building, Room U512, 502 N. Front Street, Wilmington

 

The NC Budget and Tax Center, Legal Aid of NC and Financial Protection Law Center will host a "thoughtful and inclusive conversation about equitable access to capital, transparent procurement policy and community economic development means for New Hanover County and our entire state." The event is free.

 

Get Out the Vote Canvassing for Dan McCready -- September 7 through 10

 

Where: Elizabethtown office (1 hour from Wilmington) 

 

This is your last chance to flip a Congressional seat in 2019! Dan is running for the District 9 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in a September 10th special election. His campaign hopes to schedule 100 volunteer shifts to canvass in the days before the election. Contact Jim Fleagle at  [email protected] if you wish to participate with other New Hanover County volunteers. Or, sign up directly for canvassing at  https://www.mobilize.us/mccreadyforcongress/event/107644/

 

Join Leslie Cohen, candidate for NC House 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. 

 

Democratic Women of North Carolina Annual Convention -- September 13 through 15

 

When: September 13 through 15, times TBA

Where: Durham, North Carolina

 

Save the date for the 59th Annual Convention of the Democratic Women of North Carolina. Further details will be posted soon at www.democraticwomenofnc.org

 

End of Summer Celebration with Harper Peterson -- September 16

 

When: Monday, September 16, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Alina Szmant and Dan Baden’s home,  210 Braxlo Lane, Wilmington

 

NC State Senator Harper Peterson. Senator Peterson will give an update on what has been happening in the state on a legislative and political level. If you can't attend, you can still provide your support: bit.ly/DonateHarper . RSVP for the celebration here: bit.ly/PetersonSummerCelebration 

 

Reception for Judge Lucy Inman, Candidate for NC Supreme Court -- Septmber 17

 

When: Tuesday, September 17, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: the home of Louise and Steve Coggins, 150 Beach Road S, Wilmington

 

Lucy Inman who has served in North Carolina courtrooms for nearly a decade is running for the NC Supreme Court in 2020. To get tickets and select a sponsorship level, click here.

 

2019 NHCDP Unity Banquet (Sold Out) -- September 21

 

When: Saturday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm

Where: Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington 

 

The annual Unity Banquet has sold out thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and to our keynote speaker, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley. There are always some seats freed up in the weeks before the banquet, and they will be offered on a first come, first served basis to people on our waiting list.  To sign up for the Unity Banquet waiting list, 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 31^st, 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].