Democrats Celebrate Labor Day

 

Martin Luther King said, ‘All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.’ He told the Local 1199 Hospital Workers Union, ‘No labor is menial unless you're not getting adequate wages’ – something that's too often the case today. 

All work has dignity. That's what Labor Day is all about. 

Each year on Labor Day, we honor the men and the women who built this country and who continue to power our economy.  Senator Sherrod Brown has observed that American workers are our greatest asset; they are the engine behind our nation's success for generations – whether they punch a time sheet or make a salary or earn tips. Whether they work behind a desk or a restaurant counter, on a factory floor, on a construction site, or in a hospital.

Yet for too many of these workers, their hard work doesn't pay off. Corporate profits are up. Executive salaries have gone up dramatically. Stock prices have gone up. Workers are ever more productive. But wages have barely budged. In fact, under this administration, wages have actually declined. These are Americans doing everything we ask of them, everything that's been asked of them. They get up every day, they go to work, they do their jobs, they hold up their end of the bargain – the bargain we're supposed to have in this country.

In 2020 we have a chance to do something about that.

NHCDP Hosts Forum On Hospital - Commissioners Vote On Tuesday

 

Last Wednesday NHCDP hosted a forum on the proposed sale or restructuring of NHRMC.  Speakers included NHRMC President and CEO John Gizdic and County Commissioner Chris Coudriet and the forum was moderated by Kimberly Mclaughlin-Smith. About 200 people attended and many of the questions were insightful.

 

The first questioner was, Dr. Kyle Horton, an internal medicine physician and former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. Kyle said she opposes the sale. “I'm concerned that we've been successful for 52 years," Horton said. "We're almost a unicorn on the East coast to be a county hospital that's thriving. And I don't believe due diligence has been done up to this point to look for other options, short of changing the ownership, which, which subverts our local control permanently. And once it's gone, we can't get it back.”

 

John Gizdic explained that in his view it is desirable to consider options that could better prepare NHRMC for future challenges. Chris Coudriet explained that there would be a lengthy process to consider the community's needs, including a Partnership Advisory Group that would include representation from stakeholder groups.  Port City Daily's Ben Schachtman did a "Deep Dive" based on a two hour interview with Gizdic and Coudriet in which they described the "uncharted waters" ahead. You can read it here.

 

The New Hanover County County Board of Commissioners is due to make a major decision Tuesday on whether to approve a "Resolution of Intent to Sell" the county-owned New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Proponents of the vote insist that no decision has been made to sell the hospital. However the plain language of the resolution the board "declares its intent to sell NHRMC’s facilities and assets, or to enter into any other affiliation arrangement consistent with NHRMC’s lawful purpose."

 

(From WHQR) Commissioner Woody White said last week, “I think we will go forward on September 3rd but that doesn't mean that the process is rushed. All that means is just let's see what responses we get. It's a difficult decision. It's a difficult issue for this community, but it's a necessary one. And I think we are going about it in the right way that engages the community.”  

 

The vote will arguably be one of the most important votes in a generation.  If you want to attend, see details below. If you can't make it to the meeting, you can watch it live on NHCTV.com, Spectrum Channel 13 or Charter Channel 5. You can view the 132 page agenda here, or a two page summary here.

 

North Carolina: Battleground 2020

 

(From NCDEMS)  North Carolina is the biggest 2020 battleground in the country. North Carolina is the only state in the country in 2020 that is a presidential swing state, has competitive U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races, and could flip control of the statehouse before redistricting. Democrats are already taking the steps to win up and down the ticket. 

 

In 2018, North Carolina Democrats broke the Republican supermajority and took more than 50% votes statewide in both the state house and state senate elections. Democrats swept statewide judicial contests, earning more than 50% in every single race. Governor Cooper showed that Democrats can win with Trump on the ticket in 2016. Today, Cooper remains popular – by 20 points, voters approve of the job Governor Cooper is doing [Morning Consult]

 

 

What Hurricane? Tillis Stands By as Trump Loots Disaster Funds

(From NCDEMS) Even as a monster hurricane takes aim at the East Coast (including North Carolina), Senator Thom Tillis refuses to confront President Trump on his plan to siphon money from disaster aid. The Trump administration decided to raid over $150 million from disaster relief so the money can be spent on furthering Trump's cruel assault on immigrants at the southern border. When asked about a NBC News report on the Trump administration’s new effort to divert funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund that “would have been used in the current budget to prepare to respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes,” Senator Tillis passed the buck, saying that the funding was allocated “during the Bush administration.”

Students and Teachers Have Started Working as Schools Start; Republican Legislators Have Not

 

A Capital Broadcasting Company editorial last week blasted the Republican-dominated State Legislature for continuing to fail to act on Governor Roy Cooper and Democratic leaders offer of 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. 

Get to know Democrats in your precinct who want to make a difference! Ask people from your precinct to make 9 calls for 9 days for Dan McCready using a virtual phone link.  It takes 10-15 minutes per day to help elect another Democrat to Congress.  We'll provide all the information and support you need – sample emails to your precinct members, message to leave, etc. Contact Joanne Durham [email protected] for details.

Donate to Deb Butler for a Chance at Carrie Underwood Concert Seats

Rep. Deb Butler of House District 18 has two tickets to the Carrie Underwood: Cry Pretty Tour at the PNC Arena in Raleigh on September 30th, which she is not using. Instead of letting them go to waste, she is raffling them off to one lucky supporter of her reelection campaign. Each $50 donation earns an entry in the drawing, which will take place at noon on Friday, September 20th.  They are great seats (Section 103, Row T) and face value is over $500. Click here for your chance at tickets.

 

County Commission Vote On NHRMC Sale -- September 3

 

Where: Training Room, NHC Government Center Suite 135, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington

 

Arguably the most important vote by the County Commission in a generation.  If you can't attend but want to watch the meeting, see details above. You can view the 132 page agenda here, or a two page summary here.

 

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 support Harper: 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: 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.  For tickets and to select a sponsorship level, click here.

 

We the People March on Washington Bus Trip -- September 21

 

When: Saturday, September 21, bus departure at 1:30 a.m., March Saturday, September 21, 12:00 noon.

Where: Meet at Steinmart, 3501 Oleander Drive, Wilmington

 

The Leland Indivisible chapter is taking part in a September 21 March On Washington and is organizing a bus to transport marchers from Wilmington to and from Washington D.C. The mission of the march is stated: "We the People are marching to be seen and heard. We are marching to remind our elected officials that they work for us. We are marching because the current regime is a threat to our democracy and values. We are marching to demand accountability. Silence and inaction are complicity." Cost of the bus ride is $62.25 per person. For details and to register go here.

 

2019 Unity Banquet Ticket Sales Reopen -- September 21

When: Saturday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm

Where: Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington 

 

The Unity Banquet sold out thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and to our keynote speaker, Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.  HOWEVER, we are pleased to announce that we have negotiated an expansion of our footprint at the convention center which will enable us to accommodate everyone.  Ticket sales have reopened, and will remain open till September 8th. 

 

You Can Still Hear The Doug Irving Quartet! Playing jazz standards at the reception before the banquet, the musicians will include Doug Irving (bass), Charity Whittington (vocals), Jerald Shynett (piano) and Riley Ball (drums).

 

Silent Auction Items: Organizers of the silent auction gratefully acknowledge the many contributions they have received, and have announced that they are not seeking additional items. 

 

East Wilmington Community Day -- October 12 and 13

 

When: Saturday, October 12, 12:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 13, 3:00 p.m.

Where: 3009 Princess Place Drive (Corner of 30th Street and Princess Place Drive), Wilmington

 

On-Time Ministries and other organizations are hosting a weekend event to eradicate violence and unify the community. The gathering will include food, games and entertainment.