Because This Is America!

Weekly News, Updates, and Events

We As Democrats Believe:

"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."

 

The late Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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NEWS





 

NHCDP Online Meeting Today at Six

 

The New Hanover County Democratic Party will meet online today at 6 pm to discuss the Election and the RiseUP Rally planned for next Saturday in lieu of the Annual Unity Banquet. To join us, please click this link to register: 

[link removed]  After you register, you will receive a link to join the meeting.

 


Barfield Seeks 4th Term on County Commission; Pushes for Affordable Housing


Jonathan Barfield Jr. has been a REALTOR® since 1997, and he has been broker\owner of Barfield & Associates Realty since 2001. Since 1898, there have been two African Americans elected to the New Hanover County Commission: Jonathan Barfield Jr. was one, and his father, Jonathan (Joe) Barfield Sr., was the other. The younger Barfield was first elected in the same year as President Barack Obama. He has served on the commission for nearly 12 years and has been chair of the commission four times and vice chair three times. 

 

"Housing affordability, I believe, is at the top of the list in terms of critical issues that need to be addressed if we want to keep millennials in our community and attract new residents," Jonathan said. He voted with others on the commission to establish a joint County\City Affordable Housing Committee to study the issue and make recommendations to other county boards. As part of the effort, the county plans to donate 15 acres it owns in the Wrightsboro area to Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity.

 

Jonathan grew up in New Hanover County and is a product of the New Hanover County Schools. In September, he and his wife Laura will celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. "We have four amazing daughters, and we just adopted a rescue dog from the animal shelter and his name is Ollie Barfield," he said. Jonathan is one of the Associates Pastors at The Sanctuary of Wilmington.



 

Blood on His Hands; America Hits 200,000 COVID-19 Deaths

 

This weekend the United States reached more than 200,000 confirmed deaths from the Coronavirus pandemic including more than 3,200 deaths in North Carolina. The deaths include 28 of our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and beloved family members right here in New Hanover County, according to data compiled by Wikipedia. The United States of America has the highest number of cases (nearly 7 million) and the greatest number of deaths of any country in the world.

 

Many of the deaths were preventable, had President Trump acted to slow the spread of the virus. “He had the information,” candidate Joe Biden said during a recent trip to Michigan. “He knew how dangerous it was. And while this deadly disease ripped through our nation, he failed to do his job on purpose. It was a life-and-death betrayal of the American people.”

 

Tillis Accepts Big Pharma Cash After Sponsoring Pro-Drug Company Legislation

 

(From NCDP) Senator Thom Tillis raked in more than $20,000 in contributions from political action committees tied to pharmaceutical companies two weeks after sponsoring an industry friendly bill that omitted a key provision opposed by the pharmaceutical industry found in a separate bipartisan drug pricing bill, according to a new investigation from WBTV. For more on the story click here. 

 

The amount and timing of the contributions are “unusual,” according to one campaign finance expert, who said that Tillis is “viewed as a very close ally” of Big Pharma and whom the industry views “as a very dependable vote in favor of their interest and somebody who, clearly, is willing to champion their legislation, their legislative agenda.”

 

Attorney General Josh Stein Warns North Carolinians Not To Vote Twice

 


After Donald Trump continued to encourage North Carolinians to try to vote twice -- which is a felony -- North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein pushed back, reminding voters that they can track their absentee ballot through the BallotTrax system. Twitter was even forced to put a warning label on Trump’s social media post relating to voting twice for violating the company’s “Civic Integrity Policy.” 

 

In a recent appearance on MSNBC’s Kasie DC, Stein reiterated the facts of the situation: “You do not need to vote twice, and if you do what the president suggested, you run the risk of committing a felony in North Carolina."

 

To Track Your Absentee Ballot, login to BallotTrax here.

 

To Apply For An Absentee Ballot, login here.

 

The Board of Elections began mailing absentee ballots earlier this month. It's still not too late to vote by mail. If you do vote by mail, make sure to fill out the ballot and ballot envelope completely, then mail it in or take it to the Board of Elections from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. As of this weekend, ballots from 5,325 New Hanover voters had been provisionally accepted by the Board of Elections.

 




Public Input Sought on Novant Health Purchase of New Hanover Regional Medical Center

 

(From a New Hanover County press release) An agreement detailing Novant Health’s commitments in connection with the purchase of New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) is now available for public review at NHRMCfuture.org. 

 

Novant Health, a North Carolina not-for-profit health system, has offered to purchase NHRMC from New Hanover County for $1.5 billion and to invest more than $3 billion in growing NHRMC’s services. Novant Health’s proposal was the unanimous choice of a citizen-led Partnership Advisory Group formed in October 2019 to evaluate whether NHRMC should "partner" with another organization. The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners approved the recommendation and the Letter of Intent July 13, allowing a final agreement to be negotiated.

 

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at the County Courthouse, 24 North Third Street, on Monday, September 28 at 5 p.m. to receive public comments on the plan. Read the full release here.


 

Needed: Poll Greeters, Site Captains and Lit Drop Volunteers

 

We need Poll Greeters and Site Captains:  One of the more successful programs initiated by New Hanover Democrats in recent years is the Blue Ballot program.  Blue Ballots are a half page slate card with early voting information on the back, which we print on blue paper on a half page.  In previous years we recruited poll greeters who would approach voters and offer a blue ballot. In the middle of the pandemic we expect a more socially distanced role. Instead of approaching voters with literature we recommend that interactions be limited to offering blue ballots from a distance like a carnival barker.

 

Another important role is the site captain. We have nine early voting sites and need a site captain for each. The site captain will be responsible for setup and takedown each day. The site captain is also responsible for securing printed materials overnight. The site captain job can be done with very little public contact.

 

We accomplish a lot with Blue Ballots. It has become common for voters to show up at the polls asking for them. This year Sally Meserole has again agreed to schedule volunteers to staff polling places to distribute Blue Ballots. Sign up here to volunteer to be a Poll Greeter or Site Captain.



 

Also needed: Lit Drop Volunteers In this unusual election year we are trying to find ways to support Democratic Candidates without risking the health of our volunteers. Traditionally we have told volunteers that the single most effective thing they can do is door to door canvassing. For this year, we think that is too much to ask.

 

However a literature drop should be safer. The idea is for volunteers to get a list of doors to hit, and to leave literature on each one, without knocking or ringing doorbells. Masks will be worn, of course. 

 

We need volunteers.  Several campaigns and Precinct organizations are planning Lit Drops. You can volunteer to drop literature, or to be an organizer, providing walk lists and Lit to volunteers. Click here to volunteer.


 


Get Ready for the RiseUp Rally and Auction

 




Are you ready to RiseUP Democrats?

The RiseUP Committee is excited to announce the new and exciting Zoom RiseUP Rally, September 26th, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

The rally will Include comedy by Ceia Rivenbark, Wills Maxwell, Cassidy Santaguida and music, and the candidates you want to hear from and so much more.

The very special on-line auction will include a home cooked Thai dinner, a weekend getaway, lots of wine, art, themed baskets and much, much more. The auction website will go live September 19th and bidding will close with a BIDDING FRENZY during the Rally. Bid early and often! (It's different from voting!).  Click here for information.

 

The auction items will become available to view and to bid on RiseUpRally.com  starting on September 19th.  In order to bid in the Auction, you will need to register for the RiseUP Rally. Please register now for the Rally.

 

 


 


NHCDP Office Open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, Noon to 2 p.m.

 

The New Hanover County Democratic Party office at 5401 New Centre Drive, Wilmington will now be staffed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon to 2:00 p.m. We will use the office primarily for pick up and drop off of yard signs, blue ballots and similar items. We do not anticipate scheduling meetings there at this time. Our office phone number is (910) 805-5703.  Please wear a mask and observe social distancing. One visitor at a time in the office.


 

 

EVENTS



 

Combined Campaign Virtual Phone Banks for Joe Biden Now Through November 3

 

When: Every day except Monday.

Where: Join Phone Bank and call from home 

 

Team Joe supporters from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, and Pender counties are invited for a virtual phone bank to make phone calls to voters. Training will be provided.

 

Lit Drop for Leslie Cohen  -- Now through October 15

 

When: Now through October 15

Where: Register here to participate.

 

Because of the pandemic, volunteers cannot safely canvass voters as in the past. Instead, the Leslie Cohen for New Hanover County Board of Commissioners campaign needs volunteers to help spread Leslie's message across New Hanover County by lit-dropping in neighborhoods. This can be done on the volunteer's schedule at any time of day, since the campaign isn't trying to reach voters face-to-face. Lit-dropping involves dropping off campaign literature at voters’ homes. Safety is the campaign's biggest priority. Volunteers probably won’t have to interact with anyone as they drop off literature, but they will wear a mask just in case and use gloves and/or carry hand sanitizer to use as needed.

 

Virtual Phone Banks for Adam Ericson -- Wednesdays through October 28



When: Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. through October 28 

Where: Join Phone Bank here and call from home 

 

Adam Ericson is running against Republican Ted Davis Jr. for the position of State Representative for District 20.

 

Virtual Phone Bank for Marcia Morgan -- Thursdays through October 31

 

When: Thursdays from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. through October 31 

Where: Join Phone Bank here and call from home 

 

The Marcia Morgan campaign to turn the NC House 19th District blue ask volunteers to donate time! Donate your time calling potential voters on behalf of Team Marcia. We provide the training, the script, the names and numbers -- violunteers provide the phone and the willingness to help. Multiple shifts are available.

 

Virtual Phone Banks for Harper Peterson -- Thursdays through October 29

 

When: Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. through October 28 

Where: Join Phone Bank here and call from home 

 

Harper's campaign for State Senate will be hosting a weekly phone bank every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. through October 28.

 


NHCDP Meeting  -- Today, September 21 

When: Today, September 21, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Zoom. Register here to receive the Zoom Link

 

The New Hanover County Democratic Party will meet online today at 6 pm to discuss Election plans and the RiseUP Rally planned for next Saturday in lieu of the Annual Unity Banquet.


 

Federal Point  Virtual County Commission Candidates Forum  -- September 22 

 

When: Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Zoom (pre-registration required to obtain Zoom details)



New Hanover County Democrats are invited to join Federal Point precincts in an online Zoom video conference with New Hanover County Candidates for Board of Commission: Jonathan Barfield, Leslie Cohen, and Dr. Kyle Horton. The first half of the forum will be led by Federal Point Precinct leaders who will engage all three candidates in a Q&A session. The second half will provide attendees an opportunity to ask their own questions of the candidates using the Zoom chat feature. As a reminder, three seats are open on the Board of Commission. 

 

This event is free but registration is required in order to receive secure Zoom details. Please use this link to register today: [link removed].

 

Celia and Friends Fundraiser for Marcia Morgan -- September 24

 

When: Thursday, September 24, 6:45 p.m. sponsor reception, 7:00 p.m. main event.  

Where: Register here. 

 

In times like these, don't we all need a good laugh to keep from crying? Award-winning syndicated humor columnist and New York Times bestselling author Celia Rivenbark will join the Marcia Morgan Team for an evening filled with her trademark wit and humor, and she'll be joined by a few friends who have their own talents to share. This is a FREE virtual event but sponsorships are available at a number of levels. Proceeds support the candidacy of Marcia Morgan for NC House District 19. 

 

RiseUP Rally -- September 26

 



When: Saturday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Zoom, Please register for the Rally here.


Join us for our exciting Zoom RiseUP Rally to celebrate our party, our donors and our great volunteers.  This extravaganza will include special guests, fun and the final bell on our on-line auction.  Register and get ready to RiseUP and party for the party. 






 

 

Public Forum on the Sale of NHRMC to Novant Health -- September 28

 

When: Monday, September 28, 5:00 p.m.

Where: County Courthouse, Room 301, 24 North Third Street, Wilmington. View live on the County Facebook page.

 

The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing for the community to comment and share input on the Asset Purchase Agreement  between New Hanover County, NHRMC and Novant Health. The community can attend and share public comments (limited to three minutes per person), with social distancing guidelines followed. In addition, those who prefer not to attend in person can submit a public comment by emailing [email protected]. Emailed comments must be submitted by 6 p.m. on September 27, 2020 in order to be made available to the Board of Commissioners prior to the public hearing.

 

Vote Counting Begins -- September 29

 

When: Tuesday, September 29

Where: Online

 

The Board of Elections will begin counting the absentee ballots on September 29th. No results will be announced, but your ballot will be scanned, and you will able to confirm online that it has been received and accepted. If you are in this group of Absentee Vote By Mail voters, your vote will be announced on Election Day right after the polls close.

 

First Presidential Debate -- September 29

 

When: Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. 

 

The debate will be moderated by Chris Wallace of Fox News Sunday. Debates will be available for streaming on C-SPAN and televised on most major news networks. 

 

Supreme Court Town Hall Meeting for Congressional District 7 -- October 1

 

When: Thursday, October 1, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Zoom meeting. Reservation link here.

 

Supreme Court candidates Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, Justice Mark Davis, and Judge Lucy Inman will meet in a community town hall for Congressional District 7. Learn more about the candidates and the work of North Carolina’s Supreme Court.

 

Vice Presidential Debate -- October 7

 

When: Wednesday, October 7, 9:00 t0 10:30 p.m.

Where: University of Utah, Salt Lake City

 

The debate will be moderated by USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page. Debates will be available for streaming on C-SPAN and televised on most major news networks. 

 

Costume Party and Scavenger Hunt with Marcia Morgan -- October 15

 

When: Thursday, October 15, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Register here.

 

Help Marcia Morgan celebrate the start of early voting and have a little fun before the presidential debate with a costume party & scavenger hunt with Team Marcia. There will be voting on and awarding prizes for the best costumes in a variety of categories, an at-home scavenger hunt, lessons on how to make a signature cocktail and much more! Sign up now for Marcia's last fundraiser for the 2020 election cycle and join the Team for what will be a fun and memorable evening. Tickets are $25 and sponsorships are available. Proceeds support the candidacy of Maricia Morgan for NC House District 19. 

 

Second Presidential Debate -- October 15

 

When: Thursday, October 15, 9:00 t0 10:30 p.m.

Where: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, Florida

 

The debate will be moderated by C-SPAN political editor Steve Scully. Debates will be available for streaming on C-SPAN and televised on most major news networks. 

 


Third Presidential Debate -- October 22

 

When: Thursday, October 22, 9:00 t0 10:30 p.m.

Where: Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee

 

The debate will be moderated by NBC White House correspondent Kristen Welker. Debates will be available for streaming on C-SPAN and televised on most major news networks. 


 

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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