"If there is dissatisfaction with the status quo, good. If there is ferment, so much the better. If there is restlessness, I am pleased. Then let there be ideas, and hard thought, and hard work. If man feels small, let man make himself bigger."

NHCDP Meeting Canceled: County Commission to Vote on Medical Center Today

The NHCDP Officers cancelled today's NHCDP Monthly Meeting due to the critical vote on the controversial "Resolution of Intent to Sell" the Medical Center this afternoon. The vote will arguably be one of the most important votes cast by the County Commissioners in a generation. Details below.

NC Legislature Accepting Comments On Proposed Districts Today

The General Assembly has until Wednesday to draw new districts for the NC Senate and House. It is accepting public comments on the proposed maps here. We assume that to be considered the comments will need to be submitted by COB Monday. You can view maps of the proposed districts here and here. At least three problems with the proposed maps have been identified:

The maps contain outdated precinct information. The proposed maps do not contain recently created precincts in New Hanover County like H10, H11, H12 and H13, and likely contain other errors and omissions since there have been other changes in New Hanover precincts in recent years.

The maps join southern New Hanover precincts with eastern Brunswick precincts in the new House District 19. In practice, those areas are pretty remote from each other, since getting from one side of the river to the other requires either a boat ride across the river, or a long drive through House 18 and House 17 to cross by bridge in Wilmington. That argues against viewing them as a single community of interest.

The maps divide up an evenly divided county and create two safe Republican Districts and one safe Democratic district, arguably failing to reduce partisan bias in our legislative districts.

Day of Infamy: GOP Sneak Attack Overrides Budget Veto. Deb Butler Resistance Goes Viral

After months of refusing to negotiate in good faith on a budget compromise, Republicans in the North Carolina House of Representative used lies and treachery to override Governor Roy Cooper's veto of their unjust budget. Cooper vetoed the budget in June, and he and Democratic leaders offered 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. Democrats in the House stood firm for months as Republicans plotted to sway enough Democrats to support their veto.

After failing to persuade Democratic legislators, Republicans took the low road. On the morning of September 11 as the nation paused to commemorate the 2001 terrorist attacks, Democratic legislators weren't on the floor because of the commemoration and because they were assured there would be no votes. At the same time Republican leaders reportedly were emailing their members to "be in your seats" for the veto vote in what was described as a "half empty house." Republican leaders actually tried to turn off microphones as Democratic Representative Deb Butler and others among the Democrats tried to protest "an assault on our democracy."

Wilmington's own Deb Butler became an overnight media star as the video of her impassioned objection hit the Internet. Her shout of "I will not yield, Mr. Speaker" is still echoing across the country. Of course, it's also now a T-shirt. Get yours here.

To complete the override of Cooper's veto, the North Carolina Senate must also vote on the measure.

Global Climate Strike Gathering at City Hall On Friday

On Friday, September 20, three days before the UN Climate Summit in NYC, young people and adults from all across the US and the world will strike to demand that action be taken to address the climate crisis. A local observation of the event is sponsored by 350 Wilmington (see their Facebook page here). Local environmental activists plan to gather at the Wilmington City Hall from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday. For more information on Global Climate Strike visit this website.

Party to Appoint Resolution Development Committee

At its August meeting, the New Hanover County Democratic Party adopted a motion calling for resolution development to be handled by a new committee.The resolution development committee will be made up of three members who must each be serving currently as an officer of the county party, a precinct chair, or a precinct vice chair. If you need more information on the proposed new committee, please contact Dennis Dixon at [email protected] or 240-743-8065. Those seeking appointment to the committee should contact Chairman Richard Poole at [email protected]. The party plans to make appointments by October 21.

EVENTS

Rescheduled County Commission Vote On NHRMC Sale -- September 16

When: Monday, September 16, 4:00 p.m.

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 you can watch it live on NHCTV.com and probably also on cable news channels.

Cancelled: NHCDP Countywide Meeting -- September 16

The New Hanover County Democratic Party normally meets the third Monday of each month. The meeting was cancelled to allow attendance at the critical County Commission meeting.

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.

Meet and Greet Mayoral Candidate Devon Scott -- September 18

When: Wednesday, September 18, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: The home of Jacob Sickles, 1920 Nun St., Wilmington

Devon Scott, who is running for Wilmington mayor in the November election this year, will lay out his vision for the city. Jambalaya will be served. To sign up for the event, click here.

Climate Strike March to City Hall -- September 20

When: Friday, September 20, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

What: Wilmington City Hall, 102 N. Third St., Wilmington

Grassroots environmental group 350 Wilmington is participating in a nationwide campaign to address global warming with a march to city hall. Details 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 -- September 21

When: Saturday, September 21, 6 to 9 pm

Where: Wilmington Convention Center, 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington

Keynote Speaker: NC Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.

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.

Devon Scott Virtual Town Hall Facebook Event -- Sundays through November 3

When: Every Sunday through November 3, 9:00 p.m.

Where: Online at Devon Scott's Facebook page

Devon Scott, candidate for Wilmington mayor in this year's November election, will conduct live online question and answer sessions through his Facebook page. Also see the page for notifications of future events.

Deb Butler Re-election Campaign Kick-off and Fundraiser -- September 24

When: Tuesday, September 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Home of Nancy O'Donohue on Figure 8 Island.

Saturday, September 21, will be the last day to purchase tickets to this event to launch the campaign to re-elect Deb Butler to the North Carolina House of Representatives. . The event includes passed hors d’oevres, a seafood station, a grill station, sliders, dessert, beer and wine, a Zero Proof bar trivia, golf chipping and an art collection tour. Click here to purchase tickets if you live outside Figure 8 Island. As Figure 8 residents may park anywhere, they may purchase tickets here. Candidates for office may attend the event for free and may bring one guest. Candidates should email Mimi at sraquix@gmail.com no later than Saturday for details.

"Fight to End Cash Bail" Event -- October 3

When: Thursday, October 3, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Lumina Theater, UNCW campus, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington

The Alliance for Economic Justice is hosting "Poverty Is Not a Crime: The Fight to End Cash Bail"

Margaret Haynes for City Council Reception -- October 6

When: Sunday, October 6, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The home of Anne York and Jeffrey Schrager, 305 S. Lumina Ave., Wrightsville Beach

Wilmington Mayor Pro-tem Margaret Haynes is seeking reelection to the Wilmington City Council in the November election this year. A fundraising reception in her honor will be held October 6 in Wrightsville Beach. For tickets, visit bit.ly/HaynesReception. For more information contact [email protected].

Reception for State House Candidate Leslie Cohen -- October 10

When: Thursday, October 10, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: The home of Frank Hobart and Betsy von Biberstein, 2805 Oleander Dr., Wilmington

Enjoy an evening in support of Leslie Cohen for NC House with special guest Deborah Ross at the home of Frank Hobart and Betsy von Biberstein. Deborah Ross, Former U.S. Senate candidate in 2016, served as a representative in the N.C. House for more than ten years, where she championed transportation, housing, infrastructure, historic preservation, ethics, voting rights, and domestic violence laws. Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets and sponsorships available here.

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.

You Can Vote Fundraising Party on Figure Eight Island -- October 16

When: Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Figure Eight Island location TBA

Join with You Can Vote for a fundraising event to empower voters in North Carolina. You Can Vote is working to turn out the vote and curb voter suppression in North Carolina. Meet TCV founder Kate Fellman and enjoy food and games. For additional information, to purchase tickets or RSVP, go to youcanvote.org/F8.

Democratic Women of New Hanover County Social -- October 26

When: Saturday, October 26, time TBA

Where: Good Hops, Carolina Beach

Democratic Women on New Hanover County hold their fall social on October 26. Save the date! Details to be announced.

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.

Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party

Mailing Address:

NHCDP

PO Box 3036

Wilmington, NC 28406

Office Address:

5041 New Centre Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

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