"A great democracy has got to be progressive or it will soon cease to be either great or a democracy."

In a Split Vote, County Commission Moves to Explore Sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center

(From WECT) - In one of the most controversial decisions in recent memory, a divided New Hanover County Commission voted 3-2 on Monday on a Resolution of Intent to Sell the county-owned hospital, New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC). As expected, commissioners Woody White, Julia Boseman, and Pat Kusek voted in favor of the resolution of intent to sell. Commission Chair Jonathan Barfield and Rob Zapple voted against it.

Following the vote, the county issued a news release that stated “the resolution authorizes the establishment of a Partnership Advisory Group to help develop priorities for the Request for Proposal (RFP), evaluate the proposals received, and provide a recommendation on next steps to the Board of Commissioners and NHRMC Board of Trustees. The group will include county, hospital, physician, nonprofit and community leaders and be reflective of the community’s diversity of individuals and interests.”

Hundreds of residents attended public meetings about the proposed sale over the summer, the vast majority voicing grave concern about a sale. Concerns ranged from a decline in quality of care, to increased costs to patients, to the potential negative impacts for the 7,000 employees of NHRMC. Employees have wondered what new ownership could mean for their pensions, and members of the community at large have contacted WECT about cautionary tales from other markets where there have been healthcare mergers and acquisitions.

Despite seemingly overwhelming opposition to the Resolution, Commissioners Woody White, Patricia Kusek and Julia Boseman have consistently said that they favored testing the waters to see what offers might come from outside hospital groups interested in expanding to southeastern North Carolina. Some have estimated the sale could bring more than $1 billion into the county coffers. (photo from Port City Daily)

Opposed to the Hospital Sale? Make Your Voice Heard

The office of North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein will review any proposal to sell New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and you have a chance to state your objections to the sale on the Attorney General's Website. To register a complaint visit https://ncdoj.gov/file-a-complaint/consumer-complaint/ and click on the "File a Consumer Complaint" banner in the upper right hand corner of the page.

After filling out information about yourself, you can list the target of your complaint as the New Hanover Board of County Commissioners or the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees or both. You can skip over the boxes on the page that deal with consumer complaints and type your concerns in the box labeled "Details of Complaint."

Unity Banquet Celebrates Chief Justice Cheri Beasley

On Saturday night, 400+ New Hanover Democrats celebrated the appointment of Chief Justice Cheri Beasley to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Cheri was introduced by Fifth District Judge James Faison III, and was presented flowers by members of the New Hanover chapter of the AKA Sorority, of which she is a member. Cheri is running for re-election as Supreme Court Justice in 2020, and we fully expect that her participation in the banquet will give her the benefit of the "New Hanover Bump," which in recent years has propelled our keynote speakers into election to statewide office.

Richard Poole, NHCDP Chair asked Democrats to approach the 2020 election from a position of hope rather than fear. Donald Trump became president by manipulating the fears of his voters. In 2008 Barack Obama spoke about the audacity of hope, and encouraged voters to vote for the best candidate rather than the candidate that conventional wisdom considered "most electable." Despite the fact that the US economy was falling off a cliff, Americans voted for hope rather than fear, and we elected Barack Obama to two terms. Voters will make a similar choice in the 2020 election.

At the banquet, New Hanover Democrats also were honored. Mary Baggett-Martin, co-owner of the Blockade Runner Hotel received the Louise Siler award for her generous support of Democratic candidates over many years. Bill Cottingham received the EB Davis Award for his many contributions to precinct organization and his consistent support of candidates by canvassing and phone banking. Precinct W29 received the precinct of the year award for their many contributions, including their support for residents of low-income housing displaced by Hurricane Florence. Bravo all!

Frightened Tillis Spends Half His Campaign War Chest on Ad Featuring Trump Endorsement

(From NCDEMS) Senator Thom Tillis launched his reelection campaign last week with a giant, red panic button, dumping “half of the $4.4 million that the campaign had on hand” on a primary ad “designed to blunt criticism from within his own party” that desperately tries to recast Tillis. Read about it here.

Tillis’ campaign launch is just the latest sign he’s panicked by his GOP primary – he’s been booed at not one but two Trump rallies; more North Carolina GOP primary voters hold a negative view of him than positive; and he has the lowest approval rating of any U.S. Senator running for reelection. As one non-partisan analyst put it, “If anyone needed a sign that Tillis is vulnerable in a primary, this ad is a flashing red light.”

The television ad, slated to run through the primary election in March, features Donald Trump at a rally calling Tillis "a warrior." Funny how this warrior has stood silent as Trump robbed $80 million in funds slated for North Carolina military bases to pay for his ridiculous border wall.

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

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.

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.

"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.

Ready to Lead Workshop in Hickory, NC -- October 12

When: Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Hickory, North Carolina, register to get address

Ready to Lead is a full day workshop designed to support potential leaders who are taking their first steps towards running for office. As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to articulate why they want to step into public leadership, develop their personal narrative, and understand the basics fundraising, organizing, and how to start planning a campaign. Anyone interested should complete the online application, and applicants who are accepted will receive an email confirmation with a link to register. Don't delay! Space is limited, and spots are not guaranteed until the registration fee of $20 registration is paid. The fee covers the cost of lunch and materials for the workshop. Some scholarships are available. Contact Jenn Frye for more information: [email protected].

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. Event organizers have announced that a donor will match all funds raised at this event up to $5,000, so your tax-deductible contribution will go twice as far! For additional information, to purchase tickets or RSVP, go to youcanvote.org/F8.

Ready to Lead Workshop in Washington, NC -- October 19

When: Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Washington, North Carolina, register to get address

Ready to Lead is a full day workshop designed to support potential leaders who are taking their first steps towards running for office. See details for the Hickory Event above.

Save the Date: Reception for Governor Roy Cooper in Wilmington -- October 22

When: Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The home of Ronna and Herbert Zimmer, details TBA

Governor Roy Cooper will bring his re-election campaign to Wilmington for a reception in October. Supporters say Governor Cooper has shown strong leadership in North Carolina, and it is critical that his campaign for re-election is successful. You can make a contribution online today at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/wilm22oct. Or by mailing a personal check made out to "Cooper for NC" to PO Box 1190, Raleigh, NC 27602. Contributions ahead of the end-of-quarter deadline on September 30 are particularly appreciated.

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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