Candidates Needed; YOU May Be the Change Your Community Needs

​Filing Period December 2 - 20 The  filing period for the November 2020 election -- December 2 to December 20 -- is coming up sooner than many people realize, so now is the time for committed, engaged citizens to start thinking seriously about running for public office. To move New Hanover forward, we need Democrats to step up to the challenge of elected office. There are several seats up for grabs next year, and the New Hanover Democratic Party needs strong candidates for all of them. 

 

There are three County Commission seats up, with only one Democratic incumbent. Republican Pat Kusek has announced she is not running, and Republican Woody White is rumored to be running for another seat. If that is true, we need two County Commission candidates in an election that will have no incumbents in two seats.

There are three School Board seats up with no Democratic incumbents.  One of the three Republican incumbents has announced that she will notl run again. We need three School Board candidates.

We have a good incumbent for NC Senate, Harper Peterson.

We have candidates interested in NC House seats, but right now the districts are tied up in court, so it is not clear whether the districts are covered or not.

Remember the words of Barack Obama: "We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek."

Here are some links to relevant Board of Elections website pages:

Filing dates: https://elections.nhcgov.com/candidates/filing-office/

List of incumbents: https://elections.nhcgov.com/candidates/elected-officials/

 

Documentary 'Better Angels' Aims To Encourage Dialogue Between Political Adversaries

The Red and the Blue. The Left and the Right. Increasingly, Americans have divided themselves into warring camps shouting at one another across a growing gulf. "As long they aren’t talking, and my definition of talking also requires active listening, the country is at a standstill, there is no room for compromise, and the institution which they claim to be protecting is at risk," said local "Better Angels" organizer Allen Quigley. Better Angels is a national citizens’ movement to reduce political polarization in the United States by bringing liberals and conservatives together to understand each other beyond stereotypes, forming red/blue community alliances, teaching practical skills for communicating across political differences, and making a strong public argument for depolarization. This week the organization brings its campaign to town with a free showing of the 50-minute "Better Angels" documentary. The group draws its name from an Abraham Lincoln quote saying just before the Civil War that the nation could only be saved "by the better angels of our natures." The future of our democratic experiment may depend on it.

The free screening of the documentary Better Angels will take place on Wednesday, October 23 at the Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second Street in Wilmington.  Registration is at 6:00 p.m., the showing begins at 6:30 p.m. and a discussion will follow. 

Early Voting For Municipal Elections Happening Now Through November 1

 

Early voting started yesterday at Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive.  You can find the schedule here.

 

Early voting will be available on Sunday October 27th from Noon to 4:00 p.m. That will be a great day to vote because voting that day will help to ensure that Sunday voting will continue to be available in future elections.  NAACP will be doing a Souls to the Polls event on that day. If you know someone who needs a ride to the polls, call Ann Cherry at (252) 945-1666.

 

NHCDP Countywide Meeting – October 21

When: Monday, October 21, 6:00 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Office Large Conference Room, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403

 

New Hanover County Democrats will meet for their Monthly meeting. On the agenda are Judge Jeffrey Noecker and a presentation on Wave Transit Funding by Steve Kelly. At next month's meeting, on November 18th, we will vote to fill a vacancy on the State Executive Committee. If you are interested in running and curious about what it entails, you can call Richard Poole or talk to one of the present members.

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

 

 

"Better Angels" Documentary Screening -- October 23

 

When: Wednesday, October 23, 6:30 p.m. (Registration at 6:00 p.m.)

Where: Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second Street, Wilmington

 

The Better Angels documentary is a 50 minute film that brings the viewer behind the scenes of real red/blue workshop, illustrating how Americans, with polarized political positions, can learn to listen and respect differing views, and in some cases become lasting friends.  Better Angels is a national citizens’ movement to reduce political polarization in the United States by bringing liberals and conservatives together to understand each other beyond stereotypes, forming red/blue community alliances, teaching practical skills for communicating across political differences, and making a strong public argument for depolarization. (More details in article above)

 

When: Thursday, October 24, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Where: Blockade Runner, 275 Waynick Blvd. Wrightsville Beach

 

 

Devon Scott Volunteer Meeting -- October 24

 

When: Thursday, October 24, 6:00 p.m.

Where: Network Community Wellness Center, 3803 Cherry Ave., Wilmington 

 

The campaign to elect Devon Scott mayor of Wilmington meets weekly and is inviting volunteers to attend.

 

Precinct W25 Voter Canvass  -- October 26

 

When: Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m.

Where: Java Dog, 303 N. Front St., Wilmington

Precinct W25 is reaching out to Democratic voters.  Please contact JJ Jahn, 1^st Vice Chair, [email protected], 248-534-0002, if you would like to participate.  Also, if you find you are not receiving email notices from W25, please email JJ so that she can be sure you are on the list.

Devon Scott Canvas Weekend -- October 26 and 27

 

When: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Sunday, 1:00 p.m.

Where: Meeting at the parking lot of Pine Valley Elementary School, 44o John S. Mosby Drive, Wilmington

 

The Scott campaign for Wilmington mayor will be knocking on doors three times this weekend. Training will be available on site. 

 

Devon Scott Street Sign Event -- October 26

 

When: Saturday, October 26, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Where: The corner of Military Cutoff and Eastwood Road

 

 Supporters of the Devon Scott mayoral campaign will be gathering to wave signs at the corner to spread the word on Scott's candidacy. 

 

Democrats Organizing in Neighborhood Groups  (D.O.I.N.G.) Event -- October 26

 

When: Saturday, October 26, 9:30 a.m.

Where: Carolina Beach Community Building (former library) 300 Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach

 

Democratic Women of New Hanover County Social  -- October 26

 

When: Saturday, October 26, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Good Hops Brewery, 811 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach

 

Democratic Women of New Hanover County’s Fall Social will be held at Good Hops on Carolina Beach. It’s Halloween so come dressed as your favorite political “shero”.

 

NAACP 'Souls to the Polls' Event -- October 27

 

When: Sunday, October 27, 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Where: 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington

 

The New Hanover County NAACP chapter will host a Souls to the Polls event to transport voters for early voting. on Sunday, October 27 from 12-4 at 230 Government Center Drive. The NAACP is requesting interested parties to bring their church vans to the event  to have your church drive the van with participants. Voter guides will be available. Hashtag is #soulstothepollsnhc 

 

Kickoff Party for Marcia Morgan Statehouse Campaign -- October 29

 

When: Tuesday, October 29, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

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

 

Marcia Morgan is kicking off her campaign for NC House District 19. Marcia Morgan, a retired Army Colonel, is coming out of retirement "to serve my community and country once again." And evening of food, drinks and conversations will feature guests Dr. Kyle Horton and comedian Willis Maxwell. For tickets and to RSVP click here.

 

When:  Saturday, November 2, 2019, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Where:  Ogden Park Shelter #2, 615 Ogden Park Dr, Wilmington

 

Join Democrats from the Harnett precincts for food and fellowship at the One Year To Victory picnic. Each Precinct will be bringing food to share with an Italian theme. Lasagna or other favorites welcome! Sign up and your Precinct Chair will contact you with further details of the event. We are planning multiple sessions with experts to comment on topics such as the state of gerrymandering and our new districts, our local fisheries, composting, and protecting our trees. Representative Deb Butler and other local elected officials and candidates will join the crowd to get us revved up for 2020. One Year to Victory! Plan to arrive promptly at 1:00 so that you do not miss the food and lively discussion. Kid Friendly! 

 

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/y35e2cxy

 

'Party to the Polls' Event for Devon Scott -- November 5

 

When: Tuesday, November 5, 4:00 p.m.

Where: Reggies 42nd Street Tavern, 1415 42nd Street, Wilmington

 

This party is the culmination of the Devon Scott mayoral campaign, the last push to get out the vote before election day on Tuesday November 5th. 

 

'One Year Out' Fundraiser for Planned Parenthood -- November 7

 

When: Thursday, November 7, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

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

 

Join Planned Parenthood VOTES! South Atlantic and hear from Rep. Deb Butler and Sen. Harper Peterson about what it will take to have a majority win in 2020 for reproductive rights! You will also hear from our VP of External Affairs, Paige Johnson. Tickets are $50. For reservations click here. 

 

Reception to Honor Mal Maynard -- November 21

 

When: Thursday, November 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: City Club of Wilmington, 23 S. 2nd Street, Wilmington

 

The North Carolina Justice Center is hosting a reception for Mal Maynard of the Financial Protection Law Center for his years of extraordinary advocacy and commitment to the practice of community law. The NC Justice Center works to reduce poverty and to build an economy where all families and communities can thrive. Tickets are $50 and sponsorships are available. RSVP to [email protected]