Because This Is America!
Weekly News, Updates, and Events
We As Democrats Believe:
"Each generation has an obligation to pick up the baton. We want young people to feel a sense of responsibility to take that baton and run with it."
— Valerie Jarrett, Senior Adviser to President Barack Obama
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NEWS
Kevin Spears: Long-time Wilmingtonian, Now City Council Member
Kevin Spears, who said he comes from a huge family here, knows his community from the ground up. "I’ve lived on every side of town and have a relationship with all walks of life," Spears said "It's the beauty of being from here. Knowing the beauty of where we live but also knowing that there are other sides, less resourceful sides and all points in between." Spears placed second the election for Wilmington City Council earlier this month, and currently is preparing to take office. Spears ran an unsuccessful campaign for the New Hanover County Board of Education in 2016.
Kevin Spears has an Associates in Computer Engineering Technology, a Bachelor’s in Information Technology, and a minor in Africana Studies. He said, "I received my diploma from John T. Hoggard, the best high school in the world!" Spears has primarily been an information technology entrepreneur, and he currently works in the legal field. He said his life hasn't always been easy, and that gives him insight into how the city can improve life for citizens who sometimes are forgotten. "I remember when my future wasn’t so bright and some of the tough lessons I had to learn in life," Spears said. "I’m being the person for the citizens of Wilmington that I needed 20 years ago."
Editor's note: Last week's Email Blast incorrectly stated that Spears' election to council marks the first time since 1898 that two African Americans (Kevin and Dr. Clifford Barnett) have served on Council at the same time. Thanks to all who passed along that correction.
Paul Lawler To Decide On Recount
The razor-thin margin in the election day vote counts that separated the third and fourth candidates for Wilmington City council held up last week as final votes were counted. That means Republican councilman Neil Anderson had a handful of votes more than fellow Democratic Councilman Paul Lawler and will likely be on the council with top vote-getter incumbent Margaret Haynes and newcomer Kevin Spears. Lawler has the right to request a recount based on Neil Anderson's slim margin of victory, and as of this writing has not announced his decision.
Get Ready to Organize! Important Dates for Precincts in 2020
Normally precincts have a two-week period each year in which they can hold meetings to organize themselves. In a Presidential election year, however, organizational meetings are to be held on a specific date designated by the state party chair. That date for 2020 will be February 15 with a back-up date of March 14. Here are some important dates for party activities next year:
2020 Precinct Organization Date: February 15th. The make-up day is March 14th
2020 County Convention: March 28th
2020 District Convention: April 25th
2020 State Convention: June 6th
A Sign That Democrats Care: An Organized Sign Roundup
After all the door knocking, phone calling and vote counting is over, one task always remains: collecting the hundreds of political signs that were posted around our community. New Hanover County Democrats have done an excellent job gathering signs and bringing them in to party headquarters for redistribution or disposal. The party thanks all the volunteers involved in the sign collection process including Donnell Giles, Jeff and Debbie Wisoff, Diana Hill, Philip White, Cramer Vaughn and others including Mayor Bill Saffo, right, who was caught in the act collecting signs at Love Grove.
EVENTS
New Hanover County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting Tonight -- November 18
When: Monday, November 18, 6:00 p.m.
Where: NHCDP HQ, 5041 New Center Drive, Wilmington
There are so many things to talk about! We published a poll revealing that 82 meeting will include an election of an SEC Member and a resolution supporting WAVE Transit.
Leslie Cohen Reveal -- November 19
When: Tuesday, November 19, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: The home of Jeannie Lennon, 3910 Sweetbriar Road, Wilmington
The moment we've all been waiting for is here! Join the Leslie Cohen campaign for a Big Reveal Celebration and an evening full of surprises... you won't want to miss this! Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres and come prepared to celebrate with us! Court-mandated redistricting has placed NC House candidate into the same district as incumbent Representative Marcia Morgan, and Cohen still plans to run for office but not against Marcia. For more information and to register for the event click here.
NHCDP Debate Watch Party -- November 20
When: Tuesday, November 20, 8:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Where: JohnnyLukes Restaurant, 5500 Market Street, Wilmington
Watch the 5th Presidential debate with friends! We will in an enclosed but unheated space, so dress appropriately. We plan to arrive about 8:30 for a debate starting at 9.
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]
New Hanover County Young Democrats Meeting -- November 26
When: Tuesday, November 26, 6:00 p.m.
Where: NHCDP HQ, 5041 New Center Drive, Wilmington
Newly elected Wilmington City Council member Kevin Spears will be guest speaker at the November Young Democrats meeting. This group is for Democrats between 18 and 35 dedicated to making New Hanover County the best home possible for its residents. See the Facebook page for Young Democrats here.
Wilmington Precinct 29 Awards Banquet With Mike Morgan -- November 29
When: Friday, November 29, 6:45 p.m.
Where: I.L.A. Longshoreman's Hall, 5th Avenue and Kidder Street
Mike Morgan, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, will speak at a W29 Banquet. Mike is an inspirational and impressive speaker, so you won't want to miss this event. Tickets are $50. Checks should be sent to NHCDP, W29 for the Williston Project Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 1102, Wilmington NC 28401. To pay by credit card, click here.
For information call Yvette McLaurin Robinson at 910-431-6355.
Filing Period for November 2020 Election -- December 2 to December 20, 2019
When: From December 2 to December 20, 2020
Where: County Board of Elections for state and local offices, North Carolina Board of Elections for federal offices
Persons wishing to run for office in the 2020 general election must file during the stated filing period. Instructions for filing may be found at [link removed] A list of incumbents may be found at [link removed]
Wine Tasting Event with Marcia Morgan (Save the Date) -- December 4
When: Wednesday, December 4, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m
Where: 305 Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach
Anne York, Jeffrey Schrager, Blair Kutrow and Vic Roberts will be hosting an Italian wine tasting to support Marcia Morgan, candidate for District 19 NC House of Representatives. This will be a ticketed event, with details coming soon.
Holiday Party, Meet the Candidates Event -- December 21
When: Saturday, December 21, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Foxes Boxes, 622 N. 4th Street, Wilmington
The day after the filing deadline for 2020 candidates, and the scheduled impeachment vote, Democrats will gather to celebrate and meet candidates. Hors d'oeurves by Foxes and Boxes and a cash bar.
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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