by Eve Webster, President for 2008-9
Americans voters are energized as seldom before. With good reason. In November their votes will determine America’s direction on life or death issues. Can or should we sustain war in two countries? Is our huge national debt putting us at risk? Are we reaching a point of no return on environmental degradation? Is health care a right or a privilege in America?
When the LWV Northfield-Cannon Falls incoming board of directors met on May 31st to plan the 08-09 LWV year, it focused on what League does best – helping voters make informed choices. Here are some voter education programs planned before the November general election: in June, an informational meeting for prospective county, city, and school board candidates; in September, a member viewing and discussion of Sandra Day O’Connor’s speech on judicial selection; on Sept.27th, our fall member/public kickoff featuring, we hope, Al Quie, Chair of Minnesotans for Impartial Courts; on Oct 4th, Cannon Falls’ Candidate Walkabout; on October dates-to-be-announced, Northfield candidate events; on October 23rd , a member/public meeting on the proposed “Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment” to the MN Constitution.
LWV members have asked for small group member gatherings like the “unit” meetings we once had. However, when LWV has offered them, attendance has often been low. Board members discussed this dilemma at its planning meeting and concluded that, although Leaguers lead busy lives, they still want to discuss current affairs in small groups and want to connect socially with others who share a common desire for a just and equitable society. To try to meet these needs, Janet Petri will schedule regular LWV “Movie Nights” during the coming year. Members will be invited to munch popcorn, watch a video that raises current political and social issues, and then discuss and debate the filmmakers’ social and political assumptions and conclusions. Where possible, the movies shown will relate to our local LWV program. Expect to have your prejudices challenged at LWV Movie Night.
New board members who attended the May 31st planning meeting included President Eve Webster, Vice-President-Pres. Elect Jessica Peterson, Treasurer Barbara Wilson, Voter Education Co-chair Ann Ness, Membership Chair Janet Petri, Catalyst Editor Marcia Walters, Communications/Publicity Chair Pat Kriesel, Action Chair/ Cannon Falls Liaison Allene Moesler, At Large/Student Coordinator Kathy Cooper, At Large Kiffi Summa. Webmaster Catherine Christian was also present. Secretary Helene Haapala, Voter Education Co-chair Cindy Berquist, and At Large/Health Care Education member Karen Gervais were unable to attend. The board sandwiched two hours of intense work between a leisurely intro/coffee hour and even more leisurely luncheon on Marcia Walters’ sunlit deck on Circle Lake. Starting in July, board meetings will on the first Monday of the month at 6:45 p.m.
Please note the minor change of our name to “LWV Northfield – Cannon Falls” which makes it conform to the official names of the League of Women Voters at the national – LWVUS – and state level – LWVMN.
