Wake County Democratic Party Bringing Democracy to Life!

We are only a day away from our most important event of the year -- the ANNUAL VALENTINE’S DAY FUNDRAISER!

WHEN:

Friday, February 12th, 5:30PM- 8:30 PM

WHERE

NC Association of Educators Building

700 South Salisbury Street

Raleigh, NC

TICKET PRICE:

In advance: $25.

At the door: $30.

This year’s fundraiser promises to be the best ever, with great homemade food, socializing with our fellow Democrats and a chance to hear from the state’s Democratic elected officials.

Governor Beverly Perdue is our Keynote Speaker. We'll also honor Eugene & Wilma Weeks as "Sweethearts of the Year" and Al & Betty Adams will be honored as the Ronnie Condrey Mentoring Award recipient.

At only $25 per ticket (in advance), this event is a real bargain!

The Valentine’s Day Fundraiser provides the bulk of the operating expenses for our county party. Without this event, we would be unable to support the "nuts and bolts" of party operation such as staffing the party office, supporting our grassroots organizations or communicating party slates to voters.

Hope to see you there!

It isn't too late to sponsor our 30th Annual Wake County Democratic Party Valentine's Day Fundraiser. Although the invitations have been printed, sponsors will be recognized in the program.

Sponsorship Levels are:

• $1000 - Millennium
• $500 - Trustee
• $250 - Patron
• $180 - 180 Club
• $100 - Century

Donations are accepted online or by check. For more information, call Tammy Brunner at (919) 828-5656 or by email at admin@wakedems.org.

The 30th Annual Wake County Democratic Party Valentine's Day Fundraiser will be held on February 12, 2010 at the NCAE Building, 700 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC from 5:30pm - 8:00pm.

When: February 12, 2010
Where: NCAE Building, 700 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:pm.

As you know Wake County is under attack by the extreme right. Actions by the new Wake County School Board and the GOP-Three of the Wake County Commission are clear signs as to how ruthless and desperate the Right has become in Wake County. 2010 is our year to protect Wake County and all of North Carolina by winning seats in the General Assembly, Wake County Commission, etc…. We need your help to achieve these goals.

The Valentine Fundraiser Sponsorship levels are $1000, $500, $250, $180 and $100 tickets are $25
U who donate $1,000 per year. In exchange for this annual donation (which may be paid in quarterly installments or monthly
),
Millennium Club members will become both a Wake Sustaining Club member AND a Passport Patron member of the State Party. A donation at this level will also entitle such members to:
*Be recognized as a Millennium Sponsor for the Wake Valentine’s Day Fundraiser and receive 8 tickets;
*Be recognized as a Sponsor at the Wake County Democratic Women’s Jefferson-Jackson breakfast and receive tickets;
*Be recognized as a Sponsor at the Wake County Young Democrats annual P.R. Latta dinner and receive tickets;
*Be recognized as a Sponsor at the Wake County Democratic Men’s annual meeting to recognize Wake Democratic heroes and receive tickets;
*Serve as a Sponsor to the Wake Labor Day Picnic and receive tickets;
*As a Passport Patron Member, attend the annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner and receive 1 ticket to the dinner and 1 ticket to the reception and
*As a Passport Patron Member, attend the annual Vance-Aycock dinner and receive 1 ticket to the dinner and 1 ticket to the reception.
*As a Passport Patron Member, receive 1 ticket to either the Holiday Reception or Legislative Reception at the Goodwin House.

Sustaining Club Sponsors who donate $500 per year. In exchange for this annual donation, Sustaining Club members will become a Wake Sustaining Club member. A donation at this level will also entitle such members to:
*Be recognized as a Sustaining Sponsor for the Wake Valentine’s Day Fundraiser and receive four tickets;
*Be recognized as a Sponsor at the Wake County Democratic Women’s Jefferson-Jackson breakfast OR the Wake County Democratic Men’s annual meeting to recognize Wake Democratic heroes and receive tickets;
*Be recognized as a Sponsor at the Wake County Young Democrats annual P.R. Latta dinner and receive tickets;
*Serve as a Sponsor to the Wake Labor Day Picnic and receive 4 tickets;
*Serve as a Sponsor to the Wake County Sweet Victory Party and receive 2 tickets

Trustee Club Sponsors who will donate $250 per year. In exchange for this annual donation, Trustee Club members will become a Wake Sustaining Club member. A donation at this level will also entitle such members to:
*Be recognized as a Trustee Sponsor for the Wake Valentine’s Day Fundraiser and receive 2 tickets;
*Serve as a Sponsor to the Wake Labor Day Picnic and receive 2 tickets;
*Serve as a Sponsor to the Wake County Sweet Victory Party and receive 2 tickets.

Century Club Sponsors who will donate $100. In exchange for this donation, Century Club members will become both a Wake Sustaining Club member. A donation at this level will also entitle such members to be recognized as a Century Sponsor for the Wake Valentine’s Day Fundraiser and receive 2 tickets;

Would you like your name added to our sponsorship list? Payment is not necessary TODAY; however, in order to be listed on the invitation – we need your pledge by January 17th.

There are two ways to pay:
• On-line at www.wakedems.org – it is possible to make installment payments here.
• Mail check made to:
Wake County Democratic Party
220 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
(We can send the sponsor a donation envelope).

•Eugene & Wilma Weeks will be honored as Sweethearts of the Year.
•Governor Beverly Perdue is our invited Keynote Speaker.
•Al & Betty Adams will be honored as the Ronnie Condrey Mentoring Award recipient.
•The Fundraiser is scheduled for the N.C. Association of Educators Building. 700 S. Salisbury Street from 5:30pm – 8:30pm;

Become a member of the Wake County Democratic Party 180 club and help turn the County around! Contribute $15 per month and become a member.

180 Club Membership includes:
•2010 VALENTINE FUNDRAISER Sponsorship & Recognition (Deadline for inclusion in the program is Jan 16)
•2010 LABOR DAY PICNIC Admission
•2010 SWEET VICTORY PARTY Admission

I give the Wake County Democratic Party permission to draft $15 each month beginning in January 2010 from my credit card.

Please mail the attatched form with the appropriate information completed OR "click" the Donate button on the top right side of this page. Paypal will walk you through the process. The Wake County Democratic Party / Paypal will email you an invoice on the 1st of each month for $15, with a link to pay via the PayPal website.

Thank you for your support! Call Tammy Brunner at 828.5656 with any questions, concerns, or ideas.

The Wake County Democratic Party wishes you and your families a wonderful, safe and warm Holiday.

Please say a special prayer for our women and men serving our Country away from their own families. We thank them and their families for this sacrifice.

Take the time to give a special smile or a helpful hand. Pass on the joy that you have to others, who may need a smile to brighten their day.

Be safe, Have a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!

Take the time to read the article below which ran in the News & Observer this morning. (12/8/2009). Please show your non support for the behavior of the County Commissioners by attending the meeting tomorrow at 10:00am when they meet to try and elect a Vice Chairman.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners' meetings are held in the Wake County Courthouse, 7th Floor, Room 700

RALEIGH -- After 75 minutes and 14 split votes Monday, Tony Gurley and the GOP regained the top spot on the Wake County Board of Commissioners - on a tie-breaker achieved only when member Betty Lou Ward took an unexcused bathroom break.

Her absence gave the board's Republican members a temporary 3-2 majority they used to vote Gurley into the chairman's seat held by Harold Webb, the octogenarian Democrat who is recovering from a stroke. Many thought Webb would appear in the chamber just to cast a ballot to pick his replacement, but the board made its annual leadership vote without him.

When Ward, a Democrat and the longest-serving member of the board, returned from the restroom and found Gurley sitting in the chairman's seat, she said: "Wonderful. Thanks, guys."

With that, the board launched into more than five additional hours of wrangling about a new vice chairman - taking the meeting far into the night and featuring dozens of 3-3 ties between Commissioner Paul Coble and Ward. At one point, Commissioner Stan Norwalk made a motion to order sandwiches, citing his diabetes and need for nutrition. The sandwich vote passed 4-2 with Commissioners Joe Bryan and Coble voting "No." After 8 p.m., with Norwalk coughing loudly, they mulled dinner possibilities and chatted about a range of topics, including the women's championship soccer team from UNC-Chapel Hill, missionaries they knew and the Taco Bell dog.

At 11 p.m., the board had voted more than 100 times on a vice chairman, deadlocking 3-3 each time. Republicans voted for Coble and Democrats voted for Ward. The board waited 2-1/2 minutes between votes, lapsing in to silence between votes as the evening wore on. Republicans voted down motions to recess or adjourn the meeting.

"The retirees we were going to honor have all gone home," Gurley noted.

Citing health issues, Wake County commissioners agreed early this morning to recess the meeting until 10 a.m Wednesday to resume voting on the election of a vice chairman.

Shortly after 2 a.m., Commissioner Stan Norwalk asked for the recess because he had not gotten his insulin shot Monday evening.

Norwalk, who has diabetes, said he was worried about his health if he waited longer to get the shot.

"I will not sit here and put Mr. Norwalk at risk," said County Commissioner Paul Coble, who along with Commissioner Betty Lou Ward are vying to be named vice chairman.

The vote was 5-1 with Gurley as the lone dissenter.

At one point, Gurley proposed having a recess so that insulin could be delivered from an all-night pharmacy.

Gurley said he voted no because Norwalk took back his offer to skip Wednesday's meeting in case former Chairman Harold Webb shows up. Webb's attendance would give the Democrats the ability to pick Ward as vice chairwoman.

Gurley accused Norwalk of trying to delay the meeting. Ward said that Gurley shouldn't accuse Norwalk of trying to commit a political ploy. Gurley responded that Norwalk tries to make everything a political ploy.

The commissioners control the purse-strings for the Wake County schools, and the GOP's parliamentary maneuver to power comes shortly after Republican-backed candidates swept into school board positions with the promise of ending the county's diversity policy. Last week, the school board's new majority elected a new chairman, Ron Margiotta, and made the first moves toward ending the diversity policy of North Carolina's largest school district.

But the commissioners vote for a new chairman and vice chairman at this time every year, regardless of outside events. Both Norwalk and Ward called the vote underhanded.

"Using parliamentary tricks to push their votes, if it's legal, it's not ethical," said Norwalk, a Democrat. "It brings a lot of shame on this board. That's what happened. There were parliamentary tricks to elect Mr. Gurley."

Bryan reminded him that rules were not only followed, but also verified by the county attorney. When Ward left the room, Commissioner Lindy Brown asked attorney Scott Warren for guidance, and he explained that the vote could take place. With that, Bryan made the motion to elect Gurley, a former chairman when Republicans controlled the board, and Ward's vote counted toward the 4-2 victory.

"If you do not ask to be excused," Bryan said, "your vote is in the affirmative."

Ward later said she didn't expect the board to be such sticklers and that she simply needed a brief break.

"It happens in the world of politics," she shrugged. "There's no need to get bent out of shape over it."

Where was Webb?

Webb was elected chairman last year after Democrats won a 4-3 majority on the board. But since his stroke in early October, he has been absent from meetings, and the board is evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. Prospects of a deadlocked commission will be heightened no matter who sits as chairman unless Webb returns or resigns and a replacement is selected.

Should Webb decide to resign from office, state law says the board of commissioners "shall appoint" a replacement recommended by the county executive committee of Webb's party, the Wake County Democratic Party, as long as the name is forwarded within 30 days of the resignation.

"If there is a vacancy and the Republicans try to block our nomination, I will file a lawsuit," said Wake County Democratic Chairman Jack Nichols, a former county commissioner. "There will be tire tracks down the middle of me before I will let that happen."

Night wears on

With Gurley as chairman, the board spent nearly two more hours debating a vice chairman before voting to take up the rest of the agenda. The audience had dwindled to about a dozen people from the original 40 or 50.

Every vote split 3-3, Democrats on one side and Republicans on the other. Members made repeated tries at delaying the vote for a month, then two, then three - all of which failed.

Norwalk made several requests to wait until Webb could vote, at least by phone. Gurley ruled out a phone vote.

Gurley and Norwalk had several testy exchanges. Gurley ruled Norwalk out of order at least four times, once calling him a "liar." Norwalk accused Gurley of trying to start the meeting without Ward a second time when the board returned from a recess, and he said Webb was probably watching the meeting from home, heart-broken.

"This has nothing to do with the fact that Mr. Webb was not here," Gurley said.

"It has everything to do with it," Norwalk shot back.

Gurley reminded him that Webb was vice chairman in Gurley's last stint as chairman, and the two worked together to pass a $970 million school bond.

"The working relationship I've had with Mr. Webb is just great," Gurley said.

He vowed to stay past midnight and asked for a blanket.

Staff writers T. Keung Hui, Eric Ferreri and Jim Nesbitt contributed to this report.

Multiple votes
2 p.m.: Meeting convenes with first vote on a new chairman.

2:25 p.m.: Board stands deadlocked between Commissioners Betty Lou Ward and Tony Gurley - and over whether it is officially deadlocked.

2:45 p.m.: Commissioner Lindy Brown reminds the board, still tied at 3-3, that more than 30 items are waiting on the agenda.

3:13 p.m.: Ward leaves for the restroom after 14 tied votes.

3:15 p.m.: Board votes for Gurley in her absence.

5:10 p.m.: Board delays voting on vice chairman after more than 20 votes and takes up the rest of the agenda.

7:30 p.m.: Resumed voting on vice chairman. Still deadlocked at 11 p.m.

Election law and Webb's seat
Should Wake County Commission Chairman Harold Webb decide to resign from office, state law says the board of commissioners "shall appoint" a replacement selected by the county executive committee of Webb's political party, the Wake County Democratic Party, as long as the name is forwarded within 30 days. The replacement must be a member of the same party as Webb and be a resident of the same district, the law says.

At issue is whether the replacement would serve the remainder of Webb's four-year term; his seat is on the ballot in November 2012. Wake County Democratic Party Chairman Jack Nichols, a former county commissioner, said state law says the replacement would serve until the end of Webb's term. But Tony Gurley, a Republican commissioner, said Republicans may challenge this and push for Webb's seat to be included on the November 2010 ballot.

There is no provision in election law to remove someone from office who is incapacitated, said Gary Sims, deputy executive director of the Wake County Board of Elections. Nor is there a recall provision for Wake County, Sims said.

Veterans Day -- Presentation of Colors

Democrats from across Wake County joined together for WDCP's Veterans Appreciation Day on Sunday, November 8th at the Cary VFW Post 7383 to both honor local veterans and to support the men and women of the NC National Guard.

The ceremony was kicked off with a welcome from NC Representative Grier Martin followed by the Presentation of Colors, performed by members of the Cary VFW Post 7383 and American Legion Post 67. Cinnamon Davis provided a spectacular rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." The formal program included remarks from NC Senate Candidate Charles Malone, Former State Senator Cal Cunningham, US Representative Brad Miller and US Representative Bob Etheridge.

The nine veterans honored included: Hon. Al Adams, Hon. Rodger & M’Liss Koopman, PR Latta, Phil Leslie, Hon. Grier Martin, Don Mial, Ed Ridpath, Karen Simon and Hon. Harold Webb. Exhibits for each honoree were created by various WCDP Clubs and Auxiliaries. Those exhibits are now on display at the NCDP Headquarters.

As part of the event, attendees participated in two service projects in honor of our Armed Forces. Participants donated materials and assembled care packages for the men and women of the NC National Guard serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each package included an assortment of foods and snacks, along with a personal, handwritten note. Thanks to this care package drive, over 60 care packages are on their way to our citizen-soldiers.

Participants also donated children's books to support the NC National Guard's Angel Tree Program. The Angel Tree Program provides new, hardcover books for children of NC National Guard families. Thanks to this event, over 200 books have been collected and delivered to the NC National Family Support Team.

Care Packages are still available for shipment! Support a deployed soldier by sending a care package. The cost is only $14 and includes materials and shipping. Please contact the WCDP at admin@wakedems.org to learn how to personalize a care package today.

Show Up, Speak Out: The Public Life of Betty Ann Knudsen
“A Tribute to Betty Ann Knudsen”. The tribute will take place at The Galaxy Cinema in Cary, NC on November 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

The program planned to honor Betty Ann Knudsen will include a screening of Show Up, Speak Out: The Public Life of Betty Ann Knudsen. As a volunteer and elected official, Betty Ann Knudsen has led vital efforts to improve the quality of life for all who call Raleigh their home.

Knudsen was instrumental in the merger of the Raleigh City and Wake County school systems, the implementation of the Capital Area Transit (CAT) system of public transportation, the establishment of a greenway system, the community use of schools, and scattered site strategy for public housing. In 1975 she wrote the successful application for Raleigh's "All American City Award” and in 1976 was chosen Raleigh’s Volunteer of the Year. Knudsen was the first woman to serve as chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

Perhaps Knudsen’s greatest contribution has been that of role model and mentor for women in public service. A lifelong Democrat, Knudsen ran several campaigns, including that of Isabella Canon, Raleigh’s first female mayor, and served as an elected official herself.

Show Up, Speak Out should inspire anyone interested in grassroots politics, North Carolina history, or women's issues.

For more information on this event, please contact the Wake Couty Democratic Party at info@wakedems.org.

Looking for your polling site - Click Here

Early Voting sites, locations, and times - Click Here

Absentee Ballot Information - Click Here

A complete listing of Democrats running for office on November 3rd:

Angier Boad of Commissioner Ward 3
Stanley L. Carney
Marica Gillispie

Apex Town Council (3 Seats)
Jody Smith

Cary Town Council District A [SPECIAL RUNOFF]
Lori Bush

Fuquay Varina Mayor
John W. Byrne

Fuquay Varina Board of Commissioners (2 Seats)
James Abernathy
William (Bill) Harris

Garner Town Council (2 Seats)
Gray Singleton

Garner Town Council (2 Seats)
Amaka O. Flynn
Mona F. Parks

Holly Springs Mayor
David (Birddog) Austin

Holly Springs Town Council (3 Seats)
James (Jimmy) Cobb
Ken Henke

Knightdale Town Council (3 Seats)
Vernon Bullock

Morrisville Mayor
Jackie Holcombe

Morrisville Town Council District 2
Stephen Diehl

Morrisville Town Council District 4
Margaret E. Broadwell
Creighton P. Blackwell

Morrisville Town Council At-Large
Lydia Martin

Rolesville Board of Commissioners (3 Seats)
Betty P. Whitaker

Wake Forest Board of Commissioners (2 Seats)
Frank Drake
William W. (Watt) Jones
Margaret Jones Stinnett

Wendell Board of Commissioners
Ira C. Fuller
James Wallace Parham

Zebulon Mayor
Robert S. Matheny

Zebulon Board of Commissioners (2 Seats)
Roy L. Collins
Beverly Wall Clark
Annie Moore

The House District 41 Selection Committee will meet on Saturday October 17 at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until a candidate is selected. Registration begins at 9:00 am.

Green Hope High School Main Campus
2500 Carpenter Upchurch Road
Cary, NC 27519
919-380-3700

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE ELECTION.

Candidates:
Gail Adcock
Matthew Danielson
Christopher Headen
Chris Heagerty
Steve Rao
John Shaw

Nominations. At the selection meeting, any Democrat in Wake County may nominate a candidate; they do not have to reside in the boundaries of the House District. Of course, you may also nominate yourself.

There is a 2 minute time limit on nominating speeches. No seconding speeches will be allowed.

After all candidates have been nominated, each candidate will be allowed a 2 ½ minute speech. Candidates will be recognized to speak in alphabetical order.

Voting. Under the rules of the N.C. Democratic Party Plan of Organization, a candidate must receive a majority vote; plurality has no applicability. Under that same Plan, there is no provision for dropping the person receiving the fewest votes. Unless a person withdraws, their name will continue to be on the ballot.

Given the number of candidates, we anticipate several ballots. Voting is by written ballot and each voter must sign their ballots.

Proxy Voting. In accordance with N.C. Democratic Party Plan of Organization, §11.05, proxy voting will be allowed. A proxy must be signed and presented to the Credentials Committee. Proxy information will be mailed to each eligible voter and also posted on the Wake County Democratic Party webpage.

Credentials Committee. Voting members of the House District Selection Committee may check in between 9:00 a.m. and 9:55 a.m. on Saturday October 17, 2009. Any disputed credentials will be resolved by the Committee members before voting begins.

Voting members of the House District Selection Committee:
Attached is a list of the current eligible members of the House District Committee. This list was developed in accordance with N.C. Democratic Party Plan of Organization, §3.12. After the organizational meeting on October 11, 2009, we anticipate that additional voters will become eligible.

I look forward to a spirited forum, selection meeting and campaign next year. I pledge that the Wake County Democratic Party will work strenuously to retain this seat in next year’s General Election.
Sincerely yours,

Jack Nichols
Chair
Wake County Democratic Party