(reprinted with permission)
JOIN ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA AND DUVAL COUNTY FOR CHANGE IN OUR COLLABORATIVE EFFORT TO PASS HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION IN WASHINGTONDuval County For Change is asking every concerned citizen, health care professional, health care advocate, union leaders, union members, AARP, Planned Parenthood, NOW, JCCI, and all advocates striving for health care reform to build a "Health Care Team" in our community as requested by President Obama through Organizing for America. Join us at our next meeting, Saturday May 2, 1-3 pm at the Deerwood Branch Public Library on Deerwood Park Blvd. John Bivona, Florida director of Organizing for America, will be speaking about OFA's plan for Health Care Teams to be built around the country in a collective duty to achieve health care reform legislation.In order to realize the change that we all fought so hard for during the election, we must continue to reach out to our neighbors and leaders to involve them in this movement. Collecting pledges, and stories, building a team, and identifying what services, and groups right here in northeast Florida will benefit from health care reform legislation, will allow us to demonstrate the urgent need for leadership and support in Washington for the true need of health care reform.Our legislators can't ignore personal stories, professional support, a strong coalition of partners speaking in favor of the need for health care reform, and providing specific local services, and groups who will benefit from national health care reform. This effort will demonstrate the need of making this national policy a "local policy." It is our duty as Americans to work together and achieve health care for all and for future generations. Please contact 238-9744 for further details. Also visit www.my.barackobama.com for further information about this movement. (copied/pasted with permission)
Good morning!
An item of interest appeared in today's Florida Times Union that I wanted to share with you. Columnist Ron Littlepage mentioned an organization in his article this morning that you might want to consider supporting. It is Florida Hometown Democracy. http://floridahometowndemocracy.com/
This group is working to put comprehensive land use planning decisions in the hands of voters. Instead of leaving it up to city council, it would be put on the ballot for citizens to determine whether changes would best serve their communities. Here is an excerpt from their website:
What does the Florida Hometown Democracy Petition say?
This amendment, if adopted, will give you, the Florida voter, the right to decide whether your city or county Comprehensive Land Use plan should be changed. Currently, city councils and county commissions make those decisions.
Why is this amendment needed?
Currently, it is just too easy for wealthy developers to obtain comprehensive plan amendments - all they have to do is persuade a majority of a city or county commission to grant a change. Because comprehensive plan amendments determine the destiny of a community for generations to come, it is vital that changes to a comprehensive plan truly reflect the concerns of the voters. This will be accomplished through the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment.
****I wonder if this referendum could have spared Mayport Village all their recent turmoil with Jaxport. Residents of San Marco opposed to the proposed changes on Hendricks Avenue would surely like to vote on that issue.
Please join Duval County for Change at our next meeting on Saturday, Feb. 21st, from 1-3pm. It will be held at the Univeristy of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd S., Building 51, 2nd floor, Political Science Confernce Room. Parking is available on any floor except the 1st floor, with a $2.00 parking fee.
We will review topics from the last meeting concerning OFA's outline for the economy and the economic stimulus package. We'll discuss plans for involvement in several local issues, such as the landfill and Mayport. Ideas are welcome and everyone is encouraged to give their input on how to bring positive change to Duval County.
I’m writing a blog for the first time because I think it’s important to participate, and to encourage others to do the same. This is not the first election I’ve had a keen interest in, but it is the first in which I’ve actively worked to help my chosen candidate. That’s because Barack Obama has not only inspired me, he has motivated me to take part.
I’m only able to devote three hours a day at a voter registration site my partner and I work each Monday and Tuesday. It didn’t seem like we were doing much good at first, only registering 14 people in those three hours one day. I started in early August and have kept a record of the daily totals. So far, the total is 164 registrations. Not bad for a newbie who didn’t think she could do much good. I hope this encourages someone else who has very little time to offer, but wants to help. You will make a difference!
