By Sally Harryman, chair

Kansas is divided into counties and counties are divided into precincts.  Each precinct elects one Republican precinct committeeman, one Republican precinct committeewoman, one Democratic precinct committeeman and one Democratic precinct committeewoman.  Each  “precinct captain’” has a vote on the Central Committee.  When an elected Democrat resigns during their term, the Central Committee votes on their replacement.

These people also work to engage the constituents in their neighborhoods to make a plan to vote. Providing election dates, candidate information and even recruiting more volunteers are some of the ways this is accomplished. 

Last month the voters of Crawford County elected about 30 Democrat precinct captains.  The Republican party elected a little over sixty.  County chair people are able to appoint precinct committee men and women after the election.  If this is something you’d like to do or learn more about, get in touch with us and we shall make it happen.

Pictured: Emily Conner, Rod & Vicky Hoffman, Allen & Dionne Blakemore, Sophia Stapleton, Nancy Konek, Jim Orwig, Jackson Bertoncino, Lyn Shultz, Marcia Weeks, Sally Harryman, Harriet Bachner, Don Pyle, Mark Peterson, Bob George and Dr. Emily Walters.

My name is Shawn Bugni. I would be honored to serve all Crawford County citizens as the next treasurer. I’ve been a registered Democrat since the age of 18, when my high school history teacher and current precinct committeeman, Doug Keller, encouraged all students to become a registered voters.

I am 40 years old and have been a resident of Frontenac my entire life.  I graduated from Frontenac High School in 2004 and then attended Pittsburg State University. I graduated with a business management degree in 2008. I have four children who all attend school in the Pittsburg USD 250 district. Kyndal is a sophomore at PHS, Reid is a seventh grader at PCMS, Kanton is a sixth grader, and Emersyn is in third grade at Lakeside Elementary.

For the past 16 years I have been employed by the Crawford County Treasurer’s office.  I am currently the assistant deputy treasurer, after 11 years of being the Motor Vehicle Supervisor.  I have always prided myself in customer service and trying to find a solution for every customer.  The Treasurer’s office needs to continue to offer the great customer service we try to offer now under Treasurer Joe Grisolano.  I will listen to the public on ways to make our office better and more efficient.

I was taught by my grandpa Homer G. Cole at a young age how important community involvement is.  I am currently a member of the Knights of Columbus within Sacred Heart Parrish of Frontenac.  I have also volunteered many times coaching Upwards basketball at Countryside Christian Church and coaching Junior Dragons youth sports for 5 years.  When my kids were little, we would sign up for the Salvation Army bell ringing to teach them the benefits of giving back.  They are now at an age where I believe I will have more time to volunteer and help others.

I am excited about the opportunity to become the next Crawford County Treasurer.  I am asking for your support.  I pledge to work hard for every citizen of Crawford County if given the opportunity.

Sincerely,

Shawn Bugni

Candidate for Crawford County Treasurer

By Mike Sand.

PDA Kansas invited Isaiah Harris, candidate for Kansas House District 3, and Avery Rowland, candidate for Kansas House District 2, to the Kansas Chapter’s monthly zoom meeting. Seventeen people were present at the meeting as Harris and Rowland discussed their campaigns, their approaches to campaigning, and the policies that they support.

Geography is one of Avery’s biggest challenges, as District 2 is relatively large, extending from the Kansas border to parts of Chanute, with sparsely populated rural areas, and relatively small towns. By contrast, District two is Pittsburg and rural areas close to Pittsburg. Isaiah has the benefit of volunteers who recently worked on his campaign for city commissioner and the recent primary, while Avery began building her volunteer group when she decided to run.

Both campaigns have approached voters with an attitude of curiosity about the issues that were most important to voters. Unsurprisingly, the unaffordability of the current economy affects Democrats, Republicans, and Undeclared voters alike. Kansas’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour competes with Missouri’s minimum wage of $15.00 an hour. With gas at $3.83 and more a gallon, a day’s wages could buy 12 gallons of gas. One job at minimum wage doesn’t buy very much in terms of groceries, utilities, housing, and healthcare.

Healthcare is another major issue voters talk about. The Big, Bad, Ugly Republican Bill of last year removed subsidies that helped purchase health insurance and removed many people from Medicaid assistance, which takes effect after the midterm elections. Added to that are restrictions on who can receive SNAP benefits and reduced or no cost school meals, and children, the elderly, low income, and people with disabilities are suffering. Kansas Republican legislators continue to refuse to advance a bill that would bring in more Federal Medicaid money. People go without regular checkups, without dental care, without medications, and are forced to rely on Emergency room care with no follow-up.

Another voter concern that our candidates hear is lack of adequate funding for public schools in general, and special education programs in particular. Because much of school funding depends on local property taxes, homeowners are hit with higher property taxes and annually increased valuation of homes. No one has come up with a solution for the tax issues that will satisfy everyone, but relying on property taxes to cover increased costs from inflation has managed to alienate a large swath of homeowners.

An issue that Avery heard frequently from farmers and ranchers was the right to repair equipment they had purchased. My understanding of that idea is that equipment dealers will void warranties on equipment, like tractors and combines, if the owner tries to repair the equipment themselves. When planting or harvesting  are happening and something breaks down, the speed of repair is critical. Taking something to the dealer or having technicians come to the equipment can be extremely expensive. Worse still, there could be an extended waiting time for when repairs could be handled by the equipment dealer, thus delaying planting or harvesting I grew up on a farm, as did Avery, and being able to do our own repairs was a necessity. As a footnote, including “the right to repair” was proposed as a plank in the Kansas Democratic Platform, but turned down by urbanites who thought it was unimportant.

Both of our candidates have enjoyed the conversations that have happened during their campaigning. As the November 3rd election approaches, they welcome volunteers for door knocking, phone banking, and postcard/letter writing, as well as any donations supporters are able to make. Isaiah’s campaign website is isaiahforkansas.com, where you can learn more about him and donate. Avery’s website is averyforkansas.com to volunteer, learn more about Avery, and donate. Spread the word: We have two great candidates. Let’s send them to Topeka!

— Jim Orwig

The Liberal Ladies had the opportunity to hear Diann Gambel, director of the Family Response Advocate, present the new Blue Envelope Program on August 12. The aim of the program is to bridge communication gaps between first responders and individuals with neurodivergence or other health and other communication-related conditions. It helps reduce stress, increase understanding, and support positive interactions during traffic stops with law enforcement officers or first responder encounters.

Gambel learned about this program at a professional law conference. Communities across the nation have adopted this program including Joplin and Springfield, to help first responders communicate with drivers, passengers, etc. during a traffic stop, an accident, or when one’s condition takes a turn for the worse when driving a car or being a passenger.

Gambel pointed out that everyone becomes anxious about being stopped by law enforcement…... even the police. With this program, the police would know before reaching the car that this driver has a blue envelope and may have problems communicating with them. This program not only helps the driver but also the police.

Gambel went on to share a few examples of when the Blue Envelope helped local law enforcement and the people they were helping:  

-- A parent has two children with neurodivergence and communication problems-- they do not speak to strangers, nor do they stay in one place. If they were in an accident, they would run. With the Blue Envelope information, the first responders would approach the driver and passenger(s) with a different plan of action.

-- A driver is pulled over for driving erratically. With the Blue Envelope on file, the officer knows that this driver suffers from diabetes and the medication could cause erratic driving. This would be a health rescue not a law issue. A different approach is used.

-- A women driver has a Blue Envelope stating that she experiences extreme pain when her arm is pulled backward. This is good to know if she is in an accident or if she may be handcuffed.

-- A person with arthritic problems cannot get out of the car without assistance.

-- A person having an allergic reaction cannot speak due to respiratory problems.

How this program works

Participants keep their driver’s license, registration, insurance information, and other related documents in the Blue Envelope. During a traffic stop, presenting the envelope alerts the officer that the individual may require special accommodation.

People who would like to obtain a Blue Envelope or have further questions about the program, need to contact: Diann Gambill at the Pittsburg Police Department or call (620) 235- 0400. Diann Gambill serves as the Director of the Family Response Advocate, an agency that serves families in Crawford County.

— Ruth Miller

Liberal Ladies met on August 12th, at noon, at Democratic headquarters.

Patsy Lawson was there with her granddaughter, Peyton. She looked so good. She just sparkled!  We signed birthday cards for Janice and Sandy and sang Happy Birthday.

We had guest speakers, two women police officers who explained the Blue Envelope program. (See the article about the Blue Envelope by Ruth Miller.)

Delma read a rant to an appreciative crowd.  Harriet encouraged us to join the Kansas Progressive Democrats zoom meeting on August 12 featuring Isaiah Harris and Avery Rowland.   

Rexine asked if we were planning to do fundraising.  We will discuss that at our next meeting.

Liberal Ladies meets Wednesday, the 26th, at noon, at Dem HQ..

— Susy Hammons

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

‍There was a small gathering on Aug. 26 of the LL, unlike the usual full house. After celebrating Kay Long's birthday the conversation focused on the unexpected news about the death of Dolly Parton was the topic of conversation. We focused on her accomplishments, talent, and contributions not only to music, film, and her encouragement of literacy by donating millions of books to children. A song was played in memory of her: I can see a clear blue morning. Just as the discussion shifted to her well-known role in the movie, 9 to 5 and her hit song from the movie, District 2 state candidate, Avery Rowland arrived with two guests from Paris, France.

These young women are visiting mid-America and exploring perspectives about the upcoming election and the issues that concern people. They are documentary film makers here to follow Avery Rowland on her campaign for the Kansas State Representatives, District 2.  They are staying in Kansas City and will be in the U.S. until Election Day.  We asked them a lot of questions about politics in France. They have more than two political parties. The President is elected for five years and can run for re-election. They think Macron may run for five more years again. It isn't legal and he is not well liked. Nazis are starting to have more power. This lively sharing of the political and social climate in both the USA and France revealed that there are many similar concerns, especially about issues such as immigration, right wing ideology, economy and racism. The LL delighted in meeting and speaking with Latita Clozel and Ariane Momseni and especially learning about how much we have in common across country, culture, and generations. Latita and Ariane then filmed the remainder of the meeting (they are creating a documentary) in which Marcia Weeks discussed the challenges regarding voter registration, mail in ballots, and ways that CCD can ensure that voters can cast their ballots.  Marcia pointed out the HQ computer that is dedicated to voter registration and very simple to use. Folks can access ksvotes.org or the QR code to register or check voter registration. There are also paper forms for registration available.

Susy offered the idea of making the CCD Headquarters a hub for voter registration in addition to the distribution of candidate information and signs. Being a center for registration is another service to offer to Crawford County Democrats among the other services to the community.

There are more postcards encouraging Kansans to vote on Nov. 3.  Folks can come in anytime to write notes and addresses during September and mail the beginning of October in time for early voting.

The meeting did not formally adjourn and instead folks continued to chat with our new French friends.

‍— Harriet Bachner and Susy Hammons

New Chairperson, thanks for trusting me! Chair Walters has contributed thousands of hours to make the Crawford County Democrats a relevant and thriving political and community organization. Imagine the energy and dedication of our county party spreading through our entire district. I accepted the position of county chair to allow Emily the chance to expand our network throughout District 2.  She’s done a lot of work here; I’m simply coming on to maintain and continue the enthusiasm.

Thank God the primary is over so we can now focus our efforts on getting out the vote.  The best thing we can do is talk to neighbors, friends, family, colleagues, and people we encounter throughout our daily activities.  Community outreach and voter canvassing are the tools we also have to help our great Democratic candidates win this election.  Signs are great, but conversations are better. 

Voters need to know when, where, and how to vote before they can think about choosing a candidate. Participating in community events gives us the chance to share information with those people. It’s an aspect of our responsibility. This September you can join the Crawford County Democrats at Little Balkans Day, the Cherokee parade, the Art Walk, and we need to show our presence at county and community events. Even if you don’t want to do a shift at an event table, please, stop by and say hello, it’s energizing!

Dr. Walters and the Young Democrats have worked so hard to build the canvassing program we are using now.  People have been knocking on doors and making phone calls for weeks, but it’s not enough. We have the tools to reach every voter in the county and I’m asking for volunteers to help get that done. Active members are training people from all avenues to have the sometimes-difficult conversations that get us votes.  Get off the toxic Facebook, make some phone calls, canvass door to door, and have fun interacting with us!

I plan to be at HQ every Thursday at 4 between now and November. Please, stop by, see firsthand how the CCD party is working to organize our efforts and get inspired to get out the vote. 

The purpose of our Headquarters is to provide a safe, centralized meeting place, comfortable and efficient workspaces for party officers and volunteers, social support for our members, and reliable information for our community.

Office hours through to after the mid-term November election are Monday through Friday, 10-4.  Volunteering for two hours a month is pretty painless, and you can even bring a friend!  It’s air conditioned, has good internet and, if nothing else, is a great chance to spend some time contemplating plans and reflecting with like-minded people.

It’s great to see the headquarters bustling. As more people use the office after hours, please be reminded that nobody is being paid to clean the place.  Pick up after yourselves, take your trash with you, and put a few bucks in the donation box, please.  

Compiled by Lynette Wescott

• Saturday, September 5 – Little Balkans at Camptown – 8 am to 11 pm

• Saturday, September 12 – Trade Days at Camptown – 9 am to 1 pm

• Saturday, Sept 19 – Art Walk - 3 pm to 9 pm

• Saturday, Sept 19 – Festa – 5 pm - Frontenac

• Tuesday, October 13 – Last day to register or update voting information

• Wednesday, October 14 – First day of advanced voting

• Saturday, October 17 – PSU Homecoming Parade – 8 am??

• Saturday, October 17 – Girard Fall Festival and Homecoming – 10 am

• Wednesday, October 21 – 4 pm to 7 pm – Meet and Greet candidates – The Balkan/Block 22

Article submissions are needed from Crawford County Democrats and friends about issues and topics we should all be thinking about. Let us publish your thoughts in this Revue, for distribution to county Democrats and others across the state. Back issues of thr newsletter are also on the website at https://www.crawfordcountyksdems.org/newsletter.

Please email your thoughts or those of your caucuses and interest groups for publication in the county party’s newsletter to news@crawfordcountyksdems.org. Accompanying photographs or other ideas for illustrating your articles are also welcome. Feel free to ask questions by text or phone of newsletter crew Harriet at 620-704-8566 or Phil at 708-466-0659. Also please include your phone number with your message in case we have questions for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!