It wasn't exactly Iwo Jima. . .but I'm Precinct Chair
Submitted by Internazionale on Fri, 03/02/2007 - 7:39am
The takeover is complete (haha). I have assumed the leadership role in our precinct over here in eastern Forsyth County.
We were just barely able to get our five for the quorum. I must say, it's a little weird that this is the most important elected position I've held in my life, and I achieved it by the unanimous consent of all of five people! So, while I'd like to do big things going forward in the precinct, the vote itself will definitely keep me humble!
Now---any ideas from you guys on how to build a lackluster precinct? All ideas will be very much appreciated.
Thanks!
Changing my name from Inter to Dear Leader soon. . .
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Congratulations
Inter, uh, DL. heh. Get thee to a Precinct organization training class. (NCDP does them for the county parties.) They are awesome. I'd say that's your first order of bidness.
Congrats!
I hope you'll give us a steady stream of entries . . . you know, something like "The Making of Dear Leader: The Takeover is Complete."
:)
Hope you read my post the other day....
It's Your Government. Get Involved! I had a few suggestions and some really good links. Some of the commenters offered valuable info too.
No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.
Progressive Discussions
Congrats!
n/t
Thomas S. Brock
www.brocknet.net
www.brocknet.net/WordPress/
OnslowCountyPolitics@gmail.com
http://onslowcountypolitics.brocknet.net
Great ideas so far
You can't make this stuff up on your own. You need to follow the advice of those who have gone before you.
I've already identified something that might rally my precinct. My precinct covers mostly predominantly black neighborhoods in E Winston-Salem, ethnically/racially mixed area in the county and a predominantly white area of the county where I live. The vast majority of the precinct roll, which I got last night from the outgoing chair, lives in E Winston and the more diverse area of the county closest to E Winston-Salem. But at some point (probably before I moved to the area), somebody decided that these folks would all have to drive to the high school in my back yard to vote.
So, while it's convenient for a few white folks, it smells of a way to get fewer of these black folks and Latinos to vote. So, my first order of business will be to investigate why a site was chosen that would make it more difficult for the good people of my precinct to vote.
So, before I get myself to training (which I'll do for sure), I'll have to stir the pot a little on what I see as an enfranchisement issue.
Helluva good idea
First, find a school closer to them and see if it is already being used by another precinct. We have something similar to this happening in Charlotte, but it's in a newer area where the growth is making it difficult to keep up with precinct lines/etc. Precincts are being split and sometimes the folks closest to the old voting location are having to travel further to vote. Doesn't make sense, but it is a result of growth more than anything else. That would be something interesting to look at in Charlotte, though. I'll have to map those out.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
Another good idea
As I was listening to everyone in the room (myself, wife, and three folks from E Winston), they spoke of a new high school in E Winston that would be a 5-10 minute drive/walk/bus ride for anybody in the precinct, practically. That makes waaaaay more sense than the current place, which is only more convenient for a small handful of us.
Growth is no excuse here. In Charlotte area, it has to be that. Nothing in Charlotte keeps up with the growth there. You guys can only do your best to stay a little behind, right?
That's what it feels like
Even I find myself complaining about services vs. tax rate. Our city is quickly losing any charm it had when I was young. Every block is cram-packed with mid-rise buildings and offices. Trees are coming down at an alarming rate.
Wow
You already have an issue and a good solution to that issue.
You might be referred to as dear leader by more than 5 people soon if you dont watch out.
Draft Brad Miller -- NC Sen ActBlue :::Petition
Sounds good to me. . .
My thirst for power is unquenchable. Haha.
I just want to get involved and help people any way that I can. That should be what public service is about, not just seizing power for power's sake.
Does that sound like a good first line for my announcement speech?
DL
Knock on doors!
Someone already pointed out the great NCDP precinct training, it is a must do. And of course it emphasizes "personal contact" - you have to get to know the folks in your precinct. And I've found the best way to do that is talk to them on their doorstep.
As I told a brand new precinct chair on Tuesday "You can do as much or as little as you want, but there is always plenty to do"
Thanks for offering your leadership and serving the people of your community.
---
Ed Ridpath
www.EdRidpath.com