National convention chooses presidential slate and gains national media coverage

By Claudia Ellquist, Arizona Green Party; Hillary Aisenstein, Pennslyvania Green Party; and Ann Link, Green Party of New York State

This summer, more than 600 Greens represented 38 states at the Green Party’s National Nominating Convention in Chicago. After traveling by public transportation, bikes, and carpools, delegations made the most of this political weekend, attending workshops, sharing ideas and experiences, meeting candidates, and casting their state’s votes especially for the presidential nominee. Unlike the predictable, tax-payer subsidized spectacles produced for the Republicans and Democrats, Greens paid for their own convention and got their money’s worth.

This year’s convention also produced the best media coverage the Green Party has ever had. Some of the national stations and programs were ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, CNN, NPR, and Democracy Now. Pacifica aired the convention live including interviews with convention organizers and C-Span featured speeches by Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente. The Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune and Atlanta-Journal Constitution all had articles about the event and Chicago Public Radio also aired many segments about the convention.

The Green Party presidential nomination, on Saturday, July 12, confirmed former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and Hip Hop activist Rosa Clemente as the Green Party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates, in one round of voting. McKinney and Clemente gave rousing speeches outlining their plans for a dynamic campaign and a new course for the United States.

McKinney’s candidacy marked the 160th anniversary of the Equal Rights Party nomination of the first female American presidential candidate, Victoria Woodhull.  She is the 45th female to seek the presidency of the United States, and the McKinney/ Clemente ticket is historic in naming two women to lead the nation.

McKinney said, “We make history today only because we must. In 2008, after two stolen presidential elections, eight years of George W. Bush, and at least two years of Democratic Party complicity, the racket is about war crimes, torture, crimes against the peace; the racket is about crimes against the Constitution, crimes against the American people, and crimes against the global community. … The Green Party is no longer ‘the alternative party,’ we are now the Imperative Party.” (Excerpts from McKinney’s speech are on page 8) For more about their campaign, go to www.runcynthiarun.org.

Additionally, there were several press conferences featuring the candidates for nomination, congressional candidates, and state and local candidates from around the country. The one drawing the most media attention featured Rich Whitney, who got over ten percent of the vote in his 2006 race for governor of Illinois. Whitney also hosted the presidential candidate forum the eve of the convention.

Earlier that day, Pennsylvania’s Cecilia Wheeler distinguished herself as the spokesperson of the newly forming Latino caucus, arguing forcefully to vote down the proposed 2008 platform over wording related to Guest Worker programs. In a show of solidarity, delegates preferred to stand with the existing platform from the previous convention.

Various committees gave reports to the National Committee on the Green Party’s many accomplishments. Three new members of the national Steering Committee were elected: Sanda Everette of California, Craig Thorsen of California, and Jill Bussiere of Wisconsin.

Video from the forum and the convention has been posted on numerous websites including youtube. Link to www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxbDwXeOeA4.

 

2008 Green campaigns

Candidates from across the country present at the convention

By Dave McCorquodale, Green Party of Delaware

Omar Lopez, IL, candidate for the 4th Congressional District:
Lopez was one of the co-conveners of the March 10th Movement in Chicago in 2006. The movement provided the impetus for nationwide demonstrations in support of legalization of all immigrants. “I am very proud of being a Green and I am going to make the Hispanic community aware of the Green Party. One of the objectives is to serve as a role model for others to become Green, instead of Democrat. The Green Party is the only party that has the moral authority to lead.” Lopez will focus on the following issues: the economy, especially the creation of Green jobs; single payer health-care; education, including the elimination of No Child Left Behind; comprehensive immigration reform; labor issues; and ending the war in Iraq.
OmarLopez2008.org

Jason Wallace, IL, candidate for the 11th Congressional District:
Wallace joined the Air National Guard and served 17 months in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After returning home he joined Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War and testified at the Winter Soldier hearings. He started a local committee opposed to the Patriot Act and joined the Green Party in 2006. He is capping his spending at $10,000 and will donate any extra funds to local school districts. When asked how his time in the military shaped his experiences, Wallace said that the three core values of the Air Force— Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in all that You do—were not exemplified in the U.S. involvement in Iraq. He plans to focus on the following issues: Renewable energy sources; public transportation; better care and support for veterans; restoring civil liberties; increased funding for public education; and single-payer health care.
Newmenu.org/ElectWallace

Scott Summers, IL, candidate for 16th Congressional District:
Summer is an attorney who serves on the board of trustees of McHenry Community College. Summers emphasizes the three ‘P’s: Prosperity—micro-capitalism and green collar jobs, restructuring energy production, and realizing that that economy and ecology are bound up in one; Progress—including medicare-for-all, fair trade, restoring civil liberties, and safeguarding social security; and Peace—including recommitting the country to being a good neighbor, withdrawing from Iraq and Afghanistan, pursuing disarmament, and emphasizing peacemaking.
SummersforCongress.com

Steve Alesch, IL, candidate for 13th Congressional district:
Alesch is a software engineer, who has been involved in poll watching, including central vote tabulation in DuPage County. In 2006 he authored a report on widespread voting irregularities. When elected he plans to introduce legislation to require the United States to stop using computers and, instead, use paper ballots and hand-counts to tally votes. Alesch is running for office because he believes people must wrest control of government from corporate and big money interests. He cites the facts that both major parties have encouraged the decline of labor unions, encouraged the growth of massive debt, approved the invasion of Iraq and appear ready to do the same with Iran.
VoteSteve.org

Steve Fournier, CN, candidates for 1st Congressional district:
Fournier, a Vietnam era veteran of the military, is a practicing attorney and writer. Among Fournier’s legislative priorities are: forcing a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq by withholding funding; universal Medicare; uncovering malfeasance in the executive branch and the military, including responsibility for the events on Sept. 11, 2001; applying lessons from the New Orleans flood and compensating the victims; restoring human rights; rehabilitating our public resources; and reforming policies relating to transportation, power generation, and manufacturing, the major sources of polluting emissions.
FournierforCongress.org

Rita Maniotis, IL, candidate for 21st state representative district:
Maniotis is a high school teacher and former radio producer, who currently does a monthly show for Chicago Indymedia. As a teacher, she would like to focus on ways to make funding of education “sustainable and equitable” because every year the legislature “puts a Band-Aid on the problem”. The skyrocketing costs of special education, caused mostly by increasing rates of autism, lead her to question the role that vaccines might have in this problem. Maniotis would also emphasize mass transit, state-funded universal health care and the phasing out of nuclear power plants.

Rob Sherman, IL, candidate for 53rd state representative district:
Sherman is a businessman and an avowed atheist, who has waged successful court battles to stop prayer in public schools and the giving of public moneys to religious organizations. Sherman does not ask for campaign contributions although is willing to accept them. He says this shows he could lead the operation of state government with less money, thereby lowering taxes. Sherman’s platform contains many specific practices that he would hope to pass as a legislator that would lower taxes for the average person and eliminate breaks for large corporations and legislative “gifting”, the doling out of discretionary moneys, as well as innovative transportation ideas and banning marriage discrimination against gay families.
RobSherman.com/staterep/home

Fareen Hakeem, MN, candidate for 61B state representative district:
Hakeem is a foster parent, an educator and the Lead Community Coordinator for the Muslim Girls Initiative for the Girl Scout Council of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys. She ran on 2005 for mayor of Minneapolis, receiving 14 percent of the vote, and in 2006 for County Commissioner, receiving 33 percent of the vote. Her rising political prospects prompted local Democrats to ask her to run for under their party, but she is committed to the Green Party and believes she is favored to win. The issues upon which she is focusing include: transparent and accessible leadership in government; improving education; universal health-care; homelessness; improved transportation; environmental and energy justice; and human rights reform.
FarheenHakeem.org

Alan Hancock, MN, candidate for 46B state representative district:
Hancock, who has been active in GPMN for a number of years, is currently a county commissioner of Pine County. His experience has taught him that people want single-payer health-care, but legislatures are avoiding dealing with the issue. He has found that people appreciate direct contact from candidates, having received the comment, “You’re the first politician that’s come by.”
newmenu.org/ AlanHancock

Joel Futrelle, IL, candidate for District 8, Champaign County Board:
Futrelle is a scientist, who advocates that global warming requires taking urgent action to reduce CO2 emissions by curbing energy consumption and seeking renewable sources of energy. As a member of the county board, Futrelle would focus on sustainable development, sound stewardship of our natural resources, social justice in our courthouse, and a commitment to public health.
Joe Futrelle.org

Jack Lindblad, CA, candidate for 39th district of State Assembly:
Lindblad is an architect who believes politics, as well as everyday life, needs to be informed by the Ten Key Values. Using the slogan, “Nature for people, not for Business”, Lindblad says, “Without these ethical and moral imperatives at play, the existing political landscape remains dominated by the greed, corporatist, militarist and fraud-based nature of the duopoly party of Democrats and Republicans.”
LindbladforAssembly. blogspot.com

Walter Pituc, Il, candidate for district 7, county Board, Champaign County:
Walter is a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying history and secondary education. He is running as a Green because “representatives are supposed to serve in the interests of their constituents not Big Business.” As a board member Walter would focus on local environmental sustainability, citizen empowerment and transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
VoteWalter.org

Malik Rahim, LA, candidate for 2nd U.S. Congressional District:
Malik is a long-time activist in New Orleans, Louisiana, from 1970 when he joined the Black Panthers through to founding the Common Ground Collective to aide poor people in the wake of the Katrina hurricane in 2005. Common Ground has raised over three million dollars and given aid to 18,000 people. Rahim is running on a platform of concrete alternatives to the wars being waged against communities at home and to the wars continuing abroad, safe, affordable housing, universal healthcare, a comprehensive storm protection system and wetland restoration, repeal of the Patriot Act, legislation to remove FEMA from the Department of Homeland Security, an end to the costly and senseless incarceration of nonviolent offenders, and full funding for schools.

Lavender Greens also running for office:

Mark Sanchez, CA, San Francisco Board of Supervisors, District 9, is currently President of the SF Board of Education first elected to the Board as a Green in 2000.  He has been a public school teacher since 1992 and a member of the Lavender Green Caucus since 2003. Sanchez has led the effort to eliminate JROTC from the schools, played a central role in building a progressive majority on the School Board, and was a leader in the successful ballot effort for Proposition A (parcel tax) to increase compensation for teachers. He is currently actively supporting the SF Clean Energy ballot initiative, which would make SF 100 percent clean energy by 2040.
marksanchez.org

Bob Nanninga, CA, Encinitas City Council, “I believe Encinitas needs to restore the balance between ecology and economy, smart growth and wise restraint. I also believe city government should be open, honest and future focused. A vibrant business climate will help maintain a local healthy economy and environmental sustainability, while providing municipal services and public amenities at the highest standard. As a resident of Encinitas, and a candidate for Encinitas City Council, I know the importance of preserving the quality of life shared by everyone lucky enough to call Encinitas home.”
nanningaforencinitas.org

Tina Smith, ME, Portland City Council, priorities in her campaign are: “Local Economies—continue to do all we can to get our food and products locally, and look within our city’s very vibrant and talented artist community to give a boost to our creative economy; Invest in transit —Commuter City!!! As a bike and pedestrian commuter, I see an urgent need to make commuting more pleasant, safe and reliable.”
tnsmith09@gmail.com

Midge Potts, MO, Representative 7th Congressional District, is a folk musician and anti-war activist who is known for her creative protesting with various peace groups including Peace Network of the Ozarks, CODEPINK, DC Anti-War Network, and Mobilization for Global Justice. She is a transgender woman and proud daddy of an 8-year-old daughter. Midge is a public speaker that lectures at colleges with a presentation called Transcending Traditional Politics. In 2006, she ran for U.S. Congress against then House Majority Whip Roy Blunt, and is currently the state co-chair of the Progressive Party of Missouri as well as a delegate to the GPUS National Coordinating Committee.
midgepotts.com

 

2008 Senatorial Candidates

Profiles on the seven campaigns across the country

By Teresa Keane, Green Party Senatorial Campaign Committee

Rebekah Kennedy, Arkansas:
Kennedy is a lawyer who has proudly worked in the areas of civil rights and on behalf of victims of workplace discrimination.  She previously ran for the office of Arkansas Attorney General and received 4.67 percent of the vote. She is motivated by the fact that not one Democrat or Republican was willing to run against an incumbent in federal races. Kennedy is challenging Mark Pryor, motivated to run due to Pryor’s many votes in opposition to the people of Arkansas. She currently serves as Elections Co-chair for the Green Party of Arkansas, a position she also held from 2002-07. From 2007-08 Kennedy served as Public Relations Co-chair. Her reasons for running include challenging Pryor’s votes to continue support for the occupation of Iraq and the Military Commissions Act. Kennedy calls for the U.S. to take the lead in stopping global warming and to create a national healthcare system.
kennedy2008.org

Bob Kinsey, CO:
Kinsey is a retired United Church of Christ minister, history teacher, and a veteran of the Marine Corps.  His son-in-law is currently serving in Iraq. Kinsey sums up his campaign with the phrase “Respect Life!” This means government must set policies to insure life into the future. The current economic system, run by uncontrolled growth, “is the ideology of a cancer cell”.  “We have to redirect our economics to avoid the tipping point” of environmental catastrophe. He supports building sustainable infrastructure, tax incentives for wind power, organic agriculture, safe ranching practices, and mass transit. Kinsey connects his support of the Ten key Principles to his values as a minister: “The Green Party values are a good secular representation of what Jesus called ‘the Kingdom of God’.”
kinseyforsenate.org

Steve Larrick, NE:
Larrick is running against Ben Nelson, considered the most conservative Democrat in the Senate. On his website, Larrick discusses his policies for ending the occupation of Iraq, providing healthcare to all Americans, solving America’s economic problems, reducing dependence on foreign oil and protecting civil liberties.
nebraskagreens.org/elections.html

Kathy Cummings, IL:
Cummings is running against Richard Durbin because “in 2002 he knew Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction. He kept that information from the public. He allowed Bush to fool the American people into starting an unjustified war. You can see Durbin confess to this on YouTube. See his ‘Bombshell announcement’ on my website.  He kept quiet for five years because he claims he was sworn to secrecy by the Senate Intelligence Committee! By doing so, he showed his loyalty was with a dishonest regime and not with the People.” Cummings is a Peace candidate who supports the oath of office to uphold the constitution, provide healthcare to all people and create an ecologically sustainable country.
KathyCummings4Senate.com

Harley Mikkelson, MI:
Mikkelson is a Vietnam veteran, a union member and an active Green Party member since 2002. He ran for Congress in 2002 opposed to starting a war in Iraq.  In 2004 he ran calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. He has been in the Peace Movement since becoming active in Vietnam Veterans Against the War in 1968. His campaign focus is to bring U.S. troops home immediately. In addition, Mikkelson would campaign for Fair Trade, in order to bring back jobs to the United States, and would stress the need to provide more educational opportunities and health benefits for everyone.
HarleyMickelson.com

Chris Lugo, TN:
Lugo is running against Republican Lamar Alexander. For the past five years he has worked as a peace activist with statewide coalitions to end the war in Iraq. This activism will be helpful in getting out the anti-war message, which is at the core of his campaign. Having worked for the past ten years with a range of progressive coalitions in Nashville, Tennessee and across the country has given Lugo a sense of what issues are important at the Federal level. Lugo entered the U.S. Senate race “to be a voice for the progressive issues that need to be discussed in Tennessee— ending the war, bringing health care to every citizen, abolishing our nuclear weapons stockpile, addressing issues of racial justice in the South, media democracy, election reform, international peace, and publicly funded campaigns.”
Chris4Senate.org

Keith Ware is running in the District of Columbia.

Please support the campaigns of all our candidates with your generous contributions.

 

Live Green, Vote Green!

Showing how it’s done at the 2008 Nominating Convention and Annual Meeting

By Ruth Weill, Annual National Meeting Committee Coordinator

The convention and annual meeting promise to be a great time being held in the exciting downtown theater district of Chicago, Illinois from July 10-13. In addition to Green Party presidential nominations, there are many inspiring activities and it is also a great opportunity for Greens to come together to share ideas and plans.

A main part of the convention will be the nomination on Saturday of one of these fine presidential candidates:  Jessie Johnson (jessie08.org), Cynthia McKinney (www.runcynthiarun.org), Kent Mesplay (www.mesplay.org) and Kat Swift (www.voteswift.org). 

But the weekend has much more to offer with amazing speakers such as Malik Rahim, former Black Panther and Green Party candidate who has been a long-time community activist on various social justice issues. Rahim also co-founded Common Ground Relief (commongroundrelief.org), an organization that provides short-term relief to victims of hurricane disasters in the Gulf region. Also speaking at the convention is our own Steering Committee member Cliff Thornton Jr., an activist who has won awards for his efforts on drug policy reform (www.efficacy-online.org). 

Another speaker is Kathy Kelly, a familiar name to many Greens. In 1996 Kelly co-founded Voices in the Wilderness, an organization trying to end sanctions on Iraq. Having visited Iraq and much of the Middle East many times, she has transformed the organization into Voices for Creative Non-Violence (www.vcnv.org). 

Attendees at the convention will have many opportunities for learning, as the workshop selection will be top notch, with expert activists from across the country discussing an array of issues. Workshop topics will include foreign policy related to the Middle East and Iran, immigrant and LGBTQ rights, and campaigning on a shoestring budget.  

Don’t forget Green nightlife.  A wonderful international reception is planned for Thursday evening to welcome fellow Greens from across the seven continents.  In 2004 there were over 40 international guests representing at least 15 countries. Friday evening plans include hearing from our candidates, and Saturday evening will be more of a social party. The city of Chicago has a lot to offer as well, from live music, theater, and outdoor gardens to walks along Lake Michigan.  

The main location of the convention is the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, a beautiful historic landmark built in 1871 (www.hiltonfamilychicago.com). The hotel is right around the corner from the location of the nominating convention, the Chicago Symphony Center (www.cso.org), which is  another historic landmark built in 1904.   

The meeting committee along with the Illinois Green Party is excited to host a world-class event, and The Green Party of the United States Presidential Nominating Convention and Annual Meeting promises to be an unforgettable event. We hope to see you in Chicago this July.  

Please visit http://www.greenparty2008.org to register and for all information regarding the convention.

 

Want to run for office?

Thinking of running for office but not sure how to start? Your Green Party support is right here!

For information on how to run a campaign visit: www.GP.org or contact the Green Party of the United States at 866-41GREEN.

Also campaign resources can be downloaded for free at: www.gp.org/committees/campaign/resources.shtml

 

Wisconsin continues winning tradition

By Ron Hardy, Wisconsin Green Party

Wisconsin Greens were on the ballot in elections for County Board of Supervisors across the state April 1—ten incumbents and four challengers. Ten of the 14 were elected. Wisconsin now has 17 Greens holding elected office. 

Among the ten Wisconsin Green victories were two first-time candidates: Wyndham Manning, who won a landslide victory with 66 percent of the vote to take the Dane County Board of Supervisors seat vacated by retiring Green Party member Ashok Kumar, and Kathy Kienholz, who ran unopposed for a seat on the Polk County (Northwestern Wis consin) Board of Supervisors. 

Manning’s victory came in District 5, Madison’s “Student District” and a hotbed of political activity with an engaged electorate. Greens have traditionally done well there—Echaton Vedder first won the seat in 1998. A University of Wisconsin senior majoring in Environmental Studies and Communication Arts, Manning opposed College Democrat Conor O’Hagan, a freshmen Engineering student involved with student government. Manning campaigned on an overall environmental program, including specific focus on solutions to keep the many lakes surrounding Madison clean. 

“The process of making our lakes and watersheds safer has begun by banning phosphorus and coal tar sealant. I will take the lead in the next step by exploring a system of anaerobic manure digesters that co-generate exhausted methane for heat and electricity, as well as evaluating the impact of other negligent runoffs such as pesticides,” said Manning. 

Manning also championed the under–represented in Madison, including support for Domestic Partner benefits, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, and working with local area groups to expand the availability of homeless shelters. 

Kathy Klienholz, Polk County Board of Supervisors

Far north of Madison, Kienholz won her first seat and thereby kept at least one Green on the Polk County Board. An active member of the St. Croix Valley Green Party since 2003, Kienholz was first introduced to the Greens by one of her sons. 

Kienholz believes she was unopposed because of the credibility that her environ mental platform gave her, combined with her financial background as a CPA and as Treasurer of the local Lake Association and the local Friends of the Library group.  “My goals are local,” said Kienholz, “Our county board has struggled in the past six to eight years, as anti-tax folks were elected to seats. Their agenda could be summed up in one word—No. No spending, no programs, no building, no nothing.” 

Kienholz intends to continue the work that fellow Green and outgoing Polk County Supervisor Jeff Peterson began by making sustainability a focus for Polk County. “I want to continue his efforts to keep that goal in the forefront. As a CPA I asked for and was elected to a seat on the Finance Committee, where I hope to be an influence for Green goals. My other committee assignment was to the Land and Water Committee, which is right up my street.”

 

Incumbents Re-elected at 80 Percent Rate

Eight incumbent Green County Board of Supervisors won re-election on April 1, including six unopposed—Robert Browne and David Conley (Douglas County), Greg David (Jefferson County), John Hardin (Barron County) and two from Dane County—Kyle Richmond and Barbara Vedder, the mother of Echnaton Vedder. 

Conley has been serving on the Doug las County Board of Supervisors in North west Wisconsin since 1986 and is the longest serving Green in office nationwide at 22 years and counting. His tenure in office predates the Wisconsin Green Party, which will be celebrating 20 years as a Party this October. Conley’s colleague on the Douglas County Board, Robert Browne, has been on the board since 1992, 16 years and counting. 

David in Jefferson County (East Central Wisconsin) has been actively promoting the Natural Step for Communities, a movement that has been sweeping across Wisconsin. He spoke at the Wisconsin Green Party’s Summer Gathering in August 2007 at which the Party officially endorsed the Natural Step and the Eco-Municipality movement throughout Wisconsin.  

 

 

Wyndham Manning, Dane County Board of Supervisors

In Dane County, Greens have had between two and four members on the 39-member County Board of Supervisor since 1998. Joining first-time candidate Manning this time were Richmond and Vedder, along with John Hendrick, who successfully fought off his challenger with 83 percent of the vote.

 

A member of the County Board for 14 years and a near east neighborhood community activist for even longer, Hendrick is considered an expert on local land use, planning and zoning issues and is someone other Board members turn to for advice. In recent years he has also championed drinking water quality and bringing living wage standards from Madison to a broader section of Dane County. His opponent Mark Schmitt, a print and mail coordinator for Bethel Lutheran Church, took a more conservative position than Hendrick on transportation, regulations, prisons and police, that clearly did not resonate well with the voters.

Richmond has served on the County Board since 2002, and Vedder since 2006, following six years (1995-2001) on the Madison Common Council. In 2007 the two of them, together with Richmond and Kumar, led a successful effort for the Board to pass a resolution calling for the impeachment of George Bush and Dick Cheney, becoming the second county in the nation at the time to pass such a resolution. Richmond also had a role in the July 10, 2003 Dane County Board boycott of Tyson Foods in support of striking workers in neighboring Jefferson County. Vedder, in her past role on the Madison Common Council, was instrumental in passing Madison’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, a policy tool that relies on zoning laws to encourage or require developers to provide affordable units in their new housing developments.

Also re-elected in a competitive race was incumbent John Rendall, a member of the Portage County Board of Supervisors for 12 years, and before that a member of the Almond School Board for five years. Rendall supports substance abuse treatment and alternative sentencing as opposed to expanding prison populations. His opponent’s issues were primarily ‘saving the taxpayers’ money’ and opposing a proposed new Justice Center in the county. Rendall won re-election with 62 percent of the vote. 

Two other incumbent County Board Supervisors were not so fortunate. Both Bob Ryan (Door County) and Jeff Peter son (Polk County) were defeated this year. Ironically, Peterson, elected just two years ago, had also been recently appointed vice chair of the Polk County Board and was being asked to consider chairing the new, post-election County Board before he was challenged three days before the election with a well organized, “under the radar” write-in campaign that caught him totally by surprise. 

Peterson’s last minute challenger officially filed as a “write-in” candidate the Friday before the Tuesday election by a man who moved to the area in 2006. He and his supporters were ready to roll first thing Saturday morning with an efficiently coordinated literature drop throughout the district. In the literature, his opponent claimed that the county government was fleecing the tax payers, and that he would cap all taxes and slash county spending. He attacked Peterson for voting for the county budget (which raised property taxes by 13 percent) and for supporting the construction of a new environmentally conscious Highway Shop to replace the 75-year-old facility Polk County currently uses. Peterson, who didn’t have time to adequately respond to his challenger’s charges, lost 192 to 159, with 45 percent of the vote. 

Ryan, who was first elected to the Door County Board of Supervisors in 2002, has been actively involved with Sustain Door, a group of citizens and public officials looking for ways to help make Door County a more sustainable community. He is also involved with the Door County Histor ical Society and is the co-facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Program, a domestic violence prevention group. “Our county’s future, and the tax burden that its residents are asked to carry, are the two main reasons I’m running,” said Ryan during the campaign. “Two key issues are taxes and maintaining our rural environment.” 

His opponent, a self-employed farmer who was elected to the Clay Banks Town Board in 2007, accused Ryan of being “pressured by special interest groups.” He challenged Ryan in 2006 and lost by a mere handful of votes. This time he defeated Ryan by 56 votes, holding Ryan to 41 percent of the vote. 

Two other first-time Green candidates had impressive results, despite not winning their races: Michael Slattery for the Manitowoc County Board, and Bobby Gifford for the Portage County Board. Both ran strong, issue-based campaigns against well funded opponents. 

Slattery, who farms 370 acres in the predominantly rural Manitowoc County south of Green Bay, ran against the nephew of the incumbent, who outspent him ten to one. Although the district is rural, only 14 farms remain (including Slattery’s), while 25 percent of the population lives in $300,000-$400,000 homes and commute to jobs in Green Bay. 

Against an opponent who didn’t appear at candidate forums and whose primary message was that he would lower taxes, Slattery focused on the nation’s ‘big picture’, promoting non-violence, and opposition to the Iraq war. “I listed issues that we need to deal with: rising energy and commodity prices accompanying a pending recession,” said Slattery. De spite this, Michael Slattery took 37 percent of the vote. 

Gifford, who moved to Stevens Point from Milwaukee several years ago, ran against a long-tenured and well known incumbent. He ran with little money and little organized assistance, but ran on the issues important to him and important to Wisconsin. He ran on issues of the Natural Step, promoting the Eco-Municipality movement in Stevens Point, community supported agriculture and preparing for a post-Peak Oil society. “My opponent actually adopted my own expression ‘make the eco-municipality effort county-wide’ on his campaign literature, although the caveat was ‘if it didn’t impact the tax base.’” said Gifford. “I don’t feel beaten, I feel like the Board is now on notice from the citizens:  get with the program or step down.”  Gifford lost with 28 percent of the vote. 

The Wisconsin Green Party is continuing a history of running and winning in local races that goes back 22 years. Already the party is making plans for 2009 local common council races where seven incumbents will be up for re-election in Madison, Oshkosh, and Stevens Point. 

“We have our greatest impact at the local level where we can apply Green values to local issues.” said Cindy Stimmler, co-chair of the Wisconsin Green Party. “Several dozen communities in Wisconsin are actively working toward becoming ‘eco-municipalities’ through the Natural Step process and elected Wisconsin Greens are taking the lead in their local communities.” 

 

How I won the mayor’s office

By David Doonan, Mayor of the Village of Greenwich, New York

Being a public elected official was never a recurring dream that haunted my sleep. While interested in politics and current affairs, in recent years the interest was more an intellectual exercise than an active pursuit. That began to change after listening to a talk in Glens Falls, New York by Ralph Nader in May 2007.

David Doonan with Ralph Nader

I sat in the audience as. Nader spoke at length about the need for citizen involvement at the local level. He talked about the example his parents set and told us to attend local government meetings to ensure our elected officials were acting responsibly. But when he said, “I’m going to tell you a Chinese proverb that you’ll never forget,” I rolled my eyes and silently said, “yeah, right.” Instead that proverb: “Those who know, and don’t do, don’t know,” struck home and continued to haunt me for weeks, until I finally decided to accept the challenge and run for office. 

The Village of Greenwich in Washington County is where I’ve lived for the past 17 years. Located about 50 miles north of the state capital Albany, it has a population of 1,900 and is located within the boundaries of two different towns; the more developed portion lies within the Town of Greenwich (population 5,000) and the less developed lies within the Town of Easton (population 2260) on the other side of the Battenkill River. Washington County has no four-lane roads, no enclosed shopping malls, no big box stores, no movie theatres and no television or radio stations, or even a daily newspaper. It wasn’t until the 1980 census that the human population surpassed the bovine population. In other words, the Village of Green wich, NY has nothing in common with Greenwich Village in New York City.

There were four positions I could have run for, Town Supervisor, Town Coun cilor, Village Mayor or Village Trustee. Ultimately my decision was made for me when the Village Mayor was quoted as saying that decisions are easier to make when the public isn’t present.

Village elections in Greenwich have been officially non-partisan for the past 20 years. But in New York State Village elections, non-partisan can be a misleading term. In essence, it means that one has the choice of running for office under the party to which you’re registered or one can run under the name of a non-existing party, pretending that the actual state recognized party system doesn’t exist. For instance, in the nearby town of White Creek, a local Democrat has been twice elected to office on the Woodpecker Party. When choosing a non-partisan party name, candidates must be careful that they don’t pick the same name as their opponents. That happened in this election when three candidates choose to run on the Greenwich Party; the public saw them as a slate, which they weren’t. Finally, to make matters even more confusing, if a candidate chooses to run non-partisan but does not write a party name on the petitions, then by State law, the village clerk has to assign a party name. 

I could have run as a Green. But instead I decided to run a non-partisan campaign. Most residents were upset at how the local government has been run and I knew they were looking for someone who would provide answers and a direction. For most voters, partisan politics was purely a secondary concern at best. My original intention was to run on a slate with one Demo crat and one Republican, but I ended up with two Democrats. Why did I choose to run on a slate? Quite simply, I was hoping to influence who would end up serving on the board with me. 

chose the name “Open Government” for our slate. However I did not hide my affiliation with the Green Party. At the initial volunteers meeting I made it very clear how committed to the Green Party I was (and still am). Every time I went door-to-door, my Green Party button was worn prominently and the local press repeatedly mentioned my membership in both the Green Party and the Industrial Work ers of the World. Many lifelong Re publicans who had probably never voted for a Democrat, told me that they were not only going to be voting for me, but that their entire families would be as well.

This was a very winnable race—one neighbor described the general attitude as “throw the bums out.” However, I decided not to run against the then current administration, but to put forward a positive message and attempt to provide realistic solutions for improving the community. 

Real estate was among the issues facing the community. Six years ago the Village Board secretly voted to purchase the largest piece of commercial property in the Village, the site of a former IGA food store. Today it still sits empty. Also our Village Hall is on the National Register of His toric Places by the United States Department of the Interior, but has been allowed to deteriorate since its purchase 40 years ago. The building lacks handicapped access and bricks are literally falling out of the buildings exterior walls. The Fire Depart ment is housed in the Village Hall, and is only allowed to operate because of very sympathetic inspectors.

James “Kim” Gannon, who wrote the words to the 1943 American classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” left a bequest together with his wife of $750,000 to be used for the youth of the Village. A commission of community members spent countless hours conducting surveys and interviews to determine the best way to go forward. A report was submitted to the Village Board, which said ‘thank you’ and promptly put it in a drawer. It was only during this past March 2008 that the community finally saw something tangible happen, half a decade since the Village received the bequest.

The costs for a new firehouse, rehabilitating Village Hall, and repairing or replacing the Village Water Tower, are expensive propositions, which is why none of the previous administrations dealt with them. Before beginning to actively campaign, I met with a local administrator of the Rural Communities Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to get a handle on what types of grants and low interest loans might be available. I also attended a monthly meeting of the fire department, not just to put myself forward, but also to listen to them. 

In the 17 years we’ve lived in Greenwich, there have only been two contested elections for Trustee positions; the Mayor was never challenged. This year there were two of us running for Mayor and six candidates running for two open Trustee positions. 

While two weeklies and a bi-weekly serve our community, the daily papers in nearby Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls ignored the election. Because of the lack of daily coverage and the absence of a League of Women Voters willing to organize a de  bate, I decided to get the ball rolling on a candidate’s forum. I proposed a format to the high school principal and the rest of the candidates, which they all agreed to.

In essence, meeting with the USDA, an aide to our local congresswoman, the fire department and organizing a candidate’s forum, I was acting as if I were already in office.

For my campaign I held an open house to kick off the ballot petitioning and three supporters hosted “meet the candidate’ events. Greenwich requires 50 signatures to be listed on the ballot for village elections. The final weekend was spent going door-to-door. Money was donated by the state and national Green Party, as well as by the Greenwich Democrat Committee (my wife is vice president of the committee) and used to purchase advertisements in the local weeklies, lawn signs and palm & post cards. I also created a campaign web site from which I linked videos of the campaign forum.

Throughout the course of the month-long campaign, I tried to focus on three main issues: 1) Resolving the IGA property, determining the site of a new Fire House and repair of the Village Hall. 2) Seeking additional revenue streams to finance the above without burdening the taxpayers. 3) Opening up the government, allowing citizens a voice in shaping our community’s future.

On Election Day, March 18th, it was pretty strange walking into the voting booth and seeing my name on the ballot. When the votes were counted, our slate swept the results, with myself receiving 74 percent of the votes for Mayor.

To their credit, the outgoing administration received offers from two real estate brokers in January interested in purchasing the former IGA property, but decided to put off the matter until after the election. Unlike the secret decision to purchase the property six years ago, at the first Board Meeting I presided over, both brokers made presentations in public session. Rather than acting upon either offer, the Board decided to seek an independent appraisal of the property at my urging before proceeding. 

David Doonan holding office as Greenwich Mayor

Three other items of note also happened at our first meeting. The meeting was videotaped for the first time, as will be all future board meetings, in anticipation of being uploaded to a future Village web site. Second, I submitted a written Mayor’s report of my activities. The Mayor is a public servant. Since the heads of the police, fire and public works departments are required to issue written reports, then so should the Mayor. It was a simple and effective way of demonstrating my desire to be held accountable for my actions. Thirdly, when the Trustees were given their committee assignments, I assigned them a list of tasks to accomplish. I wanted it clear to everyone that the new administration was not going to be a one-person show; that everyone had a voice.

Since the election, the number of people who have stepped forward to volunteer their time or offer constructive suggestions has been remarkable. While I have ultimate responsibility for the Village, I see my primary role as being that of a facilitator, finding a way to harness the energy of our citizens to improve the community. 

What I am attempting to do in this little corner of the world is to build an environment in which grassroots democracy can take root and flourish.

An interview with friction.tv can be found at: www.daviddoonan.com

 

Peace slate offers Oregonians a chance

by Joanne Cvar, Pacific Green Party of Oregon and Green Party Peace Network

The Pacific Green Party of Oregon (PGP) is currently fielding a “peace slate,” with candidates for nomination in four of the five congressional districts in Oregon. All are committed to ending the war in Iraq, and all have pledged never to vote for funding the continued occupation through supplemental funding bills or for an increase in the basic military budget. 

“Imagine, for a moment, real leaders for peace in Congress, added to the few already there, who are not beholden to the existing party leadership,” says Charles New lin, PGP Coordinating Committee member.

The party is hoping to complete its slate with a candidate for the remaining House district prior to its nominating convention on June 7. The PGP has maintained ballot access, so their candidates are guaranteed places on the November ballot. 

“We are hopeful that this strategy will be adopted by other state Green parties that have ballot access,“ said Mike Beilstein, a two-term Corvallis, Oregon city councilor, who is planning his campaign against Rep. Peter DeFazio in District 4. (www.newmenu.org/mikebeilsteinforcongress.)

Alex Polikoff, a professional engineer and also from Corvallis, is running for the hotly contested seat which will be vacated next term by long-term incumbent Rep. Darlene Hooley in District 5. (www.votepolikoff.org/index.html.)

“At this point in time, both major parties seem more concerned with appeasing their corporate donors than in dealing with the threats of our ballooning public debt, job and health insecurity, world instability, the energy crisis and global warming,” said Polikoff. As with all Green candidates, Polikoff will accept no corporate contributions. “My allegiance will be strictly to ordinary citizens, whose voices have been largely ignored by our representatives in Washington.”

John Olmsted, an activist in the fight for social justice for the past 40 years, plans to run against Rep. Earl Blumenauer in Portland’s District 3. Olmsted has been an organizer of the anti-war movement, the fight for immigrant rights, for educational reform and for civil and human rights.

“The overwhelming majority of the damage done, from war to attacks on democratic rights, came with the votes of the Democrats in Washington,” Olmsted points out. “It is time for the building of a party that can be the voice of the majority to fight for our interests. Then we have a chance for real change.” (www.newmenu.org/ore gongreens4congress.) 

Eastern Oregon Tristin Mock agrees on the need for change. She is taking Mahatma Gandhi’s maxim, “You must be the change you want to see in the world” as her inspiration to run against four-term incumbent Greg Walden in District 2, which covers all of Oregon east of the Cascades, plus some counties in the southwest corner of the state.

“It’s time for a change in congress,” says Mock. She would be a refreshing change indeed. Before earning her degree as a doctor of naturopathic medicine, she studied history, biology, international relations, and gerontology. 

“The occupation of Iraq needs to be ended immediately,” Mock said. “Sup porting our troops does not mean sending them on a suicide mission, and abandoning them if/when they return.” (www.vote mock.com)

Green candidates on the ballot who pledge never to vote to fund overseas military adventures give voters an ethical choice in the 2008 election. Every voter in Oregon and in the country should have the opportunity to vote against the war. Since 2006, it’s been clear that voting for Democrats is almost universally voting to continue the war.

Peace Slate Reception, Eugene Oreregon March 7. From left: Mike Beilstein, 4th CD; John Olmsted, 3rd CD; Tristin Mock, 2nd CD, Cynthia McKinney, GP presidential candidate; Alex Polikoff, 5th CD. Photo by Pat Driscoll, PGP Coordinating Committee

 

Reports

 Platform Committee

Alert to all Greens—Please review the platform draft at www.gp.org/platform.shtml

Every four years Green Party members are asked to review and update the Green Platform. Greens are invited to submit amendments to the Platform Committee (Platcom) whose job it is to integrate the amendments into the 2004 Platform and produce the draft of the 2008 Green Platform.

Amendments have been received from October 2006 to April 1, 2008. During that time, editors were asked to take on the job of compiling, replacing and re-ordering where necessary, to produce a smooth, coherent, consistent draft. The editors are engaged in that task now. The Platform has four Chapters: Democracy, Social Justice, Sustainable Ecology and Sustainable Economy. 

The draft is mostly a shortened version of the 2004 Platform. The principles and polices have not changed. Certain subjects have been expanded or revised, such as sections on Immigration, Pop ulation, Energy, Waste Management, Global Warming, Taxes and Corporations. 

Editors of the four Chapters of the Draft Platform are: 

I J. Ellingston (jellingston@greens.org) and Jane Zara (jjzara@aol.com)

II John Ely (johnbethany@earthlink.net) and Jack Ailey (jjailey@comcast.net) 

III Mike Ewall (catalyst@actionpa.org) and Wes Rolley (wrolley@charter.net)

IV Erik Douglas (politicaltao@taotetao.com) and Jon Olsen (joliyoka@gwi.net).

Once the draft is ready, Mike Ewall, PlatCom secretary puts it on a website for everyone to review and comment up until July 5. The hope and expectation is that any serious objections to the text will be presented and resolved before the meeting in Chicago, on July 11. To reach the Platcom go to: platform-work@lists.gp-us.

 

Massachusetts

The Green-Rainbow Party (GRP) in Massachusetts saw an 81% increase in turn-out in its February 5 presidential primary compared to 2004, and is currently assembling a delegation to the National Convention in Chicago. The percentage breakdown of the vote was, in descending order: Ralph Nader (39.9%), Cynthia McKinney (25.4%), unidentified write-ins (14.6%), no preference (10.4%), Kat Swift (3.2%), Jared Ball (2.3%), Kent Mesplay (2.1%), and Elaine Brown (2.0%). Jesse Johnson was not included on the Massa chu setts ballot.

It is at the local level, however, where Party members feel they can make the most difference. Last year, the Rainbow Coalition Caucus of the GRP helped form a coalition against the escalating foreclosure crisis in Massachusetts. Taking the lead on networking direct action and more sweeping legislative strategies, the Mass Alliance Against Predatory Lending (MAAPL) formalized its existence this March, filing three pieces of legislation during a well-received press conference.
The Green-Rainbow Party is also developing a local ballot initiative drive, readying various ballot questions for local members and chapters to take to their communities. One of the questions being discussed is an emergency adoption of a single-payer healthcare system to replace the already-troubled bipartisan healthcare reform that went into effect in 2007. 

Another ballot initiative question, called A Secure Green Future, would shift state subsidies of greenhouse gas emitting industries towards community-based green jobs programs in conservation, renewables, and sustainable agriculture. Other questions being considered include a just response to the foreclosure crisis, progressive taxation, and ranked-choice voting. 

The GRP has also formed a fossil fuels subcommittee to work out a program to address the developing crises of global warming, peak oil, food security, etc.

 

 Nebraska

Since January of 2008, District 1 Greens have been coordinating a new Coalition for the Environment and Earth Day (CEED) with local groups, organizations, agencies, and businesses. “Earth Day, Every Day” was held Sunday, April 20, at the City’s Antelope Park. More than 70 Exhibitors displayed educational, artistic, and interactive work. Children’s activities focused on the world of nature; local musicians performed, and under pressure from CEED, the Mayor’s remarks announced two new environmental initiatives for local government. 

CEED was spearheaded by Greens, but the diversity of groups involved demonstrates that public concern is far ahead of political action. No event had been planned by the City to celebrate the 38th anniversary of Earth Day. 

Omaha Greens were instrumental in planning the “Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space Annual Organizing Conference and Protest at StratCom: The Most Dangerous Place on the Face of the Earth,” April 11-13, 2008. As the United States Strategic Com mand is located in Omaha, it would be command central for a nuclear war. Since 9/11, it’s expanded mission is the “War on Terror,” and U.S. domination of space. This “New StratCom” is responsible for overseeing Global “First Strikes,” the National Security Agency’s “warrantless wiretaps,” and Ballistic Missile Defense. Speakers and participants gathered in Omaha from around the world, but no mainstream media covered the international event. 

Regular Peace Vigils are held in all three congressional districts. Greater Nebraska Greens are resisting an expanded coal-fired plant in Hastings. Greens statewide are preparing for the 2008 Convention, June 7, in Omaha at the PS Collective. 

Green Party candidates filing for 2008 elections in partisan races are Steve Larrick, U.S. Senate; and for Douglas County Board, District 1: Scott Hoffman; District 3: Tom Foster, and Derek Glaser; District 5: Susan Koneck. LaVerne Thraen filed for the Non-Partisan OPPD Board of Directors, and Doug Paterson is on the ballot for Omaha Public Service Commission.

 

 Utah

In March 2008 the Green Party of Utah Desert Greens approved the formation of the Local of Moab (MLGP) as well as by-laws and list of coordinators. The MLGP coordinators are Harold Shepherd, John Weisheit and Bob Lippman. To date, the MLGP has had several coordinator meetings and meetings with other entities. 

March 11, Harold Shep herd met with the Native American activists who are trying to bring attention to environmental issues through the cross country, “Longest Walk”. During this meeting Harold discussed with walk leaders plans by Transition Power Development, LLC to construct two nuclear power plants in Green River and other Utah uranium mining and milling issues.

MLGP Coordinators have met with other community activists to discuss development of a coalition that will address environmental and social issues related to energy development in south east Utah. This coalition will compile data on locations of existing oil and gas well parcel permits and leases, and lobby congress to extend funding limitation barring the federal government from issuing commercial leases on federal lands, before meaningful analysis of oil shale projects is completed. 

The MLGP is also working with Grand County to develop a Hazardous Waste Ordinance and with the City of Moab and Grand County on a municipal watershed protection ordinance, both of which will include language regarding oil and gas development. 

Finally, the MLGP is working with other conservationists: to protest water rights permits for the proposed nuclear power plants and a uranium mill in Green River; Grand County Water Board to develop legislation to protecting instream flows in rivers and streams rather than leasing water for energy production; and the Grand County Water Board and City of Moab on a proposal to limit federal funding for oil shale development in Utah and researching current legal issues related to conflicts between development and water availability in the Moab area.

 

 New York

New York Greens have more than a few reasons to be proud. On March 18 David Doonan, co-chair of the tri-county Greens (Southern Adirondacks  Region

4), was elected Mayor of the Village of Greenwich in a landslide victory with Doonan garnering 74% of the vote. In the Village of Schuylerville, Green Party member Roger Sherman ran unopposed to fill a vacated trustee position.

Many NY Greens participated in and organized peace marches and vigils all across the state denoting the passing of five years since “Shock and Awe” signaled the beginning of the illegal U.S. occupation of Iraq.

Former Green mayor of New Paltz, Jason West, graced the front page of the state section of the New York Times. West is best known for marrying same sex couples in New Paltz. The article states: “He recently enjoyed some measure of vindication when a state appellate court ruled that same-sex marriages performed out of state must be recognized in New York State. “It’s a tremendous victory,” said Mr. West, who is heterosexual. ‘I think it’s only a matter of time before we have equal rights for same-sex couples.” 

The Green Party of New York State (GPNYS) offered condolences to the family of Sean Bell, when the police officers who killed him where exonerated. GPNYS also made a public statement rejecting the judge’s decision in the killing of Bell, an unarmed black man who was killed on the eve of his wedding.

fight for single payer health care is still being waged in New York State. Greens are working with health care activists (Physicians for a National Health Plan and Health Care Now) and unions to try and elevate voter awareness of single-payer bill at the national level (HR 676). As an incremental step, Greens are also working with state legislators to craft legislation broadening the availability of current state-run plans. 

GPNYS does not have ballot status and fell just short of regaining it in the 2006 interim elections. Thus the party reached out to enrolled Greens to give them a voice concerning the party’s presidential primary by sending a paper ballot to every enrolled Green. A successful fund drive was held to facilitate the mailing. 

 

 West Virginia

At its state convention on April 27, the Mountain Party again nominated Jesse Johnson as its candidate for governor in this fall’s election. Johnson ran four years ago and garnered 3% of the vote, one of the highest percentages of votes for a third-party candidate in the country.  Two candidates have filed for the WV House of Delegates, Robin Mills for the 51st and John Wel borne for the 30th districts. Also running are James “Andy” Waddell for the 11th Senate District and Klaus Heitmann for the Berkeley County Commission.

“We conducted a cordial and successful convention,” said MP Chair, Bob Henry Baber. “We are proud to offer both local and national alternatives to the broken two party system. We are also pleased to be the only party in West Virginia that opposes Moun tain top Removal, and that supports an impressive array of progressive stances on issues such as healthcare, worker’s rights, environmental issues, and human rights. If you’re fed up with the status quo, the Mountain/Green Party offers real alternatives for real people— people such as you!”

Officers elected for two-year terms were: Chair, Bob Henry Baber, Vice-Chair, Bill Price; Secretary, Karen Grubb; Treasurer, Frank Young; and Deputy Com misioners, Lesia Null, Greg Carroll, and Eric McLaughlin. Karen Grubb and Jesse Johnson, with Frank Young and Eric McLaughlin as alternates, were re-appointed as delegates to the National Committee. The Mountain Party approved the appointment of Jesse Johnson to the International Committee and Bill Price to the Diversity Committee.

 

 North Carolina

In 2005 the North Carolina Green Party joined the Libertarian Party in a lawsuit against the State of North Carolina challenging the state’s ballot access laws as unconstitutional. The case was heard in superior court in early May. After three days of convincing testimony including an appearance by Richard Winger as an expert witness, the judge found against the plaintiffs. The case will be appealed.

 

State Reports

Alaska
During a painful and slow slide into somnolence, the Green Party of Alaska (GPAK) lost ballot access when the verdict went against it in the court case vs. the state of Alaska. An injunction issued by the Hon. Stephanie Joannides had allowed GPAK to remain on the ballot for fall 2007’s elections.

GPAK’s website was reduced to a placeholder. Burnout was rampant throughout the party. However, GPAK has found a new Webmaster, revived its website, and with it, the party has found new life.

GPAK is concentrating on increasing its public presence in the hope of attracting members and reminding Alaskans there is a true progressive alternative in the state, with some success: The statewide list-serve is acquiring new members and has doubled its activity within the last few months. Blogs have been set up for the three major bioregions, and posting, while still irregular, has also increased.

Arizona
Come to Arizona before March 6th and the Green Party wins! Like the University of Arizona women’s basketball team, which played on Jan. 4 with only six players available, the Arizona Green Party is making a heroic effort toward ballot status. Party members have been putting themselves out there to get petition signatures. Rein forcements are needed. If you can’t come, send money, so we can pull some professional circulators off the bench and make the three point shots. Contact us at azgp.org. Send donations to Arizona Green Party P.O. Box 60173 Phoenix, AZ 85082

In addition to the ballot status efforts, Arizona Greens hosted Cynthia McKinney in an October shared fundraiser and they have invited other candidates. Members are working to sustain and revitalize county parties in rural counties. The party ran candidates for mayor Dave Croteau and council Beryl Baker in the November Tucson elections, who respectively captured 28 percent and 27 percent of the vote.

Greens who come to Arizona to help us with gaining ballot status will be housed and provided with transportation. You may have been the one to score that final point that ends the game victoriously. And with your help to succeed, then our Green Party presidential candidate gets on the ballot, as well as, our legislative candidates, congressional candidates, and statewide candidates.

Nebraska Green Party
The Green Party is spearheading coordination of a new Coalition for the Environment in Nebraska. The first project, organizing Earth Day 2008, will celebrate living on this planet. Environ mental organizations, private businesses, visual and performing artists, and “green” advocacy groups are working together to create the April 20th event in Lincoln’s Antelope Park.

Nebraska Greens realize that, in order for people to start thinking about an alternative to Republicans and Democrats, they must be visible in many community and statewide peace, environmental, social justice, and pro-democracy groups. Greens wear Nebraska Green Party (NGP) shirts whenever possible and bring recycled cotton NGP grocery bags for shopping. It is important to create new patterns of thinking and acting as a simple reminder to others that there is an alternative to Washington insider political parties.

With the Steve Larrick campaign for U.S. Senate underway, the NGP recognizes it must use all forms of communication to get the word out about candidates and issues. Here is a partial list of ways NGP promotes itself and its candidates: a revised NGP website with sites on MySpace and Facebook; the “Green Focus” newsletter distributed in coffee houses and cooperating businesses in District 1 (Lincoln area); attending meetings and discussions at many community groups; conveying the Green spirit in personal communications with individuals; organizing specific events to energize voters and promote the idea there IS something people can actually DO to begin thinking about alternatives to violence, social injustice, discrimination, destruction of our environment, and corruption in the election process.

Desert Greens
It has been a busy fall for the Desert Greens Green Party of Utah. Co-Chair Deanna Taylor was a featured speaker at the Sep tember 29 Coalition anti-war event in Los Angeles, Troops Out Now! Her speech was well received by participants who wanted to learn more about the Green Party. See: http://gpuspeace.wordpress.com/page/9/

Desert Greens members also traveled to the School of the Americas Watch, annual Close the School of the Americas event in mid-November. Utah greens joined other greens at the event and helped with the Green Party table. See: http://www.desertgreens.org/soaw.html

Also the Desert Greens Green Party of Utah held its second annual Buy Nothing Day Winter Coat Drive in downtown Salt Lake City on November 23rd. The event doubled in size over the 2006 event with approximately 350 coats being donated and about 200 given away. Participants enjoyed live music and fellowship while learning the value of reducing consumerism, recycling and reusing. Left over coats were taken to Crossroads Urban Center Thrift Store, an advocacy organization for poverty issues. Two venues have already been secured for next year’s winter coat exchange, due to the growth of this year’s event. A special thanks to the Green Party of Rhode Island for the inspiration to do this!

Utah Greens continue to work on ballot access as of this writing and hope to be able to achieve the required status to run green candidates in 2008.

West Virginia Greens
The Mountain Party of West Virginia (WVMP) voted to officially join the Green Party of the United States at its state convention in July 2007. The first WVMP delegates to the GPUS, Karen Grubb and Jesse Johnson, attended the national Green Party convention July 2007 in Reading, PA.

WVMP chair Johnson is a GPUS candidate for president of the United States and formerly ran for West Virginia governor and U.S. senator. WVMP secretary Grubb is active in wilderness and energy-related issues with the West Virginia Environ mental Council (WVEC) and Sierra Club.

The Mountain Party first gained ballot status after 18 months of effort by hundreds of volunteers to place their first candidate for governor on the state ballot in 2000. The party surpassed the one percent requirement for party status when 1.6 percent of the total vote for governor went to novelist Denise Giardina. Jesse Johnson, using the ballot line won by Giardina, polled 2.5 percent for governor in 2004, preserving Mountain Party ballot access.

WVMP vice-chair Bob Henry Baber, poet, artist, and former candidate for governor, was the first Mountain Party member elected to public office when he became mayor of Richwood, WV in 2004. Former WVMP chair Gary Zuckett and WVMP treasurer Frank Young, also GPUS alternate delegate, are counted among those most responsible for the continuation of the Mountain Party as the only official third party in West Virginia. They both have a long history of involvement with a number of organizations that promote social and environmental issues in West Virginia.

In December 2004, when the WV Mountain Party endorsed the national Voter’s Bill of Rights, which called for a fair and accurate recount of the presidential race in Ohio and other states, Zuckett stated, “Voting is the bedrock of our democracy. When the accuracy and accessibility of our voting is in question, it rocks the foundation of our nation.” Zuckett currently works to represent the public interest before the state legislature as the executive director of the WV Citizens Action Group.

In 2006 Young was presented with the WVEC Mother Jones Award for two decades of environmental activism with the WV Highlands Conservancy. Recently Young has been working in support of wind turbines and net metering to reduce West Virginia’s reliance on coal.