The new Party phone number is 512-609-0336.

The next meeting of the Bastrop County Democratic Party will be March 14^th at 7pm at the Kerr Center.

The Texas Independence Day Rally has been cancelled and will be rescheduled as soon as a date can be confirmed for Senator Watson’s attendance.  Likely dates are the first or second Saturday in April.

Currently, in Bastrop County, the Democratic filings are:

423^rd District Court

Chris Duggan—unopposed at this time

Tax Assessor

Linda Harmon—unopposed at this time

Commissioner Precinct 1

Victor Gonzalez

Bill Peterson

Commissioner Precinct 3

John Klaus—republican opponent

Commissioners Precinct  4—3 republicans also running

Michael Flowers

Paul Magonye

Keith Joesel

Liston Crim

Constable Precinct 2

Gus Meduna—unopposed at this time

Constable Precinct 3

Matt Henderson

Alex Pena

Constable Precinct 4

Roy Pruneda—unopposed at this time

No Democratic candidate has filed for the County Sheriff position

No Democratic candidate has filed for Constable Precinct 1

No Democratic candidate has filed to run in 21^th District Court.

After the San Antonio court releases the new maps, the Bastrop County elections office will begin mailing new voter registration cards with the new voting precinct numbers on them.  All Commissioner precincts and voting precincts have been redrawn and the the voting precincts have been renumbered, so your precinct number and voting location may have changed.

The meeting date is changed to November 15 due to the Constitutional Amendment Election on the 8th.  If you have not early voted, please vote on the 8th.  Link to https://www.basropdemocrats.org  for voting times and locations.

A map of the new voting precincts and the number changes for them will be available to view at the meeting. Even if Bastrop County’s US Congressional and State House maps may be redrawn on the order of the judge in San Antonio, the voting precincts will stay pretty close to what was approved by the Commissioners Court on Oct 24th.

Because of the redistricting problems, the dates for filing have also been changed.  The new filing dates are now November 28 through December 15 at 6 pm. 

Rob Ryland will be presenting information on how to run for public office at this meeting.  If you are considering running for an office in this election, come hear Rob’s presentation and talk with us about how the BCDP can help you.

The December meeting is December 13 at 7pm at the Kerr Center.  It will be a Christmas Party with cookies and wassail.

2012 Primary Election Information

Places up for 2012 Primary Election and the Current Officer Holders

Sheriff:                                                     Terry Pickering
Tax Assessor-Collector:                            Linda Harmon
Commissioner, Precinct 1:                       William Pina
Commissioner, Precinct 3:                       John Klaus
Commissioner, Precinct 4                        Vivian Dildy; interim
Constable, Precinct 1:                              Dan Hall
Constable, Precinct 2:                              August Meduna Jr.
Constable, Precinct 3:                              Matthew Henderson
Constable, Precinct 4:                              Roy Pruneda
Bastrop County Democratic Party: Chairperson  Barbara Nichols
Bastrop County Democratic Party:  All Precinct Chairs
The December meeting is December 13 at 7pm at the Kerr Center.  It will be a Christmas Party with cookies and wassail.

2011 Special Constitutional Amendment Election

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Applications Accepted Between October 3 and November 15, 2011

The Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance (BCMA) has announced the distribution process for funds donated for victims of the Bastrop County fires (Bastrop, Cedar Creek, Smithville and surrounding areas in the County). Inspired by the model utilized by The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region (CFNCR) and the survivor fund for 9/11 victims, the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance has set forth guidelines, along with an application process to ensure the funds are distributed fairly to victims who meet the distribution criteria.

Though it is unknown exactly how many people we will serve, or what their emotional or financial needs will be, we believe it is the duty of the BCMA to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us for the fire victims and to utilize as our foundation the scripture found in Matthew 25:40 that reads “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The BCMA will administer a locally based disbursement of funds process that will provide intake and assessment for victims who meet the disbursement criteria and will process the applications for a one-time disbursal to victims of the Bastrop County Fires.

The victims will include persons who have lost their housing and are either underinsured or have no insurance.

Funds will be disbursed to only one individual per verified destroyed address.  There will be no discrimination based upon race, religion, creed, or sexual orientation.

The process for victims to apply for funds will begin October 3, 2011 and end November 15, 2011. In order to be eligible for funds, the following process must be followed.

1.  An application must be completed.

2.  An intake interview and assessment must be performed.

3.  Proof must be shown of a valid driver license or other evidence of identity.

4.  The address of the destroyed residence must be verified through showing rental agreement, FEMA card, utility bills, or some other evidence of occupation of the property by the person applying for the funds.

5.  Other information that may be required to verify information is a copy of insurance (for the underinsured), evidence of salary, disability determination, or other proof of financial resources available to the applicant.

Once all applications are evaluated, the distribution process will then begin on December 1, 2011.  All funds collected through November 30th will be disbursed to approved applicants according to their need as determined by the BCMA in accordance with its procedures.  This distribution process will be completed by December, 31, 2011.

On October 1^st applications will be available in Spanish and in English at any First National Bank locations, area churches, online at bcmatx.org or by calling (512)718-1833 or (512)718-7823 to set an appointment.

The BCMA will continue to receive and process financial contributions for fire victims through November 30, 2011.

When all victims are served and the disbursement of funds is completed, a summary report will be provided to the office of the Bastrop County Judge with supporting documentation.

The Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance is dedicating this effort to the courageous survivors whose ongoing individual journeys have inspired us to the scripture in Philippians 4:13 that reads “we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength.”

The Secretary of State and her staff would like to extend their sympathy to all Texans affected by wildfires around the state. As emergency relief efforts continue, we would also like to provide information with regards to the upcoming November 8, 2011 constitutional amendment election.

We realize that evacuation is a difficult experience and that voters may not be certain of their short-term or long-term living arrangements. However, certain basic procedures still apply. Voters who have been displaced have several options for voting in the November 8, 2011 election.

Voter Registration and Residence. Regarding residence, our advice to people displaced by the wildfires is the same as to any other person—the voter is the one who decides what the voter considers to be home. If a voter relocated to another county before or after the wildfires, and has decided to stay in their new county, they may register to vote in their new county. Voters in this situation must submit a new voter registration application in their new county of residence no later than October 11, 2011 in order to vote in the November election. However, if a person has been relocated and is unsure when they can return to their home county, but intends to return, then that person can maintain their voter registration in their home county (or apply to register if not already registered).

Voter Identification. The new photo identification requirements do not apply until 2012, once preclearance has been obtained. You may also receive questions from voters who lost documents in the fire. When voting in person during the November 8, 2011 election, a voter must show either the voter registration certificate or a form of authorized identification (I.D.).

If a voter is able to return to their home, they will likely vote as usual in their county. The counties hardest hit by the wildfires are still evaluating the state of their polling places, and there will likely be changes in voting locations, but it appears that all counties will be able to conduct voting during early voting and election day. It may be a few more weeks before final polling places will be ascertained. In local notices, counties may wish to emphasize early voting by personal appearance, especially if voters have relocated to temporary quarters within the same county, but away from their usual neighborhood.

A voter away from their county of residence may apply for a ballot by mail from their home county. Voters wishing to vote by mail must submit an application for ballot by mail to their county election office; the application must be received no later than Tuesday, November 1, 2011. On the application, the voter must indicate that they will be out of their home county during early voting and on election day. Voters need to provide a mailing address for the ballot which is outside of their home county.

Our office will continue to work with local election officials to ensure that all Texas voters are able to participate in a fair, credible, and efficient election. Voters with specific questions may contact the Elections Division, toll-free at (800) 252-VOTE (8683) or visit our website for updated information.

A message from the Secretary of State

Because of the enormity of Bastrop Complex fire, it would not be easily or quickly extinguished. A second fire called the Cedar Creek Fire flared up on the west side of Bastrop.   As the evacuees from the fire began to filter into Bastrop, it became apparent that the need would be huge, and the evacuees began to look for shelter, food and clothing. Many left their homes with just the clothes on their backs and their pets.

Companies and individuals from across Texas brought much needed supplies for the victims and fire fighters.  Local restaurants and restaurants from Austin provided meals for fire fighters, emergency personnel and evacuees.  Companies sent linens, personal care items and cleaning supplies.  Ranchers, hay producers and pet food companies sent food for the displaced animals.

Over at Jaunita Jean’s, The Worlds Most Dangerous Beauty Salon, Inc.,  Juanita’s typist Susan DuQuesnay Bankston (Wife of Don Bankston, State Senate District 18 Executive Committee) got to thinking about the horrific Labor Day Weekend wildfire burning in Bastrop County.  Since “not doing nothing” is not the way of Jaunita Jean and her customers, Juanita Jean sent out a call for “A dollar for a Democrat.” Her web site is http://juanitajean.com/

Juanita Jean’s call went out on a Wednesday and by Friday my mail box started filling up.  Every day more and more mail came in.  Friends of Juanita Jean from as far away as Canada, and Democrats from across the US responded with an outpouring of support.  58 people responded with checks and cash totaling $1405 to be given to the BCMA.  All the money collected by the Ministerial Alliance will be distributed to the fire victims to help relieve their hardships.  Some Juanita Jean customers sent money specifically for BCDP members.  At the September meeting of the BCDP one of the precinct chairs who lost her home, as well as the other precinct chairs, voted to donate the monies designated for them to the Alliance.

Many members of the BCDP lost their homes.  I do not have a complete count, but have been able to verify that one precinct chair, two past precinct chairs, one delegate to the TDP Nominations Committee, one Election Judge, and eight other democratic activists have lost their homes. A quick search on VAN indicates that approximately 200 Double D’s live in the burn area.  It is likely that most of them lost their homes. In total, over 1500 homes were lost and thousands of people were displaced in the Bastrop Complex fire.  In the Cedar Creek fire 24 homes were destroyed.

I have always been proud to be a Democrat. And, to paraphrase Michelle Obama … Today I could not be prouder… of DEMS.   I do not have enough words to express my gratitude to the friends of Juanita Jean who responded when the need of their fellow citizens was so great.  A big heartfelt “Thank You” to Susan and Juanita Jean’s friends for your outpouring of support and concern for Bastrop County and the Bastrop County Democrats.

If Texas can survive 10 years of Rick Perry, Bastrop County can survive a couple wild fires.

Together We Can

Barbara Nichols

Chair, BCDP

512-745-3326

January 6, 2012 – First Day to apply for Ballot by Mail
February 6, 2012 – Last day to register to vote for the 2012 Primary (close of business)
21 – First Day of Early Voting for Primary
28 – Last day to apply for Ballot by Mail (Received, not Postmarked)
March 2, 2012 – Last day of Early Voting for Primary
March 6 – Primary Election day (7am-7pm)
6 – Precinct Conventions (7pm)
24 – County/Senate District Conventions

Texas on the Brink

A Report from the Texas Legislative Study Group

The State of Our State

LSG serves as a primary conduit for the flow of information to legislators on the House floor, during the legislative session. Full time, expert staff focused on key policy areas provide detailed analysis of bills which fall into one of five areas of interest: education, environment, budget, health and human services, and worker and consumer issues. Each area of interest has a specific LSG staff member assigned to track and analyze legislation.

How Texas Ranks Among the 50 States

February 2011 ~ Fifth Edition

We’re #1

Percent of Uninsured Children 1st

Percent of Population Uninsured 1st

Percent of Non-Elderly Uninsured 1st

Amount of Carbon Dioxide Emissions 1st

Amount of Volatile Organic Compounds  Released into Air  1st

Amount of Toxic Chemicals Released into Water  1st

Amount of Recognized Cancer-Causing Carcinogens Released into Air   1st

Amount of Hazardous Waste Generated 1st

Number of Executions        1^st

Bottom of the Barrel

Percent of Population 25 and Older with a High School Diploma  50^th

State & Local Expenditures per Pupil in Public Schools   44^th

Percent of Population with Employer-Based Health Insurance  48^th

Per Capita State Spending on Mental Health  50^th

Health Care Expenditures per Capita    44^th

Percent of Non-Elderly Women without Health Insurance     50^th

Workers’ Compensation Coverage     50^th

Homeowner’s Insurance Affordability      46th

Percent of Voting-Age Population that Votes 45th

Women’s Voter Turnout 49th

You don’t like these numbers …

Do something about it.

Get Involved:

• Call, write, or demonstrate at the Texas State Legislature
• Write letters to the editor of your local paper
• Run for office
• Talk to friends and neighbors about the sad state of affairs our state is in because of years of neglect by Governor Perry and the Republican Legislature and the new disasters they are creating during the current legislative session.
• Support your local Democratic Party—come to meetings and events, and donate time and/or financial support.

Bastrop County Democratic Party

 Kerr Center in  Bastrop

Call  512-745-3326 for Information on future meetings

September 8 — Regular Meeting

October 14 — CEC Meeting

November15 — Regular Meeting

December 13 — Regular Meeting

Meetings are open meetings and attendence and participation by all Democrats is encouraged.