LANE DEMS PACK THE HOUSE FOR PIERCY & STAPP

Lane County Democrats were standing-room only July's DPLC General Membership Meeting on Thursday night.  An enthusiastic audience in in the EWEB training room heard Mayor Kitty Piercy lay out her goals for Eugene's future.  "We are finding a balance between business and environmental stewardship," Piercy said.  "We are working with people from all corners of the political spectrum to make Eugene the best city it can be."  Piercy received a standing-ovation.

KOPT Radio host, Nancy Stapp, wow'd the crowd with a moving and often humorous talk about radio, gay rights, politics and her recent move to Oregon.  "My friends say I moved to Disneyland," Stapp said. "You know, I live on Friendly Street and talk with Mayor Kitty."  (Stapp can be heard every weekday morning from six to nine on KOPT, AM 1600).

In the Legislative update, Representatives Phil Barnhart, Paul Holvey and Terry Beyer reported the last minute shenanigans of House Speaker Karen Minnis regarding SB1000, the Civil Unions Bill. 

"There's nothing left of the original bill," Barnhart said. "The Republican majority is providing no information, no time, and no opportunity for debate."

Holvey lamented the lack of communication between the two sides of the aisle. "We are presented information half-an-hour before a vote, with no discussion, he said. "The only solution is to elect more Democrats to the House in the next election." That declaration evoked applause and cheers from the partisan crowd.

Beyer held out some hope. "We are having some successes, small ones," she reported. "We need to work together to bring more Democratic representation to the House. It would solve a lot of problems."

The DPLC Executive Committee also presented a new Membership Program.  DPLC Public Relations Chair Ron Burley introduced the details, which will allow every registered Democrat in Lane County to become "a card carrying member of the DPLC."  Membership has it's privileges. Card-carrying DPLC members will receive the monthly email newsletter, invitations to VIP member-only events (such as the recent Blumenauer Ice Cream Social) and will have the knowledge that they are doing their part to further the progressive goal of their local Democratic Party.  Membership dues are according to a self-defining sliding scale from $1 per month to $1000 per year. DPLC Chair Val Hoyle presented a framed membership card #1 to Mayor Piercy.  PR Chair Burley auctioned off cards #2 and #3.  KOPT host Nancy Stapp snapped up #2 for $100.  A bidding battle ensued over card number three between State Representatives Barnhart and Holvey.  After several minutes, Holvey took home #3 with a winning bid of $150. You can become a card-carrying DPLC member too. Click here to find out how.

Earlier, in the business meeting, the DPLC voting membership (Officers & PCP's) approved a resolution supporting the planned Nobel Laureates Memorial to be constructed in Alton Baker Park.  They also formally approved the new membership category.

The next DPLC General Membership meeting will be on August 11, in Florence. Car-pooling will be available. See our Event Calendar for details.