WesT Austin democrats

No meeting April 2025

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West Austin Democrats

Meeting Tuesday March 18

Starts 6:00

Yarborough Branch Austin Public Library

2200 Hancock

Austin ISD aND 2025 LEGISLATURE

Meet Your 2024 Democratic

Travis Central Appraisal Board Candidates –

Early Voting April 22 – 30 Election Day: Saturday, May 4, 2024

FAIR, ACCOUNTABLE, QUALIFIED LEADERSHIP

Our appraisals need to be fair and accurate, so all school districts, cities, special districts, and Travis County get the funding they need for schools, parks, roads, and public safety.

Why this election matters: Due to a recent change in state law, voters will be required to elect 3 members of the Travis Central Appraisal Board (TCAD BOD).

The TCAD BOD hires the Chief Appraiser and appoints the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). A new requirement is that at least 2 elected members of the TCAD BOD mustagree on any appointment to the ARB. This is important because the ARB hears all valuation protests. This could create issues if the members of the ARB grant most or all valuation protests. Clearly, this would mean less funding for all local governmental entities. Many do not realize that the Comptroller audits school district valuations every two years. Should the Comptroller find the district has undervalued the rolls, our school districts would be in the unfortunate position of having to make up the difference. This has happened in at least 3 districts. This is NOT the way to reduce taxes.

Turnout for this election is expected to be 3% and party affiliation will not be listed on the ballot.

Place 1: Jett Hanna is a native Texan who came to Austin in 1980 for law school. He is a retired attorney who was board certified in commercial real estate law and served on the Appraisal Board from 1988 to 1990. As a Senior Vice President, Jett helped his insurance company improve from a C- to an A Best Rating. He is currently a member of the Texas Supreme Court Professional Ethics Committee. His opponent is Republican Don Zimmerman

Website: https://www.jetthanna.com To Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/jett-hanna-campaign-1/

Place 2: Shenghao Daniel Wang grew up in Austin. After graduating from LASA, he studied math in college, then attended Harvard law school. Upon graduation, he returned home where he now practices electricity regulation and focuses on building a more sustainable, resilient grid. He co-leads the Austin Asian Professional Network and volunteers for other organization. His opponents are Matt Mackowiak, Travis County Republican Party Chair and Jonathan Patschke, Travis County Treasurer of Libertarian Party.

Website: https://www.danielfortcad.com To Donate: https://www.danielfortcad.com/#donate

Place 3: Dick Lavine is a Harvard educated lawyer and chartered financial analyst; Dick has spent a lifetime serving the public interest. He has worked for Every Texas, a nonprofit working to strengthen public policy to expand opportunity and equity for Texans of all backgrounds. He is a trustee of the City of Austin Employees Retirement System and proud board member of the union of retired state workers. His opponent is Bill May, a longtime republican voter.

Website: https://www.dicklavinefortcad.com/ To Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dick-lavine-tcad-campaign-1

Let’s turn out Democrats for this election and maintain local control of our of local government.

Winter Party 2023

Saturday DECEMBER 16

Hosted By

Jan Soifer & Pat o’Connell

Meeting: Sheriff SallY Hernandez

FENTYNAL & STAFFING

Wednesday March 8 Social 6;:00 to 6:30 Program Before 7:00

Rudy’s BBQ 3914 N Lamar Private Room

Those attending go through the service line If they want to get food and drinks

The room is open, lots of space, not crowded seating

Meeting - Texas Legislative Session

Wednesday February 8 6:30pm

Rudy’s BBQ 3914 N Lamar Private Room

Members of our Local Legislative Team

Discussing the Session - Actions and Expectations

Social time starting 6:00 to 6:30 Program at 7:00

Those attending go through the service line If they want to get food and drinks

The room is open, lots of space, not crowded seating

Holiday Party Wednesday December 7

Joint with North X Northwest Dems, Central Austin Dems,

and West Austin Dems

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

June Meeting 2022

Wednesday June 29

Rudy’s BBQ 3914 N. Lamar Private Room

Julie Oliver - Speaking on Finding and Engaging New Voters

GROUND GAME TEXAS is working to Find New and to Engage Existing Dem Voters in usually Rep areas

Social Time Starting 6:00 to 6:30 Program 7:00

Those attending go through the Service Line if they want to get Food and Drink

The room is Spacious and Open - Seating is not crowded - Our May meeting worked great

West Austin Democrats 2022 Primary Endorsement

December Party - Sunday Dec 12 - 4pm - 6pm

Check E-Mail for Details

ZOOM Meeting Wednesday JUNE 2 5:30pm

Judge Brandy Mueller Speaker

Travis County Youth Offender Program

Project Engage

Regular Business

No In-Person Meetings until libraries reopen and rules on gatherings change.

West Austin Democrats

Candidate Endorsements – November 2020

West Austin Dems have endorsed the following candidates in the Austin City Council and the AISD Races for the Election Nov. 2020.

Austin City Council:

D-10 Alison Alter

D-7 Leslie Pool

Austin Independent School District

D-3 Kevin Foster

D-5 Lynn Boswell

At-Large Noelita Lugo

The Slate of officers for 2020-2021 was elected without dissent.

Meeting March 2020

West Austin Democrats

Tuesday MARch 10 6:45 HOWSON LIBRARY

Dyana Limon-Mercado -- Travis County Dem Updates

David Butts -- Primary Wrap Up

Primary Endorsements 2020

Endorsements Voted January 9th

Endorsements Voted February 5th

December Party

West Austin Democrats

2019 December Party

Hosted by Judge Jan Soifer and Pat O’Connell

Sunday December 8 4:00 to 7:00

Meeting November 2019

Casa Marianella

Jennifer Long, director

Winter apparel donation

Jackets, Wraps, Headgear, Gloves

Meeting October 2019

Wednesday October 2 6:45 Howson Branch Library

Items on the Ballot in November Election

Tom Whatley and Eric Hartman

Meeting September 2019

Wednesday September 4 6:45 Howson Branch Library

Congressional District 10

Mike Siegel

Pritesh Gandhi

Shannon Hutcheson

West Austin Democrats August Meeting

** Meeting – Thursday August 8 **

6:45pm Howson Library

Voting Changes
New Systems & No Straight Party Tickets

Dana DeBeauvoir

Travis County Clerk

West Austin / Central Austin Democrats Summer Party

at the home of

Hon. Brandy and Aaron Mueller

Saturday July 13, 2019 Starts at 4pm

Pot Luck: Bring Appetizer, Salad, or Dessert

Ham & Brisket provided Tea & Drinks also provided

Please RSVP to WestAustinDems@gmail.com

Meeting Wednesday June 5

Wednesday June 5 6:45 Howson Branch Library

Alison Alter - Update on Land development Code rewrite

Meeting Wednesday May 1

Wednesday May 1 6:45 Howson Branch Library

Justin Nelson – 2020

Officer Election

The Current Officers Running as Slate

Meeting Tuesday April 9

Meeting – Tuesday April 9

6:45pm Howson Library

Voting Rights in Texas

Stephanie Schweitzer Garza,

Director of Strategic Partnerships,

Texas Civil Rights Project,

MEeting Wednesday March 6

Howson Library 6:45PM

Dist 49 Rep. Gina Hinojosa

Meeting Wednesday February 6

Howson Library 6:45pm

Trump's Immigration Policies & the Border Crisis

Discussion with Austin attorneys

Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch and Pooja Sethi

“Many thanks to Donna Howard, Representative Texas House District 48, and Vikki Goodwin, Representative Texas House District 47, for presenting an enlightening preview of the Legislative session to come.”

Meeting Wednesday January 2, 2019

Our State Legislators Discuss the New Legislative Session

Wednesday January 2

6:45 Howson Branch Library

December Party 2018

West Austin Democrats

North X Northwest Democrats

2018 December Party

Hosted by Judge Jan Soifer and Pat O’Connell

Saturday December 15

6:00 to 9:00

The club will provide Brisket and Turkey and some Drinks

You bring Appetizer, Sides, or Dessert

And, bring a friend or potential member

You must RSVP to your invitation. When you reply we will send you the particulars, including a map. If you need special parking or access, tell us in the RSVP and arrangements will be made.

***West Austin Democrats* *Meeting Dates for 2019***

Meetings are at Austin Public Library - Howson Branch.

Meetings are on the First Wednesday except as indicated

Meetings begin at 6:45pm

Wednesday / JANUARY 2 Wednesday / FEBRUARY 6 Wednesday / MARCH 6

*Tuesday / APRIL 9 Wednesday / MAY 1 Wednesday / JUNE 5

--No meeting in JULY due to POTLUCK; date TBD *Thursday / AUGUST 8

Wednesday / SEPT 4 Wednesday / OCTOBER 2 Wednesday / NOV 6

--No meeting in DECEMBER due to HOLIDAY PARTY; date TBD

November 2018 Meeting

Monday Nov. 19 6:45 Howson Library

A POST-ELECTION DISCUSSION OF

NOVEMBER 2018 VOTING RESULTS

With David Butts

Early voting starts Monday, October 22!

Endorsed candidates:

Beto O'Rourke, Lupe Valdez, Steve Kling, Sheryl Cole, Judge Gisela Triana, Chari Kelly, Judge John Lipscombe, Margaret Gomez, and Judge Nancy Hohengarten.

Local elections:

Mayor - Laura Morrison
City Council District 9 - Kathie Tovo
AISD trustee Place 9 - Arati Singh
ACC Place 7 - Barbara Mink
ACC Place 8 - Stephanie Gharakhanian
ACC Place 9 - Julie Ann Nitsch

Thanks to all for coming out and helping make our endorsement meeting a success!

West Austin Democrats endorse the following candidates:

Mayor - Laura Morrison

City Council District 9 - Kathie Tovo

AISD trustee Place 9 - Arati Singh

ACC Place 7 - Barbara Mink

ACC Place 8 - Stephanie Gharakhanian

ACC Place 9 - Julie Ann Nitsch

special thanks to our committees who interviewed the candidates and came prepared to make recommendations and lead the discussion.

West Austin Democrats Meeting

Monday October 8th

Howson Library 6:45pm

Endorsement of Candidates for:

- Mayor -

- Council Place 9 –

- ACC – AISD -

Our interview committees will report their findings. Member will comment.

We expect a problem with overcrowding the meeting room. Please don’t be loud and disturb the Library, it may prevent us using the room next year.

As early as we can get settled, we will check-in members, take dues from those needing to renew, hand out ballots. The votes will be counted following the meeting, with results posted on the web http://www.westaustindemocrats.org

TCDP Roast of Donna Beth McCormick

Saturday, September 15
6:00pm-8:00pm
JW Marriott Austin
110 E Second St.
Austin, TX 78701

Get Your Tickets at:

https://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/roast-of-donna-beth-mccormick/

upcoming meetings

SEPTEMBER - THURSDAY SEPT 13 - A discussion with candidates for Austin City Council and ACC Board of Trustees

OCTOBER - MONDAY OCT 8 - Club Endorsement Votes for City of Austin Mayor, Austin City Council District 9 and ACC Board of Trustees

NOVEMBER - MONDAY NOV 19 - A post-election discussion of November 2018 voting results

DECEMBER - December 15 Party at the Home of Judge Jan Soifer - Details upon RSVP.

ALL MEETINGS ARE 6:45PM AT HOWSON LIBRARY BRANCH 2500 EXPOSITION

“Thanks to all for joining us at our August 9 meeting for a great discussion with the Mayoral Candidates, Mayor Steve Adler, Former Council Member Laura Morrison, Alex Stringer and Travis Duncan.”

Mayor Steve Adler

Former City Council Member and

current Mayoral candidate Laura Morrison

Candidate Alex Stringer

Candidate Travis Duncan

August 2018 Meeting

Thursday August 9th

Howson Library 6:00 (New TIme)

Join us for a discussion of issues with the mayoral candidates

West Austin / Central Austin Democrats Summer Party

Sunday, July 15, 2017

“Thanks to all for coming out for this great event, including Judge Julie Kocurek, Judge Karen Sage, Judge Jan Soifer, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Bruce Elfant, Judge (and hostess!) Brandy Mueller, Judge Nancy Hohengarten, Judge Kim Williams, Former Commissioner Karen Sonleitner, and candidates for office, Mayor Steve Adler, Former Council Member Laura Morrison, Mike Siegel, (representative for) Julie Oliver, Rich DePalma and Chari Kelly.”

Club Officers at Summer Party

Hosted by the Honorable Brandy and Aaron Mueller

Mayor Steve Adler

Former City Council Member Laura Morrison

West Austin Democrats Vice President Joe Reynolds and Chari Kelly, Candidate, Place 3, Third Court of Appeals

Save the Date!

July 15, 2018

Summer Meeting

at the home of

HON. BRANDY AND AARON MUELLER

Sunday JULY 15

4 pm

Details to Follow

June Meeting

At June's meeting, Sheriff Hernandez spoke about current initiatives at the Travis County Jail including voter registration of inmates and her focus on re-entry and mental health.

Monday June 4th

Howson Library 6:45

Travis County, A Year Farther Along

Sheriff Sally Hernandez

May 2018 Meeting

Thursday May 10th

Howson Library 6:45

The Indivisible Movement In Texas

Lisa Goodgame - Indivisible ATX

&

Election of Officers

April 2018 Meeting

Thursday April 12th

Howson Library 6:45pm

Rep. Donna howard

The Election and Next Legislative Session

Discussion of Officers for May

West Austin Democrats Election

March 2018 Meeting

Thursday March 8th 6:45pm

Howson Library

The Importance of Courts and Who Serves

Judge Gisela Triana

also: A Brief Review of the Primary Results

Endorsement Results February 2018

Uncontested races were endorsed by acclimation

Club Endorsements: Sole endorsements of candidates or propositions require at least 60% support from members who vote in that race at the endorsement meeting. Dual endorsements result when two alternatives receive more than 40% support and there are more than two alternatives. A 'quorum' of 15 votes are required for a race to be counted.

February 2018 Meeting

West Austin Democrats Endorsement Meeting

Thursday February 8 Howson Library 6:45 - 8:45

Current Members can renew and pay dues at the meeting

New Members must have joined 25 days in advance

January 2018 Meeting

West Austin Democrats

January 11th [2nd Thursday] 6:45pm Howson Library

Candidate Forum – Meet and Greet the Candidates

Candidates for National, State, and Local Offices

Are Invited to Present Themselves and Their Candidacy

We’ll Organize Endorsement Committees to

Present a Recommendation at the February Meeting

MEETINGS for 2018

Meetings for 2018 have been set:

January - Thursday Jan 11

February - Thursday Feb 8

March - Thursday Mar 8

April - Thursday April 12

May - Thursday May 10

June - Monday June 4

July - No Meeting: Party

August - Thursday Aug 9

September - Thursday Sept 13

October - Monday Oct 8

November - Monday Nov 19

December - No Meeting: Party

All meetings are 6:45pm at Howson Library Branch 2500 Exposition

December Party

West Austin Democrats Party

'Pot-Luck' Party Saturday December 16 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Hosted by Judge Jan Soifer

The club will provide meat and drinks, you bring sides and dessert

Please RSVP to Invitation

November Meeting

West Austin Democrats will not hold regular November Meeting

Our Meeting Room is Preempted by the Election

And we could not find suitable replacement space

Representative Beto O’Rourke

Candidate for U.S. Senate

October 22nd at 1:00pm

The University of Texas at Austin

Burdine Hall, Room 106.

Click here for a map of Burdine Hall.

October Meeting

Issues on November ballot

Wednesday October 4

6:45 Howson Library

Kendall Pace - AISD Bonds

Brigid Shea - Travis County Bonds

September Meeting

Update by Lloyd Doggett's Office

Wednesday September 6

6:45pm Howson Branch Library

Courtney Toretto – Speaker

Discussion / Questions / Answers

Summer Meeting

West Austin / Central Austin Democrats Summer Party

at the home of

Hon. Brandy and Aaron Mueller

Saturday July 29 4-7PM

Pot Luck - Ham & Brisket Provided, Tea & Drinks Provided

Bring New Members - Get Current on Dues

June Meeting

West Austin Democrats -- June Meeting

Wednesday June 7, 6:45pm Howson Branch

Legislative Staff Discuss the Session

We’ve Invited our Panel of Staffers to Discuss the Results of the Session

Bruce Elfant's 25th Ice Cream Social

Sunday May 21 Starts 1-pm

This is the last Ice Cream Social!

Sunday May 21st,

at the Moose Lodge 2103 E M. Franklin Ave, Austin, TX 78723

Then there's a follow-up social at Scholtz's

with the Austin Lounge Lizards

Details and tickets at this link

https://www.facebook.com/events/1351180151592565/

May Meeting

West Austin Democrats -- May Meeting

Wednesday May 3, 6:45pm Howson Branch

Election of Officers for 2017-2018

The following Officers were elected

President: Nancy Nicolas

Vice President: Sue Berkel

Secretary: Joe Reynolds

Treasurer: Ruben Valdez

Candidates for 21st Congressional District

Presentation by OneVoice

A coalition of nonprofit health and human service organizations

Potential Social Impact of State and Federal Policies

Social following meeting at Beer Plant, 3110 Windsor Rd, just across Exposition

April Meeting

West Austin Democrats

Thursday April 13

[Different Day]

6:45pm Howson Branch Library

Legislative Staffers and Capitol Watchers

Give Us Update on Session

The meeting date has been changed from the normal 'First Wednesday' because construction at another branch moved those events to the meeting room. In May we return to normal scheduling.

March Meeting

West Austin Democrats

March Meeting – Different Date

6:45pm Thursday March 9th Howson Branch Library

How to Meet and Influence Your Texas Legislator

Sara Speights
Joe Reynolds

Discussion and Vote on Appointment Candidates for JP5

February Meeting

6:45pm Wednesday February 1st

Howson Branch Library

1. Criminal Justice: Travis County's New Leadership
with Sheriff Sally Hernandez and District Attorney Margaret Moore

2. The Making of the March: Reflections from Women's March in Austin Co-Organizer Sylvia Holmes

3. Discussion of Indivisible: A Practical Guide to Resisting the Trump Agenda; and follow-up steps and action planning

January Meeting

Council Member Leslie Pool

City Issues

Search for City Manager, APD Chief, and Police Monitor

Howson Branch Library

6:45pm Wednesday January 4th

December - Holiday Party

Holiday Party

West Austin Democrats & Central Austin Democrats

December 8th 5:30 to 7:30

The Home of Liz and Sen. Kirk Watson

See your invitation and RSVP

November Meeting - Not Regular Day

November Meeting

6:45pm Thursday November 10th

Howson Branch Library

CapMetro Route Resolution & Election Initial Insight and Discussion

October Meeting

Voting Rights Update

Mimi Marziani

Executive Director - Texas Civil Rights Project

Discussion of Endorsements

AISD District 2, AISD at-large Position 8, and ACC Place 4,5,6,& 9

Wednesday Oct 5, 6:45 Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition

Endorsements - Wednesday October 5

AISD District 2 - Jayme Mathias

AISD Position 8 - David Quintanilla

ACC 4 - Sean Hassan

ACC 5 - Thomas Miranda

ACC 6 - Nora de Hoyos Comstock

ACC9 - Guadalupe "Lupe" Sosa

Endorsement Meeting - Wednesday September 7

Wednesday September 7th 6:45 at Howson Branch Library

Voting endorsements for the November Election

Council District – 2 Delia Garza

Council District – 4 Greg Casar

Council District – 6 Jimmy Flannigan

Council District – 7 Leslie Pool

Council District – 10 Alison Alter

Austin Transportation Bonds YES

. . . for new members, dues must be paid 25 days before any voting privileges come into effect. Continuing members (i.e., those who were current in their dues the previous year) may renew by the beginning of the meeting for full voting privileges to continue.

Club Endorsements: Sole endorsements of candidates or propositions require at least 60% support from members who vote in that race at the endorsement meeting. Dual endorsements result when two alternatives receive more than 40% support and there are more than two alternatives.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016 – Presidential Joint General and Special Elections

Last Day to Register to VoteTuesday, October 11, 2016 *

First Day of Early VotingMonday, October 24, 2016

Last Day to Accept Ballot by Mail Applications (received, not postmarked)Friday, October 28, 2016

Last Day of Early VotingFriday, November 4, 2016

July Summer Party

West Austin Democrats

Annual Summer Pot-Luck Party

Saturday July 9th Starts at 4:00pm

At the home of

Judge Brandy and Aaron Mueller

Main course and drinks provided.

Please bring a side or dessert to share

Kid's Activities & Treats --- Membership Renewal

Meeting June 2016

6:45pmWednesday June 1st

Howson Branch Library

Meet The National Delegate Candidates

We’ve invited the candidates to make a short statement

Then, there will be questions from members

July meeting is the Summer Picnic

Bruce Elfant Ice Ceam Social

See you all Sunday at the party!

http://elfantfortaxassessor.com/ice-cream-social/

May 2016

Elections - Elections - Elections

Dana DeBeauvoir

Business: Election of Officers

Wednesday May 4th 6:45pm

Olive & June Restaurant

Located 3411 Glenview [Near Kerbey Ln and 35th St]

[Howson Branch is unavailable due to Early Voting]

Complementary Valet Parking

Elevator to 3rd Floor

Free Beer, Cash Bar for Wine, Seating for Program

MARCH 2016

What Happened

Mark Littlefield Speaking on the election results

6:45pm March 2nd

Howson Branch Library

February 2016

West Austin Democrats

February Meeting

6:45pm Wednesday February 3rd

Howson Branch Library

Candidate Endorsements

The endorsement committees Reported their conclusions, and current members voted to endorse the Following

State Representative District 49 - Gina Hinojosa

District Court 345 - Jan Soifer

District Court 427 - Jim Coronado

District Court 450 - Brad Urrutia

Travis County District Attorney - Gary Cobb

Travis County Sheriff - No Endorsement

In addition, the following races were endorsed by acclamation:

Congress D-10 Scot Gallaher

Congress D-17 William Matta

Congress D-21 Tom Wakely

Congress D-25 Kathi Thomas

Congress D-35 Lloyd Doggett

State Senator D-21 Judith Zaffirini

State Senator D-21 Virginia Leeder

State Rep D-46 Dwanna Dukes

State Rep D-47 Ana Jordan

State Rep D-48 Donna Howard

State Rep D-50 Celia Israel

State Rep D-51 Eddie Rodriguez

District Judge D-53 Scott Jenkins

District Judge D-98 Rhonda Hurley

District Judge D-126 Darlene Byrne

District Judge D-167 David Wahlberg

District Judge D200 Gisela Triana

District judge D353 Tim Sulak

District Judge D390 Julie Kocurek

County Criminal Court #8 Carlos Barrera

County Criminal Court #9 Kim Williams

County Attorney David Escamilla

County Tax Assessor Bruce Elfant

Precinct #5 Constable Carlos Lopez

In contested races, West Austin Democrats By-Laws require a 60% vote to gain an endorsement. A joint endorsement requires the top two candidates to both receive at least a 40% vote in races with more than two candidates.

January 2016

West Austin Democrats

January Meeting

Candidate's Free for All

Wednesday January 6th 6:45pm

Howson Branch Library

Candidates make short presentations in order they sign-in at the meeting.

Separate interview reports will be made at the February meeting with endorsement votes.

December 2015

West Austin Democrats

Holiday Pot-Luck Party

Wednesday December 16

Starting 6 pm

AFL – CIO Hall 1106 Lavaca

Parking Available

November 2015

Meet Him and Greet Him

Come meet the new

Travis County Democratic Chairman

Vincent Harding

Meet candidate for Congressional District 21

Tom Wakely

election returns and the plan forward

----

Wednesday November 4, 2015 6:45pm

Howson Library 2500 Exposition

Save the Date: Dec 16 is the Winter Party

October 2015

New Courthouse

There will be Endorsement Presentations and a Vote

Presentation on the Constitutional Amendments on the November Ballot

6:45pm Wednesday October 7th

Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition

September 2015

New Courthouse

To be or not to be. That is the question.

Genevieve Van Cleve and Roger Cauvin
the for and against regarding the new courthouse.

6:45pm Wednesday September 2

Howson Branch Library

August 2015

No Program in August

See you September 2nd

July 2015

Annual Summer Pot-Luck Party

Saturday July 25th Starts at 5pm

At the home of Judge Brandy and Aaron Mueller

Main course and drinks will be provided

Please bring a side or dessert to share

June 2015

Eric Hartman
The Legislative Session

Elections for the next year

6:45pm Wednesday June 3

Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition

May 2015

Margret Frain Wallace
Chief of Staff for
Roland Garza (d) San Antonio

The Bills are in!
How does it go down from here?

6:45pm Wednesday May 6
Howson Branch Library

April 2015 - No meeting

The regular April Meeting of West Austin Democrats conflicts with the

Johnson Bentsen Richards Dinner, and speaker

Sen. Bernie Sanders

Register for the dinner at:

http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org

Our previously scheduled April program will be rescheduled for May

March 2015

Gina Hinojosa

AISD Board President

New Changes New Challenges

Wednesday March 4, 2015 6:45

Howson Library 2500 Exposition

February 2015

Chief Deputy Sheriff Jim Sylvester

Travis County Sheriff's Department

February 4th at 6:45

Howson Branch Library

2500 Exposition

January 2015

Analysis of Austin City Elections

With

David Butts

Wednesday January 14

Howson Branch Library 6:45pm

December 2014

City Council Place-10 Endorsement

Mandy Dealey

Holiday Pot Luck Party

Wednesday December 10, 2013

Starting at 6:00pm

Home of Kelly and Judge Kocurek

We will have a short discussion and vote endorsements

for Mayor and District 10

Please bring a prospective member as a guest.

Also bring item for Capital Area Food Bank.

Turkey, Ham and soft drinks provided.

Members may bring side dishes, bread,

desserts, and preferred beverages.

November 2014

West Austin Democrats

November 2014 Meeting

The State of Family Violence in Travis County

with Dana Nelson

Author of The Family Violence Resource Notebook

17 Year Family Violence Prosecutor.

and

City Election Breakdown

with Rick Cofer

Wednesday Nov. 5th 6:45pm

Howson Branch 2500 Exposition

Save the date: Christmas Party Dec 10

October 2014

Where the Bodies Are Buried

Jordan Smith

Former Austin Chronicle Political Beat Writer

Wednesday October 1, 2014 6:45PM

Howson Library 2500 Exposition Austin, TX 78703

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 2014

10:1 Here We Come

District 9-10 Candidate Forum

and

Rail Affordability

with Bill Oakey

Wednesday Sept. 3, 2014 6:45 pm

Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition

The meeting was well attended, and filled the room into the hallway.

Candidates signed-in on arrival and were given about 7 minutes to speak in that order. They fielded questions from the floor. No endorsement votes were taken since the by-laws, based on the percentages required in contested races, would have caused a series on "no-endorse" results. But, the candidates present and their presentations gave members a good basis for selection. The candidates were not screened on Democrat/Republican/ or other party association.

The forum ended about 8:25 and Bill Oakey spoke about the upcoming Rail Bonds. We managed to exit the room before the Library was upset.

Some West Austin Democrats at September Candidate Forum

August 2014

There is no meeting in August

The next meeting is

Wednesday, September 3rd

6:45pm

Howson Branch Library

Annual Summer Pot-Luck Party

Saturday July 26 Starts at 5:00pm

At the Home of

Judge Brandy and Aaron Mueller

Main Course and Drinks are Provided

Bring a Side Dish or Desert to Share

Renew Annual Dues

Questions? Use the 'CONTACT' Link Above

June 2014 Meeting

I’M MAD AS HELL….AND I’M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANY MORE

Join the Property Tax Revolution with
BRIGID SHEA
County Commissioner Precinct 2 elect
WEDNESDAY JUNE 4, 2014
6:45pm
The Howson Library
2500 Exposition

Property Tax Forum

May 20, 2014 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave, Austin, TX 78756

Guest speakers will address concerns on the increase in recent property tax appraisals. The speakers are TCAD Chief Appraiser-Marya Crigler, Travis County Tax Assessor/Collector-Bruce Elfant, and Brigid Shea, as well as an organizer with Real Values for Texas, a statewide group that is working to fix the broken appraisal system. Representatives from property tax protest firms will be available as a resource.:

NOTE: Please RSVP here so we can have an accurate head count

For continuing updates on this issue, please visit www.voteforbrigid.com and sign up at "Stay In Touch".

May 2014 Meeting

Enroll America

Ian Davis

Discussion of Runoff Races

Discussion of Nominations

Wednesday May 7, 2014 6:45pm

Howson Branch Library

2500 Exposition

April 2014 Meeting

What is Happening at Seton Hospital

Geronimo Rodriguez

Vice President of Diversity and Community Outreach

Wednesday April 2, 2014 6:45pm

Howson Branch Library

2500 Exposition

**Presentation about Seton and New Medical School**

**Geronimo Rodriguez Discusses the New Medical School**

Travis Democratic Party County /SD Convention

When Sat, March 22, 9am – 6pm

Where Palmer Events Center, Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, United States (map)

Description Please sign up to attend the County Convention

In 2014, the Convention process of the Texas Democratic Party begins at the County and Senate District Convention to be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Precinct conventions will not happen of the Primary night, but instead as the first step of the March 22nd meeting. Register at this link to get information on time and place and to learn about the convention process: http://register.txdemocrats.org

March 2014 Meeting

Election Results with Jason Stanford of Stanford Campaigns, MSNBC, Austin American Statesman, & KTBC

Wednesday March 5, 2014

6:45pm at Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition

February 2014 Meeting

Endorsements for Primary Races

Wednesday, February 5, 6:45pm

Howson Branch of Austin Public Library

From the by-laws: Membership entitles each member to receive the WAD newsletter and to vote on all issues presented at the meetings. However, for new members, dues must be paid 25 days before any voting privileges come into effect. Continuing members (i.e., those who were current in their dues the previous year) may renew by the beginning of the meeting for full voting privileges to continue.

Endorsement Results From The Vote Feb. 5

United States Senator - Maxey Marie Scherr

District 25, United States Representative - Marco Montoya

Governor of Texas - Wendy R. Davis

Commissioner of Agriculture - Hugh Asa Fitzsimons III

Railroad Commissioner - Steve Brown

Travis County Judge - No Endorsement

County Court at Law 3, Judge - John Lipscombe

Precinct 2, Travis County Commissioner - No Endorsement

Travis County Treasurer - No Endorsement

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5 Travis County - Herb Evans

From the ByLaws: Article 5

Club Endorsements: Sole endorsements of candidates or propositions require at least 60% support from members who vote in that race at the endorsement meeting. Dual endorsements result when two alternatives receive more than 40% support and there are more than two alternatives.

We used all the chairs at Howson Library; presentations by candidates, committee reports on candidates, vote for candidates.

January 2014 Meeting

Judge Mike Denton

Veteran's Court

Wednesday January 8, 6:45pm

Howson Branch of Austin Public Library

December: Holiday Party

Thursday Dec 12 starting at 6:00 p.m.

Home of Kelly and Judge Julie Kocurek.

Expect Details such as maps in member e-mail and print invitations

Club supplies main course; turkey, ham, rolls, soft drinks, and Judge Kocurek is preparing her delicious brisket, if people remember from last year - yum!. Members bring sides and desserts.

Guests Welcome, each member bring an interesting friend!