What’s Going On?
Iowa is Sinking; Let’s Raise It Up
Schools in Need
After asking multiple school districts in Boone County about their needs, the BCD went into action and $925, which was matched for a total of $1850 to be distributed to the major public school districts in the county. In addition, supplies were collected and distributed. We were told again and again how budget cuts had left them with an impossible task of meeting student needs. Some of the biggest concerns: kids coming to school hungry because there was not sufficient food at home, girls not having menstrual supplies; lack of dental hygiene products; and lack of school supplies. They asked for breakfast bars and menstrual pads!!
Funding for schools has not kept pace with inflation. While the total dollar amount for public schools sounds like a lot, it is not!! Each year schools have less and less to work with. (1) This year the school voucher bill passed, which will quickly divert even more funds away from public schools and likely not benefitting low income or students with special needs, who would still be unable to afford or possibly be accepted to a private school. (2)
What if we fully funded our public schools? What if we provided free breakfast and lunches for all students? What if we placed a higher income tax on the wealthy and reduced that of low- and middle-income Iowans, who now pay the lion’s share of the cost of running the state.
1 https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2022/02/16/iowa-republicans-continue-to-underfund-public-schools/
Cold and Hungry
Help Boone County school kids this winter
The students in public schools in Boone County have needs that are often hidden. The governor opted out of federal help that was providing meals and many now come to school hungry, with no food at home to feed them breakfast. The often do not have clothes suitable for cold weather and many lack items to help them keep clean and take care of themselves. Girls lack supplies for menstruation. The schools need basic educational supplies like pencils! With state aid that has been less than the rate of inflation, schools are scrambling to fill in the gaps.
You can help! Between now and December 16th the BCD will be collecting money and items to deliver to schools in Boone County.
We will be accepting the following items:
Drop off donated items before 6 PM at 338 SW 2nd, Ogden or 313 5th St, Boone
OR
Mail check to BCD, PO Box 535, Boone 50036 - enter "school fund" in the byline
OR
Donate online at: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mitts#
cash donations will be matched 100% up to $1,500. Fundraiser ends December 17th.
Scan to donate
Republican LIES
A Letter To the Republican Party of Iowa:
What were you thinking? I received a mailer this week labeling me Liberal (which is not quite the insult you think it is) and containing ridiculous lies – the same lies being told about many Democrat candidates across the nation – and vague statements with no details. I support new voting laws which open Iowa elections up to fraud? What are these laws and in what way do the open our elections up to fraud? Taking a perfectly acceptable picture of me and darkening it in an attempt to make me appear scary, and following with inaccurate, vague, fact-free statements in attempt to scare voters is petty and desperate. Apparently you have a playbook without integrity. You might think this is ‘business as usual’ but it isn’t acceptable in the world of real people like me. I’m taking it personally and I want an apology and a retraction.
The first statement on the flyer, “Penny Vossler supports teaching kids as young as five Critical Race Theory”, is nothing short of moronic. I didn’t know what Critical Race Theory was when I first heard the term in the last year or two, so I googled it. I discovered that it is a college course taught in law school. I’ve seen some bright 5-year-olds in my years as a teacher, but not once have I suggested one was ready for law school. At the risk of being repetitive – moronic.
I understand why you would make up positions for me. Using my actual positions wouldn’t do your candidate (the one you do not name or promote in the flyer) any favors as most people in Iowa agree with my stances.
· Women and their doctors can be trusted to make healthcare decisions without your intervention. Check.
· Our voting system has been secure and well-managed and was not improved in any way by shortening the timeframe for voting. Check. You’ve only made it less convenient which, I might point out, should not be in the job description of a legislator.
· Funding our schools with increases below the rate of inflation (as you have done for many years) is causing schools to close and those that remain open to struggle to provide the quality education our children deserve. Check. Give the kids a fighting chance!
Each of these actual positions that I hold are what sets me apart from your candidate. Again, I understand why you didn’t want to use the truth. And I don’t know who wrote the piece of garbage I received, but I do know who paid to print and distribute it. Thus my letter to you, Republican Party of Iowa. I’ll be waiting for that apology.
With utmost sincerity,
Penny Vossler, Candidate Iowa HD 48
Care For Everyone
Sandy Madden wrote a letter to the editor published in the Des Moines Register. In it she pointed out the fallacious arguments of so-called “pro life” advocates. Protect life until birth but not afterwards.
Regarding the future of Roe v. Wade, no one is looking past the fact that it's an unborn child and they want to protect its right to live. Have they considered an unwanted child's future? That child could be abused and not have a bright future. The child might be found in a Dumpster somewhere. Anti-abortion advocates have to think of this. No one wants to see a child killed whether in the womb or other ways, but common sense should prevail. People making this decision will not be there for the 2 a.m. feeding or offering financial support.
Sandy Madden, Boone
Picnic for the People
Summer is picnic time!! For the Boone County Democrats this means a picnic for the people, featuring good food and a chance to meet candidates running for offices at all levels. This year’s picnic will be held on Thursday, June 2nd, starting at 5 pm.
We have invited our two 2022 scholarship winners, both from Ogden will recognize their acheviements.
In addition we are holding an online auction in conjunction with the event!! If you have something you would like to donate, or would like to help with the picnic itself:
Food donations (i.e. salads, sides, desserts): Margaret Liston listonmargaret@gmail.com
At the present time we are still in need of grills.
Auction items: Pam Hansen phansen624@gmail.com. Want to see all the great items or put in a bid? Go to: https://www.32auctions.com/bcdpicnic2022
Help out (set up, clean up, etc.) info@boonecountydem.com
Let’s make Boone blue!!
Update: Mike Franken will be unable to be there in person but is sending a video.
Don’t Rain on Our Parades!!
We have at least four parades scheduled this year!! Come and join the fun. More details as we know more. You may walk or ride the float.
Ogden Fun Days - Saturday June 25 - Details not yet on the website but if it is like last year the line-up will be at the Middle-High School parking lot, mid-morning
Boone County Fair - Thursday July 14 - Line-up on 8th Street by the high school parking lot. In line by 5:00 PM -
Pufferbilly Days - Saturday August 6 - 9:30 start time. More details will be coming regarding line-up time and location
Madrid Labor Day Celebration - Monday September 5 - Details not yet available.
ICYMI: Democratic Leaders Blast Pence, GOP’s Abysmal Record Ahead of His Visit to Iowa
Des Moines — On Friday, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn and Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst held a press conference to call out Mike Pence ahead of his visit to Iowa while highlighting how President Biden and Democratic leaders have delivered for Iowans when Republicans failed to make good on their promises.
The state’s Democratic leaders blasted Pence and Iowa Republicans for handing over tax giveaways to the ultra-wealthy, failing to deliver on infrastructure, and taking credit for Democratic achievements. This abysmal record is in sharp contrast to the successes of the Biden-Harris administration and the once-in-a-generation investments made possible by President Biden and Iowa Democrats like Congresswoman Cindy Axne.
“Try as he might, Pence cannot rewrite his role in the Trump-Pence administration. While Pence and Iowa Republicans like Kim Reynolds and Chuck Grassley are handing over tax giveaways to the ultra wealthy and trying to take credit for Democratic achievements, President Biden and Iowa Democrats have invested billions of dollars to improve Iowa’s roads and bridges, connect small towns with high speed internet, and expand access to high quality, affordable health care,” said Ross Wilburn, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “Let’s not forget that it was Mike Pence who led the charge to cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations while President Biden has a plan to make billionaires pay their fair share and give a tax cut to working families.”
“Iowans are fed up with politicians who talk and don’t deliver — and we’re going to get more of that when former Vice President Mike Pence comes to Iowa tomorrow. President Biden and Democrats are listening to what Iowans want and we’ve delivered on our promises: we’ve fixed our roads and bridges, expanded access to high-speed internet, we’ve got E-15 all year round, we’re lowering health care costs,” said Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst. She also blasted Republicans' latest plans for Iowa families, including “more tax cuts for the wealthy, Big Oil, and special interests, raising taxes on hardworking families, and even pushing for disastrous school vouchers.”
Earlier this month, the GOP backed a plan that would not only raise taxes on child care workers, teachers, first responders, and other working people across Iowa, but also sunset Medicare and Social Security after five years.
County Convention
The Boone County Democrats will hold their convention on Saturday, March 26th at the Erickson Public Library, with registration starting at 8:30 am and the meeting beginning at 9:00. Business should be concluded by 11 am.
Scholarship available
The Boone County Democrats are taking applications for a scholarship available to any high school senior who lives in Boone County, regardless of the school they attend. Students should contact their school officials to receive and application; submissions are due no latter than April 29th. Contact info@boonecountydem.com for more information or questions.
Caucus Time!!
Iowa Democratic Party Caucus
Monday, February 7th, 2022 7:00pm
Masks are Required to Attend the Caucus
You must be in-line or signed-in by 7:00pm to participate
Boone County Democrats will meet at the following location(s):
BN1, BN2, BN3, BN4, BN5, RP1 and RP6 Boone High School, 500 7th St
MD1, MD2, MD3, RP2 Madrid Library, 100 W 3rd St
RP3, RP4, RP5, Ogden Ogden Elementary School, 313 W Sycamore St
The purpose of this year’s caucus is to:
1. Discuss and adopt proposed resolutions to be added to the county platform.
2. Elect Delegates and Alternates to the County Convention
3. Elect Precinct Committee Persons to the County Central Committee
It is also a chance to sign nomination petitions. The number of signatures has increased and the length of time decreased!! Sign up for texting and for the newsletter, get involved!! Meet your fellow Democrats.
The precinct caucus is a great way to get involved in grassroots activities with the Iowa Democratic Party.
All Iowa Democrats are encouraged to attend.
Soup Supper Success!
Thanks to all who helped and attended the “semi virtual” soup supper. A lot of very good homemade soups were purchased and we had great speakers, both in real time and online.
1 - Michael Franken
2 - John Norwood
3 - Eric Van Lancker (video)
4 - Ryan O-Leary
5 - Abby Finkenauer
Pre Register for 2022 Caucuses
Pre-Registration
Our Pre-Registration link is now live! It will take you to the IDC site to register using the new precincts.
New Precincts for 2022
Below are the new precinct maps which will be used for the caucuses and for all elections going forward.
Boone Precincts
Rural and Ogden
Madrid
Caucus Time!!
ALL REGISTERED DEMOCRATS
Plan to attend the caucuses of the Iowa Democratic party – coming to a location near you on Feb. 7, 2022! Make a memory – not many people in the country can say they’ve participated in a caucus. We will be using the NEW 2021 precinct maps for the caucuses. Check the next newsletter for the final district boundaries.
Attend an online training session soon to volunteer to lead or assist with your precinct. First-timers are welcome! No experience necessary. This is the time to build your skills, as off-season caucuses have fewer duties and lighter attendance. Contact info@boonecountydem.com for more information.
Additional Training Opportunities
Note: These trainings will be happening over ZOOM.
Boone Democrats Care!!
The BCD distributed $1300 to local food pantries in the month of December. Thanks to all who contributed to help fight hunger.
Now help us fight the root causes of hunger and poverty!!
Kurt presents a check to director of Greater Love in Madrid, which serves Madrid and the nearby area.
Amy presenting check to IMPACT in Boone, which serves the entire county with food and other vital needs.
Penny presents check to Kim. Toreador helps students and their families in the Boone School District.
Help End Hunger
From now through Nov. 26th, the Boone County Democrats will be colleting funds to distribute to food pantries in Boone and Madrid. The need is ever growing! Donate online or mail a check to BCD CC, PO Box 535, Boone, 50036. Put “food drive” or similar in the byline.
Then join us in working to change the policies that contribute to hunger in the first place!! In the richest nation on earth, no one should be hungry.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/bcdcares
Local Elections
Your vote can make all the difference!!
Early voting for city and school district elections has started, and the BCD would like to strongly encourage everyone to support democracy at the local level. Although BCD does not endorse candidates for non-partisan seats, we do hope you will get to know these candidates before you cast your ballot. Please encourage everyone you know to participate in these local elections, and GO VOTE! This APP has sample ballots attached to your polling location to make candidate research easier: https://arcg.is/e9GS5.
The incumbent members of the school board up for re-election (Brian Melhaus and Jeremy Pritchard) have done a very good job, and have the experience and qualifications to continue to serve the needs of the Boone school district.
For the first time in 15 years, the voters in Boone have a chance to make a real change in how their City Government operates. Most of you will recognize Holly Stecker and Elijah Stines as current council members; Eli would like to continue representing Boone Ward 3, and Holly hopes to win the mayor’s seat.
Newcomers include Linda Williamson, who is running for Council member At-large (Stecker’s current position), and Scott Zeitler running for council seat Ward 5.
Linda served 12 years on the Ogden School Board prior to moving to Boone 13 years ago with her husband David. She has served on numerous committees and boards over the years, worked for 32 years as an AEA School Psychologist, and is currently an active member of the Boone Arts Commission.
Scott Zeitler hopes to win the Ward 5 Council seat, which is being vacated by Greg Picklapp. Scott is a professional painter who has lived in Boone for many years. While he does not have a long history of public, or board service, he does have a strong desire to serve his community. He is thoughtful, capable, thinks before he speaks, and is eager to learn more about how he can help the citizens of Boone.
This group of candidates have conducted themselves professionally during the campaign, they have listened to citizens’ concerns in a thoughtful, caring manner, and they have stayed “above the fray” even when false personal attacks have come their way. Each of them is committed to working in a non-partisan manner for all the citizens of Boone.
"As your Mayor, Boone's downtown revitalization and enhancement will be the cornerstone of my daily work. I will continue to improve upon our beautiful city parks and strengthen our public services. Most significantly, I will prioritize the city's resources and budget to reflect the values of all our citizens." - Holly Stecker
email: hollystecker6@gmail.com
"One of the most important things to me has always been to listen to citizens with empathy and to foster a culture which grants those who may not have otherwise felt comfortable coming forward with their issues the space to do so."
- Elijah Stines
www.facebook.com/StinesForCouncil
"As a member of the Council, I will work as part of a team, support sound financial decisions, and always consider what is best for all members of our community before making decisions."
- Linda Williamson
www.facebook.com/LindaWilliamsonforBooneCityCouncil
"I believe in responsive, transparent city government that fulfills it's obligations, and works for the benefit of all it's Citizens." - Scott Zeitler
www.facebook.com/zeitlerfor councilward5
No candidate was endorsed by nor received funding from Boone County Democrats