DEMOCRATIC PARTY HISTORY
Democrats form the oldest political party in America and the youngest in spirit. For more than 200 years, Democrats have represented the interests of working families, fighting for equal opportunities and justice for all Americans.Our party was founded on the conviction that wealth and privilege should not be an entitlement to rule and the belief that the values of hardworking families are values that should guide us.Today Democrats are fighting to repair the damage done during the Bush years and grow an economy based on the values of Main Street, not greed and reckless speculation.
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE PLATFORM
The vision is simple. Democrats want an America that gives all Americans the chance to live out their dreams and achieve their God-given potential. Democrats want an America that is still the world’s strongest force for peace and freedom. And Democrats want an America that is coming together around our enduring values instread of drifting apart.
FAYETTE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S MISSION
The Fayette County Democratic Party’s mission is to support and promote the ideals of the Democratic National Committee and the Kentucky Democratic Party. FCDP promotes those principles and values, operates and maintains a grassroots network of people that is open, inclusive and accessible to all, encourages lifelong active participation by local Democrats, and takes an active part in the election process. The local party serves to recruit, support and elect progressive candidates for county, state and national offices. Executive Committee Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM at 431 South Broadway. All meetings are open, and we welcome guests
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Awards Dinner
The Awards Dinner was a success thanks to the many Fayette County Democrats who supported it. I would especially like to thank Paula Lewis and her committee for their many hours of hard work. Also, I want to express our appreciation for the remarks and support of Governor Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, and U.S. Representative Dan Kildee for their participation
Thanks to the funds raised at the dinner, we will be able to purchase needed office equipment and improve our communications. It also will provide FCDP with the support needed to prepare for the elections in 2014.
Award Recipients for 2012
The Fayette County Democratic Party has three awards; The Louie Mack Award for the outstanding Young Democrat of the year, The Steve Banahan Award for outstanding service for the year, and the Steve Banahan Award for Lifetime Service.
Liz Fossett received the Louie Mack Award. She is the president of the statewide Young Dems and is working with the party to expand our communications network.
Gina Bess is the recipient of the Steve Banahan Award. She has volunteered for the past six years to keep our office open on Tuesdays. She is a tireless worker for our Democratic candidates. She walks our precincts, makes phone calls, stuffs envelopes, and works at community events.
The Steve Banahan Lifetime Service Award was presented to Lil and Len Press and Deb Winograd. Lil and Len Press are well known to many Democrats in Fayette County and Kentucky. Lil founded The Women’s Network, and Len through his work at KET has promoted fair and objective reporting of political and policy issues. Deb Wenograd was a behind the scenes volunteer. She volunteered year round in our office for the past six years, secured the ramp into our building to make it accessible, was one of the key individuals to make Obama bumper stickers and yard signs available. Deb passed away this year; she is missed, but fondly remembered.
Special Election
Carl Rollins, 56th Legislative District State Representative, has resigned to become chief executive of Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority and Student Loan Corporation. The Nominating Committee for the 56th Legislative District met on Monday evening, April 29th and selected James Kay as the Democratic candidate for the special election. He is the chair of the Woodford County Democratic Party and works in Speaker Stumbo’s office. He is an attorney and a graduate of the University of Kentucky.
The special election will be held on June 25th. There are nine precincts in Fayette County that are in the 56th LD. If you are registered to vote and reside in the 56th LD, you are eligible to vote in this election. The nine precincts in Fayette County that are in the 56th LD are; Alexandria, Armory, Beaumont, Garden Springs, Lane Allen, Keys, The Colony, Westmorland and Wolf Run
If you live in one of the nine precincts in Fayette County listed above and are not registered to vote, you can register up to 30 days prior to the election. The last day to register is close of business on May 24th. To register to vote contact the Fayette County Clerk’s Office 859-255-8683 or www.fayettecountyclerk.com or you can call The Fayette County Democratic Party at 859-268-4448 for information.
Affordable Care Act Seminar
Doug McSwain, expert on the Affordable Care Act and member of the FCDP Executive Committee will provide a seminar on May 8th at 11:45AM to 1:30PM. You must register to attend and registration is limited to the first 20. To register call FCDP HQ at 268-4448 or email Gina Bess at mgkkbess@aol.com.
Fayette County Democratic Book Club
The FCDP Book Club will meet on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00AM at Common Grounds Coffee House, 343 East High. The Book Club normally meets on the first Saturday of the month, but was changed to the second Saturday in May to avoid a conflict with the Derby. The book of the month is “Quiet.”
Fayette County Democratic Party T-shirts for Sale
FCDP has T-shirts for sale at our office at Pine and Broadway. They are $10. Our office is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from noon until three.
GET INVOLVED
Many of our precincts lack committee members. If you are interested in getting more involved or want to volunteer, e-mail or call. Leave your name, number and best time to get in touch with you.
