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League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces Las Cruces NM 524-VOTE (8683) www.zianet.com/lwv April, 2008 ANNUAL MEETING VOTER 2008
CALENDARApril 1 (Tuesday) - 9:30 a.m., Election Procedures/Voter Turnout Committee at the home of Polly Evans, chair. All are welcome, and more information is available at 522-1383. April 7 (Monday) - 5:00-6:30 p.m. - Board Meeting, Branigan Library Board Room April 15 (Tuesday) - Noon - Deadline for The VOTER, May issue. April 16 (Wednesday) - Deadline for ANNUAL MEETING reservations RSVP Vicki Simons 522-4813 April 17 (Thursday) - 1:00 p.m. - Behavioral Health Services Study Group, NAMI-DAC Office, 314 Tornillo St. All are welcome, and more information is available by contacting Becky Beckett, chair, 644-3623. April 26 (Saturday) - 9:00 a.m. - ANNUAL MEETING, Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano Dr. Speaker Topic: Tax Increment Development Districts (TIDDs) Frequently seen lately in the news about new development, but never with a description or explanation, are the terms TIF (tax increment financing) and TIDD (tax increment development district). To help us understand their meanings and the implications for us as tax payers and as residents of this area, we have invited two qualified speakers for our listening and questions at our annual meeting on April 26. Sharon Thomas and Bob Hearn, both members of the Quality Growth Alliance, researched the terms and put together a PowerPoint presentation to help us understand the concepts and how they might work out in New Mexico. Join us for a basic lesson and a chance to ask questions and get answers.
2008 ANNUAL MEETINGSaturday, April 26, 2008, 9 a.m. Unitarian Universalist Church - 2000 S. Solano Dr. AGENDAWelcome and Introductions Cathy Mathews Adoption of Business Meeting Rules Appointment of Parliamentarian Approval of the 2007 Annual Meeting Minute Johnnie Aldrich Treasurer’s Report Pat Kratz Report from the President Cathy Mathews Annual Meeting Business Adoption of the 2008-2009 Annual Budget Catherine Christmann Adoption of the Nonpartisan Policy Bonnie Burn Adoption of Proposed Bylaw Changes Marjorie Burr Report of the Nominating Committee and Election Win Jacobs Proposed Program and Study Committee Vicki Simons Adoption of Current Statement of Positions Adoption of Recommended New Program Items Identification of State Council Delegates Identification of LWVUS Convention Delegates Direction to the Board from Members Keynote Speaker: "TIDDs: Everything you ever wanted to know and were afraid to ask" Sharon Thomas and Bob Hearn (see Calendar for details) _________________________________________________ Lunch: $10 Please contact Vicki Simons, 522-4813, by April 15 and indicate your choice of: Ham OR chicken salad on croissant (specify which) , potato chips, Tuscan tuna OR vegetarian salad in pita (specify which), carrot raisin salad, potato chips, dessert. Catered by Carol Koenig’s Celebrations. Business Meeting Rules:
Appointment of Parliamentarian : ______________________________________
League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES 28 April 2007, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Unitarian Universalist Church, Las Cruces NM NB: The page numbers in each section heading refer readers to the March/April Annual Meeting 2007 Edition of The VOTER. President Connie Lee called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. Attending: Almost all Board Members, incoming and outgoing. (Absent: Vicki Simons and Win Jacobs.) Total: 26 participants Introductions: Connie presented CAROL JACKSON, who has recently moved to Las Cruces from Tucson and will become a member today. Bonnie Burn introduced CATHERINE CHRISTMANN, a new member today, who is the Public Services Director at the Branigan Library. Connie also called our attention to the quilt that she will soon finish and donate to our League for raffle. When sales reach $1,000, at $5 a ticket (or 3 for $10), a winner will be announced. The completed quilt also will be available for ticket sales at the State Convention, May 18-20. Adoption of Business Meeting Rules (p. 2): W. Little moved acceptance; seconded by D. Tate. Motion passed unanimously. Appointment of Parliamentarian: Connie announced that William Little had agreed to serve as Parliamentarian. Minutes of the 2006 Annual Meeting (p. 2): B. Burn moved to accept; M. Leverett seconded. Minutes approved for the record with two changes: the meeting site was the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2000 S. Solano (not 200), and in the title of the Treasurer’s Report, the word "Fiscal" should be removed. President’s Report (p. 6): Connie summarized verbally, emphasizing that we were an intensely active League in 2006-2007 and thanking all who had participated in the multiple League events. Treasurer’s Report, two pages, attached): Treasurer LaJune Smith, prepared two separate reports, one for Fiscal Year 2007 (yellow page) and another (white page) showing the Cash Flow during 1/1/2006-12/31/2006 in case we should adopt the suggested By-laws changes on Financial Administration reported below. The Fiscal Year report shows that we have a checking account balance of $2,412.84 as of 04/22/2007 even though expenditures exceeded income by $239.53. B. Burn pointed out that her in-kind donation for expenses was for League Day at the Legislature, not for the State Convention as noted on the report. The "Cash Flow" page showing income/expenses for calendar year 2006 indicates that expenses exceeded income by $3,738.94 and that the bank balance on 12/31/06 was $3,631.53. Unanimous acceptance of the Treasurer’s Recommendation that the Report be entered into the record with the change stipulated above. Proposed Budget, 2007-2008 (p. 7): Committee: Bonnie Burn, Chair; LaJune Smith, Donna Tate.
LaJune pointed to the larger amounts included in the new budget: $14,190 anticipated income and expenses as opposed to $6,925 actual income for the past year and $8,870 actual expenses. The items of the largest changes include anticipated expenses for the VOTER’S GUIDE for the 2008 election ($4,000 as opposed to $2,773 actually expended in 2006) $3,600 income in membership dues ($3,050 in 2006-07) $350 for printing a proposed Membership Directory $1,400 expense for Breakfast with a Leader ($783 actual expense last year). Discussion and Questions ensued: B. Beckett asked if the new budget makes up for the negative $239.53 in the current report. LaJune pointed to our dependence on member donations for this. Connie reminded us that LWVNM PMP might be less for 2007-2008 if the State Convention adopts the LVNM Budget Committee’s recommendation. That also will help generate the additionally needed funds. C. Little asked if the committee had factored in the reduced membership dues that will be in effect if we accept the Financial Administration By-Laws Changes. Answer: No. LaJune pointed out that this first year of the transition will necessarily be difficult. M. Burr reminded us that there are sufficient funds in the Treasury at the moment to cover the initial difficulty. LaJune moved that the Proposed Budget be accepted; seconded by B. Beckett. B. Burn asked whether the proposed program amount could be changed if the League’s program changed. Connie reminded us that any budget is a "work in progress," that the Board has the authority to make adjustments as changes warrant them. The Proposed Budget was unanimously accepted. By-Laws Committee Report, p. 3: Committee: Marjorie Burr, Chair; Bonnie Burn, Barbara Whitehill Marjorie reported that changes were needed in some of our By-Laws to make them conform to LWVUS changes adopted at the 2006 National Convention. Article II, Purpose and Policy was most affected. C. Little moved to approve the recommended changes in Article II. M. Leverett seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. The suggested changes in Article VI, Financial Administration will make our budget and fiscal years consistent. The change of dues due date to May 1 will make dues collection consistent with the fiscal year. Changing the due date will mean that previous members will pay only $37.50 instead of $50 as individual members and $56.25 as household members. On May 1 of 2008, membership renewal dues will revert back to $50 and $75, respectively. Discussion and questions ensued: LaJune stated that new members would continue to pay $50. The question arose about whether collecting dues now might constitute a financial hardship for some members who are accustomed to paying in the fall. We were reminded that the 60-day grace period is still in effect: members who did not renew in August always had until November to do so before their names were removed from the membership list. B. Beckett recommended that we accept the Article change and that dues be collected in May. It was pointed out that members who want to pay the full dues are welcome to do so and that the extra amount will certainly help with the budget. As usual, members who want to make a tax-deductible donation can do so by designating the extra amount for the Education Fund. The Treasurer will work with members who have difficulty with the early payment. The discussion included a suggestion made as a motion by D. Tate and seconded by A. Furnari that according to the language of the Article, paying dues now is not an option, it is required and that perhaps the question should be referred back to the Budget Committee for clarification and presentation to the Board in June. The motion was withdrawn after W. Little spoke in opposition to it, noting that it will be August by the time a new collection strategy is developed by the Board and we’ll be back to business as usual. We do not have time or a need for lengthy deliberation. B. Burn pointed out that the committee had prepared a letter of explanation that will be distributed to all present today and mailed to those not present (copy attached). She then moved to accept the Article VI changes; Donna Tate seconded. Motion passed unanimously. New Business: Occasioned by discussions of budgets and funds: Connie asked that we consider the amount of an appropriate donation to Unitarian Universalist Church for the use of the facility. Deceased member Jeanne Culbertson had donated $50 for this purpose in years past. Consensus was that we should continue with that amount and the Treasurer was asked to make the payment. Nominations Committee Report, p. 1: Committee, Helen Buggert, Chair; Johnnie Aldrich, Marnie Leverett. Helen presented the list of members who agreed to accept positions as revised since the publication of THE VOTER: Cathy Mathews, President, 2 years Vicki Simons, Vice-President (1 year; replacing Ruth Benjamins who had to withdraw from nomination) Pat Kratz, Treasurer, 2 years Bonnie Burn, Membership Director, 2 years Win Jacobs, Nominating Committee Chair (replacing Vicki Simons), 1 year Remaining on the Board of Directors are Connie Lee, President Emeritus; Johnnie Aldrich, Secretary, and Donna Tate, Voter Service Director. Helen moved acceptance of the slate. M. Leverett seconded the motion. The new Board was elected unanimously. Vicki Simons and Win Jacobs could not attend today, but those Board members present were asked to introduce themselves: Cathy Burr Mathews has been associated with League work since childhood. She did not become an official member until 2002, but attended League meetings in an infant seat with her mother, Marjorie Burr. Pat Kratz became a League member when her daughter-in-law, an active Leaguer in another state, paid the first year of her membership last year. Pat came to Las Cruces 20 years ago. Bonnie Burn is celebrating her first anniversary in Las Cruces. She first joined the League in Framingham, MA in 1968 but did not become active until she moved to Fort Myers FL in 2000. Johnnie Aldrich did not become a League member until 2003 after retiring from a 30-year teaching career. She has been secretary since the third month of her membership when she stepped in to fill out the term of a departed secretary. Historian’s Report: Betty Pool congratulated us on our 40th year of existence and mentioned Marjorie Burr as the first president. Marjorie spoke to correct the record: this actually is only our 38th Annual Meeting. She and the original members worked for two years to get our League formally established with Jo Brenchley as President. Betty reported that she, Archivist Barbara Myers, and Bonnie Burn are working to write an official history of our organization. Barbara asked any members who may have materials from the past to hand them over to her for the official archives, which will include the Historical Album ("scrapbook") that Betty is now authorized to keep. The archives are the official record. The Historical Album is more anecdotal and includes pictures, letters, etc. Bonnie Burn invited all to save room after lunch for a piece of the celebratory anniversary cake she brought! Position Statements and Proposed Changes, pp. 4 & 5 Proposed Position Statement on the Branigan Library. Committee: Marnie Leverett, Chair; Marjorie Burr, Barbara Myers, Nancy Phillips. Marnie explained the background of the work done on the position statement and moved for acceptance of the revised version (on p. 5). B. Myers seconded. C. Mathews suggested changing "Our facility" at the beginning of the third sentence to "The library facility." D. Tate asked if the committee had any contact with county government about its role. Marnie reported that the county’s primary support comes from support of the bookmobile that travels to outlying communities like Chaparral and Mesquite. New member C. Christmann confirmed that the county provides $78,000 annually, about half the cost. B. Myers spoke up to support the establishment of neighborhood libraries, e.g., on the East Mesa, even though, as M. Burr pointed out, government in general seems not to be supporting such institutions. B. Burn called the question. The new position was accepted. C. Little moved for adoption of all Position Statements (pp. 4 & 5). Seconded by D. Tate. M. Burr moved to remove Solid Waste Position from this group so that it can be discussed separately. Motion passed. All other position statements accepted. In discussion of the Solid Waste Position, M. Burr suggested removing the word "compensated," but that made the sentence an awkward one. Parliamentarian Little pointed out that such changes cannot be made at this meeting but that all members must be given notice of the suggestion. B. Burn moved, seconded by M. Leverett, that a committee be formed to work on rewording of the position so that it can be presented in The VOTER and for a member vote at a General Meeting. Motion passed. Study Committee Reports (p. 8): Metropolitan Court for DAC. Committee: Marjorie Burr, Chair; Bonnie Burn, Ellen Haltom, Sue Leifeld, Donna Tate. Bonnie summarized The VOTER written report, which lists the achievements of the first phase of the study. She added that a new Magistrate Court is being built and that the committee wants to monitor the plans to be sure that the new facility is large enough to accommodate a Metro Court, which, if implemented, would replace the Magistrate and Municipal Courts. The committee knows that two of the DAC Representatives are opposed to instituting such a court. Bonnie moved to continue the study for another two years. Seconded by M. Lowe. Passed. Election Processes/Voter Turnout Committee: Members: Polly Evans, Chair; Johnnie Aldrich, Bonnie Burn, Helen Buggert, Barbara Geodecke, Marnie Leverett, Betty Pool, LaJune Smith. Marnie delivered the verbal report for Polly Evans, who is recuperating from recent gall bladder surgery. The committee will not meet next month (May) but Polly wants to continue the committee’s existence for another year. The committee has devoted many hours to smoother election procedures but much remains to be done. Marnie moved renewal of the committee’s work; H. Buggert seconded. B. Pool added thanks to the committee, especially for Election Day work at the telephone bank; L. Smith opined that we "have had an effect." Motion carried. Support of Individual Development Accounts Act (no written VOTER summary): Donna Tate, Reporting. To date, for reasons explained below, no formal committee has been formed. The original intent of the Study was to gather information that would help guide legislators in support of this income-growth initiative. Income growth for low-income working families would be supported by savings accounts and matching funds from NM revenues. The formal study turned out to be unnecessary; the legislature overwhelmingly voted to accept the idea in the 2006 session, renaming the program "Family Opportunity Accounts." In this year’s session, $1.2 million was designated as additional financial support and the name changed back to Individual Development Accounts, since that is the name used for similar programs in many other states. In recent related events, 27 potential recipients signed up for financial advice/training in a 7-week program at the Community Action Agency; 24 completed the course. Additionally, Rep. Mary Helen Garcia will introduce a bill in the 2008 Legislature to change the eligibility age to 15 for the specific purpose of including children with special hardship needs, like foster children. Donna, aided by Johnnie Aldrich, has kept tabs throughout the year on all of these events, but sees a need for the League to continue in an active "watchdog" role to be sure that sufficient funds are allotted for our southern counties and that the financial education and other requirements of the bill are met. Donna moved that she and Johnnie be authorized to continue their oversight efforts. Permission granted, with a reminder that informational meetings might be held for those interested without formation of a formal study committee. Behavioral Health Services (no written VOTER summary): Becky Beckett reporting. Becky has been driving to Santa Fe three times monthly to work with the NM Behavioral Health Planning Council. She has thus not abandoned the study but has not formed a committee. She knows that Adult Protection Services may be discontinuing some of their programs for the Mentally Ill. The need for public education on this issue remains. Becky has now resigned from the state-level responsibility, so she moved that the study group be allowed another year for additional work. Seconded by D. Yeo. Motion passed unanimously. State Convention, a Work in Progress: Christina Little reporting. "The devil is in the details," and Chris and William Little are taking care of those! Chris passed around a sheet of "job opportunities," so that those who had not yet signed up to help could do so. She emphasized that the Friday reception is for all. Official delegates are LaJune Smith, Dale Yeo, Cathy Mathews, and Connie Lee. ALL members are encouraged to attend the Saturday and Sunday meetings as observers. Marnie Leverett distributed sign-up lists for those who are willing to take passengers to the Saturday evening banquet at Picacho Hills Country Club and those who want to be a passenger for that trek. Connie Lee passed around a sign-up list for those who are willing to bring some kind of food to the Friday night reception. Chris hopes that the available edibles will be substantial enough that attendees can call it "dinner." Directions to Board from Members: The "archives" of our 40-year existence are a "jumbled mess." The Board should develop some Policies and Procedures for conserving our history, e.g., someone should be designated to save copies of THE VOTER and minutes for handover to the archivist. Appoint a Position Study Committee to review all GLC current positions and make recommendations to the Board for approval so that action may be taken on current political issues. Remind attendees at all meetings about courtesy tips during meetings; side conversations should be minimal. 4. Use Position Statements as a guide to the selection of speakers for breakfast and other general meetings. Closure: Connie recounted the tales of the "lost Vice-Presidents" (Cathy Mathews/Sarah Buck Kachaluba) of her term and thanked each Board Member individually and by name for stepping in to make the organization effective. Johnnie Aldrich then presented Connie with a "thank you" card and gift (a Barnes & Noble gift card.) ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Submitted by Johnnie R. Aldrich, Recording Secretary
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES May 1, 2008 $50 - Individual Membership $75 - Household Membership Payable at Annual Meeting OR Mail to Pat Kratz 703 Homestead Circle Las Cruces, NM 88011 Questions? - 524-8683
Treasurers Report—FY 2007-2008 Pat Kratz, Treasurer Every year the League’s income mainly consists of memberships, member donations and fund drives. Out of a $50 membership dues, the local League receives only $12 for local use. Per member payments made to LWVUS and LWVNM get the rest. Therefore, we rely heavily on contributions from members, in-kind donations and the community fund drive to support our endeavors. In addition to ongoing expenses (e.g., printing The VOTER, postage, telephone, post office box and committee expenses), we also finance the Who’s Who, Voters’ Guide and candidates’ forums. This fiscal year, 2007-2008, two printings of the Who’s Who were underwritten by Jake Sims. Two Voters’ Guides—Las Cruces City Election, November 2007—and November 2008 General Election will be printed. This year will be unusually expensive because of the 2008 General Election. We anticipate the cost of these endeavors to be around $4,000-$5,000. We are relying heavily on the fund drive and are setting our sights on new contributors from the community. The League really appreciates all the members who have donated their money, time and talents to make the hard work and effort such a success. The accomplishments of the League of Women Voters – Greater Las Cruces in 2007-2008 stand out as remarkable to anyone who cares to list them. And I do! In no particular order here are just some of the activities and accomplishments of the LWV-GLC during the past year. Speakers Topics – LCPS Mill Levy, Water, Energy, City Capital Improvement Projects, NMSU Model UN Project Studies - Update Recycling Position, Behavioral Health Study, Immigration Study Consensus, Metro Court Study and Consensus Election Process/Voter Turnout – Voter Satisfaction Survey Public Relations Events –KSNM-570AM, Women’s Information Fair, Naturalization Ceremonies, KRWG Telethons Vision 2040 Planning Process Participation Candidates’ Forums –Mesilla Trustees and Judge, Las Cruces Mayor and Councilors Voter Registrations – Fall and Spring Publications – 2008 Updated "Who’s Who", November Voter’s Guide, Membership Directory, Membership Brochure Observer Reports – Las Cruces City Council, NMSU Board of Regents Historical Album Archives Organization New Member Orientation — two Health Care – Health Security Act League Phone – 524-VOTE Fundraising In addition to the League’s regular business, many members are even more deeply involved in community service as elected and appointed officials. Bonnie Votaw was elected to serve on the Board of Education. Win Jacobs, Christina Little, and Ellen Haltom serve the City of Las Cruces Housing Authority. Marnie Leverett was appointed to the Branigan Library Advisory Committee. Sharon Thomas was recently elected to complete a term as a City Councilor, joining only seven other women who have served as Councilor/Commissioner, including Marianne Thaeler, former local League president (1971-1974). I am truly honored to be associated with such an outstanding group. And I wish to offer thanks and deep appreciation to all Board members, study committee members, directors, observers, editors, and volunteers who have made this year so productive.
Archives - Barbara Myers, Chair The archives are the official records of an organization. The most important parts of our League records are the Board and Annual Meeting minutes, the financial records and the newsletters. Other records enhance knowledge of our history such as committee reports, newspaper articles, correspondence and membership lists. This past year there has been an effort to change our archives from a rather haphazard collection to a neatly organized one. The task is not quite complete, but there has been improvement. Marjorie Burr and Bonnie Burn have helped eliminate duplicates and inappropriate materials, followed by setting up a more logical filing system. The fine tuning that remains includes making decisions about what to do with the many items labeled simply "miscellaneous" and whether to keep all of the supplementary research materials from study groups and committees. We also need to try to fill in the gaps of missing items. A continuing task is to collect and file current materials.
Historical Album - Betty Pool, Chair >After researching archiving and doing leg work purchasing the materials, we started the Historical Album in January 2007. This is our 40th anniversary year, and we decided that "scrap book" was a misnomer, hence the more descriptive name. We scanned newspapers daily for League news and letters to the editor. These we copied and had printed on acid free paper. Dale Yeo did almost all of the photography and computer work. Our sessions placing all of this in the album were very congenial and productive. It takes active League members and a great committee to make a meaningful Historical Album . I think that you will agree that the album is not only meaningful but also attractive. Our first showing will be at the annual meeting. Perhaps you can spot yourself. "You are all beautiful."
ANNUAL MEETING: Treasurer’s Report and Proposed 2008-2009 Budget
Footnotes: (1) The Actual column shows a larger total income than budgeted because the Education Fund ($2,786) and the CD ($1,000) budgeted for member scholarships is shown. $2,000 in the Education Fund is earmarked for the 2008 Voters’ Guide. (2) The VOTER ran a deficit in printing and postage because in the past paper and postage were donated. (3) It is good to note that members are turning in their in-kind donations that amounted to $757 this year.
ANNUAL MEETING: Revised Nonpartisan Policy The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Change to: The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan in that it The League does not support or oppose any political party or candidate; it is political in that it takes positions on selected governmental issues after member study and agreement. The League recognizes the role of the political parties in our form of government and believes that participation in the activities of the political parties is an essential ingredient of citizen responsibility. While the League urges its members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary in order to maintain the nonpartisanship of the organization. The Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters has established the following guidelines: Board of Directors The Board has the responsibility of maintaining the fact of the nonpartisanship of the organization. All members, including Board members, may engage in the following activities: signing nominating petitions, serving as elected officials, serving as clerical volunteers for candidates for office. All other political activities in which a Board member may wish to engage should be subject first to his/her own scrutiny, and, in case of question, should be discussed with the Board. The President and the Voter Service Director may not take an active, visible role in a campaign for a political candidate. In consistently campaigning for or against non-League issues Board members must identify their interest as personal and not League-sponsored. Any Board member who plans to run for elected office should pro forma submit his/her resignation to the Board. The Board should consider the visibility of the Board position in deciding whether or not to accept the resignation. Any candidate for elective office who continues his/her Board membership must not use his/her Board position in campaign appearances or literature. Candidates for public office should not participate in the planning of League Voter Service activities. League Positions Once League (local, state, or national) takes a position on an issue, members may not identify themselves as League members in publicly expressing an opinion that is in opposition to a League position. Representing League Members representing the League in the community should be sensitive to their responsibilities. When acting in the public as League representatives, members must not allow partisanship to be discernable. These members should be fully aware of League positions. It is the obligation of the Board to make the representative aware of relevant League positions. Serving on Commissions Members may serve on governmental commissions at their own discretion. If the appointment is League-related, the appointee should be fully aware of the League positions as they relate to the commission’s responsibilities. Member Candidacies There should be no special notice in the VOTER of the candidacies of active League members. League Meetings Members in the leadership roles at unit and other public meetings have the responsibility to ensure the nonpartisanship of the meeting and its environment. Only Board of Directors-approved petitions may be circulated at League meetings. League Roster League’s roster is not to be made available for non-League use without Board consent. Explanation: Proposed revisions matches changes adopted at 2006 LWVUS Convention.
ANNUAL MEETING: Proposed Bylaws Changes MISSION: Change to The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Explanation: LWVUS directs that this mission statement, which should read as above, should appear on LWV materials (e.g. publications, stationery) ARTICLE II - Purpose and Policy Section 1. Purpose. The purposes of the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces shall be change to are to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation (delete) of citizens in government (add) and to act on selected governmental issues. ‘ Explanation: This change is to conform with the mission statement of LWVUS.
ARTICLE III - Membership Section 2. Types of Membership. The membership of the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces shall be composed of voting members and associate change to honorary members. a. (delete) Voting members shall be citizens at least 18 years of age. Change to Voting Members. Citizens at least 18 years of age who join the League shall be voting members of local Leagues, state Leagues and of the LWVUS; (1) individuals who live within Doña Ana County may join the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces or any other local League; (2) those who reside outside Doña Ana County but in the state of New Mexico may join the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces or shall be LWVNM members-at-large; (3) those who have been members of the League for 50 years or more shall be honorary life members excused from payment of dues. Explanation: This change is to clarify the category of "honorary members" offered by LWVUS and to use their defined qualifications for local League membership.
ANNUAL MEETING: Nominating Committee Board Positions Elected Vice President Vicki Simons (2008-10) Secretary Nancy Phillips(2008-10) Director - Voter Service: Donna Tate (2008-10) Nominating Committee (2008-09) Chair Sue Liefeld Committee Member: LaJune Smith Thanks to each nominee for your willingness to serve. Win Jacobs, Chair Continuing on the Board President: Cathy Mathews (2007-09) Treasurer Pat Kratz (2007-09) Director of Membership: Bonnie Burn (2007-09)
ANNUAL MEETING: Program - Adopt Current Positions Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports a program of collecting items suitable for cost-effective recycling. It is important to seek new markets for recycling items, make recycling more accessible, find methods of cost-effective collecting and promote more compensated recycling. The League encourages city and county governmental cooperation toward all-inclusive trash disposal, and more readily accessible recycling for all county residents. Public education should be encouraged to keep citizens informed about all aspects of the program, to promote the purchasing of recycled products in minimal packaging, and to increase participation in the recycling program. Metropolitan Court (2007) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that a Metropolitan Court system best serves the requirements of due process and fair trials for the residents of Do¤a Ana County. Because of the geographic size of the county, the League supports a system that includes satellite courts in outlying areas. Branigan Library (1986, 1996 and 2007) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that a public library is a major community resource. Growth in our city and county has outpaced the current library resources. Our facility Change to The Library continues to lag behind established standards for public libraries. It is essential that the following actions be taken: that the main library facility be expanded in order to enlarge the collection and provide adequate space for staff and program. that branch libraries be established to improve geographic access to library services. Possible collaboration with other community entities such as schools, recreation centers or senior centers should be encouraged. that the County Government be encouraged to provide more financial support to reflect the widespread use of the library throughout the County. County Government (1977, amended 1997) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports the following measures to improve the efficiency and services offered to citizens of Doña An County by its county government: 1. development of a comprehensive plan for Doña Ana County that will contain long-range goals and objectives for the county and serve as a guide toward managing expected growth; features of this plan should include provision for orderly development while preserving existing resources; 2. the principle of continued cooperation between the City of Las Cruces and the County of Doña Ana through sharing of facilities and personnel wherever feasible; suggested areas of cooperation include computer time, public library services, Memorial Medical Center, planning, purchasing, detention facilities, police/sheriff personnel and training of personnel. 3. the principle that residents of the City of Las Cruces should recognize their responsibilities toward county government by participating actively in its processes and that county officials in turn act as representatives of all the county’s residents. Election Procedures (1992, amended 1994, 1997, and 2003) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports: implementation of mail ballot elections locally whenever an election meets the requirements in order to reduce costs and increase responses. cooperation and coordination among city, county, and school district officials to consolidate and establish polling places so each individual has a single, permanent voting place. implementation of split shifts for election-day workers to help alleviate the shortage of poll workers. clarification and simplification of options for early and absentee voting procedures. Election officials should send clear notice to the public of the dates each begins and ends and increase publicity of voter options for polling places. increase efforts to inform voters of the importance of voting and special campaigns in election years to get out the vote. Health Care in Doña Ana County (March, 1976, amended 1999, 2003, 2005) Adequate health care for all citizens improves the general welfare of our county and ensures the well being of individual residents. The goal is to decrease the number of those without or with inadequate health care insurance in the County. To achieve this objective the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports measures that would improve both access to and adequate funds for primary health care for the residents of Doña Ana County. To ensure that adequate health care can be provided, the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports efforts to increase the number of health care personnel, improved publicity of existing health care services, guaranteed health care for children, improved health education for the public, increased availability of rural health clinics; provision of public transport of the elderly to public facilities and availability of a prenatal clinic for those with low incomes. The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that there should be a meaningful mechanism for public oversight of use of public monies by both hospitals. It is the responsibility of the city and the county to ensure that the terms of the lease between the city, county and administration of Memorial Medical Center that provide access to health care at that institution for indigent are met and that the monies from the trust fund set up by the lease are expended only for health care. Land Use Planning (1974, amended 1984, 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that land use decision making must start with a comprehensive plan that clearly reflects what the citizens have expressed as important goals and desired outcomes for their community. Because our region is encompassed by several separate planning entities (Doña Ana County, City of Las Cruces, La Mesilla and Extra-Territorial Zone) coordination among all of them is essential to ensure regional coherence. In order to facilitate this coordination, comprehensive plans, including future land use plans as necessary, should be specific enough to stand alone separate from detailed zoning regulations and give direction to all planning and zoning commissioners, board of adjustment and other planning decision makers. The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces also believes that a comprehensive land use plan must include a clear delineation of responsibilities and authority for execution of the plan. Planning decision makers such as planning and zoning commissioners, city councilors, the Extra-Territorial Authority, the county commissioners and the City Board of Adjustment should be held accountable for their decisions and be ready to show the rationale for their votes. The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports preservation of agricultural land and open spaces within Doña Ana County. Because water quantity and quality are global concerns of particular urgency in our arid region, the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces strongly supports protection of water supplies in every phase of planning. Further, we support preservation of all the natural resources we enjoy: air quality, scenic views, night skies, green areas and natural habitats ranging from river valley to desert mesas, arroyos and the surrounding mountains. The public should be encouraged to participate in the planning process at all levels wherever feasible. In addition, the League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that the planning process must include accurate identification of long range and indirect costs to taxpayers that can be shared with and understood by the public prior to approval. Municipal Elections (1993, amended 1997) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that if no candidate receives at least 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election will be held between the top two vote-getters within 28 days of the election date; and nominating petitions for the offices of Mayor and Councilor should contain the signatures of at least two percent of the number of qualified electors eligible to vote for that office. Water (1996, amended 1997 and 2001) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports policies that maintain the viability of ground and surface water supply in the region of the Mesilla Bolson. We recognize the need for urgency of action to protect and conserve our useable water supply. While recognizing the imperative of equitable resolution among competing water users, we urge expeditious conclusion to the ongoing adjudication and supply inventory processes. We support communication among the various government agencies, as well as Elephant Butte Irrigation District, leading to clear definitions of responsibilities of each entity for managing water resources. While recognizing the continuous need to update data and technology, we urge prompt implementation of plans to utilize the substantial information already available. We support water conservation regulations with realistic penalties for non-compliance, coupled with a progressive water-use fee schedule, and continuing public education on the need to make water choices. Education (1998, amended 1999) The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports a system of public education. This system should establish as important goals for all students the development of the nature of democracy and citizen responsibilities, the ability to think critically, and the acquisition of skills necessary to continue to learn and to function as adults in a complex society. The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports the participation of parents in the education process. Involvement of individual parents and groups of parents in their children’s education and in the school system should be actively and consistently encouraged by the school district. This encouragement should include outreach to those parents who may have limited experience interacting with the schools. The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces supports a school system structured so students with equivalent needs have equal access to services. Efforts should be made to ensure that access does not vary with respect to factors such as the age and geographic location of the facility. The League believes that the federal government should provide to the states either complete funding or substantial funding for all federal mandates in the area of special education. ANNUAL MEETING: Adopt Proposed Program For continuation :Behavioral Health Services in Doña Ana County: a study to investigate the type of services needed for individuals with mental illness. Election Process/Voter Turnout: continue to work on improving the election process and encourage voter turnout. For advocacy: Branigan Library: adopt an advocacy role to ensure that a location for and construction of a much needed branch library go forward.Metropolitan Court: for Doña Ana County: continue as a program study item as it moves into its action phase of obtaining a legislative appropriation to conduct a feasibility study for establishing a metropolitan court. Land Use: Review the current land use position. Seek ways to expand the position to incorporate growth and development and revitalization and development of City Neighborhoods. Recommend that League member observers attend the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting. For review and expansion Land Use: Review the current land use position. Seek ways to expand the position to incorporate growth and development and revitalization and development of city neighborhoods. Recommend that League member observers attend the Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting.
Membership - Bonnie Burn, DirectorMembership Count 2007 2008 Individual 53 59 1st Household 7 7 2nd Household 7 7 National 10 5 Total 77 78 During this year, a pamphlet, We Care About Good Government, was printed and is used as a recruitment tool. Following the model of other local Leagues in New Mexico, a Membership Directory was printed that contains the bylaws, positions, and nonpartisan policy for handy reference. The Voter has been used as a publicity and recruitment tool. In the summer and in January Member Orientations Meetings were held. Remember that this year dues are renewed at the regular rate: $50 individuals, $75 household. ($50 for first household member and an additional $25 for second). Dues are renewed as of May 1 and may be paid at the Annual Meeting. ANNUAL MEETING: Reports Voters Service Donna Tate, Director THANK YOU League members for working so hard for Voter Services this year. As a result of your support, the Leagueheld four fall voter registration days, including one on the NMSU campus; produced a Voters’ Guide and conducted a candidates’ forum for the City of Las Cruces municipal election; updated and corrected the Who’s Who for 2008; held a Legislative Breakfast in early December; conducted a candidates’ forum for the Board of Trustees and Municipal Judge for the Town of Mesilla in February; and planned spring voter registration in March and April of 2008. Each one of you deserves to be recognized for your good work, but the whole membership roster would need to be printed. It is YOU, the members, who make Voter Services a success. Thank you, again ____________________ Finance Drive Marjorie Burr, Chair The Finance Drive committee has decided to conduct its work as a year-round activity. Increased costs of printing and postage have impacted budget items vital to League’s operation and mission—The VOTER, the Voters’ Guide, and Who’s Who. Contributions by members above their dues amount is considered significant, not just for the dollar amount, but because it indicates to those community supporters we approach that our members believe in this organization. Members are encouraged to make this contribution when they pay their dues or in mid-year. Member contributions are very important to the League. Our base of community supporters has dwindled in recent years, and the committee has made efforts to regain their participation and to develop new financial supporters. We have identified potential contributors and crafted messages that connect what the League does with their interests. We especially thank Connie Lee for making the "Liberty Quilt" for raffle, raising $865 for the League this year. The results of the finance drive as of March 15, 2008 are: Member $2,330 Education Fund $ 175 Community $1,450 Quilt Fundraiser $ 865 TOTAL $4,820 __________________ Election Processes-Voter Turnout Committee Polly Evans, Chair During the past year we have concentrated on making the voting process more pleasant and predictable. We were pleased to note that the legislature made some positive steps in this direction. We have continued our volunteer telephone site on election day. Any confused voters now have a number to call which will give them information on their polling place. This service is pretty widely used, and Mr. Ellins, election supervisor, has expressed his approval. Our newest project is to conduct a post-election poll to determine areas of voter-satisfaction and/or dissatisfaction. Mr. Ellins has worked with us in developing a questionnaire, and arranging access to the polling areas. We did a trial run in municipal elections in Hatch, Mesilla and Sunland Park, and found the voters receptive. Members of this committee are Helen Buggert, Polly Evans, Barbara Geodecke, Marnie Leverett, Betty Pool, and LaJune Smith. Johnnie Aldrich, Bonnie Burn, Sally Christman, and Cliff Pelton helped with selected projects. All are committed and hard-working and have contributed in an important way to our progress. ___________________ Solid Waste/Recycling Position Marjorie Burr, Chair At the direction of the 2007 Annual Meeting a committee was formed to review and recommend any changes in the Recycling Position. The committee consisted of Marjorie Burr, chair, Marnie Leverett, Carolyn Jackson, and Johnnie Aldrich. Members researched recent articles on recycling in New Mexico, visited the solid waste transfer station and recycling center on West Amador, and interviewed Bonnie Tafoya, recycling coordinator for the City of Las Cruces, and Patrick Peck, director of the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA). The committee reported to a general meeting in January 2008 when members concurred on a new position statement with slight modifications and the addition of: to promote purchasing of recycled products in minimal packaging and to increase participation in the recycling program. The committee has contributed a column Talking Trash to the monthly Voter. We have learned of an initiative of the SCSWA to form a regional recycling task force as a way to achieve the volume of material necessary to operate a recycling system efficiently and bring recycling to the area. We plan to observe/participate in this effort.
Behavioral Health Services Study Group Becky Beckett, Chair At the 2007 annual meeting, it was voted to re-establish the Behavioral Health Services Study Group (BHSSG). The first meeting was held in July, 2007 during which the beginning committee of seven members voted on a mission (revised in September, 2007): "To identify existing and needed behavioral health resources and services in Doña Ana County, and create a consensus statement for presentation to the board and membership for approval." The BHSSG has had three meetings: July, September, and October. Due to the holidays and the legislative session in January, the study group was not scheduled to meet again until March 20, 2008. The committee has a list of the agencies currently on the United Way database. The study group is now trying to move forward and become active with action to address its mission. The group is continually looking for new members that would like to become involved in improving behavioral health services in Las Cruces. The current meeting dates for the study group are the third Thursday of each month, 1 p.m., at the NAMI-DAC office, 314 N. Tornillo Street. _______________________ Metropolitan Court Study Marjorie Burr, Chair At the 2007 Annual Meeting the Metropolitan Court Study Committee was given another year to complete its work. The study was completed and presented to unit meetings in August 2007, where the members listened to and discussed our results. In a September general meeting, the consensus was to accept this position: The League of Women Voters of Greater Las Cruces believes that a Metropolitan Court system best serves the requirements of due process and fair trials for the residents of Doña Ana County. Because of the geographic size of the county, the League supports a system that includes satellite courts in outlying areas. Upon the board’s ratification of the position statement, the committee went into action to promote our position. We prepared a background booklet for our position, and visited every member of the Doña Ana County legislative delegation. Our goal for the 2008 legislative session was the appropriation of $100,000 for a feasibility study for a metro court in Doña Ana County. This did happen, but was vetoed by the governor. We will work with the state Administrative Office of the Courts to include this request in its budget for the legislative approval in the 2009 Legislative Session. In the meantime, the committee is working to garner the endorsements and support of local governments and organizations for the concept of a Metropolitan Court for Doña Ana County. _____________________ Action Committee Barbara Goedecke, Chair The Action Committee met monthly during the year and every Friday during the legislative session (January 15 – February 14). Kathy Campbell wrote an excellent report on the State League’s activities that was printed in The Voter, March Issue. This was the first year that Dick Mason, chaired the LWVNM committee, replacing Dee Watkins. The information flow was excellent, and if you listened carefully, you could learn a lot about the legislative process. It is my hope that more people will join the teleconferences if only to gain that experience, though our local league committee could use more member input. Vicki Simons actively promoted the Health Security Act, which we support, and made sure that the state league maintained its support for this measure. Her efforts have been documented in other issues. Once again, it did not get out of committee but our efforts will continue as long as the Health Security Campaign is ongoing. Our league also supported SJR4, which passed both houses without opposition. SJR4 is described below, along with three other bills on election reform which were of interest to many league members. Aside from these, only the budget and the capital outlay package passed. SJR4 Allows school elections to be held in combination with other elections. School elections were kept separate from other elections when the state constitution was written in 1912 in order to allow women to participate in at least one election.* Opposition by local school boards to its removal has kept it in the section on elective franchise. Now the expense of a separate school board election has become too burdensome for local school districts, especially the larger ones. Our league has strongly supported passage of this constitutional amendment for many years. (Note: *Women were granted the right to vote in 1920.) HB 249 will allow community college and school elections to be combined. HB 237 Automatic Recounts. This bill makes it mandatory to do a recount for all federal or state offices in which the margin of victory for the two leading candidates is less than 1/2 of 1% of the total vote cast for that office in that election. The state will reimburse the counties for this expense. If the results of the recount show that Candidate B, rather than Candidate A, won the election, then the results of the recount shall stand and Candidate B shall be issued the certificate of election. SB 81 Removal of the Unique Identifier provision The "Unique Identifier" was once defined as the last four digits of the voter’s SSN. In the closing days of the 2007 legislature the definition of unique identifier was amended to be a "randomly generated series of numbers, letters or symbols assigned to a voter, which shall not be the voter's social security number or date of birth." It was buried in a HEVC committee substitute bill for HB 1156. Under that statute, a voter would need to have this random number/letters with them to vote without photo ID or the other delineated forms of ID. This bill removes this requirement but still forbids the use of any part of the voter’s SSN in establishing ID. All other forms of voter ID now established can continue to be used. Verbal ID will consist of the voter’s name, registration address, and year of birth. The statement of the voter’s name need not contain the middle initial or suffix.
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