December 12, 2008

News from the Villages

Democrats discuss the role of lobbyists

“We don’t mind lobbyists making contributions to a candidate’s campaign fund. What we do mind is when the lobbyists put their thumb on the scale,” said Craig Dunkerley, South Bay Coordinator for the California Clean Money Campaign when speaking to the members and guests of the Evergreen Democratic Club at the its meeting at the Foothill Center in the Villages on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

The California Clean Money Campaign is a non-partisan, 501 © 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to achieve an open and accountable government in California by building statewide support for public funding of election campaigns. More information is available at: www.caclean.org. (Photo by Thom Harney.)

Patricia Le Rocker. Photo by Thom Harney.

Rocker recognized by the Democratic Club

“It all started with Patricia!” Patricia Le Rocker holds the Recognition Award she received for founding the Evergreen Democratic Club and for the many contributions she has made over the years to that Club at its meeting at the Foothill Center in the Villages on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The Recognition Award was presented at the meeting by Willa Dawson, Executive Committee Member.

Republican Club installs new officers for 2009

Bill Eckert and “Duf” Sundheim discussed the Republican Party at the Club’s luncheon. Photo by Lou Rosenberg

By Bill Evans
Special to the Times

The Republican Club at the Villages held its monthly meeting Tuesday, Dec. 2 at a luncheon in the Fairway Room of the Clubhouse. This was the annual “Toys for Tots” and Installation of Officers meeting.

President Hill warmly welcomed all in attendance and thanked them for sharing so generously with their many gifts for the Toys for Tots program conducted in conjunction with the San Jose Fire Department. After a short business meeting, in which plans for the coming year were discussed, Parliamentarian Pat O’Brien installed the Officers for 2009. They are Gary Hill, President; Bill Eckert and Bill Evans, Vice Presidents; Eve Wright, Treasurer; June Cramer, Assistant Treasurer; and Carolyn Hill and Nancy Jones Co-Secretaries.

Donna Roberson gave an inspirational reading of “The Night Before Christmas” about a soldier standing watch at Christmas; and Gary Hill read an enlightening informational item about all the good things happening in Iraq that have not been reported in the News Media.

Vice President Bill Eckert introduced our distinguished guest speaker, George “Duf” Sundheim. Mr. Sundheim is currently President and CEO of CRAFT (California Republicans Aligned for Tomorrow) and was Chairman of the California Republican Party instrumental in the election of Governor Schwartzenneger. He spoke on the political situation, past, present and future, emphasizing the importance of finding the “right” people to run for office. Duf opened the floor for questions and answered many of issues confronting the Party. He explained what the passage of Proposition 11 (Redistricting) means and the importance it has for future elections.

The next general meeting of the Club will be Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. in Foothill Center.