August 27, 2004

Election 2004

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren empowers Evergreen Democratic Club

By Tom Harney
Special to the Times

“I have faith in the American people, and everybody can do something to help this country follow the correct course,” said Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren to an overflow crowd of Evergreen Democratic Club members at their Aug. 3 meeting at the Foothill Center.

“I speak out. Sometimes I can’t get coverage. I can’t control the press; but I can speak out, and sometimes I do get coverage,” continued Lofgren. “I can vote; and ultimately, I have to find my very best to do the right thing, each and every time I vote.”

Lofgren told the crowd that their voices could be heard a number of ways. “We can write a letter to the editor. We can call in on a radio show. We can send $5 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. We can e-mail our relatives in other states. We all have power!

“It’s the right wing in this country that tries to convince us that we don’t have power,” she added. “They win when there is a small turnout, and their supporters show up and other people are discouraged. So, I’m not going to let that happen!”

Evergreen Democratic Club members applauded her words in agreement, and a spirited question-and-answer session followed the Congresswoman’s presentation. The meeting ended with a showing of the brief film entitled, “Navigating the New Medicare Rx Law,” narrated by Walter Cronkite.

Elected in 1994, Lofgren is now in her tenth year of representing constituents in the 16th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. She received her K-12 education in the Palo Alto public schools, her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and her J.D. degree from the University of Santa Clara School of Law.

The 56-year old Congresswoman and mother of two is married to John Marshall Collins, a local attorney. The busy congresswoman said after the meeting, “I love coming out here to The Villages, because the people here are so well-educated and very up on the issues. They know what’s going on. They have good questions and often have good advice.”

Club member Irene Placone said after the meeting, “I thought it was a wonderful meeting. I wish that Congresswoman Lofgren could be here every time we have a meeting. I enjoyed her presentation very much.”

Club President Bob Applebaum commented after the meeting, “Zoe Lofgren is a great asset to our community and our country. This was actually the largest attended meeting that we’ve ever had. We had 113 in attendance. That includes 15 new members. That brings us to 209 members.”

The Evergreen Democratic Club will hold its annual barbecue at Gazebo Park from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19. Many candidates will be attending, so mark the date on your calendar. The barbecue is free to members. Please phone Club President Bob Applebaum at (408) 238-5811 if you would like to attend.