LEAGUE SPOTLIGHT ON LWVSF GALA: WOMEN WHO COULD BE PRESIDENT

This month San Franciscans saw the inauguration of three of the major office holders of the city. This is the culmination of the November 2011 election, which already seems to be fading into the past. The League played an active role in letting people know about the candidates and issues of that election and this year will be an even busier one for all of us.

Our first election comes up on June 5, 2012. That is the primary election, which will determine the candidates for President, Senate, and House of Representatives as well as those for State Senate and Assembly in November.

The big election of the year, of course, comes on November 6, 2012. This will be a blockbuster election that will determine the direction government will take nationally and at the state and local levels. Americans will elect a President, Congressional Representatives, and some Senators. Californians will also vote for State Senate and Assembly seats and San Franciscans will have local elections for Supervisors in the odd-numbered districts of the city.

Both the June and November elections, of course, will include ballot measures for voters to choose or reject. On the State ballot for the June election will be measures to limit legislative terms, and to impose a new cigarette tax. For November there are already qualified measures to restrict election funding by unions and one to ensure clean and reliable drinking water.

On the local level, two ballot measures are on the list for June—one about changing the system of choosing garbage collectors and one to protect Coit Tower. No measures have been announced yet for November.

With so many important elections coming up this year, League members will want to become involved. Volunteers will be needed to write up ballot measures, host the candidate forums, make speaker’s bureau presentations, and prepare positions on ballot issues. You can volunteer now on the League website or call the office at (415) 989-8683.

It’s not too early to start making a difference!

After months of research, the Study Committee met again the weekend of January 7-8th 2012, and is pleased to report that the Study Guide and Leader’s Guide are well underway. The Committee has reaffirmed its intention to stick to the timeline previously laid out, with a goal of completing the Guides by this summer. The Study Committee will continue to dedicate itself to these undertakings and the formation of consensus questions at the present; throughout the fall, the Committee will focus on producing quality and abundant community education material and helping local Leagues to prepare for Consensus Meetings next winter. After tabulating consensus reports, the Study Committee plans to submit a proposed position to the Board in spring of 2013.

As League members who have connected with the Study Committee on its Facebook group (League of Women Voters of California Initiative & Referendum Study) are well aware, there is a wealth of material in which League members who are interested in the Study are invited to delve. Our Facebook page is also an excellent medium to stay apprised of Study progress, as well as a forum to share articles and your own thoughts and ideas. If you haven’t visited the Study on Facebook, please do! If you are craving even more in depth information, you are invited to visit the Study website for even more resources.

At this time, the Study Committee would also like to encourage local Leagues to prepare to hold a public forum this coming fall in advance of the election. Such a forum will not only undoubtedly be in high demand, due to the hype sure to stem from a November ballot promising to be stacked with both initiatives and, unusually, referendum measures, but will also serve to stimulate interest in the forthcoming Consensus Meetings. Keep visiting the Study Committee website for more information and material for such an event, including speaker suggestions, a PowerPoint presentation, handouts, and plenty of fodder to stimulate conversation. The Study Committee looks forward to continuing to engage with local members now and as the Study progresses.

The League of Women Voters San Francisco blog, LeagueVoice, is a stimulating forum open to posts and comments from our community. You are invited to share experiences, impressions, and ideas relevant to public policy in San Francisco and beyond.

If you saw an excellent speaker, attended a compelling museum exhibit, read a thought-provoking book or article, or have a reaction to happenings in your neighborhood, consider blogging about it! By sharing your thoughts and responding to others’ on LeagueVoice, you can contribute to a powerful conversation.

If you would like to post an entry, email LWVSFCommunication@gmail.com. If you would rather not blog, remember that you can always bounce ideas, share articles, and promote important events on our LWVSF Facebook page.