Events of interest galore

Following are a number of announcements with attached minutes from the last Senior Democrats' meeting:

 

TO Sr Dems of Northwest Arkansas:  Western Sizzlin has gone up on their prices.  They asked for an increase to $9.80.  I got them to agree to $9.25 and with the .75 added for our group that will bring the cost to $10.  We will meet there this coming Tuesday and then we will vote if you wish to continue there.  They have not raised the prices for 5 years and are charging the $9.80 for all of their other groups.  I wanted you to know before you arrived next Tuesday.

Hope all of you will come hear our new Arkansas Democratic Party Communications Director, Candace Martin.  She will be speaking on Arkansas Democrats' focus, message, and party building.  Everyone come out and welcome Candace to NW Arkansas!

 

Berta

 

 

Washington County Democratic Party Central Committee announcement:

Please note, meetings are back at the Washington County Courthouse: Quorum Court Room!

All are welcome to join the members and friends of the Washington County Democrats. Meeting set to begin at 6:00pm.

Can't make it to this meeting? No problem. You can catch up with us next month. The WCDCC meets the 3rd Monday of every month.
Bring a friend! Tyler B. Clark

 

 THE NEXT MEETING of the Benton County Democrats is May 23, 2011 at the Bentonville Clarion at 11:15 with Attorney General Dustin McDaniel as the speaker. For reservations for the $12 lunch buffet,
contact Carole Westby at 876-2178 or westby@cox.net by Thursday, May 19th. (Their newsletter can be read at  www.bcdems.org .)

 

 

To Those Interested in Natural Gas Issues:

There is a growing concern about environmental and health issues related to the development of natural gas.  In spite of the Arkansas Legislature's failure to strengthen regulations, which have successfully passed in other states, we now have an opportunity for the voters to take action.  An initiated act has been introduced to revise Arkansas's natural gas severance tax.  It would raise the current 5% to 7% and disallow the exemptions that were negotiated in the 2008 version. This action introduced by Sheffield Nelson will be on the 2012 general election ballot if a sufficient number of signatures are collected on petitions and if the electorate understands the issue when they go to vote.  These are two big if's!  That is why it is important to learn what this is about so that you can spread the word.  Volunteers are also needed to help with the petition drive.

Arkansas's taxpayers are faced with over $455 million dollars of highway damage from the heavy truck traffic operating in the Fayetteville Shale Play.  The current severance tax paid by the industry and royalty recipients has come nowhere close in covering this cost.  Nelson's initiated act would raise the rate to compare with those of adjoining states and provide more funding for these repairs.

Sheffield Nelson is the invited guest speaker at the League of Women Voters of Washington County annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, May 19.  He will also be presenting information at a press conference that same day.  The public is invited to both of these events, but reservations to the dinner are needed by May 13.  Here are the details:

Public Press Conference

When:  Thursday, May 19, 3:00 pm

Where:  Fayetteville Town Center - Mockingbird Room, 15 West Mountain, Fayetteville

Who:  Media representatives and members of the public interested in the natural gas severance tax petition

Reception for Sheffield Nelson

When:  Thursday, May 19, 5:15

Where:  Butterfield Trails Village - "The Lodge", 1923 Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville

Who:  Anyone interested in meeting Sheffield Nelson from League members or public

 

Sheffield Nelson Guest Speaker at LWVWC Dinner

When:  Thursday, May 19, 5:45

Where: Butterfield Trails Village - "The Lodge", 1923 Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville

Who:  Anyone interested in hearing Sheffield Nelson speak - League members or public

Cost:  $10.00 per person for dinner - Reservations required by May 13 to Joyce Hale 527-2777 or email joycehale43@gmail.com

Feel free to share this information and contact me if you have any questions.

Joyce Hale

Joyce Hale, President

League of Women Voters of Washington County