bulletin.5.13.doc

Our Annual Meeting this year will begin with an evening dessert and special speaker, followed by the business meeting. We have reserved the lodge at Dorsey’s Knob for the event, which will begin May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome! 

Jim Hunt

Our special [...]]]> Annual Meeting: Evening Dessert and Special Speaker

Our Annual Meeting this year will begin with an evening dessert and special speaker, followed by the business meeting. We have reserved the lodge at Dorsey’s Knob for the event, which will begin May 15 at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome! 

Jim Hunt

Our special speaker will be James C. Hunt, who was one of the speakers at our recent Local Government workshop/forum in March. His topic, “From Great to Amazing” will cover how cities deal with growth, revitalization and challenges.  (It is also the title of his new book which will be coming out at the end of the year.) We hope all of you will invite friends to what should be a very stimulating talk. We will ask attendees for a suggested contribution of $5 to help pay for expenses. If you have a special dessert you would like to bring (such as rhubarb pie, strawberry shortcake, fresh fruit or meringues), please call Shirley Rosenbaum at 599-2370.

The dessert and presentation will be followed by our annual business meeting with election of board members, adoption of the budget, and consideration of program items for 2013-2014. The budget and proposed program are in this newsletter. 

Local League Successes

 We had a very stimulating Local Government Committee meeting at the Aull Center in March, with about 40 people attending. Almost 100 people came to our City Council Candidate Forum in April. We appreciate everyone who contributed time and effort in organizing these events, as well as those who brought the delicious refreshments.

We have received a letter from the President of the LWV-US, congratulating our league for increasing its membership by 40% in 2012. We grew from 40 to 56 members! Many thanks to our Membership Chair, Shirley Rosenbaum, and all those who helped!

Complete Streets Bill Approved

League Transportation Committee Chair, Jonathan Rosenbaum, is delighted to announce that the Complete Streets Act (SB158) was approved by the Governor on April 19!   We thank Senator Bob Beach of Monongalia County for being the lead sponsor of the bill.

Annual Meeting Schedule

6:00-6:30 Set up desserts; gathering, pay dues

6:30-7:00 Enjoy sampling desserts

7:00-8:00 Jim Hunt talk and Q&A period

8:00-9:00 Business meeting

Business Meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Adoption of Budget
Nominating Committee Report
Election of Officers and Board Members
Discussion and adoption of Program for 2013-14 (below)

LWV Morgantown-Monongalia County
Proposed 2013-2014 Local Program

1. Local Government:
Study of County Government, including:
a. Laws concerning the number of County Commissioners, their responsibilities and authority.
b. Taxation, revenues and budget disbursements.

2. Planning: Action to promote orderly development in Monongalia County and monitor the work of the Monongalia County Planning Commission.

3. Transportation:
a. Monitor and take action where needed with regard to improving traffic conditions, including pedestrian and cyclist safety.
b. Monitor the implementation of the Complete Streets legislation so that the design of our transportation system can be inclusive of all forms of transportation.

4. Voters Service: Continue to advocate for open access to registration and voting.

5. Natural Resources:
a. Study water quality in the Monongahela River including Morgantown Utility Board and Department of Natural Resources testing and their relation to Marcellus Shale gas extraction processes and coal mining.
b. Study current state regulation of Marcellus Shale gas extraction. Work with legislators to amend the Marcellus legislation with regard to those issues that still need regulation.
c. Study current municipal and county ordinances related to extractive industries. Work with local officials to ensure that the strongest ordinances possible are promulgated to protect the health and safety of citizens.

6. Social Justice: Explore “Jobs with Justice” principles.

Consensus Positions

Local Government
The LWVMMC favors the adoption and implementation of comprehensive plans for Morgantown and Monongalia County: meaning a comprehensive plan or any of its parts such as a comprehensive plan of land use, or thoroughfares; of water and sanitation; or recreation and other related matters; and including such ordinances as may be deemed necessary to implement such complete comprehensive plans or parts thereof, with provision for such regulations as deemed necessary. (September, 1969; reworded November 1973)

Land Use (Natural Resources):
Support the implementation of planning in Morgantown and Monongalia County.

Also in this edition, proposed budget, special request from the Dominion Post, our newest members and how to become a League Member.

Mark your Calendars!

May 15 Annual Meeting at Dorsey’s Knob!

Morgantown-Monongalia Newsletter April-May 2013

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“We are very proud to have our efforts acknowledged,” said local League president, Jonathan Rosenbaum. “Our [...]]]> The Morgantown-Monongalia Chapter of the League of Women Voters was recently recognized by the League of Women Voters of the United States for significant growth in our membership and our continued commitment to our community and the mission of the League.

“We are very proud to have our efforts acknowledged,” said local League president, Jonathan Rosenbaum. “Our members are committed to making Morgantown and Monongalia County stronger and more vibrant.”

In the past year the League’s membership has grown by 40 percent. Interest in the League has grown because of recent activities offered by the League that are open to the public. In preparation for upcoming elections, the League held a workshop about local government and a candidate forum. Special events such as educational town hall meetings on the Affordable Care Act, and membership meetings with guest speakers such as Secretary of State, Natalie Tennant, and WV Senate President Jeff Kessler attract League members and interested citizens.

“We are thrilled to see the LWV of Morgantown-Monongalia County is thriving and committed to serving the community of Morgantown,” said national president Elisabeth MacNamara. “The League is a true grassroots organization. Without strong and devoted Leagues helping to make democracy work in communities across the country, we would not have been able to accomplish all that we have over the last 93 years, nor would we be able to continue our mission for years to come.”

“While we appreciate the recognition, the greatest reward that we could get is seeing more members of our community active and involved in the issues that are critical to all of us. The more individuals that join the League and are part of that, the better it is for all of us,” said Jonathan Rosenbaum. “We welcome everyone to visit our website morgantown.lwvwv.org to learn more or join our next event.”

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Thorn will discuss issues important to the League such as environmental concerns [...]]]> SUE THORN will be the featured speaker at the April meeting of the League of Women Voters of Wood County to be held Monday, April 22nd at 7 pm in the Summers Auditorium on the lower level of the Wood County Library in Parkersburg.

Thorn will discuss issues important to the League such as environmental concerns and the flood of money into politics ushered in by the Citizens United Supreme Court decision. She will also speak about her current position working with non-profits in the Pittsburgh area. Find out what a Community Organizer really does!

April 2013 Voter.docx

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All city council positions are up for election. Candidates in First and Third Wards are unopposed. Candidates running for council seats [...]]]> The League of Women Voters of Morgantown-Mon. County is hosting a city council candidate forum at the Suncrest United Methodist Church at 479 Van Voorhis Rd. on Wednesday, April 17, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

All city council positions are up for election. Candidates in First and Third Wards are unopposed. Candidates running for council seats are: First Ward, Ron Bane; Second Ward, Bill Kawecki and Jim Manilla; Third Ward, Wes Nugent; Forth Ward, Bill Graham and Jenny Selin; Fifth Ward, Mark Furfari and Marti Shamberger; Sixth Ward, Mike Fike and Jay Redmond; Seventh Ward, Nancy Ganz and Linda Herbst.

City residents can vote for seven candidates, one from each ward. They are elected to serve two year terms beginning on July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015. The election will be held on, Tuesday, April 30.

Voters are encouraged to meet and ask questions of the candidates before they vote. Poling place locations can be found at the Morgantown city website, http://www.morgantownwv.gov/government/city-council/election-information/.

Following the forum refreshments will be served.

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VoterSpring2013.pdf

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League of Women Voters – Morgantown/Monongalia County

Workshop #1 on Local Government: “What d’ ya know –

About Morgantown City Government” 

March 13, 2013 – Location: Aull House, 7-9 p.m.

Purpose of [...]]]> Below is the complete workshop with links to all the documents and presentations from the March 13, 2013 Morgantown Local Government event!

League of Women Voters – Morgantown/Monongalia County

Workshop #1 on Local Government: “What d’ ya know –

About Morgantown City Government” 

March 13, 2013 – Location: Aull House, 7-9 p.m.

Purpose of Workshops on Local Government: To provide for League members and other interested persons an opportunity to update their awareness of the operations of our local government, and consider pertinent current issues relating to both City and County government.

Goal: To increase informed and active participation in local government.

Proposed Plan: Organize two hour sessions (7-9 p.m.):

Relating to Our Local Governments: Part I (in March) and Part II (in fall)

Outline of Workshop #1 – Morgantown City Government:

1. “What d’ ya know?” – A distribution of a multiple choice “pre-test” which people can take while others are arriving, perhaps take home, and then correct themselves

2. Welcome and Orientation to evening — Lyndell Millecchia

3. “Grab a “stool” and let’s talk together about how things operate around here!” – A session on the components of Morgantown City Government, some related question and issues (blue sheet) — Don Spencer

4. “Three Issues for the Docket” – A Panel Presentation

City Manager/Council Form of Government — Margaret Stout

A Downtown for All — Jim Hunt

Home Rule — Don Spencer

5. “More Issues on Our Minds” – Brainstorming a list of other issues important to local municipal governments – w/ identifications of what government entity(ies) needs to be involved in addressing the issue

6. Adjournment of Meeting and Opening Reception

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This is the official call to the State League Convention to be held in Charles Town on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The Jefferson Co. League has graciously agreed to host the meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 157 Pimlico Dr., Charles Town. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with [...]]]> Dear LWVWV Members:

This is the official call to the State League Convention to be held in Charles Town on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The Jefferson Co. League has graciously agreed to host the meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 157 Pimlico Dr., Charles Town. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the call to order at 10:00 a.m. Business should be completed by 3:00 p.m. Business to be conducted includes the election of officers and directors and approval of the budget, bylaws changes and program. Sean O’Leary, a journalist with the Martinsburg Journal, is the guest speaker. Attached is an abstract of our consensus positions, proposed budget, proposed bylaws change and nominating committee report.

Who is eligible to attend convention? Each local League is entitled to one delegate in addition to its president, or an alternate should the president be unable to attend. Leagues having more than 15 voting members are entitled to one additional delegate for each additional 10 voting members or major fraction thereof as of January 31, 2013. Other League members attending are designated as “visitors.” The registration fee for delegates and visitors is $25.00, which includes lunch, and may be paid on the day of the convention. Please pre-register by April 25 by contacting Susan Watkins at 304-343-8574 or susanwatkins@suddenlink.net.

Based on the membership numbers reported in January 2013, each League may send the following number of delegates:

Huntington (59): president + 5 delegates

Jefferson Co. (35): president + 3 delegates

Morgantown/Monongalia Co. (56): president + 5 delegates

Wood Co. (37): president + 3 delegates

We hope to have a good turnout and look forward to seeing you on May 4. If you have any questions, please contact susanwatkins@suddenlink.net.

Susan K. Watkins, President
League of Women Voters of West Virginia

The League is where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement. Join us!

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