Chittenden County Democrats Hear From Majority Leader Nease

Chairman Mike Yantachka called the meeting of Chittenden County Democrats to order at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 9th, at the IBEW Union Training Hall in South Burlington.

In the absence of Treasurer Ken Brown, Mike announced that we currently have $628.80 in our treasury. He suggested that we have a fundraiser.

Mike then explained how the upcoming political party reorganization works. Local Democratic Committees will reorganize in September, followed by the county reorganization in October, and ending with the state Party reorganization in November.

Charlie Merriman, a candidate for Secretary of State, took a few minutes to introduce himself to the two dozen people present.

House Majority Leader, Rep. Floyd Nease, reported on the just-ended legislative session. He discussed the two veto overrides and some of the other major achievements of the Democrats. While the veto overrides were a positive outcome of the session, Nease stressed that the passed budget was far from ideal and that there would continue to be challenges ahead for the state. When asked about the upcoming session, Floyd said he’s not sure what the agenda will be for next year, that it somewhat depends upon what happens to the economy during the rest of this year.

Robert Dempsey, the new Executive Director of the VT Democratic Party, introduced himself and gave a brief outline of what is currently happening at Vermont Democratic Party headquarters.

Charlie Delaney, a member of the VT Commission on Native American Affairs, reported on the frustration of Native Americans with the lack of interest from the Governor’s office in trying to work out a way to recognize Vermont’s American Indians.

-- Submitted by Secretary Sherry Mahady

Sen. Racine Comments on Health Care in Vermont

The Chittenden County Democrats Show recorded on 2009-06-01 featured County Chair Mike Yantachka and County Senator Doug Racine. The discussion focused on the the state of health care availability and the effects of the budget on state-supported programs. This discussion took place before the historic veto-override session of the legislature on June 2nd.

You can watch this program on Channel 17/ Town Meeting Television, on Comcast Cable and Burlington Telecom systems at the following times:

1. Saturday June 13, 6:00 PM
2. Monday June 15, 3:30 PM
3. Monday June 22, 3:30 PM
4. Monday June 29, 3:30 PM
5. Monday July 6, 3:30 PM

The program is also rebroadcast at various times on LCATV serving Northwestern Chittenden County and on VCAM serving southern Chittenden County. Check the schedules for those stations.

You may also watch the program on-line by clicking here: http://www.cctv.org/node/75546

-

So. Burlington Dems Elect New Chair

At a caucus on Monday, June 8th, the South Burlington Democratic Committee elected Karen Ryder as Chair after the resignation of Bob DiFerdinando due to illness. Ms. Ryder had been the Vice-Chair and had assumed the position of acting-Chair the previous month. Kathy Anderson was elected to the position of Vice-Chair vacated by Ryder.