[Iowa-dx] Additional items

[Richard Johnson]

On Sat, 25 Nov 2006 21:05:47 -0600, "tpfeiff@earthlink.net"
<tpfeiff@earthlink.net> said:
> 
> Lest anyone think I'm fixated on funding, here are more considerations
> for
> Iowa Greens:
> 
> 1. Re-establish our electronic state newsletter, that Bob Schultes and I
> began years ago. Blogs are avenues that allow each of us the opportunity
> to
> expound on issues of concern, but one has to go to a "blogsite" in order
> to
> read and write these comments. I suggest that each of our larger member
> counties (Blackhawk, Linn, Johnson, Polk and Scott) rotate the job of
> being
> the editor/compiler for a six month period. This assignment is predicated
> on the reliability of one or more members in these counties, and the
> at-large group, to submit articles for monthly publication. Consider
> yours
> truly as the first lead-off in January 2007!

I'll be happy to contribute regularly as well.  I would point out that
the "Green in Iowa" blog is available as an RSS feed, which can
auto-feed into browsers that support this feature to allow immediate
updates of the blog information available as a tab in the browser. 
There is no reason to "go to" the website using this unless you wish to
add comments to an article (a feature that is woefully underutilized on
the blog).

> 
> 2. Check in with your local high schools and colleges/universities as to
> the possibilities of speaking on Green issues. We here in Scott County
> had
> an excellent arrangement with the political science department at West 
> High for 3-4 years, until they went on a block schedule recently.This
> could
> lead to the establishment of a Campus Green group at one or more schools.
> Congratulations to the fledgling Wartburg Greens!

I'm working on our HS government teacher at L-M to allow me to come in
and talk to the class about the campaign from a non-partisan standpoint.
 The idea of bringing ANY political party into that classroom seems to
put both our teacher and HS principal into something just short of
cardiac arrest.  It may have to do with the strong conservative nature
of the community.  Wapello HS is a similarly difficult nut to crack.

However, Burlington and Ft. Madison might be easier to get into given
that they are larger schools.  Thanks for the suggestion, Ted!


> 
> 3. Since mortality will begin catching up with some of us "older" folks,
> we
> continue to fund the national Campus Greens at $100 annually.

I wish we could give them more, but right now this is probably the
limit.  I would also encourage that we adopt this as an ongoing budget
item.


> 
> 4. All state members begin to contribute to a list of "must do" actions
> that require the establishment of a state budget. As of now, we have a
> hodge-podge of demands on state spending that don't match up with
> reliable
> income. If anyone thinks this is exaggerated, just take a long look at
> the
> data state treasurer Ray Meyer sent out on his last reports to the Iowa
> Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.


Organization...a difficult task at time, but a necessity if we are to
grow.  I will work on a list and offer it to the discussion at the
appropriate time.

> 
> 5. Convene our core/active county members at least quarterly to determine
> who is willing to do what when.

This has been a difficult thing to do, especially in off years.  This is
one reason I suggested that our focus move to local growth and allow the
state to take a support role.  If we can get folks together this often I
think it could make some difference.  I will continue to suggest that
our primary focus needs to be on growth at the county level, not at the
state level.

Rick Johnson

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