The Voter page 1 April 2018

Making Democracy Work® The Voter

Volume 68 Issue 7 April 2018IN THIS ISSUE

“ The State of the Counties” 1Co-Presidents’ Message 2Silent Auction 2New Members 2Skit Presentation 3Naturalization Ceremony 3Annual Meeting Documents 4- 6New Member Coffee 5Annual Meeting Form 7Membership Form 8

YOUR BOARD MEMBERS

Officers:Haley Richards andEllen Roston, Co PresidentsCharlyle Parrish, 1st Vice Pres.Ray Hudkins, 2nd Vice Pres.Art Parrish, TreasurerDiane Kratochvil, Secretary

Directors:Mary Collins, Women’s IssuesAnn Davis, Natural ResourcesVivian Faircloth, CommunicationsShirley Lewis-Brown - RightsRestoration - Second ChancesCathy Scott, Membership Paula Montgomery, Education

Off-Board Carolyn Kolb, Natural Resources

Nominating Committee Elizabeth King, ChairGail HoneaVivian FairclothPaula Montgomery

Contact Us

www.lwvpba.org LWVPBA facebook page

lwvpba@gmail.com Phone: (850)937-7769

www.lwvfl.orgLWVF facebook page

www.lwv.orgLWVUS Facebook page

“The State of the Counties”

April 21, 2018

Tryon Library

1200 Langley Ave.Coffee 10:15 Program 10:30 am

On April 21, our monthly meeting atTryon Public Library will feature"The State Of The Counties". We

will be hosting Mr. Jeff Bergosh ofEscambia County and Mr. Robert "Bob"Cole of Santa Rosa County.

As of the 2010 Census, Escambia County included nearly 300,000 residents.Currently five county commissioners oversee an annual budget of $456 Million.Commissioner Bergosh was elected to represent Escambia County's District 1 in2016 and is now serving as the County Commission chair. Bergosh also worksaboard Naval Air Station Pensacola as a civilian contractor, where he serves as thework control and quality assurance supervisor in the engineering annex. Commissioner Bergosh holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State Universityand a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of WestFlorida.

According to the 2010 Census, Santa Rosa County had more than 170,000residents. The 2018 county annual budget is $146 Million. Mr. Robert "Bob" Coleserves as the Santa Rosa County Commission chair and has served on the countycommission since 2002. He is a master mechanic and has owned Bob Cole's ImportProfessionals for 29 years. He is a member of the Pensacola Area MetropolitanPlanning Organization, Regional Transportation Authority, National Association ofCounties, and the Santa Rosa County Coalition of Chambers. Commissioner Coleholds an Associate Degree from Pensacola Junior College in Industrial Education.

68th Annual Meeting Speaker

The Voter page 2 April 2018

Haley RichardsEllen Roston

Co-Presidents’ Message

As we prepare to end the 2017-2018 year, Ellen andI are reflecting on everything the League hasaccomplished this past year. What a tremendous

year it has been and we know more good things are still tocome in 2018! Come celebrate with us at the 68th AnnualMeeting on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the PensacolaYacht Club. This is your opportunity to decide who willlead the League, the issues for study & action and approvethe budget and bylaws changes. In order to raise funds andto support our work in the coming year, the League ishosting a silent auction during the Annual Meeting. Please take time to review the Annual Meeting committeereports included in this month's Voter and RSVP using theonline form here or mail your form to LWVPBA, P.O.Box 2023. Contact Haley Richards, (850) 293-9565 orlwvpba@gmail.com for more information.

Our League members worked tirelessly this past yearleveraging the power of women (and men as well) tocreate a more perfect democracy. The League is strongwhen membership is strong. This past month the LWVUSBoard approved a new membership initiative and we arepleased to announce that Student Membership Fees havebeen waived until January 2021. LWV Pensacola BayArea has experienced significant membership growth overthe past year. On April 28, we are hosting a new membersocial at 10 am at the home of Ann Davis. If you are newto the League this event will be a wonderful opportunity toget to know your fellow Leaguers and learn how to getinvolved! Contact Janet DeLorge 607-7114 or EllenRoston 453-0730 for more information.

Membership Dues can be renewed at the Annual Meeting.If you would like to make one payments for MembershipDues, the Annual Meeting Luncheon and a donation to theSusan B. Anthony membership, please indicate this onyour form.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your 2017-2018Co-Presidents!

Ellen & Haley

Silent Auction Coming Fast -Are You Ready?

Annual Meeting - Pensacola Yacht Club May 12, 2018 - 9:30 am Registration & Shopping

10:00 am business meeting & Silent Auction 12: pm Luncheon & Speaker

In order to raise funds for all the work we have plannedfor 2018, the Pensacola Bay Area League of WomenVoters is having a Silent Auction. The Auction is

scheduled for May 12, 2018, at our Annual Meeting. Soyou need to get your gift list ready and bring cash,checkbooks and credit cards.

The auction will feature aframed photo by member andphotographer, Dottie King, and awood carving by Bill Wagner(see photo), plus many otheritems to complete your annualgift shopping. We also can still take itemdonations. We all have that gift

or beautiful something we bought but never used. Big orsmall, we can auction single or bundled items. If you cansecure a dinner out or weekend retreat, that would bewonderful too. If you have something to donate or wish to help, please callGail Honea at 850-474-3581. We can arrange adropoff/pickup at your convenience. We would like to haveall items by April 18, 2018. Plan on attending our Annual Meeting, learn about all thecontinuing work League committees are doing for ourcommunity and enjoy the guest speaker, Andy Marlette.Come early so you have time to shop! Call Gail Honea now at 850-474-3581

Welcome New Members

Sue Blalock Samantha Boellard

Hadiya Crocker Penny Fendt

Laura Hydle Gail & Bob Husbands

Adele Lott Emaleth Marshall

Philip Mitchell Kourtney Wynn

The Voter page 3 April 2018

Paula Montgomery, Charlyle Parrish and Pam Schwartz

The Right to Vote Will Not be DeniedPenny Rice, Education Committee

Last month Paula Montgomery, Charlyle Parrish andPam Schwartz - along with Bill Caplinger and Dave Hoffman- presented a skit on the 19th Amendment

to eight fifth grade classes at Beulah Elementary School. The skit depicted a polling booth in a small town, wheretwo men at the polling station had to deal with threesuffragists coming to vote-before the 19th amendment was passed.

Following the skit, the cast gave additionalinformation on the background of the women's suffragemovement. It was an enjoyable experience and, hopefully,the students became more aware of the importance of thevote.

Citizenship Question is

Bad for the Census

Stand with the League as we fight back against thedecision to include a question pertaining tocitizenship in the 2020 Census. Take Action here.

Be Prepared to Vote

The Primary Election is on Aug. 28. If you are aFlorida voter but will be away for the summer,remember to Vote by Mail! Request a mail ballot

from the Supervisor of Elections’ office.Register to vote or change your political party by July

30 for the Primary Election. Early voting is Aug. 8-25,

Naturalization CeremonyPenny Rice, 702-683-6511

Holly Picardi and Penny Rice represented the Leagueat the February 23rd Naturalization Ceremony fornew citizens held at the Pensacola City Hall.

Judge Rodger Vinson welcomed the candidates, familiesand guests. The newcomers came from the following countries:Panama, Moldova, Mexico(7), Jamaica(4), UnitedKingdom(5), El Salvador, Ghana, Italy, France, Russia(5),Thailand, Romania, Philippines(4), Ethiopia, Vietnam(3),Canada(3), Morocco, Romania, Philippines(4), Poland,Belize, Uzbekistan(2), Japan, Ireland, Russia(5),Pakistan,Bangladesh, St. Vincent - Grenadines, China(4), Ukraine,Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Poland, Kazakhstan, India(3),Thailand, Columbia(2), Dominican Republic and theRepublic of Korea.

The guest speaker was Dr. P. C. Wu, Pensacola CityCouncil member, whose parents were first generationimmigrants. Dr. Leo Day sang a patriotic song in fivedifferent languages. Essays on what it means to be anAmerican were given by Riley Wood and Adriana Guthrieof Ransom Middle School. American flags were presentedto the oldest and youngest new citizens.

There was a large crowd of families, friends andorganizations welcoming the new citizens. It was aheartwarming and inspiring ceremony. Becoming a citizenis not an easy process and it is with great respect that weobserved newcomers raise their right hands and pledgeallegiance to the United States.

After the ceremony newcomers visited numerousinformation tables, including one where they could register to vote.

(Karen Vigneron and Deborah Erwin plan to representLeague at the April 27 Naturalization Ceremony.)

The Voter page 4 April 2018

DUES INCREASE: The LWVPBA Board hasdetermined that a dues increase of $5 will berequired to cover League expenses for next year.These additional expenses are reflected through aper-member payment of $32 to LWVUS yearlyand LWVF payments of $15 for each member.With $60 dues, our League will have $13 permember to support the activities in the upcomingyear. The Board appreciates and encourages yoursupport of this proposal. It is reflected in thebudget to be voted on by the membership at theMay 12 Annual Meeting.

.League of Women Voters Pensacola Bay AreaProposed Budget 2018-2019

Receipts 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 Dues $ 7,123 $ 7,232 $ 7,725 Member Contribution 2,000 2,000 1,600 Non-member Contributions 200 200 0 Fundraiser 459 500 800 Annual Meeting 1,500 1,500 1,800 Interest Income 0 0 0 Guide to Elected Officials 1,000 1,000 1,000 Grants (Ed Fund) 700 0 1,500 From Reserves 0 0 2,352

Total Income $ 13,282 $ 13,960 $ 16,777

Disbursements:Operational Costs Supplies 300 $ 200 $ 100 Postage 25 25 25 PO Box Rental 70 70 80 Insurance/Filings/ Solicitation 600 600 625 Miscellaneous 100 100 100

Board and Administration Board Expenses 50 50 50 Annual Meeting 1,500 1,500 1,800 Membership Services 75 50 75

Delegate Travel/Affiliation Convention/Council (State) 500 800 800 US Convention 1,000 0 2000 Legislative Seminar 500 375 400

Financial Support of League State PMP 1,943 1,972 1,943 National PMP 4,144 4,208 4,144 Lobby Fund Drive 400 400 400Voter Printing and Mailing 150 150 150 Postage 75 75 75

Program Voter Service 250 125 125 Guide to Elected Officials 1,000 1,000 1,000 Natural Resources Committee 125 125 625 Education Committee 125 125 685 Study Material 0 0 350 Action 100 100 100 Website 100 100 100 Workshop/Forum 200 200 700

Total Expenditures $ 10,900 $ 13,960 $16,777

Submitted by the Budget Committee Gail Honea, Chair, Ray Hudkins,Vivian Faircloth, Cortney Winstead and Art Parrish and EllenRoston, ex officio.

Proposed Slate of Officers & Directors 2018-2019

Officers:Co-Presidents Ray Hudkins 2018-2019

Elizabeth King 2018-20191st Vice President Charlyle Parrish 2018-20192nd Vice President Annelise Reunert 2017-2019* Secretary Gail Honea 2018-2020

Directors:Ellen Roston 2017-2019*Holly Picardi 2017-2019*Paula Montgomery 2018-2020Melinda Becket 2018-2020Donna Waters 2018-2020

2016 Nominating Committee:Haley Richards, ChairBill CaplingerMarrilyn Badessa

Note: * Completing a vacant position.

Submitted by the 2017 Nominating Committee:Elizabeth King, ChairGail Honea Vivian FairclothCharlotte Crane Paula Montgomery

Returning Directors: Treasurer Robert ‘Art’ Parrish 2017-2019 Director Shirley Lewis-Brown 2017-2019

The Voter page 5 April 2018

Proposed BYLAWS Changes - 2018

These proposed Bylaws changes were recommended bythe Board and are presented for consideration by themembership at the Annual Meeting. Proposed deletionsare shown by strikeouts and additions are underlined.All changes require a two-thirds vote for approval.

ARTICLE IV OFFICERS

Section 1. Enumeration and Election of Officers. TheOfficers of the League of Women Voters of thePensacola Bay Area shall be a President and a First VicePresident, who shall be elected for terms of one (1) year,and a Second Vice President, a Secretary and aTreasurer who shall be elected for terms of two (2) yearsby the general membership at an Annual Meeting andtake office at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting The President and the First Vice President shall beelected annually. The President's position may be filledby co-presidents. The duties of this office shall beshared as determined by the officeholders. TheSecretary shall be elected in the even numbered years. The Second Vice President and the Treasurer shall beelected in the odd numbered years.

Rationale: To prevent redundancy

Article VI FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION Section 2 Dues

b) Student Membership. The payment for amember who is a student shall be equal to one-half the dues amount. Students who join theLeague will have dues waived until January, 2021.

A student is defined as an individual working,either full or part-time, toward a degree orvocational certificate in an accreditedinstitution.

Rationale: To conform to LWV and LWVF changes and16 year olds are allowed to me members and they do notmeet the wording.

ARTICLE VII MEETINGS

Section 3. Quorum. Twenty percent of the votingmembership shall constitute a quorum at AnnualMeeting of the League of Women Voters of thePensacola Bay Area.

Rationale: For greater clarification

ARTICLE VIII NOMINATIONS ANDELECTIONS

Section 1. Nominating Committee. The NominatingCommittee shall consist of five members, two of whom shallbe members of the Board of Directors. The Chairman andtwo members, who shall not be members of the Board, shallbe elected at the Annual Meeting. Nominations for theseofficers shall be made by the current NominatingCommittee. The other members shall be appointed by theBoard of Directors, immediately following the AnnualMeeting. Any vacancy on the Nominating Committee shallbe filled by the Board of Directors. Suggestions ofnominations for Officers and Directors may be sent to thisCommittee by any voting member.

Rationale: To conform to practice

ARTICLE IX PROGRAM

Section 2. Program. The Program of the League of WomenVoters of the Pensacola Bay Area shall consist of those localgovernmental issues chosen for concerted study and action.

Rationale: Clarification

Make Luncheon Reservations Here

Make your reservations for the Annual Meetingluncheon here, the League website, or on the formon page 7. Dues may be paid at the Annual

Meeting along with your check for lunch. PayPal charges afee for its use.

Checks may be mailed to LWV Pensacola Bay Area, POBox 2023, Pensacola, FL 32513, without any additionalcost. "

NEW MEMBER COFFEE

You are cordially invited to attend a new membercoffee on Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m, at the homeof Ann Davis. Come and meet other new members

and learn about the League.

Please respond to this email to let us know whether ornot you will be able to attend.

We look forward to seeing you.

Directions: from downtown Pensacola, go North on ScenicHighway, passing Langley, Creighton, Olive Road and I-10.Continue on Scenic for 3 miles and after long hill, turn Leftinto River Gardens on Blithewood Road. Go a short distanceto first left on to Sweetwater. Look for #6, the only houseon the short street. If coming from Pace, turn Right offScenic Highway.

For additional information or directions call: 937-7769.

:

The Voter page 6 April 2018

Proposed Local Program

2018-2019The League’s program consists of those governmental

issues the League has chosen for concerted study andaction. The Board Recommended Local Program itemsfor study and/or action in 2018-2019 are:

1. Action to educate voters on candidates seekingelection in 2018.

2. Action to educate the community about the EqualRights Amendment, Reproductive Rights, Pay andPromotion Equity, Paid Family Leave and Violenceagainst women.

3. Action to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags.

4. Action in support of the LWVFL solar co-opinitiative.

5. Action to support the transition from open burningand open detonation to safer, more effective disposalmethods for excess military munitions.

6. Action in support of Juvenile Justice Reforms toinclude but not limited to:

a. Judicial Review instead of Direct File in JuvenileOffender cases;

b. Use of civil citations instead of arrest fornonviolent offenses by juveniles.

7. Action to increase local oversight of Charter Schools.

8. Action to support school based discipline usingtrauma informed care instead of out of schoolsuspension and school reassignment.

9. Action in support of gun safety.

Earth Day Pensacola April 21, 10am - 4 pm

Bayshore Park, 2001 E Lloyd St.

The theme of Earth Day 2018 isEnergy, Transportation and

Sustainability, with supporting vendors promoting ride-sharing, public transportation, hybrid vehicles, windenergy, solar energy and more.

Calendar

April

17 Tuesday, 10:00 am, International Relations, GreatDecisions discussion at Azalea Trace. Andy Marlettewill present a special program.

21 Saturday, 10:15 am, General League Meeting, State ofthe Counties, Tryon Branch Library, 1200 Langley Ave,Commissioners Jeff Bergosh and Robert ‘Bob’ Cole.

21 Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm, Earth Day, Bayview Park

May12 Saturday, Mark your calendar for the Annual Meeting

at the Pensacola Yacht Club, Details, pages 4-7.

WORKSHOPOffshore drilling, Plastic Campaign

and Solar InitiativeMary Gutierrez, earthethicsaction@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 2, 5:30 - 7:45 pm Pensacola Downtown Library, 239 N. Spring Street

The Natural Resources Committee will be presentingshort films to educate League members and the publicon current issues of critical concern to the

environment. Join us for Shore Stories, an organizinginitiative using short documentary films to build publicopposition to offshore drilling. Six shore film created byWorking Films and allied organizations highlight thegrassroots resistance taking place across the US, as well asstories from past oil and gas exploration, including the PBDeepwater Horizon disaster. Sponsors are Solar UnitedNeighbors, LWV Florida and LWVPBA,

A power point presentation which will be shownthroughout the community will explain "Why Free PlasticBags are too Expensive".

The solar initiative, a LWVF priority, will explain howindividuals can join together to reduce electricity use byusing solar panels in a cooperative system. "

“The environment faces a multitude of challenges today.From climate change to species extinction, our planet and itsinhabitants are continually facing man-made threats thatmust be averted. Lend your voice to a campaign, and help uswork toward a sustainable future.”

www.earthdaypensacola.org

Take small steps to help create big actions!Earth Day 2018 is our moment. It’s your turn to lead.

The Voter page 7 April 2018

Andy Marlette

Condolence to the family of Vivian Faircloth

on the recent death of her husband, Cdr.

Charles Wesley Faircloth

Susan B. Anthony membership is a specialcategory of League members who donate $100 ormore, in addition to membership dues, during theLeague year. Contribution may be made to our localLeague, the Education Fund, the tax deductible armof the League or any combination of the two.

68th Annual MeetingSaturday, May 12,2018

Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St.

Registration/Preview Auction Items 9:30 am " Business Meeting 10 a.m Luncheon 12 pm

Luncheon Speaker: Andy Marlette

The menu: Greens with Mandarin Oranges, Mangos, Diced Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese

Garlic Chicken on a bed of Tomato Orzo Noodles with Basil Cream Sauce

Sautéed Asparagus Lemon Cake ____ Vegetarian or Gluten-free selection upon

request

Luncheon #___ @ $30_____

Individual dues $55 ___

Additional member/s $27.50 __

Contribution for Advocacy $ _________

My separate contribution to the Education Fund $ ___________

(Tax deductible contributions require a separate check written to LWVF Ed Fund and sent to the our Treasurer.)

Name: ________________________ Name of Guest:__________________________

For your convenience, make reservations by noon May 9, a link on www.lwvpba.org, or send your check to LWVPBA

Treasurer, P.O. Box 2023, Pensacola, FL 32513. Your check is your reservation. Cancellations after noon May 9th

are non-refundable. For further information about reservations, call Janet deLorge, 607-7114, jgde1@aol.com or

lwvpba@gmail.com Additional fees apply when using PayPal.

Andy Marlette will be the featured speaker at the Annual League Meeting on May 12. Andy graduated fromthe University of Florida and became staff editorial cartoonist at the Pensacola News Journal in 2007. Marlettereceived a priceless editorial cartoon education while living with his uncle, Doug Marlette, a Pulitzer Prize-winningcartoonist in Hillsborough, N.C. Doug's tragic death in July of 2007 made evermore poignant the elder Marlette'sfierce and faithful devotion to the art form of editorial cartooning as a cornerstone of American free speech. Withthis in mind, Andy works daily to learn and uphold the disciplines and values passed on to him by his late uncle.Andy's editorial cartoons have become both hated and adored by daily readers. His work has been awarded by theFlorida Society of Newspaper Editors for best editorial cartoons on state issues. Former Governor Charlie Cristreferred to himself regularly as Marlette's biggest fan, despite the fact that he was also regularly a target inMarlette's cartoons. Andy has also illustrated two published children's books, co-authored by Orlando Sentinelsports columnist Mike Bianchi, as well as a recently published children's book about a carrot-eating dog titled"Harry Loves Carrots."

The Voter page 8 April 2018

In 1949 the League of Women Voters Pensacola Bay Area was formed as a non-partisan political organization of menand women who encourage informed and active participation in government. The League conducts studies and followingconsensus, takes positions on major public policy issues. Through education and advocacy, the League works to inform theelectorate and impact legislation.

The League neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for office. However,individual members are urged to be as active in the political process.

Join the League of Women Voters Today!

It’s easy! Just send your check to:

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS g P.O. Box 2023, Pensacola, FL 32513 or PayPal here.

Name _________________________________________ Bi rth date ____________ New Mbr? Yes/No

Address: _____________________________________ Ci ty _________State ____Zip_______________

Home phone (___)___________ Other (___)____________E-mail ______________________________

Add Family Member(s): ________________________ ____________________________________

DUES: $55.00 ______ Additional Mbrs @ $27.50 _______ Contribution_______ TOTAL____________

Dues are $27.50 for a student enrolled in a certificate or degree program.

� I’m renewing my membership.

Membership dues and gifts to the League of Women Voters are not deductible as charitable contributions for tax purposes. (Tax deductible

contributions require a separate check written to the LWV Florida Education Fund and should be sent to our local treasurer.)

League of Women Voters

of the Pensacola Bay Area

PO. Box 2023

Pensacola, FL 32513

I am interested in the following areas (Circle all interests)Education Natural Resources Juvenile Justice Speaker’s Bureau

Voter Service Growth Management Website Observer Corps

Membership Legislative Action Hospitality Naturalization

Newsletter Voter Registration Publicity Social Media

Women’s Issues