New Democrat Update - October 1995
Governor Romer on New Democrats
On August 21, Colorado Governor Roy Romer shared his views about the foundations of the New Democratic message and approach to public policy. The Governor received standing ovations from the over 100 people in attendance before and after his 25-minute presentation. Many attendees and members of the press have requested copies of the speech.
The Governor also shared his perspectives about the political environment in Washington, DC and among the nation's governors at a fund-raiser immediately after the public policy forum. Over 20 people attended this dinner and fascinating discussion.
Growing Movement
The New Democrat movement in Colorado continues to grow. With the support of the Governor, 28 Democratic state legislators and many more private citizens, the DLC is reshaping Colorado politics as the fastest growing and most innovative Democratic group in the state.
If you are not already, become a member of the Colorado DLC. For just $50, you can be part of changing our state's public policy agenda. You also automatically become a member of the national DLC.
Please send us an e-mail for an application brochure. If we are going to truly change and prepare the Democratic Party for the 21st century, all of you need to participate and be part of the solution.
Tackling the Issues
DLC elected officials and policy experts are developing a new agenda that will challenge the conventional wisdom of both the traditional right and left. For the sake of our party, state and country, we must generate positions that move beyond the old debate, advocating bold and innovative policies that provide voters a new and real choice.
This policy group has just finished identifying the first round of issues which includes economic opportunity, crime, the environment, teen pregnancy, state tax policy, affirmative action, health care, immigration, welfare reform and reinventing government. We need your participation and expertise. Please help us develop these important initiatives.
As this agenda is being developed, we will be hearing from activists and the general public at events around the state. To "tighten" the proposals and generate a constituency for these specific positions, elected officials, individuals and representatives of groups will have opportunities to comment on what promises to be a very provocative agenda.
The process will be wrapped-up early next year with a statewide conference. The resulting document will be used for events, editorials and a media tour as we enter the critical year of 1996.
National Conference
The 1995 DLC Annual Conference on November 13-14 is moving full speed ahead. The folks in Washington have received an enthusiastic response from many across the nation. Elected officials should note that the first 200 elected officials that register for the conference will be guaranteed admission to the Tuesday evening gala.
President Bill Clinton is delivering the conference's keynote address. More information about the conference agenda, speakers, and sessions will be available soon. If you have questions, call the conference hotline at 202-544-6373.
Coming Up Here in Colorado...
Gibson is debating Tom Tancredo, President of The Independence Institute - a conservative think tank based in Golden - on "Government's Place in the Economy - Activism or Laissez Fare." The program, sponsored by the Denver Business & Economics Council, is scheduled for 11:30 AM, Tuesday, September 12 at the Embassy Suites, 1881 Curtis Street in downtown Denver. Please call 299-7314 for reservations and information.
Lt. Governor Gail Schoettler will talk about the "School-to-Work" issue at a policy breakfast session for elected officials, the Board of Advisors and the Board of Directors. The presentation is scheduled on Monday, October 2, 8:00 AM in Hearing Room 0111 in the State Capitol.
Al From, President & CEO of the national DLC, is planning to be in the Denver area either the last week of September or first week in October. The Colorado DLC is now putting plans together for a public event with Al and some working sessions. More details will be provided as they become available.
Sign Up!
If you are not already, become a member of the Colorado DLC. For just $50, you can be part of changing our state's public policy agenda. You also automatically become a member of the national DLC. Please send an e-mail for an application brochure.