New Democrat Update - November 1995
DLC Leadership Forum Conducts First Meeting
Lt. Governor Gail Schoettler presented Colorado's School-to-Work Education Initiative at a October 2 policy breakfast session of the DLC Leadership Forum, a group of elected officials and other DLC leaders. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the policy and political implications of potential initiatives for future legislative sessions.
Debating Affirmative Action
On September 30, the DLC participated in a fascinating and productive symposium on affirmative action sponsored by the National Rainbow Coalition of Colorado. Jim Gibson participated on panels throughout the day with advocates and opponents of affirmative action. Sincere thanks go to Denver Post Columnist and Rainbow Coalition Director Chet Whye for giving the DLC an opportunity to participate in this important discussion.
The day revealed considerable potential common ground between the Rainbow Coalition and DLC. At the same time, much more work and debate on the issues of race and gender are necessary to moving forward. As a result, both organizations are planning a joint event in November to open up lines of communication and explore how we might work together. More information is coming your way soon.
From Coming to State
Al From, President & CEO of the national DLC, is planning to be in Colorado on Monday, October 30. More details will be provided as soon as they become available.
On the Stump and Air
On September 12, Jim Gibson debated Fred Holden of the Independence Institute - a conservative think tank based in Golden - on "Government's Place in the Economy - Activism or Laissez Fare." The program was sponsored by the Denver Business & Economics Council.
On Saturday, October 14 at 10:00 AM, Gibson will be addressing Denver Democratic activists at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, 2540 Williams Street. The topic will be "Why Democrats Must Change."
Gibson will be a keynote speaker at the Fall Forum of the Colorado Social Legislation Committee on Monday, November 6, 3:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant Street. The presentation will explore the new public policy and political landscape of the state and nation. If you need more information on the event, please call Betty Boyd (303-832-2028) or Betty Proctor (303-271-4006).
Finally, on Sunday, October 22 at 2:00 PM, Gibson is interviewed about the DLC by Center for the New West President Phil Burgess on Channel 12's "The Body Politic."
National Conference
Be sure to try and make the 1995 DLC Annual Conference on November 13-14. The focuses of the meeting are reviewing the top five issues for Democrats in 1996 and developing a new generation of leaders to carry and implement that message.
President Bill Clinton starts the conference with the keynote address. Our own Governor Roy Romer kicks off the second day with an important speech on what it will take for Democrats to succeed in this new age. If you have questions, call the conference hotline at 202-544-6373.