President of Ventura's Democratic Club explains recent rescinding

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to a Reporter article regarding the Democratic Club of Ventura’s (DCV) endorsement of Yes on Measure B, the subsequent vote to rescind that endorsement, and the entire endorsement process. (News, 10/1)

The DCV did “rescind” (a term specific to Roberts Rules of Order) its endorsement of Yes on Measure B. The club now takes a neutral position on the measure. It continues to endorse Brian Brennan, Ed Summers, Yes on Measure A and Yes on Measure C.

The DCV endorsed candidates and measures for the first time in the club’s history this fall — as far as I know. The process was new to all involved and included the formation of an Endorsement Committee, writing and distribution of questionnaires to candidates (Democrats and declined-to-state) and measure proponents and opponents, evaluation of the incoming responses, recommendations to the DCV membership, motions, debate, votes to endorse and an evaluation of the overall effort — a complicated and time-consuming process.

Some candidates and measure proponents and opponents responded to the questionnaires, and others did not. Those who did not, did so, for the most part, because they had not had much contact with the club in the past, and didn’t realize they had received something more significant than an e-mailed meeting announcement. A number of candidates who are registered Democrats did not respond to the questionnaires, and thus they were not considered for endorsement.

One of the interesting occurrences was that members of the City Council, city government and other organizations approached the DCV after the vote to endorse Yes on Measure B, asking to give us more information about the measure — especially since their busy schedules and understanding of what had been e-mailed to them inhibited their ability to respond to the club’s endorsement questionnaire in a timely manner.

While it is true that some of these folks expressed their hope that with more information on Measure B, the DCV might reconsider its position — a reasonable concept — by no means did their opinions drive us to dig more deeply to learn more about the measure. That was the choice of the membership, as it should be.

Because of the endorsement process and increased activity of the DCV it has grown from 12 to 80 members over the past five or six months. Most members are Democrats from the community. Some are very active in politics, but most are not.

Some are City Council members, county supervisors, employees of the city and county, members of VCORD, VCCOOL, Soroptimists and every other club and organization you can think of. All of them have equal say and an equivalent vote in the club. Each person has their own personality and way of expressing himself or herself, and some are more vocal than others.

It was the membership of the DCV whom wanted more information on Measure B, and as is our responsibility as club officers, we made that possible.

The democratic process, based on parliamentary procedures and Roberts Rules of Order, provides the DCV with a specific process for reconsidering decisions. It gives us ways to get more information on a subject and change decisions we might have made in error, or without enough information.

The DCV met four times to hear information on Measure B. First was the original club meeting where we heard the endorsement committee’s recommendations, and the body voted. Next was an entire meeting held to hear from proponents and opponents of Measure B in a forum format. Third was a luncheon held at Maharaja Indian Cuisine for the endorsees. And lastly, a special meeting was called to address the motion to rescind, during which extensive debate was also held.

The democratic process, when used correctly, is about being able to gain information to make informed decisions. It has a built-in system for reconsidering decisions — a wise component of the process. Our forefathers were forethoughtful.

The endorsement process has so stimulated involvement that our members have taken to the streets and phones to support Brennan, Summers, Measure A and Measure C and also provide educational opportunities for the public, such as the free healthcare forum that will be held in the community room of the Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park on Oct. 22 at 6:30 pm.

This is an exciting and motivating demonstration of Ventura’s progressive-leaning majority and their desire to preserve the paradise in which we live, while also supporting its growth, and businesses.

We invite all registered Democrats to join the Democratic Club of Ventura and participate in the democratic process — especially in the run-up to the 2010 gubernatorial election. The club is democracy in action. Information about the Club can be found on VenturaCountyDemocrats.com. Normally, the Club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month in the Topping Room of Foster Library at 651 E. Main St., Ventura. but during the balance of 2009 and early 2010 the schedule is:

10/22 Healthcare forum, Ventura Marina Mobile Home Park, 6:30 p.m.

11/19 Regular monthly meeting – Subject matter to cover DCV business. Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library, 6:30 p.m.

12/? Holiday party. Date and location to be announced.

1/28, 2/25, 3/25, 4/22 – Subjects to be announced, though many of the meetings will be taken up with presentations from candidates running in the 2010 election.Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library, 6:30 p.m.

All meetings are free of charge and open to registered Democrats or those younger than 18 years of age and planning to register as democrats. Annual membership in the club is $20 for an individual and $35 for a family.

Sandra Kinsler is the president of the Democratic Club of Ventura. For more information, go to VenturaCountyDemocrats.com.