Reorganizational Meeting Election Results

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PLANTATION, FL – Following the Broward Democratic Party Reorganization Meeting, newly elected Chair, Cynthia Busch, issued the following statement,

“I am excited to announce that we have elected a new generation of Democratic leadership here in Broward County. In the past election cycle we greatly exceeded both turnout and fundraising expectations for our county party, and I plan to build upon this growth as we look to the future. I am humbled by the overwhelming support I received in this election, and thankful for the opportunity to lead the local party as we look to impact change on local, statewide, and national issues.

“In the weeks since the election I have fielded hundreds of calls and emails from Democrats that want to get involved and want to see even more change. It is my intention to assemble committees whose purpose will be to both welcome in new members, and reach out to all communities in Broward County. I want to make sure that all Democrats, and their ideas and values, have a voice. With the help of our precinct committee people, management committee, and staff I hope to implement these suggestions and other changes to grow the reach of our party.

“I would like to thank Mitch Ceasar for his decades of impassioned leadership at the helm of the county party. We will build on the foundation that he laid for us as Chair.”

The results of the elections are as follows:
Chair – Cynthia Busch
State Committeewoman – Grace Carrington
State Committeeman – Ken Evans
First Vice-Chair – Richard Hoye
Second Vice-Chair – Richard Nettina
Recording Secretary – Stacy Boegem
Treasurer – Seth Platt
Corresponding Secretary – Joshua Simmons
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2016 Broward DEC Reorganization Meeting

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The Broward Democratic Executive Committee will hold its reorganizational meeting on December 3rd. Our meeting will take place at the following time and location:

Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016

Preregistration: 11:30 AM Call to Order: 1:00 PM

Location: Signature Grand, 6900 W. State Road 84, Davie, FL 33317

Pursuant to the Bylaws of the Florida Democratic Party, only precinct committee members elected in the Democratic Primary held August 30, 2016, and Democratic members of the state legislature who reside in this county are eligible to vote at this meeting.  

The purpose of the reorganizational meeting is to elect the following Broward DEC officers:

  • Chair
  • State Committeewoman
  • State Committeeman
  • First Vice Chair
  • Second Vice Chair
  • Recording Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Corresponding Secretary

Any Democratic precinct committee member elected in the August 30 primary is eligible to run for these DEC offices. Nominations will be taken from the floor. Any member elected as a DEC officer must complete the Party’s loyalty oath before they are eligible to serve.  

Democratic Party rules prohibit secret ballots for these elections. Each voting member is entitled to cast one vote for the election of each officer.

If you cannot attend the reorganizational meeting, you may send a representative as your proxy (a link to the proxy form is attached). A precinct committee member may only designate another Democrat from his/her precinct. State Legislators may only designate another Democrat from the county. The executed proxy must be filed with the Chair before the meeting is called to order.

If you have any question please contact David Metellus at dmetellus@browarddemocrats.org.

Attachment Proxy Form

Election Guidelines

2016 Contested Precinct Committee Person Race Winners!

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First Name Last Name Precinct Vote Total
Daniel Halpert C001 108
James Lansing C017 34
John McDonald C023 283
David Altermatt C023 256
Scott Herman D001 73
Tracy Hinkle D002 84
Paul Kruger D003 112
Eric Fowler III D005 151
Dennis St. Jean D005 95
Alan Berkowitz E032 87
Gregory Gale F001 75
Joel Greenwald F004 510
Edwin Meyer F004 370
Norman Grad G015 123
Benjamin Simon M008 118
Thaddeus Hamilton M026 93
Jack Brown M026 75
Robert Peterson N008 172
Richard Grosso N008 143
John Ziegler N013 92
Justin Flippen P003 256
Timothy Ross P003 111
R. David Walker P006 111
Franklin Sands Q071 133
Thomas Kallman Q071 81
Ronald Bell Q083 172
Daryl Holloway Q083 147
George Platt R015 125
Michael Lockwood R016 154
Michael Albetta R018 90
George Castrataro R018 87
JD Camp R034 148
Eric Dwoskin R034 79
Brian Font T011 50
Donald Martin T014 143
Carl Trough T029 92
Noah Goldberg U006 340
Jeremy Shir U006 157
Quentin “Beam” Furr V018 219
Ulysses Hudson V018 89
Luis Callejas V044 67
Howard Garson Y003 99
Robert Selz Y005 72
Kathy Ricahrds A003 131
Alison Welsh A010 28
Gloria Battle A011 241
Velemina Williams A011 154
Joanne Goodwin C001 141
Joanne Sterner C021 60
Jesika Zeller G010 101
Toni Powers J013 115
Diane Glasser J022 337
Francine Klauber J022 202
Lori Ann Davis K008 124
Monica Chin K008 69
Patricia Jones L013 305
Paula Scott L013 168
Mildred Allen M019 65
Cathy Bowers N008 153
Rebecca Singer N008 145
Teresa Williams N019 116
Mary Jane Stone N020 104
Mary O’Donnell N024 215
Linda Bird R001 87
Lois Delevoe R058 54
Pamela Kelner T026 103
Lori Green U006 394
Marcia Lefkowitz U006 154
Karen Callahan U007 105
Barbara Britzke U011 94
Tiffany Grantham V003 74
Lisbeth Escalich V040 72
Muriel Kirschner V051 124
Eleanor Sobel V053 255
Stacey Kotzen V057 162
Mary Levitt V057 110
Catherine Minnis W003 69
Kathryn Sacco X010 149
Kay Thorpe X010 140
Iris Siple X038 176
Linda THigpen X038 104
Marjorie Warner X041 102

Broward Democratic Party Condemns “Blue Card”

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The Broward Democratic Party denounces the deplorable campaign tactics of political operative Dan Lewis, Florida Democracy Project, and the attempt to mislead voters with the “Blue Card” slate. Florida’s Democracy Project is a registered PAC run by Dan Lewis at his home address. He is a paid political operative. The Broward Democratic Party does not endorse any candidate in a Democratic Primary, and remains neutral in judicial races. The only position that the party has taken in the August Primary is to support Constitutional Amendment 4, which allows incentives for solar power.

Broward Democratic Party Chair Cynthia Busch said, “I want to make it very clear to voters that the Democratic Party is in no way connected to the “Blue Card”. This is an underhanded tactic that tarnishes the Democratic process.”

Busch went on to say, “I have no knowledge that anyone who appears on the card is responsible for the actions of Mr. Lewis. Candidates should not be unfairly associated with this type of behavior.”

Further, Lewis used the contact information of Northern Broward Democratic Club President Joanne Goodwin without her permission. The Broward Democratic Party has received multiple contacts from voters who were deceived into believing that Goodwin was responsible for the card.

Goodwin stated, “I am outraged that Dan Lewis put my contact information on this card without my knowledge or permission. I hope that voters do not mistake my name on the card as an endorsement or rejection of the candidates listed.”

Goodwin is considering her legal options.

Lewis has been fined in the past for violating election law, and was also caught using a counterfeit union seal on his card.

Broward Democratic Party Chair Cynthia Busch said, “Dan Lewis continues to put out the Blue Card despite the fact voters are deceived into thinking that it is somehow connected to the Democratic Party. Even being found to have violated election law hasn’t stopped him. Please be sure to look for the Broward Democratic Party logo on all Broward Democratic Party communications. The official logo can be found at www.browarddemocrats.org.

Sanders, Clinton Supporters Hold Meet-&-Greet In Broward To Unify Before Convention

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July 12, 2016 11:30 PM By Hank Tester CBS Miami

BROWARD (CBSMiami) – Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton supporters, who are also delegates to the Democratic National Convention, made nice in Broward County.

It was a quick get-to-gather after Sanders endorsed Clinton earlier in the day.

“I have come here to make it as clear as possible as to why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next president.”

The endorsement was something Clinton desperately needed.

“To everyone here, and everyone across the country, who poured your heart and soul into Senator Sanders’ campaign, thank you. Thank you,” Clinton said.

Clinton needs every Sanders supporter she can muster as the latest national polls show Clinton’s lead over Trump has slipped to just three points.

It wasn’t lost on these Broward Democrats.

“Turn out is so key… and Florida, if we turn out the vote, Hillary wins,” one supporter said.

Read More

Wasserman Schultz: House Democrats will continue protest today on gun laws

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Sun-Sentinel Editorial by Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Last Wednesday, House Democrats took to the floor of the House to stand in solidarity with millions of Americans whose lives have been torn apart by gun violence. But this time, it was different. We didn’t just stand to offer meaningful thoughts and hopeful prayers — we staged a 24-hour sit-in to demand a vote on common-sense gun laws.

In the words of voting and civil rights heroine Fannie Lou Hammer, we are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

Tired of trying to put into words the reason why this happened again, and why we failed to prevent it.

Tired of observing a moment of silence and stopping there, as if stillness and silence are the only powers at our command against the epidemic of gun violence.

Tired of the hurt, which aches in a place deeper than flesh and blood and bone.

Tired in our souls because one mass slaughter is already too much to bear, and yet we have suffered this hurt as a nation again and again.

Read More Here

Hillary Clinton campaign in Florida says it’s on same page as Bernie Sanders backers

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Sun-Sentinel
Anthony Man

Attempting to overcome lingering tension with supporters of defeated presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, the Hillary Clinton campaign in Florida sought Tuesday to depict Democrats as one big, happy, unified group.

As proof, the Clinton camp arranged for Cynthia Busch, chairwoman of the Broward Democratic Party, and Frank Ortis, mayor of Pembroke Pines, to appear before a small group of party volunteers, interns and staffers at the county party headquarters in Plantation.

Ortis is a Democratic National Convention delegate pledged to Clinton. Busch is a Sanders delegate to the party convention next month in Philadelphia.

“It’s going to be very important this year, more than ever, that regardless of who we may have supported in the primary that we are out there talking about our presumptive nominee, about Hillary Clinton, about all of her strengths,” Busch said. “I’m confident we’re going to get her elected.”

Read more here

Senator Steve Geller Statement on Florida DEP Proposal to Increase Allowable Toxins in State Waters

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Senator Steve Geller

Senator Steve Geller

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently reviewing the level of certain chemicals that can be discharged into Florida’s waters. It is proposing that the levels of over ½ of these be increased, including several known carcinogens. One of these chemicals is benzene, used in fracking. Many people believe that one of the main reasons for this re-evaluation is to increase benzene limits, to make fracking easier in Florida. The DEP is using a “Monte Carlo” method for calculating the acceptable standards which is not used by any other state or by the Federal Government. These changes will be voted on by the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission, a Governor Scott appointed body that hasn’t met in about two years. Of the seven Commission seats, two are vacant – the positions representing Local Governments and the Environmental Community. It is not acceptable to increase levels of known poisons and carcinogens that can be discharged into Florida’s waters using determination methods not used in any other state. Floridians need to organize and let our leaders in the Legislature and Cabinet know that we are opposed to this little-publicized attempt to harm Florida’s waters and potentially poison Floridians.

A shorter excerpt of this statement first appeared in the Sun-Sentinel on June, 26, 2016.

Senator Cory Booker to Speak at Florida Dems 2016 Leadership Blue Gala in Hollywood, FL

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Florida Democratic Party Chair Allison Tant announced that New Jersey Senator Cory Booker will speak at the 2016 Leadership Blue Gala on June 18th in Hollywood, Florida. Additional speakers and planning details will follow in the coming weeks.

Senator Cory Booker said, “I’m excited to join Florida Democrats at this year’s Leadership Blue Gala. As the largest swing state in the nation, Florida will play a determining role in stopping Donald Trump and returning the Senate to Democratic hands. While we know the work ahead won’t be easy, I know Sunshine State Democrats are fired up and ready to deliver Florida for the third time in a row. I look forward to seeing you this June as we continue to move our country forward.” 

FDP Chair Allison Tant said, “Florida Democrats are honored to have Senator Cory Booker joining us for the 2016 Leadership Blue Gala as we unite to celebrate our party’s values and work to build on the progress we’ve made over the last 8 years. As Mayor of Newark and in the United States Senate, Senator Booker’s leadership has brought Republicans and Democrats together to get things done without compromising on the values which make our party and our nation strong. We’re excited to have Senator Booker on our team as we take the fight to Donald Trump and his Florida Republican allies.” 

Cory Booker is connected to the people of New Jersey and the challenges they face every day.

Since winning election to the United States Senate in October 2013, Cory has been innovative, persistent and put partisanship aside, bringing people together to get things done for New Jersey. Cory has focused on creating new jobs, improving economic opportunity for all New Jerseyans, speeding the pace of Hurricane Sandy recovery and addressing the economic squeeze facing middle class families.

The senator is working to break down the old partisan barriers that have made Washington so removed from the concerns of everyday New Jerseyans. He has reached across the aisle to work on issues such as reforming the criminal justice system to strengthen communities and save taxpayers money.

A news profile captured Cory’s approach to serving people all across New Jersey: “‘I want to be a different kind of senator,’ he said. ‘I want to push for real change on substantive issues, advocating for industry and jobs. But I want to create a record of doing, figuring out, how to replicate the best ideas … as a senator.

Cory won a special election to fill the term of the late Senator Frank Lautenberg- and became New Jersey’s first African-American senator. Under his leadership as mayor, New Jersey’s largest city, Newark, entered its biggest period of economic growth since the 1960s – the first new downtown hotels were constructed in 40 years, the first new office towers in 20. During Cory’s tenure, overall crime declined and the quality of life for residents improved with more affordable housing, new green spaces and parks, increased educational opportunities and more efficient city services.

Cory was born in Washington, D.C. His father, Cary, was from North Carolina and the son of a single mom, and his mother, Carolyn, is a Detroit native. They both worked for IBM and relocated the family to Harrington Park in Bergen County. Housing rights activists helped the family buy their first home after initially being turned down because of the color of their skin.

A star athlete at Northern Valley High School in Old Tappan, Cory earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stanford University, where he also played for the football team. Cory ran a crisis hotline for students and worked with disadvantaged youth in East Palo Alto. He then attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar where he ran a student tutoring and mentoring program in a disadvantaged community. Cory earned his law degree from Yale Law School, where he helped lead free legal clinics for New Haven residents.

After moving to Newark, Cory lived for eight years in Brick Towers, a low-income housing complex. He now owns a home and lives in Newark’s Central Ward community.

Broward Democrats May Meeting Recap

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Broward Democrats,

The Broward Democratic Party held an exciting and informative monthly meeting on May 17th. Thank you to everyone who attended. BDP hosted three excellent speakers focusing on important issues in our community, and how we can TAKE ACTION to make a difference. SEIU Political Director Marcus Dixon spoke about the importance of “Ban the Box”, George Cavros discussed the significant differences between the August and November solar energy amendments, and SEIU Broward Regional Organizer Candy Herrera spoke about the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC) and upcoming immigration clinics and volunteer opportunities.

Ban the Box

SEIU’s Political Director, Marcus Dixon gave an informative presentation on Ban the Box. The initiative is designed to delay background checks for job applicants until after a conditional offer of employment has been extended. Studies have shown that a conviction record reduces the likelihood of a job callback or offer by nearly 50%, regardless of skills or qualifications.

There are approximately 70 million adults in the United States with arrest records or convictions, and half of African American men have been arrested before the age of 23. When applicants are forced to check the box, they are often never given an opportunity to address either the merit of the arrest, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, or steps that have been taken towards rehabilitation. In cases like these the innocence of the individual holds no power, and the record follows them throughout their life. Ultimately, an arrest or conviction creates a vicious cycle. Those with convictions are unable to obtain employment. Without a job, they are unable to become law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. Mayor Wayne Messam of Miramar was in attendance to show his support. He went on the record to back Ban the Box, and discussed the need to address the issue at the local level. “Current policies place barriers and prejudices against individuals without giving a fair chance to demonstrate their qualifications.” Mayor Messam is championing a similar initiative in Miramar at the city level.

President Obama has directed the Office of Personnel Management to take action by modifying hiring rules, and to delay inquiries into criminal history until later in the hiring process. In Broward County, Ban the Box is being proposed to codify fairness and opportunity. It does not eliminate background checks, nor does it force employers to hire employees with a criminal background. It simply eliminates the possibility of being immediately judged based off their criminal history. Research indicates that once employers reviewed the skills and qualifications of applicant, they would be more likely to hire, despite the criminal background. In the United States, 23 states have adopted Ban the Box, and over 100 cities and counties have implemented the policy.

CALL TO ACTION: The Broward Democratic Party is calling on members to support Ban the Box at the Broward County Commission Meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at the Broward County Government Center, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Call your commissioners in advance to show your support.

Solar Amendment Initiatives

George Cavros discussed the amendments regarding solar energy. Living in the Sunshine State, we have a great solar resource. Yet, of the 9 million energy customers in Florida, we have 8,500 rooftop solar systems. These numbers are due to burdensome taxes that increase the cost of solar power—but voters can change that. On August 30th, you can vote YES on Amendment 4. If passed, the proposed amendment will exempt solar systems from the tangible personal property tax for 20 years. The taxes are passed on to the customers in the form of increased solar power prices of up to 5 cents per kilowatt-hour. While there are other policies also important to strong solar power development, Amendment 4 tax exemption is the more immediate. Better solar economics leads to better solar development, which begins a cleaner and more sustainable future.

CALL TO ACTION: On August 30th, vote YES on Amendment 4.

Immigration Clinics

Candy Herrera, the South Florida Community Organizer at SEIU, spoke about the Florida Immigrant Coalition. FLIC is an organization that has been around since 1998, consists of lawyers, farm workers, youth, advocates, union, and community organizations. With over 100 allies, it is becoming a social movement. They work to help immigrant families financially, and legally. They “envision a new Florida based on inclusion and equality, without racism and exclusion, where immigrants can live and love without fear.” Their services help immigrants get citizenship and register to vote. Citizenship takes three months to process, leaving enough time where these new citizens can have a voice come time for election.

CALL TO ACTION: The Florida Immigration Clinic is requesting volunteers for upcoming citizenship clinics on May 27, 28, and June 1,2,3,4, and 11. Email Ivan Parra – Ivan@floridaimmigrant.org for more information.

Thank you again to everyone who attended this months meeting. Please join us at our next monthly meeting on June 21st at 7:00 PM!