On February 16, those who plan to run for local office can begin circulating nomination petitions. There's very little time to do so. They must be returned to the elections office no later than March 9, even though both Winter and a pandemic still rage. What's more, candidates are required to complete something known as a Statement of Financial Interests. This must be included with the nomination petition, but must also be filed with the Clerk of the municipality in which office is sought. This technicality has been the death knell to many local candidates over the years. That's why those among you who are interested in running for office would benefit immensely from the League of Women Voter's "Running for Local Office" Workshop on Saturday, January 30, 2021 between 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
.In years past, these events always required political hopefuls to haul ass out of bed at an ungodly hour on a Saturday morning, only to get lost at the community collegfe. But inone small consolation provided by Covid-19, this year's workshop will be virtual. It will be conducted on Zoom.
TYhe only downside to this event is that LWV is charging $45. That's chump change to many politicians, but it also is as deterrent to people with very limited finances. This workship should be free, with a donation requested.
.You can register here.
8 comments:
$45 to attend that workshop is insane. Thanks for this information Bernie. I threw my name in one year, and a friend told me most of what I needed to know. 45 bucks is pretty steep for an information session.
The workshop is good and I'd recommend it. The fee is ridiculous. I have let organizers know how I feel. Frankly, the LWV has lost sight of its primary functions. It no longer does debates a=, its voter guide is poorly prepared and its directory is incomplete. It needs an enema.
As this event is virtual why does the League need any payment?
I am brand new to this, if it's worth $45.00 to attend and I get all the information I need to get started then so be it...
@ Unknown
The $45 fee is far too much. You can find all the information online. I'm not even sure if LWV has any out-of-pocket expenses. Anything they would have passed out in person will be offered digitally, and all of it can be downloaded online on your own.
Regarding the LWV fee: they create a handbook which is printed, bound, placed in a binder and then mailed priority mail to each attendee and they have PayPal fees. Also to the person who complained about the fact that they don’t do debates anymore - that is because EVERY Republican asked to participate in a debate or candidate’s forum either refused or never had the courtesy to answer a request for a debate! Last year the South Whitehall candidates for Commissioner were the only candidates who agreed - from both parties - and it was great! As far as the Morning Call Voter’s Guide, they have editorial control! And again, if you look it up, most Republicans NEVER answered! If you want to learn more about each candidate use the Leagues: Vote411.org. Amazing how different things look when you have the facts!
A concerned League member!
As someone who has supported the LWV in the past, it looks very much to me as though it is a shell of its former self. I know for a fact that many of the candidates have complained they never receive the questionnaire yet the LWV makes it appear that they do not give a shit. The government directory for NorCo elected officials was completely missing for a few years. They are not doing debates like they used to do. They are sidetracked by issues quite secondary to their main purpose. Finally, they are quite unwilling to accept constructive criticism.
Well, this person cannot answer for every League; however I do know that once the ballot is certified, EVERYONE on that ballot gets an email from The League, requesting they fill out the info on vote411.org. I know in Lehigh County, they send out at least two reminder emails and still, many, mostly Republicans, fail to answer or participate more often these days. And it was already mentioned about the debates. You cannot have a debate with only one side showing up, can you? Please do not generalize, that is not fair. Some Leagues are more active than others; but no reason to condemn all....especially after viewing the facts, Bernie!
Keep in mind that local TV shows like Business Matters and PBS have done their own debates and we lose the interest of especially - again, Republican candidates once they have been on TV. This has been a trend for many, many years regarding debates. It is not because the League is not interested... Look at the last MCall Voters Guide and see who is a non-respondent, after being contacted at least twice! Facts matter.
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