Cocch (Mike Cocchiola – DEC Chair) has indicated that there will be more candidate forums between now and the August election and the November election.

We learned of a new, young, Heather Hunter, age 22 who is running for State Senate.

Talking Point:  What can WE do to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement?  I (patsi) generally listen and write notes until my hand cramps, but I’d like to say that until we understand that Black Lives Matter, the “All Lives Matter” comeback is a falsehood.  Just my two cents.

Talking Point:  We must have a team effort with posting candidates info on our website.  If anyone has any ideas for outreach, please let us know.  With social distancing at the forefront, we have to be creative; think outside the box!

It looks like all of the candidates are in, so the SOE should be forthcoming with a sample ballot .  They’ll be ranked by office, so we need to get NAME recognition out there..

Elizabeth Gustafson, a Young Democrat will be helping with social media extending beyond Facebook, which speaks to the Talking Point of branching out to young voters.

Flagler County will have two Democratic party Organizers to rally the vote for Democrats and Organizing Together 2020, a PACS paid group will work to get out the vote.  Biden’s team will hit town in August.

Rabbi Shapiro discussed the Supreme Court Ruling to include LGBTQ individuals under the Civile Rights Act of 1964.  It’s about time!  That being said, there will be arguments against voting Democratic because Dems want to help LGBTQ take over the world.

Talking Point:  How can we push back on potential nay-sayers beyond “When they go low, we go high?” How to we stay high?  We want to beat the Republicans, not BE them.

Talking Point:  What does DEFUNDING police mean?  It means, that rather than putting all law enforcement resources into police, we use them for community activities and services that may deescalate issues and events that would heretofore have required the police, and to retrain police in de-escalating these situations.  Let police protect and serve and fund social agencies to deal with mental health issues for at-risk individuals.

Rev. Sims Jones pointed out that Black Lives Matter encompasses more than police issues.  It’s jobs and housing and racism across the board.  We have to refocus and treat the problem, not just bandage the symptoms.

Talking Point:  What to do about Joe Mullins?  He’s slated to become Chair of the Commissioners.  He’s radical right-wing and he’s going low.

Talking Point:  Marching is great, but if we’re going to sustain, we have to put people in office who can affect change.

Reminders:  August 18, Local, State, Municipal election.
——————–Due to COVID, push vote by mail
——————–Contact Jo Lown if you’re interested in Poll watching.

Early voting is August 3rd thru August 15th.

See you all on Zoom, Wednesday at 12:30PM!