Tippecanoe County Democrats —

Senator Evan Bayh traveled Indiana last week to gather support for legislation he is developing to prevent children from purchasing violent video games meant for adults. At his press conference, Bayh outlined the impact violent games can have on children and announced plans to introduce legislation he is drafting with several Senate colleagues to address the problem when the Senate returns to session next year.
"Parents are doing everything they can today to provide their children with the tools they need to succeed in life, but they can't be everywhere at once," Senator Bayh said. "Right now, it's too easy for children to purchase violent video games that are meant for adults. When the Senate returns to work next year, I hope to introduce legislation with my colleagues that will help parents draw a line against the violence that their children see."

Do you know a student over age 13 who would enjoy the experience of serving as a page for Democrats in the Indiana House of Representatives? This one-day experience provides a great opportunity to see first-hand how the legislative process actually works and to meet the men and women who make our laws. Pages' experience also includes a tour of Indiana's historic Statehouse, including the Supreme Court, Senate Chamber, and House Chamber. You can learn more about the page program and access an on-line application form here.

Just a follow-up on the Speaker Series beginning in 2006. We will kick off the series Thursday, January 26, at 6:15 p.m. with Robin Winston, former Indiana Democrat Party Chair, and current political consultant. Robin always impresses me with his knowledge and speaking ability--and the way he runs a campaign! He will speak on bringing the party together and political strategy. I know Robin will be a great kick off to both our Speaker Series and 2006! In February we will have the wonderful Cordelia Lewis-Burks, current Vice-Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. Mrs. Lewis-Burks will be speaking on the Democratic Party--whether we are truly diverse and ways we can work toward being the diverse party we say we are. This is an issue dear to me--I have heard her speak on this before and she does a great job and gives ways to put what she says into action. Also in February I hope to have a representative from the Stonewall Democrats speak--kind of a piggy-back on expansion.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has posted this helpful webpage summarizing what Democrats are contesting Republican congressional seats in 2006. It includes profiles of most candidates and links to their webpages. This probably isn't the final list because the filing deadline is February 17, and it's looking like 2006 may be a good year to be a Democrat running for congress!

The handsome old cast-iron streetlamps around the Wells Community Cultural Center haven't worked since August 2003. On Tuesday, November 29 Mayor Tony Roswarski will flip the ceremonial switch that will bring them back to life. But the real cause of the lamps' revival is not electricity but teamwork. As explained in the Journal and Courier story of 11/25, here's how it worked:

The Lafayette Urban Enterprise Association, TAF, Cinergy and the neighborhood association worked together to turn the lights back on. The urban enterprise association paid less than $2,000 to have the fixtures rewired and to have replacement access covers made. TAF agreed to maintain the lights; the city will pay for the electricity, [Amie] Jacobsen [Lafayette community development director] said. Volunteers from the neighborhood association cleaned, primed and painted the lamp posts as a "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" project.

On Tuesday Mayor Tony Roswarski cut the ribbon on the new Columbia Streetscape between Third and Fourth Streets, featuring new curbs, sidewalks, brick pavers and eight honey locust trees. Next summer benches, a bike rack, planters and new trash cans will be in place. This is a great improvement to downtown, and, hopefully just a first step toward other such projects. It is also a good illustration of creative funding: the $310,000 project was funded by $178,000 from the city's TIF district, $50,000 from a federal Community Development Block Grant, $30,000 from the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, and $50,000 from property owners. Mayor Roswarski says such projects are, "A great starting point in creating an appealing look and a community feel that says 'Welcome'to our residents and our visitors."

Beginning in January of 2006 there will be monthly speakers at Democrat Headquarters! Topics will vary but all will go toward one goal--making our party stronger! Watch the website for more info!!

Also, if you have any ideas for a speaker or a topic you would like to see discussed feel free to email me!

Thanks-

Heather

Once again our community has risen to the challenge and met its United Way goal--for the 31st year in a row. In fact the $4,837,132 raised was 102.9 percent of this year's goal of $4.7 million. Especially notable was Industry and Unions division's contribiton of $2,017,910, 106.2 percent of its target and almost half of the community total.

There is probably no better indicator of a healthy community than support of United Way. Businesses, organizations, and individuals of all kinds and perspectives come together to support the 25 United Way agencies that do so much to hold our community together and to make it a great place to live. About one in three of our residents make use of a United Way agency every year. Thank you, Greater Lafayette, for caring.