Category Archives: Newsletters

VoteBlueMN.org

Greetings, DFL Friends–
We hope you are getting a good start to your summer.  The geese have been bringing lots of babies into our yard— a mixed blessing but a sign that life goes on despite our political ups and downs.

Speaking of ups and downs, as we bounce between wet and dry, hot and cool at this time of year, it is reminiscent of the newly minted term, TACO Trades.  Investors are finding out that Trump’s threats are often drastically cut back as time goes on— “Trump Always Chickens Out!”  Trump seems to time his threats to help his billionaire friends and family benefit from the market swings.

Well, his administration does not ALWAYS back down—ask the people who have been wrongly deported to cruel prisons in El Salvador, Sudan, Libya.

Corruption and Cruelty seem to be the order of the day from Washington.  And so-called conservatives seem no longer to be interested in the Constitution they once revered.  Check our website for a refresher on the Bill of Rights and what they mean to us!

There will be many ways to get active this summer— see below or go to VoteBlueMN.orgfor ideas.  See you this summer!

_____________________________________

Key Upcoming Events (details below)

June 9— Monday

5:30-7 PM

Anoka County DFL Celebration for Jerry Newton & Fundraiser

Crooners Supper Club, Fridley

June 10— Tuesday

6:00- 8 PM

SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering

Andover Community Center

June 13— Friday

5:30- 9 PM

MN State DFL Humphrey-Mondale Dinner

Special Guest Gov JB Pritzker

June 14— Saturday

NO KINGS Protest events

Otsego (10-12), Anoka (11-2), Forest Lake (10-12), and Minneapolis (11-1)

More Info:  

https://www.nokings.org

Daily

10:45 AM

DFL Statewide Call (see below)

Weekly:

Protests at Emmer’s Office, Otsego

Tuesdays 4-5 pm

Saturdays 11 am- Noon

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PARADES, PICNICS, and SPECIAL EVENTS FOR SUMMER 2025

Event Dates Partner

*Ham Lake

Freedom Festival June 28— Saturday SD-32

*Coon Rapids

July Festival July 2— Wednesday SD-35

Parade

*Andover

Family Fun Fest July 11-12— Friday & Saturday

Parade

*Isanti County Fair July 17-20— Thursday-Sunday

*East Bethel 

Booster Days July 19— Saturday

Booth and Parade

*Anoka County Fair July 22-27— Tuesday-Sunday Anoka Co DFL

Ramsey Game Fair August, 2nd & 3rd Weekends

*North Metro Picnic

Long Lake Park, New Brighton August 12— Tuesday Several other SD’s

Picnic & Silent Auction

*Ramsey

Happy Days September 6— Saturday

Parade/ Booth?

Linwood 

Family Fun Days September 6— Saturday

* = SD31 DFL planned involvement

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OTHER EVENTS and DETAILS…

Daily @ 10:45 AM

DFL Daily Statewide Call

The DFL State party has daily communication calls Monday – Friday at 10:45AM.

These are BRIEF calls— 7 or 8 minutes!  And don’t be late or you will miss the whole call.

These calls highlight important messages to share, actions to take, and text to use in your social media. 

Any DFL’er can join in!  If you’re interested in signing up for these calls, click this link:  

Sign Up For DFL Comm Calls

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Weekly 

SD31 DFL Coffee Break- DFL Neighborhood Network 

Saturdays 8:30- 11:00 AM

Starbucks Inside Andover Target

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Weekly

Protests at Tom Emmer’s Office- organized by Indivisible 

Saturdays 11:00 Am -12:00 Noon

Tuesdays 4:30-5:30 PM

Tom Emmer Office, 9201 Quaday Ave, Otsego (Elk River) MN

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TUESDAY, June 10  (and the second Tuesday every month)

SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering for Social Connections and Business

6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order

Andover Community Center- Community Room A

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MONDAY 6/9 and After

School Board Meetings — St Francis And Anoka-Hennepin

The students and faculty of our school districts need our continued support as the right-wing faction seeks to undo years of progress and stop anything related to equity or teaching history honestly without whitewashing.

Anoka-Hennepin

Work Sessions allow for observation only— but we need people to watch what is happening!  Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.  

Work Sessions–-.   

NEXT:  Monday 6/9, 7/14

5:30 pm Education Services Center,  2727 Ferry St, Anoka

Regular School Board Meetings— 

NEXT: 6/23, ?7/14, 8/25

6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed.  Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave

If you cannot make the meetings in person you can also watch live. The agenda and streaming link are posted here:

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2720

St Francis

2nd and 4th Mondays , 6:30 PM, Community Room, District Office

4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070

NEXT: 6/9, 6/23, 7/14

________________________________

WEDNESDAY 6/11

ANOKA COUNTY DFL SENIOR CAUCUS

Contact: Mel Aanerud (aanerud4@comcast.net):

Date: Every Second Wednesday (June 11, July 9)

Place:  Davanni’s Coon Rapids 3430 129 Ave NW

Time:  Order food— room opens at 12:30;  Meeting starts: 1:00 PM

______________________________________________________

FRIDAY, June 13

State DFL Humphrey-Mondale Dinner 
Minneapolis Hilton

The 13th annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner will be held the evening of Friday, June 13th, 2025 with keynote speaker, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.  The Annual Humphrey-Mondale Dinner is the largest DFL event of the year and tickets will sell out quickly. If you’re interested RSVP today to save your seat and hear from Governor Pritzker and our incredible Minnesota leaders!

If you are interested in attending click Reserve Tickets to sign up.

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SATURDAY. June 14

“No Kings” National Mass Protest

This is planned as a counter to Trump’s militarized dictatorial “Birthday” event.  It is organized by a separate group.

Protests are planned across the Metro region— at somewhat differing times. The closest are:

Otsego (10-12)

Anoka (11-2)

Forest Lake (10-12)

Minneapolis (11-1)

For more info, or to sign up:  https://www.nokings.org/
_______________________________
Links and Notes You Can Use
Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website:  VoteBlueMN.org

The Silence of Republicans on Trump defying the Constitution— Heather Cox Richardson:

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/may-12-2025?publication_id=20533&post_id=163453296&isFreemail=true&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Senator Tina Smith on Protecting the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park:

https://www.smith.senate.gov/environment

On “Disappearing” migrants and political opponents to El Salvador and Libya— Thom Hartmann:

https://hartmannreport.com/p/americas-moral-collapse-is-not-hypothetical-fcd?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Common Cause Minnesota

Brennan Center for Justice
https://www.brennancenter.org/

Clean Elections MN

________________________________

FREE!  CONTRIBUTE to the SD31— FOR FREE!

Make a donation of any size to SD31 and get a full refund— before the legislature takes it away!

Contribute whatever you can–  and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.  If you make smaller donations, save your receipts and submit them together— this is a one-time refund per person.  Each member of a couple can get the full $75 refund.

After donating atVoteBlueMN.org,  just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt.  The address is on the form.

https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2024-12/pcr-25.pdf

____________________________________________________

Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, once or twice a month.  If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org

We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share!  Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.

_______________________________

THANK YOU for every effort you are able to make— no matter how large or small—to help prevent tyranny in our country, and to make this state and country better.  Please stay connected!

SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org

Our Core Values and Guideposts:

A Good Economy for Working Families

Fighting Hatred and Racism

Liberty and Justice for ALL— including Women’s rights and reproductive freedom

Taking care of our Home– the Earth

Love Your Neighbor

Truth, Justice and Compassion

Non-Violence

Showing up to Do Your Part

… and because even though it should be obvious in the USA, they seem to have  forgotten:

The Rule Of Law

The Constitution Of The United States

SD31 DFL News
April 2025

VoteBlueMN.org

http://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net

Greetings DFL Friends— It is Business Meeting Conference Time!
Every year our local Senate District has a Business Meeting Conference/Convention, with different tasks for even-numbered years and odd-numbered years.  This year we elect officers for the 2025-2026 cycle.  See below for the Invite material— but PLAN TO ATTEND on TUESDAY APRIL 8!

Also check out our next Movie night— March 28— when we will get a break from all the pain and enjoy the heartfelt comedy of Mike Birbiglia!

Then read on for other events, alerts, and links.

___________________________________________________________________________
MOVIE NIGHT and Potluck this FRIDAY  March 28!

We are aiming for a little relief and happiness this month— and have selected a comedy routine by the amazing Mike Birbiglia— “The Old Man and the Pool.” As before, we will gather at the Andover Community Center in the Teem Room. The potlucks have been working well, so that is the plan again this month— bring a dish or dessert to share, or come as you are!  No worries, there is always plenty to go around.
Please sign up by Thursday, March 27th so we can get a count on the number of people to expect. And remember we depend on small voluntary donations— we appreciate it if you are able to help.
Mobilize Link:  

What: COMEDY:  Mike Birbiglia— The Old Man and the Pool
Date: Friday, March 28, 2025
Time: Meet at 5:30PM for the potluck. Movie starts at 6:00PM
Location: Andover Community Center, Teem Room
15200 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304
Enter using door #13 located on the NE corner of the building

https://mobilize.us/s/KwgOkU

________________________________________________________________________________________

CONFERENCE INFO for TUESDAY APRIL 8

You are invited to our annual 

LOCAL Senate District Conference/Business Conference

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

All Democrats who live in our District are welcome at the conference to attend and to run for any of the open offices for the next 2-year cycle.   

This conference/meeting will be the kick-off for the political activities of this critical year. If you only come to one DFL meeting this year, make this the one!

Official voting Delegates were elected in 2024, and will receive a separate invitation.  Even if you are not an official Delegate, we hope you will attend and will consider serving as a district officer.

Open Positions include:

Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Outreach & Inclusion Officer.  There are also open positions for Director.  The SD31 Constitution will be reviewed, and resolutions will be considered.

Please respond to this email (to info@VoteBlueMN.org) if you wish to be considered for one of these positions, or contact us at the same email if you have questions.

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Time:  6:00 pm: Registration begins
6:30 pm: Meeting starts —(meeting expected to take 90 minutes- 2 hours)
Place: Andover Community Center

Community Room A

15200 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304

Accommodations: If you will need accessibility accommodations for the conference, please contact: Vice Chair Leslie Pendergast at  (763)442-8986.

____________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION— “HANDS OFF!” PROTEST

SATURDAY, April 5, at 12 NOON to 2 PM CDT

handsoff2025.com

“Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. They’re taking everything they can get their hands on, and daring the world to stop them. On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets nationwide to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”

A major national protest will take place in Washington DC.  There will also be marches in every state capital, including St Paul.

“Indivisible National along with many other civic organizations has designated April 5th HANDS OFF DAY! Many of you will be heading to the state Capitol, but others will have an opportunity to rally a little closer to home!

Once you’ve registered, the location will be emailed to you.

We’ll make some signs, but please feel free to bring your own. We’re focusing on the theme of “HANDS OFF __”! Some ideas: PUBLIC EDUCATION, VETERANS’ BENEFITS, OUR JOBS, PUBLIC LANDS, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAID, MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY, OUR LABOR UNIONS, IMMIGRANT FAMILIES, OUR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES, OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR DEMOCRACY, UKRAINE, PANAMA, GREENLAND, MEXICO, CANADA, NATO….”
Register here: https://mobilize.us/s/EEfhiu

This is a national mass activation in defiance of the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. Hands Off! is an all-in moment for the pro-democracy, pro-worker movement—a demand, a warning, and a rallying cry that responds to the primary reasons for our mobilization:

• Trump and Musk are attempting an illegal power grab is a crisis we must stop. • Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans are gutting services, raising prices, and racing towards slashing Medicaid, Social Security, and more. • Trump, Musk, and congressional Republicans are on this path of destruction for the benefit of their billionaire allies.

Whether you are mobilized by the attacks on our democracy, the slashing of jobs, the invasion of privacy, or the assault on our services—this moment is for you. We’ll be part of a massive, visible, national rejection of this crisis. Our goal is to show that the people—the majority—are taking action to stop the corruption and power grab.

Bring your signs, and meet us for this inspiring, peaceful, and mobilizing show of solidarity.

Location:

Minnesota State Capitol

75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard.

Saint Paul, MN 55155

https://www.mobilize.us/handsoff/event/767090

_____________________________________________________

DON’T FORGET our other regular weekly and monthly SD31 meetings:Weekly:
DFL Coffee Break
Every Saturday in March
Starbucks in Andover Target on Bunker Lk Blvd
8:30-11:00 AM
Monthly:
SD31 DFL Social and Business Meeting
These meetings are as much about getting together for mutual support as they are for business.  So please  brave the elements and come out to join your friends!
Time: 6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order

Place: Andover Community Center — Community Room A

Next regular meeting (after the conference):  May 13, 2025

PROTEST EMMER AND MUSK EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY 

at Emmer’s Otsego office— organized by Indivisible North Metro

Place:  Tom Emmer Office, 9201 Quaday Ave, Otsego (Elk River) MN

Times: Saturdays 11 am- Noon

Tuesdays  4:30-5:30 pm

__________________________________________________________________________

ATTEND SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS — ST FRANCIS AND ANOKA-HENNEPIN
Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings

Work Sessions— 4th Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center,  2727 Ferry St, Anoka.   Next Regular Board Meetings:  Mar 24, April 28, May 27

Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed.  Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.  Next Work Sessions: Apr 14, May 12.  

Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening!  Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.  We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.

St Francis School Board Meetings

2nd and 4th Mondays 

6:30 PM

Community Room, District Office

4115 Ambassador Boulevard NW, St Francis MN 55070

Next Meetings:  March 24, April 14, April 28, May 12

_______________________________________________________________________________

ANOKA COUNTY DFL SENIOR CAUCUS

Contact: Mel Aanerud (aanerud4@comcast.net):

Date: Every Second Wednesday (April 9, May 14, June 11)

Place:  Davanni’s Coon Rapids 3430 129 Ave NW

Time:  Order food— room opens at 12:30;  Meeting starts: 1:00 PM

NOTE: Senior Caucus Day on the Hill— April 15

_______________________________________________________________________________

Check out the “FIGHTING OLIGARCHY TOUR”
https://berniesanders.com/oligarchy/ 
The tour started on February 21 in Omaha, Nebraska, and has visited Wisconsin, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona.  Bernie Sanders has been joined by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) in several sites.  They have been visiting places that voted for Joe Biden in 2020 but for Republican House candidates in 2024.

The message:  The Oligarchs who want to run our lives have wealth over $200 billion each, while 60% of families live paycheck to paycheck, and 85 million in the US live without adequate health insurance.  Just short of a million people are homeless in this, the so-called richest country on earth.  

“The oligarchs’ nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up by race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin, and will together have the courage to take them on.”

__________________________________________________________________

Other Links worth Checking Out

Heather Cox Richardsonon the connections between this time and the McCarthyism of the “great” 1950’s:

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/march-22-2025?isFreemail=true&post_id=159660808&publication_id=20533&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true

Mary Hartnett of Clean Elections Minnesota on Finding Refuge Amidst Turmoil: Minnesota’s Stand for Democracy:”

https://mailchi.mp/589bff509b88/march-22-2025-cem-weekly-update-19877437?e=d6010f16a4

Thom Hartmann on The Backlash of the Oligarchs— ending in Democracy being either Renewed or Erased:

https://hartmannreport.com/p/were-in-the-final-act-of-americas-931?isFreemail=true&post_id=159701039&publication_id=302288&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true

_________________________________________________________________________________

And keep checking our ever-changing home website, VoteBlueMN.org
Here are some of the good things you can find there:

On our Home Page:
     Keep writing to our State and National Representatives!

On our page “Posts, Blogs & Links:”See Posts like…

Minnesota’s Healthcare Crisis

End Oligarchy, Fight for Working Families

Government is Too Small!

Why do they hate America?– why MAGA only pretend to be patriots
On our Calendar Page:      MOVIE NIGHT– Friday, March 28, 5:30 pm

_______________________________________________________________________

Contribute to SD31-DFL and get a REFUND before the legislature takes it away!

The cycle has started again for 2025, and is being threatened in the legislature this year: Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL–  
GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.
After donating at VoteBlueMN.org,  just go to this site to find, print, and fill the following document— then send it in with your receipt:
________________________________________________________

Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders.  And more often during the lead-up to the election.  If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org

We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share!  Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.

__________________________________________________________________________

As always, Thanks for your efforts and PLEASE stay connected at the movies, our conference, protests, and all the other ways we can support each other and this state and country.

SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org

____________________________________________________________________________

Our Core Values:

A Good Economy for Working Families— Fighting Hatred and Racism— Liberty and Justice for ALL, Including Health Care, Women’s rights and reproductive freedom— Taking care of our Home– the Earth

Our Moral Guideposts:  

Love Your Neighbor— Truth, Justice and Compassion— Non-Violence— Showing up to Do Your Part

And because they seem to have forgotten:

The Rule of Law

and 

The Constitution of the United States of America!

VoteBlueMN.org

http://dflneighborhoodnetwork.net

Greetings DFL Friends and Happy Almost-Spring!
Please take a quick look at events that are almost here– one is tomorrow night–then come back for reminders of other events and links that stretch into March…

URGENT ACTION ALERT for EVENTS:

Meet the Candidates for State DFL Leadership– Right here in Coon Rapids– TOMORROW, TUESDAY 2/25!
Who will follow Ken Martin?  Join DFL friends for a meet and greet for the statewide DFL party candidates on
Tuesday February 25th at
Alloy Brewing Company starting at
7PM.
2700 Coon Rapids Blvd Coon Rapids, MN 55433.
This is a partnership with CD3 and we’re really excited to show all our current and potential DFL officers the energy we have in Anoka County and how much swing districts matter. Please show up and bring your enthusiasm and your questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Protest Emmer and Musk at the TOWN HALL MEETING Wednesday February 26!
Town Halls are erupting all over the country.  Now we have one in our backyard.  Indivisible North Metro has teamed up with Indivisible Wright to set up this meeting and have invited Tom Emmer to urge him to stop supporting Musk and Trump’s illegal actions– this Wednesday night.  EVEN IF EMMER DOES NOT SHOW UP, YOU CAN!  
Wednesday
February 26th
6:30-8:30 pm in
Monticello.
From Indivisible:  
“We have invited Rep. Emmer, who hasn’t scheduled a Town Hall during this current recess, so we’re hosting the event. He may or may not attend, but we want to pack the house so we can demonstrate we have many concerns with our federal government and want answers from our representative. Questions will be read during the event, and submitted to Rep. Emmer if he doesn’t attend. The media will also be invited so we need as many as possible to attend!
Please follow this link to register and share this with other CD6 residents:”
https://mobilize.us/s/WuXkvG

 Join other DFL’ers for a relaxing Movie Night this FRIDAY Feb 28!

This will be our third  Movie Night hosted by SD31 and SD35.  Again, we will be gathering at the Andover Community Center in the Teem Room. We will have a potluck dinner so plan to bring a dish or dessert to share. No worries if you don’t, there is always plenty to go around.
Please sign up by Thursday, February 27th so we can get a count on the number of people to expect. Also, we do have to pay a small fee to cover the cost of renting the room and we will accept any donations if you are able to make them– but don’t worry, just be sure to show up, no strings attached!

The movie this month is titled “Stonebreakers”.   It chronicles the conflicts around monuments that arose in the U.S. during the George Floyd protests and the 2020 election. As statues of Columbus, Confederates and Founding Fathers fall, a nation’s triumphalist myths are called into question. The film interrogates the link between history and political action in a nation that must confront its past now more urgently than ever.
Mobilize Link:        https://mobilize.us/s/OhJpIX

What: MOVIE: Stonebreakers
Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: Meet at 5:30PM for the potluck. Movie starts at 6:00PM
Location: Andover Community Center, Teem Room
15200 Hanson Blvd. NW, Andover, MN 55304
Enter using door #13 located on the NE corner of the building

Don’t forget our Weekly and Monthly SD31 Meetings:

Weekly:
DFL Coffee Break
Every Saturday in March
Starbucks in Andover Target on Bunker Lk Blvd
8:30-11:00 AM

Monthly:
SD31 DFL Social and Business Meeting
These meetings are as much about getting together for mutual support as they are for business.  So please  brave the elements and come out to join your friends!
6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order
Andover Community Center — TEEN ROOM for this Month only– Same room as Movie Night.
Agenda to follow

END OLIGARCHY.  FIGHT FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Please follow Bernie Sanders and his “Tour to Fight Oligarchy.”

https://www.democracynow.org/2025/2/14/headlines/bernie_sanders_launches_national_tour_to_fight_oligarchy
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/bernie-sanders-launches-tour-to-fight-oligarchy-here-s-where-he-s-going/ar-AA1yZqFX
The tour started on February 21 in Omaha, Nebraska. Sanders is looking to visit “working class” districts that former President Joe Biden won in the 2020 election, but Republican House members took in 2024.
He also spoke out on the Senate floor about oligarchs on February 11.
The Vermont senator, like many of his counterparts, described Musk’s recent actions with DOGE to “dismantle government agencies” as “illegal” and “unconstitutional.”
“In my opinion, what Musk and those around him are aggressively striving for is not novel. It is not complicated, and it is not new. It is what ruling classes throughout history have always wanted and have always believed is theirs by right: more power, more control and more wealth,” Sanders said in the almost nine-and-a-half-minute video. “They don’t want ordinary people—that’s you—and democracy getting in their way.”and more wealth,” Sanders said in the almost nine-and-a-half-minute video. “They don’t want ordinary people—that’s you—and democracy getting in their way.”

Oligarchs vs. Workers
Oligarchs: 
Musk’s wealth – $402 billion
Zuckerberg’s wealth – $252 billion
Bezos’ wealth – $249 billion
Workers:
60% live paycheck to paycheck
85 million uninsured or underinsured
800k homeless

End Oligarchy. Fight for working families.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: “The oligarchs’ nightmare is that we will not allow ourselves to be divided up by race, religion, sexual orientation or country of origin, and will together have the courage to take them on.”

And keep checking our ever-changing home website,
VoteBlueMN.org
Here are some of the good things you can find there:

On our Home Page:
     Keep writing to our Representatives!
     Check out State-level Connections for Bahr, Niska & Scott
     as well as Smith, Klobuchar, and Emmer

On our page “Posts, Blogs & Links:”
     See the new post on “Why do they hate America?”– why MAGA only pretend to be patriots
Also:     
      Help Stop the Misnamed “SAVE” Act
     Don’t Change the School Board Election timing   Do Not Defund Our Communities– NO on HR- 32

On our Calendar Page:      MOVIE NIGHT– Friday, February 28, 5:30 pm

Contribute to SD31-DFL and get a REFUND

The cycle has started again for 2025: Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL–  
GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.
After donating atVoteBlueMN.org,  just go to this site to find, print, and fill the following document— then send it in with your receipt:
________________________________________________________

Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders.  And more often during the lead-up to the election.  If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org

We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share!  Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.

As always, Thanks for your efforts and PLEASE stay connected as we figure out next steps. 

SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org

Our Core Values:

A Good Economy for Working Families

Fighting Hatred and Racism

Liberty and Justice for ALL

    Including Health Care, Women’s rights and reproductive freedom

Taking care of our Home– the Earth

Our Moral Guideposts:  

Love Your Neighbor

Truth, Justice and Compassion

Non-Violence

Showing up to Do Your Part

And because they seem to have forgotten:

The Constitution of the United States of America!

SD31 DFL News- Holiday Edition

December 12, 2024

Friends—
Warm Holiday Wishes!  First, a quick look at upcoming events— and then further on, a few thoughts about the old year transitioning to the new one…

Read on for…

• New Look for Our Websites
• December Events
• New Dates and Times for 2025 (Movie Night Jan 31!)
• Winter Clothing Donations Needed
• Links Worth Checking Out

NEW LOOK FOR OUR WEBSITES
First, MANY THANKS to Mark Lopez for all his work helping SD31 DFL get started with our website after re-districting!  After 4 years, Mark has a number of new activities, and lives in another district— and he has passed the torch to Charlie Baarsch and our Communications group.
We are now in the process of making some updates to the two websites we sponsor.  We hope that these sites will become active hubs where people check in frequently for new information.  Please be sure to checkout our sites several times in the next few weeks:
VoteBlueMN.org
dflneighborhoodnerwork.net

DECEMBER EVENTS
We will not have a general meeting in December, but there are still a few important events before the end of the year:
 

Saturday Morning SD31 DFL Coffee Break     08:30-11:00 am

Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd

For DFLers looking for politically compatible company. We just get together, talk over events, relax, and get re-energized to face another week. Drop in, stay as long as you like, and see what we are all about. Charlie is usually there.

Saturdays— December 14, 21 and 28 and January 4 and 11
 

December 16, Monday

Anoka County DFL Holiday Party Potluck

6 pm 12/06/2024

Betsy O’Berry’s House

8701 160th Ct NW, Ramsey MN 55303

NEW DATES AND TIMES FOR 2025
Mark your Calendars for our new meeting times and other events:

** Movie Night Returns with a Potluck in January!**

We are bringing back a favorite event from earlier last year— monthly movie night, joining with our friends from SD35.  We will start in January with a potluck to watch the inspiring movie Pride, about the real events when LGBTQ folks joined with coal miners in a major strike in the UK— a fun reminder of what can be done through solidarity!

Movie nights will be on the last Friday of each month in 20252025

Place: Andover Community Center— Teen Room

Date: Friday, January 31

Time:  530-830 PM

SD31 DFL General Monthly Meeting Shifts to TUESDAYS

Our regular monthly meetings will move to Tuesdays in 2025— the second Tuesday of each month.

Place: Andover Community Center— Community Room A (DOWNSTAIRS!)

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Time: 6:00 pm Social Gathering, 6:30-8:00 pm business meeting

Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings

Work Sessions-– Mondays, 5:30 pm Education Services Center,  2727 Ferry St, Anoka.                   

Regular School Board Meetings— Mondays, 6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed.  Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.

Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening!  Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.  We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.

Next Regular Board Meetings:  Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 24

Next Work Sessions: Feb 10, March 3

Anoka County DFL Senior Caucus

From Mel Aanerud (aanerud4@comcast.net):

January 8 we will have Representative Ginny Klevom, the chair of the State Legislative Task Force on Aging. We will also hold elections for officers – Chair, Vice chair, Secretary and Treasurer and any other officer we believe we need.

Place: Perkins in Blaine— 12545 Ulysses St NE

Date: January 8

Time:  Order food— 11:30 AM; Meeting starts: 1:00 PM

MN Legislature Session Begins

The next session of the MN Legislature begins on
Tuesday, January 14.

The schedule calls for the legislature to finish its work by
Monday, May 20.

WINTER CLOTHING DONATIONS NEEDED

There has been a request for warm winter clothing for unhoused and underserved Native Minnesotans from aid groups that Ellen Hadley (of SD35 DFL) works with. Gifts will benefit residents of Four Winds Treatment Center in Brainerd, the CHUM Center in Duluth, and Nenookaasi Aid for unhoused people in Minneapolis. These groups do outreach on the streets of Duluth and Minneapolis every day, and the warm gear that is donated will help save lives, literally.

The needs are mostly for men, but also women, and include the following items:

• Warm jackets and snowmobile suits
• Snow pants, Long underwear, Warm socks, sweaters, flannel shirts
• Boots, Belts
• Mittens and gloves, Hand and toe warmers, Hats and scarves

Folks from SD35 can arrange to pick up items at your homes.  They will arrange to transport items to the volunteers who get them to our Indigenous neighbors in need. Call Ellen Hadley at 763-227-9361 to arrange pick up.

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

In this newsletter we aim to be uplifting, as far as we can within the limits of reality!  Right now it is hard to find items that fit the bill.  And of course we need to stay alert to know what is happening— not only in the US but in places like Ukraine and Syria.  Expect to see more of those in 2025.  But here is one especially good link from Heather Cox Richardson, about a black serviceman who saved others and then paid the ultimate price for Democracy and against fascism on December 7, 1941:

“When America came under attack before, people like Doris Miller refused to let that happen. For all that American democracy still discriminated against him, it gave him room to stand up for the concept of human equality—and he laid down his life for it.”

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/december-6-2024?publication_id=20533&post_id=152691897&isFreemail=true&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Keeping warm at this darkest time of year
 

A little good news—as of December 12, we have passed the earliest sunset of the year— the sun will set later each day after that! Ironically, we wait until January 6 for our latest sunrises, when the sun starts to rise earlier each day again.

We are closing in on the end of a very strange and difficult year.  Yet despite the many awful outcomes of the November election, in SD31 we have drawn together and worked hard to be sure that progressive voices are heard in our community.  We have discovered new candidates who help carry this message forward (Thanks once more to Dara, Gadisa, Betsy, and Mike!).  Our Neighborhood Network has flourished under Charlie’s innovative leadership, showing us that there are more progressives and liberals out here in SD31 than any of us imagined— Good People, Doing Good Things!

As we await the unfolding of the new year in 2025, and prepare ourselves mentally to resist the worst that will be coming our way, let’s all recharge with family and friends, and celebrate this time of year as a time of personal rest and reflection.  Let’s find some peace and draw strength from one another.  

And let’s remember our shared values, the values that unite us in this work, that we repeat at the end of every newsletter— the values that we will need to guide us in the coming year:

Love Your Neighbor

Truth, Justice and Compassion

Non-Violence

Showing up to Do Your Part

We hope you have a warm and restful Holiday Season!

Your Editor, 

Peter 

And the whole SD31 DFL Communications team

Contribute to SD31-DFL and get a REFUND

The cycle starts again for 2025: Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL–  

GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.

After donating at VoteBlueMN.org,  just go to this site to find, print, and fill the following document— then send it in with your receipt:
https://cfb.mn.gov/citizen-resources/board-programs/public-subsidy-of-campaigns/political-contribution-refund-program/

Email Updates and Submissions

Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders.  And more often during the lead-up to the election.  If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org

We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share!  Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.

THANK YOU for the energy to move forward despite the fears and frustrations we all face.  In whatever ways we can we all need to keep working for a country where 
EVERYBODY COUNTS and 
No One is left behind…
Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward.

SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org

Our Core Values and Moral Guideposts:  

A Good Economy for Working Families
Fighting Hatred and Racism
Liberty and Justice for ALL— including Women’s Rights and Reproductive Freedom
Taking Care of our Home– the Earth

Love Your Neighbor
Truth, Justice and Compassion
Non-Violence
Showing up to Do Your Part

SD31 DFL This Week
November 1, 2024

ONE LAST MESSAGE
BEFORE THE BIGGEST ELECTION
OF OUR LIVES!

FINAL DAY OF VOTING:

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5

Greetings, DFL Friends–
As this is being written, we have 4 days until Election Day.  We all are getting pretty anxious by now, with all of the different polls flying around.  Fortunately there are a number of good signs and a lot of DFL Folks with optimism out there.  But meanwhile the GOP seems to be just getting more racist, misogynist, and violent in their rhetoric. 

So all we can do is to keep doing our best, and to be true to our values. Let’s remind others of how important it is to care about honesty, compassion, and decency; and the Constitution and the Rule of Law.  None of these should even be up of debate. 

It is time for a new chapter in American history, charted by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.  It is time to heal our divisions.  And yes, together we must find a new way forward, not back.  It is now over to all of us to be sure that is the path we follow.  Remember:

WHAT UNITES US IS GREATER THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

VOTE, AND BE SURE OTHERS DO TOO!

1. What You Need to Know to Vote/ Rides to the Polls
2. Watch With Friends Election Night!
3. Neighborhood Network Celebration Dinner 11/11
4. This Week & Upcoming Events
5. SD31 Monthly Meeting Info
6. Candidate Campaign Links
7. Open Positions- Andover Commissions
8. Links You can Use

What You Need to Know to Vote 

It is now too late to Vote by mail.  Early in-person voting is in progress, and runs through Monday November 4th. Please consider voting early in case something comes up on the final day of voting, “Election Day,” Tuesday November 5th. Please share this information with your friends and family.

You can Register on Election Day— bring your paperwork!

• To register or update your voter registration click HERE (Register or Update Registration)
• To view your sample ballot click HERE (Sample Ballot)
• To find your polling place click HERE (Find Polling Place)
• Vote early in person
• Track your absentee ballot

– You can have an “agent” pick up and/or deliver your ballot.

– Details you need to know, including polling sites, can be accessed via this link:

      https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/  

• Need more help?  Call 1-877-600-8683 or your county election office

DFL Rides to the Polls Program

If you are interested in volunteering as a driver, or you are out door knocking and a voter needs a ride, this is good information to know:

• Sign up for volunteer drivers: Volunteer drivers can sign up directly for a brief 30 minute training here, or call 651 251 6363 to sign up.
• Request a ride for voters: Voters should call our DFL Voter Protection Hotline at 1-833-335-8683 (1-833-DFL-VOTE) to request a ride.
• Contact: if you have any other questions, contact Josh Koenig, Deputy Voter Protection Director, at jkoenig@dfl.org or 703 872 9714.
• Other: We are still recruiting for bilingual drivers and Hotline workers if you have interested volunteers who speak languages other than English fluently.

WATCH THE ELECTION RESULTS WITH FRIENDS ON NOV 5!

When it has all been said and done…

Join the SD31-DFL Election Night Watch Party – November 5th

Make sure you don’t spend election night alone. Plan to attend an election night party and share the evening with like minded DFLer’s. Join our Local Candidates:

• GADISA BERKESSA
• DARA GRIMMER
• BETSY O’BERRY

SD31 has joined with Betsy O’Berry, County Commissioner candidate, for a watch party that evening at Aurelio’s Pizza. Aurelio’s has really been impacted by the construction on Highway 10 and they are extremely grateful that we are supporting them. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors.

Date: Tuesday, November 5th

Time: Festivities start at 7:00pm

Location: Aurelio’s Pizza, 

6415 US Hwy 10, Ramsey, MN 55303

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK CELEBRATION DINNER

MONDAY NOVEMBER 11 @ 6:00-8:00 PM

DAVANNI’s COON RAPIDS 

If you have been involved with the Neighborhood Network this year, we are inviting you and your partner, if any, to a Celebration Dinner honoring the dedicated members and supporters of DFL SD31’s Neighborhood Network project.

Join us as we celebrate the commitment and faithful support that have propelled this project to its remarkable success.

“This special evening will be filled with a happy reflection on this year’s events and accomplishments as we look into next year’s opportunities and challenges. Together, let’s toast to our achievements and look forward to growing our political reach to even greater lengths next year.” Charlie, Carrie, Alyson, and Michael

Special Presentation by: HOPE 4 YOUTH
Date: November 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm to place your food order – Meeting starts at 6:30
Location: Davanni’s Coon Rapids Party Room at 3430 129th Ave, Coon Rapids

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Please note: To save our budget for next year’s activities, each of us will be responsible for our own food expenses.

Go to this link to reserve your spot:

https://dflneighborhoodnetwork.org/event/neighborhood-network-appreciation-dinner/

THIS WEEK & Upcoming Events

VoteBlueMN.org

dflneighborhoodnetwork.org

Every Saturday Morning— SD31 DFL Coffee Break     9-11 am

Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd

Next Dates: Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26
 

Future Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings:

Work Sessions-– 5:30 pm Education Services Center,  2727 Ferry St, Anoka.                   

NEXT:  11/4, 11/23, 2/10/2025
Regular School Board Meetings-6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed.  Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.        

NEXT:  11/25, 12/9, 1/13/2025

Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening!

Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.  We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.

Also— the Board is seeking non-parent community members for its curriculum council.  See this link or call these numbers for more information:
Community Curriculum Advisory Council
https://www.ahschools.us/Page/45165
763-506-1063
763-506-1066
763-506-1135
763-506-1162

And these events from Clean Elections Minnesota:

https://cleanelectionsmn.org/ 

November is National Native American Heritage Month

Wednesday, Oct 30. “The Battle for Congress: What’s at Stake?” 12-1 CT via Zoom.

Monday, Nov 18, MinnPost Social: Election Debrief. 5:30 – 7:00 CT at the Minneapolis Cider Company.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1:30-3:00. Democracy Talks book club. 1:30 – 3:00, at St Joan of Arc Church, 4537 3rd Ave. So, Mpls 55419. Topic to be announced.

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5:00-6:30 pm: Bimonthly CEM Board meeting

SD31 DFL Monthly Meeting– Our Last Gathering of the Year–
Be Sure to Join US!

Thursday, November 21

6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order

Andover Community Center  

NO MEETING IN DECEMBER, AND THERE WILL BE A NEW MEETING DAY STARTING IN JANUARY 2024— The Second Tuesday of each Month, starting on January 14.

SD31 Candidate Campaigns

Gadisa Berkessa 31B

(Eastern Andover, Ham Lake, Oak Grove, East Bethel, Linwood, Athens) 

https://gadisa4mn.com/

Dara Grimmer 31A
(Ramsey & Western Andover)

https://vote4grimmer.com/about
 

County Commission Races— Primary August 13

Betsy O’Berry— District 1: Anoka, Ramsey, Nowthen, St Francis

https://www.betsyo.org

Mike Gamache— District 5: Andover, Coon Rapids, Oak Grove

https://www.reelectmike.com/about

OPEN POSITIONS ON ANDOVER ZONING AND NATURE PRESERVES COMMISSIONS— PLEASE APPLY!

The City of Andover has openings on their Planning and Zoning Commission and the Nature Preserve Commission.  The deadline for these applications is December 13.  

These commissions make a big difference in shaping the future of Andover.  This is government by the people, at the most basic level.  Please consider applying.

Check the links below for more information:

https://www.andovermn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/401/Advisory-Commission-Application-PDF

https://www.andovermn.gov/253/Nature-Preserve-Commission

https://www.andovermn.gov/257/Planning-Zoning-Commission

Our editor has more information if you have questions:

info@VoteBlueMN.org

Links You Can Use
Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website:  VoteBlueMN.org

Are You Sure You Are Registered to VOTE?
Check out this Common Cause site:
https://www.commoncause.org/resources/verify-your-voter-registration-status/?link_id=0&can_id=026e89f23772ce8788cb628731077d66&source=email-are-you-sure-youre-registered-to-vote-14&email_referrer=email_2455131&email_subject=are-you-sure-youre-registered-to-vote

Just Imagine the World if the fascists win:
“When Speech Becomes Sedition: Tales from Trumps ‘New America’”
By Thom Hartmann
https://hartmannreport.com/p/when-speech-becomes-sedition-tales-d28?publication_id=302288&post_id=150952459&isFreemail=true&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Trump/Musk Plan to bring us “Temporary” Hardship and End Obamacare:
Read this from Heather Cox Richardson:
“Everyone’s going to have to take a haircut…” — Elon Musk
(By the Way, he means everyone besides himself)
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-30-2024?publication_id=20533&post_id=150973281&isFreemail=true&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

There is Still Time to..
HELP OUR TRUMP REMOVAL PROJECT AND GET YOUR REFUND.  
Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL–  
This year we must get out the vote to defeat Trump and elect as many democrats as we can.
If you have not already done so, contribute to us and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.
After donating at VoteBlueMN.org,  just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt.
https://mcusercontent.com/5800b7244684e27db110292fa/files/ae2c8d0b-5ac5-5978-6e59-375989558d95/PCR_Application_2024.01.pdf.

SD31 DFL Leadership

Co-Chair:  Alyson Gullette
Co-Chair: Leslie Pendergast
Secretary:  Wes Volkenant
Treasurer: George Drew
Outreach Officer:  Charlie Baarsch
Communications Director: Peter Miller

Email Updates and Submissions
Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders.  And more often during the lead-up to the election.  If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org
We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share!  Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.

Thank you to everyone who has been working so hard.  We need to be proud of all of our efforts to turn us away from the threat of fascism and dictatorship, and to make our communities better.
Every action we take helps bring joy back into our lives, and helps build a more unified country where EVERYBODY COUNTS and No One is left behind.  
Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward!
Especially For the Next 4 days:  DO IT NOW!

Peter
SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org

Our Core Values:  A Good Economy for Working Families; Fighting Hatred and Racism; Liberty and Justice for ALL— including Women’s rights and reproductive freedom; Taking care of our Home– the Earth

Our Moral Guideposts:  Love Your Neighbor; Truth, Justice and Compassion; Non-Violence; Showing up to Do Your Part

SD31 DFL This Week

October 24, 2024
 

LESS THAN 2 WEEKS TO GO!

FINAL DAY OF VOTING:

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5

1. Greetings– Time to Get Out and VOTE!
2. What you need to know to VOTE
3. This week & Upcoming Events
4. SD31 Monthly Meeting Info
5. Candidate Campaign Links
6. Neighborhood Network
7. Links You can Use

We are closing in on the final hours of this critical election.  In the balance are not just the Presidency— but both houses of Congress and the Minnesota State House— and then there are all the local elections.

Have you voted already? Remember this set of questions (the famous questions of philosopher Hillel) as you make plans for late October and early November:

If I am not for myself, who will be?

If I am not for others, what am I?

If not now, when?

Loosely translated for the modern mind, this comes down to:

Look after yourself.
Take care of others.
Do it now.

Take care of yourself, take care of others, VOTE.  And encourage others to vote as soon as they can.  Turnout is now the most vital thing, and you are the next link in the chain.  

So VOTE and then PASS IT ALONG!

Remember all of Trump’s promises to undermine the outcome of the election, to be a dictator, to disregard the constitution, to deport millions, to use the military against those who disagree with him.  The rule of law, and our entire way of life, are at stake.  Do everything you can to assure that we welcome Kamala Harris as our next President.

What You Need to Know to Vote 

Vote by mail and early in-person voting is in progress now, and runs through Monday November 4th. Please consider voting early in case something comes up on the final day of voting, “Election Day,” Tuesday November 5th. Please share this information with your friends and family.

• To register or update your voter registration click HERE (Register or Update Registration)
•  
• To view your sample ballot click HERE (Sample Ballot)
•  
• To request your absentee ballot click HERE (Absentee Ballot)
•  
• To find your polling place click HERE (Find Polling Place)
•  
• Vote early by mail 
•  
• Vote early in person
•  
• Vote from military or abroad
•  
• Track your absentee ballot

– You can have an “agent” pick up and/or deliver your ballot.

– Mail-in ballots must be received by Election Day, so mail early.

– Details you need to know, including polling sites, can be accessed via this link:

      https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/other-ways-to-vote/  

• Need more help?  Call 1-877-600-8683 or your county election office

___________________________________

THIS WEEK & Upcoming Events

VoteBlueMN.org

dflneighborhoodnetwork.org

SATURDAY OCTOBER 26

Neighborhood Network— FINAL RALLY of the YEAR!

See below for details…

MONDAY OCTOBER 28

Regular Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meeting

6:30 PM

Future Anoka-Hennepin School Board Meetings:

Work Sessions-– 5:30 pm Education Services Center,  2727 Ferry St, Anoka.                   

NEXT:  11/4, 11/23, 2/10/2025
Regular School Board Meetings-6:30 pm, Sandburg Ed.  Center, Anoka 1902 2nd Ave.        

NEXT:  10/28, 11/25, 12/9, 1/13/2025

Work Sessions allow for observation only but we need people to watch what is happening!

Major decisions are often made in these meetings, without a written record.  We need observers to help keep the Board accountable, especially in this critical Budget period.

Every Saturday Morning— SD31 DFL Coffee Break     9-11 am

Starbucks in Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd

Next Dates: Oct 12, Oct 19, Oct 26

Join an Election Night Watch Party – 

November 5th

Make sure you don’t spend election night alone. Plan to attend an election night party and share the evening with like minded DFLer’s.

** SD31 DFL / Betsy O’Berry Election Night Watch Party **

SD31 has joined with Betsy O’berry, County Commissioner candidate, for a watch party that evening at Aurelio’s Pizza. Aurelio’s has really been impacted by the construction on Highway 10 and they are extremely grateful that we are supporting them. Feel free to invite your friends and neighbors.

Date: Tuesday, November 5th

Time: Festivities start at 7:00pm

Location: Aurelio’s Pizza, 6415 US Hwy 10, Ramsey, MN 55303

And for those with close connections SD-35, another option is…

SD35 DFL Election Night Watch Party

SD35 DFL will be hosting an Election Night watch party at Alloy Brewing in Coon Rapids. Plan to attend and watch the election results come in for both National, State and local elections.

Date: Tuesday, November 5th

Time: Festivities start at 7:00pm

Location: Alloy Brewing Company, 2700 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN 55433
 

Coordinated Campaign Door Knocks and Phone Banking
This is a statewide DFL effort and does not directly affect SD31— but it is a great opportunity to help out in close races.  
If you want to help with Door Knocking or Phone Banking, check out the Coordinated Campaign Office:
Coon Rapids Campaign Office, 1557 Coon Rapids Blvd., Coon Rapids, MN

DFL Rides to the Polls Program
If you are interested in volunteering as a driver, or you are out door knocking and a voter needs a ride, this is good information to know:

• Sign up for volunteer drivers: Volunteer drivers can sign up directly for a brief 30 minute training here, or call 651 251 6363 to sign up.
• Request a ride for voters: Voters should call our DFL Voter Protection Hotline at 1-833-335-8683 (1-833-DFL-VOTE) to request a ride. We are also working to have a survey question added to VAN Scripts for GOTV so that voters can request a ride at the doors, which we will then follow up with a daily phone bank. Finally, we are working to add a sign-up link on the DFL website, but our Hotline remains the best way to have a voter sign up for a ride. 
• Contact: To request a copy of our interested parties memo, or if you have any other questions, contact Josh Koenig, Deputy Voter Protection Director, at jkoenig@dfl.org or 703 872 9714.
• Other: We are still recruiting for bilingual drivers and Hotline workers if you have interested volunteers who speak languages other than English fluently.

___________________________________

SD31 DFL Monthly Gathering & Business Meeting

Our last monthly gathering was held on October 17.

Our Next SD31 DFL Meeting: 

Thursday, November 21

6:00 pm Social / 6:30 pm call to order

Andover Community Center  

NO MEETING IN DECEMBER, AND THERE WILL BE A NEW MEETING DAY STARTING IN JANUARY 2024— STAY TUNED!

___________________________________
SD31 Candidate Campaigns

Gadisa Berkessa 31B

(Eastern Andover, Ham Lake, Oak Grove, East Bethel, Linwood, Athens) 

https://gadisa4mn.com/

Dara Grimmer 31A
(Ramsey & Western Andover)

https://vote4grimmer.com/about
 

County Commission Races— Primary August 13

Betsy O’Berry— District 1: Anoka, Ramsey, Nowthen, St Francis

https://www.betsyo.org

Mike Gamache— District 5: Andover, Coon Rapids, Oak Grove

https://www.reelectmike.com/about

________________________________

NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK

Network Rally October 26- Saturday

Our LAST BIG EVENT before the Election!

9-11 AM

Starbucks inside Andover Target, 2000 Bunker Lake Blvd

There is still time to help turn the tide for this election.

You can help us put together and send out one mailing to our neighbors in October.

Come to our DFL Neighborhood Network Rally this Saturday!

Here is an update from NN Leader Charlie:

With 15 new sign ups this week from our 268 piece “Do Something” Letter sent out last weekend we now have 102 Networkers!
We are serving 22 precincts; 2528 homes with 5565 voters.
Our October 26 mailing has swollen to 2456 letters up from last month’s 1830 letters from 72 Networkers.  Up 600 homes +30 new Networkers in one month!
Congrats to everyone involved!
Charlie

Donate Stamps to the NN…

Another great way to help is donating stamps—you can drop them off at the DFL Coffee Break.

If you want to find out more, email Charlie at 

Outreach@VoteBlueMN.org 

or call 763.200.1078.

If you would like to support our project financially here is the link:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sd31nn

Join us and share in all the good DFL energy!
________________________________
Links You Can Use
Keep checking our SD31 DFL Website:  VoteBlueMN.org
 

Are You Sure You Are Registered to VOTE?

Check out this Common Cause site:

https://www.commoncause.org/resources/verify-your-voter-registration-status/?link_id=0&can_id=026e89f23772ce8788cb628731077d66&source=email-are-you-sure-youre-registered-to-vote-14&email_referrer=email_2455131&email_subject=are-you-sure-youre-registered-to-vote

So you think “It Can’t Happen Here”?

Read this from Heather Cox Richardson:

“Imagine a would-be dictator setting out to persuade a sovereign people to vote away their rights…”

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/october-21-2024?publication_id=20533&post_id=150547120&isFreemail=true&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

And here is Trump’s 2025 Takeover Strategy–

Read this from Thom Hartmann:

“From internment camps to abolishing free press—how Trump could make his worst threats real…”

https://hartmannreport.com/p/americas-descent-into-darkness-trumps-76d?publication_id=302288&post_id=150330572&isFreemail=true&r=3x1uaj&triedRedirect=true&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

League of Women Voters Candidate Forums

For Completed LWV Forum Recordings:

https://www.lwvmn.org/2024-candidate-forums

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HELP OUR HARRIS-WALZ SUPPORT WORK and TRUMP REMOVAL PROJECT— AND GET YOUR REFUND!

Contribute whatever you can to SD31 DFL–  

This year we must get out the vote to defeat Trump and elect as many democrats as we can.

If you have not already done so, contribute to us and then GET A FULL REFUND for any amount up to $75 per person.

After donating at VoteBlueMN.org,  just print and fill the following document and send it in with your receipt.
https://mcusercontent.com/5800b7244684e27db110292fa/files/ae2c8d0b-5ac5-5978-6e59-375989558d95/PCR_Application_2024.01.pdf.

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Your SD31 DFL Leadership

Co-Chair:  Alyson Gullette

Co-Chair: Leslie Pendergast

Secretary:  Wes Volkenant

Treasurer: George Drew

Outreach Officer:  Charlie Baarsch

Communications Director: Peter Miller
 

Email Updates and Submissions

Newsletters and other Emails from SD31 DFL will typically be sent out on Monday or Tuesday, but only if there is new information or announcements that need to be sent as reminders.  And more often during the lead-up to the election.  If you have an item to share, please submit it by noon on Friday to info@VoteBlueMN.org

We also welcome longer items for our website if you have articles, blogs, or letters that you would like to share!  Check the site out at VoteBlueMN.org.

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Thank you to everyone who has been working so hard to make our communities, state, nation, and world better, and to turn us away from the threat of fascism and dictatorship.

Every action helps defeat the extremists, brings civility, sanity, and joy back into our lives, and helps build a more unified country where EVERYBODY COUNTS and No One is left behind.  

Step by Step, Always Together, Always Forward…

DO IT NOW!

Peter
SD31 Communications
info@VoteBlueMN.org

Our Core Values:  A Good Economy for Working Families; Fighting Hatred and Racism; Liberty and Justice for ALL— including Women’s rights and reproductive freedom; Taking care of our Home– the Earth

Our Moral Guideposts:  Love Your Neighbor; Truth, Justice and Compassion; Non-Violence; Showing up to Do Your Part