There is some really ugly campaigning going on right now. TV commercials and mass mailings being negative are one thing- but, in person, we need to be positive and excited. Voters see a lot of negativity in the presidential race, in the gubernatorial race and in some of the heated local races.
I'm not being critical of the experts- they know what they are doing. Just don't forget to get people excited about the change that is possible in Washington State: a better business environment, a better economy, improved educational accountability and lower taxes (to name a few).
Sunday, October 12, 2008
We are rounding the bend...
The finish line is in front of us and the race is on. We need to keep working hard through to the final count. With much of our success dependent on getting out the vote it is important to be a as positive as possible with regards to who we are and what we represent. We need sign wavers, door knockers and volunteers. There are many of you who have been helping out and we cannot thank you enough. Just let us know if you can help.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Note From Dani:
For all you volunteers who want to help but are a little intimidated, here is a description of what you can do to help Dave. Which best fit your schedule and ability? Email me at vote4dooley@yahoo.com, Subject: Dani; and I’ll set you up!
• Sign Wave—Stand on the corners of a busy intersection with at least 2 other friends or family members for an hour or so. Hold your sign high and wave and smile at the passersby. It is a lot more fun than it looks and Dooley wavers have had only positive feedback from drivers. I enjoy counting honks and waves and cheers; our kids like finding “slug bugs” and “cruiser bruisers”. If you want to try this but are a little embarrassed to be where someone might recognize you, consider waving at a corner that is a few miles away from where you live.
• Doorbell—Walk a local neighborhood with Dave. Knock on doors and present his flyer to the residents for a few hours on a Saturday. People are friendly once they find out that you are not selling anything. You will be using a “Walking list” so you will know the names and party affiliation before approaching. You will not be talking issues, just introducing the Dave Dooley campaign.
• Phone Bank—Sit in a quiet office and make phone calls to Republican and Independent absentee voters reminding them to return their ballot by November 4th. You will have a phone list and a short script that you may follow. Phone calls are made on weeknights between 5 and 8 pm.
• Host a Party—Plan a party! Invite your friends to come to your place to meet Dave. They can ask him about his qualifications, issues, why he wants the job of State Representative or anything else they can think of. If you’ve already got a party planned consider inviting Dave to join you and meet your guests informally.
• Other—There may be other volunteer opportunities that come up or perhaps you can think of something that you would like to do for Dave. Email me and we’ll talk!
Thank you for your support!!
• Sign Wave—Stand on the corners of a busy intersection with at least 2 other friends or family members for an hour or so. Hold your sign high and wave and smile at the passersby. It is a lot more fun than it looks and Dooley wavers have had only positive feedback from drivers. I enjoy counting honks and waves and cheers; our kids like finding “slug bugs” and “cruiser bruisers”. If you want to try this but are a little embarrassed to be where someone might recognize you, consider waving at a corner that is a few miles away from where you live.
• Doorbell—Walk a local neighborhood with Dave. Knock on doors and present his flyer to the residents for a few hours on a Saturday. People are friendly once they find out that you are not selling anything. You will be using a “Walking list” so you will know the names and party affiliation before approaching. You will not be talking issues, just introducing the Dave Dooley campaign.
• Phone Bank—Sit in a quiet office and make phone calls to Republican and Independent absentee voters reminding them to return their ballot by November 4th. You will have a phone list and a short script that you may follow. Phone calls are made on weeknights between 5 and 8 pm.
• Host a Party—Plan a party! Invite your friends to come to your place to meet Dave. They can ask him about his qualifications, issues, why he wants the job of State Representative or anything else they can think of. If you’ve already got a party planned consider inviting Dave to join you and meet your guests informally.
• Other—There may be other volunteer opportunities that come up or perhaps you can think of something that you would like to do for Dave. Email me and we’ll talk!
Thank you for your support!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
What a Week!
Lots of things happening this week!
1. School started on Wednesday and pretty much took up most of my time for the first three days. There are a ton of things happening in the first days of school and the staff and faculty at Lakes did a great job.
2. The Republican National Convention was inspirational with both Palin and McCain setting an example of dedication and service to this country.
3. I was out doorbelling this week and met some great people. It is obvious that the more people read about and understand the mishandling of our state government programs and spending policies, the more frustrated they become. If priorities don't change and efficiencies don't improve we are looking at some very real difficulties for Washington.
Keep checking things out for more updates!
1. School started on Wednesday and pretty much took up most of my time for the first three days. There are a ton of things happening in the first days of school and the staff and faculty at Lakes did a great job.
2. The Republican National Convention was inspirational with both Palin and McCain setting an example of dedication and service to this country.
3. I was out doorbelling this week and met some great people. It is obvious that the more people read about and understand the mishandling of our state government programs and spending policies, the more frustrated they become. If priorities don't change and efficiencies don't improve we are looking at some very real difficulties for Washington.
Keep checking things out for more updates!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Primary is over...
The primary is over and the results look good. 41% isn't too bad considering. We know that Democrats got a good percentage of voters out (typical) and that independents did not really get out in number. Senator Carrell appears to have a solid race but I am sure he is much higher than the primary results show.
Denise McCluskey appears to have obtained enough votes to run against Tami Green in the General. That should generate some excitement.
I still need more yard sign locations. We really want to get them up in yards!
Denise McCluskey appears to have obtained enough votes to run against Tami Green in the General. That should generate some excitement.
I still need more yard sign locations. We really want to get them up in yards!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
State House Republicans Website
Take some time to look at the House Republican Organizational Committee's website. Among other things you'll find there are links to all the candidates with contact and website information.
Olympia Waste!
Washington Policy Center (a non-partisan think tank) recently pointed out some of the wasteful spending practices of our lawmakers in Olympia in their "Washington State Piglet Book". Some of the highlights of the book are available at the Washington Policy Center's Website.
State news media has also taken a good look at the Center's discoveries. King 5 ran a story about state funding for licensing pet massage therapists. You can watch the video or read the article here. A station in Spokane also ran a story outlining other questionable spending costs. That video is available directly at the WPC's media site.
I had a discussion last night with a neighbor I met while doorbelling. While we talked about wasteful spending he pointed out the old argument of needs vs wants. There are a lot of projects out there that are nice to have. Some of the spending can even be 'justified' when long term benefits outweigh the initial output of tax dollars (think tourism increases or lowered operating costs). However, it's going to take some pretty serious convincing to show me where the state is justified in spending money on pet massage therapist licensing or Christmas tree inspections. During a time of financial crisis (we are operating on a budget deficit) we need to be cutting back, not providing for the wants of a few.
State news media has also taken a good look at the Center's discoveries. King 5 ran a story about state funding for licensing pet massage therapists. You can watch the video or read the article here. A station in Spokane also ran a story outlining other questionable spending costs. That video is available directly at the WPC's media site.
I had a discussion last night with a neighbor I met while doorbelling. While we talked about wasteful spending he pointed out the old argument of needs vs wants. There are a lot of projects out there that are nice to have. Some of the spending can even be 'justified' when long term benefits outweigh the initial output of tax dollars (think tourism increases or lowered operating costs). However, it's going to take some pretty serious convincing to show me where the state is justified in spending money on pet massage therapist licensing or Christmas tree inspections. During a time of financial crisis (we are operating on a budget deficit) we need to be cutting back, not providing for the wants of a few.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
What are we thinking?
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/columnists/callaghan/story/317515.html
In a witty and well written article, Peter Callaghan shares a little of what makes the campaign trail a trial for State Legislative Candidates.
In a witty and well written article, Peter Callaghan shares a little of what makes the campaign trail a trial for State Legislative Candidates.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
The WASL!?!
I don't really know how to feel about the WASL. We need a standard to hold students (and schools) accountable to. Benchmark and standards type testing can be very beneficial as a motivational tool to get schools to do a better job of teaching- but the WASL is so problematic.
Reading and writing seem to be doing the trick. However, math and science are obviously struggling- with math being a candidate for boondoggle of the decade. Now the Tacoma News Tribune (http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/298283.html) has published a story on the run away costs of administering the test.
What really doesn't make sense is why we felt a need to go out and create a test in the first place. There are several tests out there that do a good job, are readily available and would have saved us a lot of time and money. At some point the "legislative-powers-that-be" need to stop spending our money on egocentric theories of education and realize that there are others out there who do it better.
The results of the WASL? Students who don't think they need to take the test seriously (partially a fault of the media who keeps predicting the downfall of the ability of the state to hold them accountable). Parents and a community who think Washington education is a joke. An inordinate amount of time spent preparing students for a faulty test system. And now- additional costs. Come on Olympia- We deserve better!
Reading and writing seem to be doing the trick. However, math and science are obviously struggling- with math being a candidate for boondoggle of the decade. Now the Tacoma News Tribune (http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/298283.html) has published a story on the run away costs of administering the test.
What really doesn't make sense is why we felt a need to go out and create a test in the first place. There are several tests out there that do a good job, are readily available and would have saved us a lot of time and money. At some point the "legislative-powers-that-be" need to stop spending our money on egocentric theories of education and realize that there are others out there who do it better.
The results of the WASL? Students who don't think they need to take the test seriously (partially a fault of the media who keeps predicting the downfall of the ability of the state to hold them accountable). Parents and a community who think Washington education is a joke. An inordinate amount of time spent preparing students for a faulty test system. And now- additional costs. Come on Olympia- We deserve better!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sign Locations Needed!
A wise man (he knows who he is) told me that a sign location is worth $100.00. While I won't pay you to put up a sign for the campaign, I am gathering locations for signs. Just reply to this post and leave me your name and address and I will add you to the list.
You don't have to live in a great location or on a street corner to get a sign. As long as your neighbors know you are supporting us that is what matters!
You don't have to live in a great location or on a street corner to get a sign. As long as your neighbors know you are supporting us that is what matters!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Closing the Achievement Gap
One of the things I really want to focus on is the effort schools are engaged in to 'close the achievement gap' in schools. While test scores are slowly improving across the state their is still a significant gap between average students and those who come from a diverse socio-economic or cultural background. I attended a week long retreat this summer that focused on the needs of these students and how educators can better address those needs. What I am really excited about is the efforts we can make toward closing that gap without lowering the standards of the students who are already doing well.
It's going to take some time, some effort and some changes in the way we do business but we know it can work. There is a great article (link attached) from the Tacoma News Tribune about the efforts our local districts are making. I think we need to celebrate success a little more often and this definitely looks like success to me.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/education/story/291423.html
It's going to take some time, some effort and some changes in the way we do business but we know it can work. There is a great article (link attached) from the Tacoma News Tribune about the efforts our local districts are making. I think we need to celebrate success a little more often and this definitely looks like success to me.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/education/story/291423.html
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