Featured Speaker:
Dr. Michael G. Shoaf, Superintendent, Rocky River Board of Education. Dr. Shoaf will discuss plans for the upcoming school year, the impact of budget cuts, and answer your questions.
Please feel free to share this with your friends and neighbors in the community; everyone is invited to participate. To receive the phone number and link to this meeting that will be held via Zoom, please click HERE.
We are very pleased to announce that Cassimir Svigelj is the new Treasurer of the Rocky River Democratic Club!
We enthusiastically congratulate and welcome Cassimir as a Club Officer. You may remember Cassimir’s strong candidacies that tell of a man who cares deeply about improving the lives of the citizens of our community and state. As fellow Club officers, we look forward to working closely with Cassimir to elect Democratic candidates in this most important election year.
Also by majority during the May 26th meeting, the Club voted to approve its updated Bylaws and Constitution.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAY 26TH MEETING VIA ZOOM
Andrew Bemer, Law Director, City of Rocky River
Mr. Bemer reviewed the operations of various city departments and agencies during the state-mandated shutdown. He addressed the city’s Charter Review that is done every 6 years, and the final steps in the process to get it on the ballot for the General Election. He noted the significant payroll tax loss of $900,000 to the city’s budget since the onset of the pandemic. Governor DeWine also plans to cut $805,000 to Rocky River schools from the State’s funding pool while the State of Ohio has a budget surplus of $2.7 BILLION (that’s not a typo). Mr. Bemer encouraged residents to visit the City of Rocky River’s website at www.rrcity.com for the wealth of information it provides.
Aaron Godfrey and Monique Smith
Both Aaron and Monique addressed the changes the pandemic has brought to traditional ways of campaigning. Rather than knocking on doors and in-person gatherings, reliance will be on social media, phone banking, and mailings. They also noted the significant advantage that incumbents have in elections. While their Republican opponents may try to appear moderate to voters in our community, they, nonetheless, wholeheartedly espouse the Trump Republican agenda.
It is difficult for candidates like Monique and Aaron to come right out and ask for donations to sustain a costly virtual campaign against their well-funded Republican opponents. On their behalf, the Rocky River Democratic Club asks you to consider making a donation of any amount to each of their campaigns. We realize that these are financially challenging times and that there are many worthy causes. Donating to help a Legislator win can bring big changes in our lives; and it is one of the most important contributions we can make. Whether it’s $5, $10 or $20, it’s our cumulative strength in numbers that makes a difference.
Donate to Aaron Godfrey, Democratic candidate for the United States Congress, District 16, click HERE.
Donate to Monique Smith, Democratic candidate for State Representative of Ohio House District 16 – Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake, click HERE.
Giving Tree Project
The Giving Tree Project provides free face masks to community members who do not have access to them or cannot afford them. The project began with local attorney Kira Krivosh, State Senator Nickie Antonio and a group of volunteers. The first donation event was in Rocky River on May 28th, and the organization plans the next donation event in Lakewood in the coming weeks. Masks are free and are replenished daily on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in becoming a sewer, they provide kits with fabric and instructions. If you do not sew, they need fabric cutters and additional volunteers. For more information and to volunteer, please send an email to GivingTreeProjectRR@gmail.com
ELECTION 2020
Vote by Mail for November 3rd
Even though you voted by mail in the primary, unfortunately, you’ll need to repeat the application process for November 3rd.
You can submit a vote by mail application NOW to receive your vote by mail ballot at the appropriate time for the November 3rd General Election.
- Online: To request or print a vote by mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
- Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote by mail application be mailed to you. Phone: 216-443-8683
- Email: Send an email to the Rocky River Democratic Club and we’ll deliver an application to your home. Email: submit@rockyriverdems.org
On the vote by mail application, please remember to: 1) select General Election, and 2) write the year “2020”
CLUB MEETINGS:
Thank you to those who joined us during the May 26th meeting. Because it was done on Zoom, we would love your feedback. If you have 15 seconds to answer 3 quick questions, it would be most helpful. Please click HERE.
The next meeting of the Rocky River Democratic Club is scheduled on Tuesday, June 30th at 7 PM. We’ll provide more information soon in a separate email.
Save the Date!
Next Web Meeting of the
ROCKY RIVER DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Tuesday, May 26 at 6 PM via Zoom
If you received an email from us confirming that we received your registration, you do not need to register again!
FEATURED SPEAKER:
Andrew Bemer, Law Director, City of Rocky River
Mr. Bemer will address how the City of Rocky River is dealing with Covid-19 issues in the community; and discuss the City’s plans for the remainder of the year.
FEATURED CANDIDATE SPEAKERS:
Aaron Godfrey
Democratic candidate for the United States Congress, District 16
On November 3rd, Aaron will face incumbent Republican Anthony Gonzalez who votes in line with Trump 93% of the time; and who voted not to impeach Trump along with his Republican congressional colleagues. To go to Aaron Godfrey’s website, click HERE.
Monique Smith
Democratic candidate for State Representative of Ohio House District 16 – Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake
On November 3rd, Monique will face incumbent Republican Dave Greenspan. Our district voted Democratic in both the 2016 presidential and the 2018 midterm elections. Let’s have a Democrat represent us in the Statehouse. To go to Monique Smith’s website, click HERE.
CLUB BUSINESS:
The Club will vote on electing Cassimir Svigelj as the new Treasurer of the Rocky River Democratic Club. The timing of this Club Officer election is the result of Rob McRae’s removal as Club Treasurer by majority vote of the Club on February 19th.
Mr. McRae and Mr. McRae’s PAC, Democrats of Rocky River (DemsofRiver), have no official role or affiliation with the following: Our Club – the Rocky River Democratic Club, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, the Ohio Democratic Party, or the Western Cuyahoga County Democrats (WCCD) PAC. We wish Mr. McRae the best in his future endeavors.
The Club will also vote to enact the updated Constitution and Bylaws of the Rocky River Democratic Club. To view a draft of the Club Bylaws, click HERE. To view a draft of the Club Constitution, click HERE. To view proposed amendments, click HERE.
ZOOM:
Zoom simply allows you to see speakers on the screen of your phone/computer/tablet; and allows you to be seen, if you so choose.
You will need to receive a link to join the Zoom (visual) part of the meeting. You can also join the meeting just by phone. Please send us an email at submit@rockyriverdems.org to register.
If you received an email from us confirming that we received your registration, you do not need to register again!
ELECTION 2020
Vote by Mail for November 3rd
Even though you voted by mail in the primary, unfortunately, you’ll need to repeat the application process for November 3rd.
to receive your vote by mail ballot at the appropriate time
for the November 3rd General Election.
- Online: To request or print a vote by mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
- Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote by mail application be mailed to you. Phone: 216-443-8683
- Email: Send an email to the Rocky River Democratic Club and we’ll deliver an application to your home. Email: submit@rockyriverdems.org
On the vote by mail application, please remember to: 1) select General Election, and 2) write the year “2020”
Joe Biden
For President
1. To volunteer directly with the Biden campaign, click HERE. The link takes you to Vice President Biden’s website action center where you can sign-up for phone banking and view digital events.
2. Send the Rocky River Democratic Club Team an email and be added to our volunteer list for local efforts on the west side when they become available. To sign-up, click HERE.
This Memorial Day Weekend, we join with you in honoring those who gave their lives to preserve our Democracy. “America is hope. It is compassion. It is excellence. It is valor.” – Paul Tsongas
Remember to click HERE to register for our web meeting, and we look forward to you talking with you on the 26th!
Next Web Meeting of the
ROCKY RIVER DEMOCRATIC CLUB
Tuesday, May 26 at 6 PM via Zoom
Mr. Bemer will address how the City of Rocky River is dealing with Covid-19 issues in the community; and discuss the City’s plans for the remainder of the year.
FEATURED CANDIDATE SPEAKERS:
Aaron Godfrey
Democratic candidate for the United States Congress, District 16
On November 3rd, Aaron will face incumbent Republican Anthony Gonzalez who votes in line with Trump 93% of the time; and who voted not to impeach Trump along with his Republican congressional colleagues. To go to Aaron Godfrey’s website, click HERE.
Monique Smith
Democratic candidate for State Representative of Ohio House District 16 – Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake
On November 3rd, Monique will face incumbent Republican Dave Greenspan. Our district voted Democratic in both the 2016 presidential and the 2018 midterm elections. Let’s have a Democrat represent us in the Statehouse. To go to Monique Smith’s website, click HERE.
CLUB BUSINESS:
The Club will vote on electing Cassimir Svigelj as the new Treasurer of the Rocky River Democratic Club.
The Club will also vote to enact the updated Constitution and Bylaws of the Rocky River Democratic Club. For a draft of the Club Bylaws, click HERE. For a draft of the Club Constitution, click HERE.
ZOOM:
Zoom simply allows you to see speakers on the screen of your phone/computer/tablet; and allows you to be seen, if you so choose.
You will need to receive a link to join the Zoom (visual) part of the meeting. You can also join the meeting just by phone. Please send us an email at submit@rockyriverdems.org to register.
ELECTION 2020
Vote by Mail for November 3rd
Even though you voted by mail in the primary, unfortunately, you’ll need to repeat the application process for November 3rd.
You can submit a vote by mail application NOW to receive your vote by mail ballot at the appropriate time for the November 3rd General Election.
- Online: To request or print a vote by mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
- Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote by mail application be mailed to you. Phone: 216-443-8683
- Email: Send an email to the Rocky River Democratic Club and we’ll deliver an application to your home. Email: submit@rockyriverdems.org
On the vote by mail application, please remember to: 1) select General Election, and 2) write the year “2020”
Joe Biden
For President
1. To volunteer directly with the Biden campaign, click HERE. The link takes you to Vice President Biden’s website action center where you can sign-up for phone banking and view digital events.
2. Send the Rocky River Democratic Club Team an email and be added to our volunteer list for local efforts on the west side when they become available. To sign-up, click HERE.
While our attention is on all of the issues that have arisen because of the pandemic, it is also laser-focused on November 3rd. Working together, we will achieve success. Remember to click HERE to register for our web meeting, and we look forward to you talking with you on the 26th!
Thank you to Rocky River resident Jennifer O’Donnell for stepping forward to run for Judge in the Court of Common Pleas. Jennifer embodies the qualities of experience, kindness, and compassion that we seek in any candidate. We are proud that she is a Democratic precinct leader in our community and an active member of the Club; and we will be proud to support her candidacy again in the future. Thank you, Jennifer!
.
Chris Glassburn:
Thank you to North Olmsted Councilman Chris Glassburn for helping to spearhead the making of medical face shields that are donated to Northeast Ohio hospitals and safety forces. They do not charge, and recently dropped off face shield donations to police and fire departments in North Olmsted and Rocky River. What began with North Olmsted residents and Maple Intermediate School PTA members has grown to 128 volunteers in eight counties. To read more about their efforts, click HERE. To make a much needed donation, click HERE.
.
Rocky River Voters:
Congratulations to you, the voters. Ninety two percent of Rocky River Democrats requested a vote by mail ballot! We should be proud of our civic engagement and patriotism. You can begin completing a vote by mail application NOW for the November 3rd General Election. It is not too early! See additional details, below, under “Election 2020.”
.
Graduating Class of Rocky River High School:
Congratulations to this year’s graduating class of Rocky River High School! The actor Tom Hanks called the 2020 graduates of Wright State University the “chosen ones” in his virtual valedictory speech. While graduates everywhere this year will mark their lives in terms of before and after Covid-19, we know that our graduates will prosper and succeed in ways we can only imagine.
DeWine’s Cuts to Education:
Under Governor DeWine’s planned budget cuts, Rocky River and Westlake are among the top 20 school districts in the state to sustain the largest cuts. Rocky River will lose $805,051; a 55% reduction from the state’s funding pool. The State of Ohio has a budget surplus of $2.7 BILLION. This surplus is your tax dollars that DeWine believes should be saved for a rainy day. If there ever was a rainy day, this is it!
.
If you would like to contact Governor DeWine about his proposed cuts, call his office at (614) 644-4357, or use the online email form HERE.
No need to wait or take a chance about in-person voting. Just as you did for the April 28th primary, you can submit a vote by mail application NOW to receive your vote by mail ballot at the appropriate time for the November 3rd General Election.
- Online: To request or print a vote by mail application from the Board of Elections website, click HERE
- Phone: Call the Board of Elections and request that a vote by mail application be mailed to you. Phone: 216-443-8683
- Email: Send an email to the Rocky River Democratic Club and we’ll deliver an application to your home. Email: submit@rockyriverdems.org
On the vote by mail application, please remember to: 1) select General Election, and 2) write the year “2020”
.
For President
1. To volunteer directly with the Biden campaign, click HERE. The link takes you to Vice President Biden’s website action center where you can sign-up for phone banking and view digital events.
2. Send the Rocky River Democratic Club Team an email and be added to our volunteer list for local efforts on the west side when they become available. To sign-up, click HERE.
Democratic candidate for the United States Congress, District 16
On November 3rd, Aaron will face incumbent Republican Anthony Gonzalez who votes in line with Trump 93% of the time; and who voted not to impeach Trump along with his Republican congressional colleagues. To go to Aaron Godfrey’s website, click HERE.
.
Monique Smith
Democratic candidate for State Representative of Ohio House District 16 – Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, Westlake
UPCOMING EVENTS
Rocky River City Council Meetings
We can now attend Rocky River’s municipal city council meetings online. As our community faces the social and economic impact of the pandemic, engagement with local city government is more important than ever. City council meetings are usually held on Monday’s at 7 PM. To receive a link to the livestream, check the council meeting schedule on the City’s municipal website HERE; or email Councilwoman Christina Morris at cmorris@rrcity.org
.
City Club of Cleveland
Return to the Ohio Statehouse: What Policy Priorities Will Prevail?
Friday, May 15, 12:30 PM (web meeting)
The pandemic has cost Ohio’s government about $1 billion in lost revenue, resulting in Governor DeWine’s announcement of $775 million in budget cuts over the next two months. As Ohio lawmakers return to work for the first time since March 25, what policy responses will be prioritized? Speakers: Nickie J. Antonio, Ohio Senate, District 23 and Matt Dolan, Ohio Senate, District 24. For details on the livestream, click HERE.
.
Cuyahoga Democratic Women’s Caucus
11th Annual Brunch and Conversation: The Urgency of 2020
Saturday, May 16, 11:30 AM (web meeting)
Keynote Speaker: U.S. Senator Kamala Harris, along with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and U.S. Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. To register for this free webinar, click HERE.
.
Next Meeting of the Rocky River Democratic Club
Tuesday, May 26, 7 PM (web meeting)
Join us via Zoom for the next Club meeting. We’ll provide more information about the meeting in a separate email. To receive the link, please send an email to: submit@rockyriverdems.org
.
Gerrymandering and Ohio: What to Expect
Thursday, May 28, 7 PM (web meeting)
Ohio is a highly gerrymandered state, and our congressional District 16 is like the piece of a jigsaw puzzle that helps to ensure a Republican advantage from rural areas. Rocky River itself is divided into two congressional districts! Watch national and local experts share their concerns and perspectives. Cosponsored by Common Cause Ohio and the League of Women Voters-Greater Cleveland. To register and receive the web link, click HERE.
