Category: Uncategorized

Press Release from Valley County Democratic Party 

2-28-22

Valley County Democratic Party is now accepting applications from registered Democrats for District 3 County Commissioner, replacing Dave Bingaman who is resigning. Three candidate names will be submitted to the Governor for appointment.  Please Submit resume, cover letter by 5 PM Friday, March 18, 2022 for consideration by email to valleycountydems@gmail.com or by mail to P.O. Box 1274, McCall, Idaho 83638

Frequently Asked Questions:

• You must be a registered Democratic to request to fill Dave Bingaman seat. Deadline to registered as a Democratic is Friday, March 11, 2022.

• You must be a resident of District 3 to run for Dave Bingham’s seat. The District boundaries has greatly changed since the 2020 census . District three is on both sides of Rt 55 now and below the City of McCall.  District 2 is now the City of McCall and north around the lake. District 1 is south of District 3. Go to this link to determine what County Commissioner District your are in by putting in your address. https://valleycounty.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=37121ba82df34ebc9bf198ba78eb1ba4

• Friday, March 11 at 5 pm is the deadline to submit your name to run in the May Democratic Primary for any office, county and legislature. Here is the link for county offices candidate declaration.  https://www.co.valley.id.us/media/Departments/Elections/Forms/Election%20Forms/Candidate%20Packet-Declaration%20of%20Candidacy.pdf
• Candidate shall have resided in the county one (1) year next preceding his election and in the district which he represents for a period of ninety (90) days next preceding the primary election.

• After submission of your cover letter and Bio to the Valley County Central Commmittee you will be contacted for interview with committee. Valley County Democratic Central Committee will decide on 3 candidates to submit to the Governor for decision.

Need more information email us at valleycountydems@gmail.com or call Bill Thomas at 208-339-4583.

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Dave Bingaman’s Resignation Letter

Dave Bingaman Resigns from Valley County Board of County Commissioners

Cascade, Idaho – Dave Bingaman has announced today that he will officially resign as the District 3 Valley County Commissioner, effective April 1st, 2022.  

Bingaman is resigning as Commissioner after competing for and being offered a full-time position as Recreation Planner for the Valley County Recreation Department.  Those who know Dave, know that his background and passion center around all things recreation.  In addition to leaving his post as Commissioner, Bingaman will be leaving his part-time position of 13 years as an Avalanche Forecaster for the USFS Payette Avalanche Center.  

Valley County began discussions of growing and supporting the recreation department in early 2021.  The county budgeted for the additional position to assist Larry Laxson, Director of Recreation for Valley County during the Fiscal Year 2022 budget process.  The Recreation Planner position was created to meet the growing demand for recreation and to guarantee access to recreation throughout Valley County. The duties of this position are: to identify and plan for current and future recreation initiatives, work with the Valley County Grant Writer to help secure recreational funding, identify potential new recreation assets and needs, to secure access and easements for recreation, and to work with citizens, agency and staff collaboratives on all recreational issues. This position will allow Bingaman the opportunity to continue to support sustainable recreation and a healthy recreational economy in Valley County.   

In November of 2022 Valley County posted the position.  Bingaman applied and competed for the position against 5 other applicants.  The position was originally offered to another candidate who declined due to salary.  Bingaman, being the next candidate in line was formally offered the job in February.  Due to Bingaman’s commitment to his position of County Commissioner, he will not assume his new position until May 1st, 2022. 

Dave Bingaman has been the District 3 Valley County Commissioner for the last 3 plus years.  During that time, Dave has enjoyed working with the Board of Commissioners as well as the other Elected Officials and County staff.  Dave has worked successfully on a multitude of projects yet is most proud of his work with the Waterways Ordinance governing all water bodies within the County, and Recycling and Solid Waste issues including the reorganization of the previous Recycling Centers into a staffed, centralized, and organized facility. Dave was also invited to participate on the Payette Endowment Lands Working Group at the request of the State Land Board. This group works to ensure access to public lands surrounding Payette Lake.  

In Dave’s own words, “Being a Commissioner has been one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs I have ever held.  I am honored to have served, saddened to be leaving my term early, yet excited for my new position and the ability to continue working for Valley County.  One of the things that I have realized over the last few years is that citizen participation is one of the most critical components of a strong and efficient government and I truly appreciate the people of Valley County that take the time to engage in local issues”.

The Valley County Democrats are currently seeking candidates to fill the remainder of Bingaman’s term. Please contact Valley County Democratic Party Chair Bill Thomas for more information. Interested parties wishing to run for the 2-year term for the District 3 seat will need to file their intent to run by March 11.

Valley County Democratic Party, “Taco and Politics “ will be held virtually this year Saturday, February 26th at 4 pm via Zoom. State Senator Melissa Wintrow  will discuss the pressing issues currently in the legislature. Bring your questions, concerns and comments on the topics that matter most to you.

Sign up below and you will get a link to access the virtual event on Zoom.

Join us March 12th for the Annual Frank & Bethine Church Gala. Hear from a fantastic lineup of speakers and enjoy a quality dinner with fellow Idaho Democrats.

The Frank & Bethine Church Gala is the signature event for the Idaho Democratic Party. Now entering its 28th year, the event gathers hundreds of Democrats from every corner of the state. The event features local and national speakers from the Democratic Party, you’ll have the opportunity to place bids in our silent and live auctions, and you’ll be treated to a gourmet dinner with your choice of three menu options. 

Also, the Idaho Democratic Party is making a BIG announcement at the Gala this year. You won’t want to miss it, so don’t forget to reserve your Mystery Pin!

Stay tuned for more details. We will be announcing the speaker lineup very soon.

Event Details

Join us Saturday, March 12th at 5:30pm for the 28th Annual Frank and Bethine Church Gala at the Boise Centre in Downtown Boise.

5:30PM – Check-In and Registration

5:30-6:30PM – Pre-Social/Cocktail Hour, VIP Reception, and Silent Auction

6:30PM – Attendees Take Assigned Seats for Dinner

6:45PM – Dinner Served

7:00PM-9:00PM – Main Program

10:00PM – Idaho Young Democrats Afterparty

COVID-19: To ensure the safety and comfort of our guests, all attendees must be fully vaccinated and wear a facial covering when not eating or drinking for the duration of the event.

Virtual Option: This year we are offering a virtual attendee option for guests. During checkout, select “Stream the Program,” to join us virtually for the Main Program. As the event approaches, you’ll be provided a secure link to join the Gala from your own home.

Purchasing your Tickets Online: Select the “Tickets” button to start the checkout process. You’ll be prompted to select your ticket options, and then enter your information. Be sure to scroll down to see all of the ticket options and add-ons including Mystery Pins. After payment, you will receive a receipt in your email, and your ticket will be at roll call when you arrive March 12th.

Buying for a group?: Buy an entire table and save! Tables seat up to 10 people and cost $1,000. CLICK HERE to view table and sponsorship options. As a table sponsor, your group will be seated near the front and receive recognition in the program! Email dakota@idahodems.org for information about purchasing tables.

Sponsorships: Interested in sponsoring the Frank and Bethine Church Gala? The event generally hosts 650-1000 guests with ample visibility for your brand or organization. CLICK HERE to view table and sponsorship options. We have several sponsorship packages available, contact dakota@idahodems.org for more details.

Paying by Check: If you prefer to pay by check, please email dakota@idahodems.org with your reservation details. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 445, Boise, ID 83702.

Pre-Social/Cocktail Hour: The Pre-Social/Cocktail Hour is open to all guests for the hour before the dinner. This will be your time to bid in the silent auction and mingle with your fellow Democrats.

VIP Reception: The VIP Reception is a pre-social on the upstairs balcony/terrace of the Boise Centre. Meet with speakers and Party officials in a smaller space before the Main Program, and enjoy two free drinks. You must have a ticket to the VIP Reception to attend. DEM Club Members and Giving Circle Members receive free entry into the VIP Reception.

Meal Options: You’ll have three entrees choose from: House Smoked Local Sturgeon, Grilled Center-Cut Top Sirloin, or Cauliflower Steak (Vegan).

Assigned Seating: During checkout, you’ll indicate your preferred seating. Don’t forget this important step so that we can seat your with your friends. Tables seat up to 10 people. We will do our best to accommodate everyone with good seating. Giving Circle Members, Sponsors, and those who bought entire tables will be seated near the front.

Mystery Pins: 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Mystery Pins will benefit the 2022 Coordinated Campaign to help elect Idaho Democrats. We are excited to share a BIG announcement at the Gala this year, and the Mystery Pins will go along with it. Don’t miss out!

Reduced-Rate Tickets: We understand that the Frank and Bethine Church Gala is pricey for some, especially our Young Dems. The ticket pricing is set such that we can have a high-quality experience at a nice venue while also raising the funds IDP relies on to operate in an election year. That being said, we have a long tradition of not letting money get in the way of attending. If you’d like to claim financial assistance, email dakota@idahodems.org for free or reduced ticket-pricing.

Meeting of the State Central Committee: The regular State Central Committee Meeting takes place prior to the Frank and Bethine Church Gala at the Boise Centre. If you are interested in attending the meeting or if you are a member of the State Central Committee, you must register for the meeting separately HERE.

QUESTIONS? 

Email Dakota at dakota@idahodems.org and we will be back right away.

This is an important election for the McCall Donnelly School District Trustees in Zone 3 and 4 are up for election. Maintaining a safe environment is a key issue and following the science is the path we need to follow. . When the positivity rate among children is very high in Valley County, it is critical we follow the science based approaches to reduce the risk of spread of Covid. What happens in our schools effects the spread of virus to older adults, immunocompromised, unvaccinated and even to the vaccinated population, increasing the breakthrough cases in our community. Please become familiar with the candidates. Check out their webpage and make an informed decision. To find out if you are in Zone 3 or Zone 4 click here and put in your address. Your zone will come up on the screen. You will vote in your regular polling place. Only voters in that zone can vote for their zone candidate. McCall-Donnelly School Board Trustee Candidates Forum Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 6 pm at the High School Commons Area sponsored by McCall Donnelly School District Administration. This event has no masks requirement and at this point the district has not created a virtual option. City Council of McCall has four candidates running for the three open seats. Please look at their positions and see who represents your values. One of the key issues is how the candidates address the challenges of growth in our community, Check out their web pages, attend local meetings and speak to them directly. McCall is at a crossroads; Do we maintain what we like about living in McCall or see unplanned growth erode our way of life?

Important Info and Dates on November 2nd Election:Monday, Oct. 18 – Friday Oct. 29. Early voting at Valley Co Courthouse in Cascade.Friday, Oct. 22 at 5 pm- Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot.Information on status of request for absentee, registration and other voter information click here. Drop Box for absentee ballots at McCall Police Lobby, 550 E. Deinhard Ln. Open 8 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday. Sample ballots and other info click here

Reclaim Idaho- Education Ballot Initiative 

Friday, October 22 & Saturday October 23

Multiple times available

Payette Lakes Middle School

111 S Samson Trail

Idaho is in desperate need of education funding, and we’re dead last in the US in funding per student. The Quality Education Act ballot initiative can turn things around by providing a lifeline of $300 million to cash-strapped public schools all across our state.

Join the McCall team as we snag signatures at the Payette Lakes Ski Club Ski Swap!

We’ll meet in front of Payette Lakes Middle School for supplies and training.

Now is the time for action. Join us, and let’s get the Quality Education Act on the ballot!

Sign Up Now

Valley County Democratic Central Committee Meeting, Wednesday, August 18, 7 pm at CUB, Community Hub McCall

Our monthly Valley County Democratic Party Central Committee meeting will be Wednesday August 18 at 7 pm at the CUB, Community Hub McCall , 114 N. 3rd Street, McCall. Our feature speaker with be Dave Bingaman, Valley County Democratic Commissioner who will speak and answer your questions on issues pertaining to our county. After presentation we will have our regular county party meeting. Bring your ideas and passion to strengthen our party in Valley County.

On Wednesday, July 28 over 70 people gathered to hear from Democratic leaders, listen to good music, have great Mexican Food and raise money for the County and State Democratic Party.

Fred Cornfort our new State Party Chair gave us encouraging news that due to successful fundraising efforts we are putting in a number full time orgnaizers in critical areas accross the state. With the Republican Legislature taken over by a radical minority, the Democratic Party is becoming the home for people who want to address our poor education funding, protect our initiative process, maintain access to public lands and stop state politicians from catering to extremists.

We got updates from Dave Bingaman, Valley County Commissioner and Mike Maciaszek, McCall City Council on important issues facing our area. Sam Sandmire Reclaim Idaho spoke on the statewide Education Initiative to increase funding for public education (State of Idaho is dead last in state funding nationwide). Deb Fereday spoke from PELA (Payette Endoment Land Alliance) updating us on the fight to protect the land around the lake from private, distructive development.

Our pie/cake/art auction was a great success and raised the most we have raised in an off year election cycle. Thanks to all that donated items and thanks to all that open their checkbook generously to fund our efforts to elect more Democrats to local and statewide offices.

Below is some great pictures from the Picnic taken by David Gallipoli

The Valley County Democrats are sponsoring the “2021 Valley County Democratic We are Back Picnic”, Wednesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. at Woodlands Picnic/Pool area, 634 Brady Drive, McCall. Fred Conforth the new Chair of the Idaho Democratic Party will speak. Local Democratic leaders have been invited. Entertainment will be provided by Mark Stoekl’s group Braid. Representaves of Reclaim Idaho and Payette Endowment Lands Alliance (PELA) be in attendance. 

Please bring a pie/dessert or craft piece to be auctioned with proceeds to go to support state and county activities. 

Food for purchase will be available onsite from Lonchera Rosita, Mexican Food Truck. 

Please bring lawn chairs.

Sign up and let us know if you are brining an item for auction

Valley County Democrats and friends will hold their Spring Adopt-A-Highway cleanup on Sunday, June 13, at 4:30 pm. Those willing to help should meet in the south parking area of Elk Creek Church on Highway 55 at 4:30 pm. 

Valley County Democrats have been cleaning up both sides of a 2 mile stretch of Highway 55 twice a year since 2009.

Signup for Cleanup

Protect McCall Keep Mask Mandate

Just as the City of Boise maintains their mask mandate, McCall could do the same. Please comment before Thursday, February 25 at 3 pm.

Submit your comment to the City’s web portal below:

Remembering that we all live in a resort community, wouldn’t you support the continuation of the mask mandate as we move into spring and summer?

 Of special concern are the Covid-19 variants, some likely to become the norm, according to news briefs. Here’s a link to a CDC webpage with more information: 

The mask mandate protects everyone. Businesses are keeping customers and employees healthy, businesses are open, in turn, families are safer and the hospital is kept from crisis mode. 

 McCall is more vulnerable than most communities in the summer. People are coming here!! Remember last summer? That means more people frequenting the businesses, restaurants and shops. 

It’s good news the vaccine rollout has started but the timing of vaccine roll out and variants arriving on the scene could be tricky business. 

We must continue to wear masks and socially distance in the City despite vaccination – and most won’t be vaccinated till late summer. We are not in the clear yet. 

Thanks to City Council members for supporting this mandate to date. May Hardware feels support with the mandate in place, most other businesses feel that support – and our town benefits! 

Send your comments please because the City needs to hear your voices in order to act. 

Extending gratitude to you,

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Idaho Legislature Trying to Take Away the Initiative in Idaho

We’re in a make-or-break moment for the future of citizen initiatives in Idaho.

Idahoans showed up in record-breaking numbers last Friday to testify against Senate Bill 1110, a bill that would make future grassroots initiatives virtually impossible. 

Nonetheless, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted 6-3 to move the bill forward.

There’s still a chance this bill is stopped on the Senate floor, and we urge you to email and call your local state senator. But we learned a clear lesson two years ago, the last time the legislature attempted to take away our initiative rights: The only thing that protected our rights was the bold decision of Governor Little to veto the legislature’s bill.

So today we’re calling on Governor Little once again to stand up for our Constitution. Will you sign the petition and call on Governor Little to protect our initiative rights?

Thank you,

Luke Mayville

Co-Founder, Reclaim Idaho

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Valley County Democratic Party, “Taco and Politics “ will be held virtually this year on February 9th at 7 pm via Zoom. Representative Ilana Rubel, the Democratic Minority Leader in the Idaho House will discuss the pressing issues currently in the legislature. Bring your questions, concerns and comments on the topics that matter most to you.

Please sign up for the virtual event below. You will get a link emailed to you after signing up to access the virtual event.