LWV Article for The Bottom Line News and Views October 2019

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By Anne Chartier, President, League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties

 
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The League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties (LWV/ABC) was pleased to hold its Annual Membership Meeting on September 30 at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, a beautiful space with helpful staff in any season. This year we started out as usual with some social time to catch up and greet new members. We were pleased to be joined by representatives from the Northwoods and St. Croix Leagues, which with us makeup the three chapters in Northern Wisconsin.

Although we study issues and establish positions based on our findings, the program for 2019-2020 will focus on action. An Action Café followed brief presentations from guests Marilyn Chesnick, past president of the Upper St. Croix League, and Dorothy Skye, president of the Northwoods League. Dorothy is a retired physician with a home in Ashland who also serves on the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin (LWVWI) State Board and its Legislative Committee. We have invited her to speak to our community about the Ills and Remedies of the healthcare system. Information about the event which would take place in January will be forthcoming.

The Action Café offered participants an opportunity to share ideas, get involved, and learn about the activities of the LWV/ABC committees. These include Civic Engagement, Economic Inequality, Natural Resources, and Voter Services.

A special committee this year is devoted to Centennial Celebrations. It was responsible for the 19th Amendment Ratification gathering last June, and our participation in Bayfield’s AppleFest Parade this October. Both honored Lu Eckels who is a founding member of our local League, organized more than sixty years ago. Additional events are in the works, such as book groups to learn about the suffragists’ struggles and a birthday bash to celebrate the 100 years of the League of Women Voters.

We have included men since 1974 and there are several among our members and one on our board! Anyone is welcome to join one of our committees.

On October 19 at least three LWV/ABC board members will have attended the LWVWI Issues Briefing in Madison. Leagues from throughout Wisconsin will convene to share information about issues concerning our state, including a nationwide Fair Maps Campaign to deal with voting districts launched by the League in August. During the day-long gathering an Environmental Advocacy breakout session will have information regarding our concerns about Enbridge and its Line 5 which traverses our region.

The League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. Get in touch with the local League at http://www.lwvabcwi.org/ or info@lwvabcwi.org. To find out more about the League’s position on the environment, go to the League of Women Voters’ US website:  https://www.lwv.org/other-issues/environment.