Sen. Black And Rep. Maggart Resign From The League Of Women Voters

6 Responses to “Sen. Black And Rep. Maggart Resign From The League Of Women Voters”

1. Stewart Clifton writes
   August 4th, 2008 4:05 pm

   I appreciate the inclusion of my regret that the two legislators abandoned the League. The League, like the state, is better with diversity! But in the interest of better understanding, I want to resubmit with minor revisions my full comments when asked for them by Mr. Kleinhelder.

   Recent media reports suggest that League of Women Voters (LWVTN) has engaged in partisan politics. The resignation letter from Sen. Black & Rep. Maggert did not suggest partisan politics was involved, although some media headings did. The legislators simply did not like some LWVTN positions–obviously their right. But putting the resignations in context seems worthwhile. Here is my understanding of that context–just mine, not an official League response.

   I’ve represented LWVTN for 6 years, but the main advocacy work comes from volunteers. LWVTN determines legislative priorities yearly, grounding them in state & national League positions developed with study & discussion. Public policy advocacy is and has for decades been a part of LWVTN’s work.

   In 08 LWVTN focused its advocacy priorities and my time on refining the open records law. This law was significantly improved, with key leadership coming from Sen. McNally. We also focused on helping to pass the important voter verifiable ballot bill sponsored by Sen. Haynes & Rep. Moore. These key advocacy priorities had strong bipartisan support in the Senate & House.

   LWVTN took positions on other significant issues, including environment, education, long term care & state constitutional matters. I don’t know which issues Se. Black and Rep. Maggert were most worried about, as neither expressed substantive concerns to me this year. The only issue I have significantly worked on where I know the League was at a different place than the legislators was supporting the expansion of voluntary pre-K. LWVTN strongly supports expansion.

   The legislators’ letter indicates concern with the League’s position opposing SJR 127. That proposed constitutional amendment dealt with banning abortion and did not guarantee an exception for cases of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother. The League has a longstanding position opposing such efforts.

   LWVTN also took a position against a constitutional amendment that would have constrained the ability of the legislature to provide adequate funding for essential services, again a long-standing position.

   LWVTN works to simplify the election process and to protect the right of every citizen to vote, so it also opposed a bill mandating photo I.D. for voting, as it felt that such a bill would place unacceptable barriers on elderly, poor and disabled voters.

   Sen. Black and Rep. Maggert are certainly within their rights in disagreeing with LWVTN positions of these matters. But the League’s commitment to engaging in public policy advocacy among other important emphases like voter registration/education has not changed since these public officials joined. Nor have the basic positions. I know LWVTN will continue to bring women and men of differing parties and political philosophies together who are committed to encouraging active participation of citizens in government. I’m proud to be a member and to represent the League!

2. Terry writes
   August 4th, 2008 6:10 pm

   Our own local league, one of the largest, if not the largest chapter in the state, created a policy that disallows the quoting of any statements made by candidates at League public forums.

   They do not allow note taking or audio or video recording. Unless the mainstream media reporters choose to quote a candidate, candidates will operate under the threat of legal action if they use a statement made by their opponent/s in any way during their campaign.

   That the media would attend their events when they suppress the free speech of all others, still amazes me to this day.

3. Len Assante writes
   August 5th, 2008 6:39 pm

   This issue has provoked much discussion and commentary in Sumner County. Some Democrats feel part of the reason for the resignations might be the League’s support for holding candidate debates between Sen. Black & Rep. Maggart and their opponents, Jim Hawkins and Andy Allman, respectively. (Incumbents usually have little reason or desire to debate challengers.)

   Suggestions that the local League chapter is overly partisan have always rang true with Sumner Democrats -the feeling has been that it is generally an organization mostly made up of Republicans, which adds a twist of irony to the whole story.

   Finally, Black and Maggart’s suggestion that the “vast majority” of their constituents agree with their positions is a bit of an overstatement. Sen. Black’s election to the state Senate was a very close affair that turned on lower-than-expected turnout in Robertson County, and Rep. Maggart’s most recent opponent garnered over 35% of the vote, despite having no money and no real campaign. Hardly a “vast” margin.

4. slamkitty writes
   August 6th, 2008 9:25 am

   “Terry writes
   August 4th, 2008 6:10 pm
   Our own local league, one of the largest, if not the largest chapter in the state, created a policy that disallows the quoting of any statements made by candidates at League public forums.”

   I am sure your League is sensitive to being used as a tool by radical right wing Republicans. I have no doubt that they have first hand knowledge of the very Republican habit of twisting and spinning quotes to your advantage. Perhaps they want to make sure that the name of their organization is not associated with the dishonest direct mail that Knox Co. Republicans are so famous for.

   Black and Maggart have been longtime members of the League. If they had a problem with policies they would have resigned years ago. It has nothing to do with policy. They don’t want to debate.

5. pince williams writes
   October 20th, 2008 2:36 pm

   a need an old friend

6. pince williams writes
   October 20th, 2008 2:39 pm

   i need friends