2020 LWVKY State Council Report
For the first time in our history, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky met for State Council via Zoom. While we missed meeting old and new friends in person and the dynamics that come with group discussion and socializing, Zoom has a few advantages. First, it saves travel time, second, it saves money, and third, it allows more people to participate. At our June 6 meeting, we had over 30 participants – more than would usually attend Council. Of course, during this time of the COVID-19 epidemic we didn’t have any choice but to meet this way. When the danger of the virus subsides, we’ll have to decide whether we want to return to in-person state meetings or keep them virtual.
Council provided an opportunity to update everyone on the issues on which we’re currently focused – the Voting Rights Advancement Act; voter registration of ex-felons; our lawsuit to make Kentucky’s November election safe, fair and accessible; encouragement and help with absentee voting; and redistricting/Fair Maps. We also talked about strengthening strategies for next year, particularly in membership recruitment, voting initiatives, and expanded communications.
As always, one of the favorite topics of Council was the chance to hear what local leagues are doing. Gaye Haynes reported on Hopkinsville, Susan Leo on Bell County, Jenn Jackson on Lexington, and Margie Charasika on Louisville.
Finally, important decisions were made at Council and the short board meeting that immediately followed:
Leadership for 2020-21
The following people were elected/appointed to serve on the Board of Directors: Soraya Assar (Greenville/Hopkinsville); Nikki Chambers (Hopkinsville); Verna Cahoon (Louisville); Cindy Heine (Lexington); Jennifer Jackson (Lexington); Jules Marquart (Louisville); Ed Monahan (Lexington); Mary Jo Rodgers (Louisville); Susan Weston (Danville). George Schuhmann (Louisville), Patty Kannapel (Louisville), and Richard Heine (Lexington) were appointed as off-board chairs.
NOTE: Terms for Officers (Fran Wagner, President; Dee Pregliasco, 1st VP; Bonnie Lynch, 2nd VP; and Harriette Seiler, Secretary), don’t expire until next year. Steve Senft was appointed Treasurer to fill out Richard Heine’s term.
State Program for 2020-21
Council delegates approved the following state program priorities:
Restoration of felon voting rights
Redistricting/Fair Maps
Centennial events marking the 100th anniversary of passage of 19th amendment and establish of the League of Women Voters
Candidate forums/debates for statewide races
Education, particularly in regard to full funding of public schools and graduation requirements
Action to combat voting suppression and encouragement of easier voting access, particularly in this time of the COVID-19 epidemic
Budget for 2020-21
Cognizant of the adage that “civic hypocrites put care in language but seldom in the budget,” Council delegate adopted both General and Education Fund budgets that provide resources for the ambitious programs listed above. The General Fund budget increased $2,230 (for a total of $9,230) from the previous year and the Education Fund increased $1,350 (for a total of $2,850). Increased funds will come from reserves, and, hopefully, generous donations.
In conclusion, 2020 Council successfully maneuvered through the Zoom web and came out triumphant. Much credit goes to all the participants for their patience and courtesy, and special thanks to Soraya Assar who served so ably as our Zoom Master!