LEE GONZALES DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION BLOG ************************************
Our Grandson Arrives Shortly Before Takeoff and Dems Preach Party Unity on Sunday!! As the clock was ticking around 8 hours prior to my flight taking off at noon from Bishop International Airport , a spectacular family event occurred which helped clear my family schedule for my convention duties.
Our daughter Gretchen and her husband Ethan had their first child early Sunday morning. Their son Asher Quinn Davidson weighed in at seven pounds, four ounces and twenty inches tall. My wife Brenda and I are now grandparents for the third time, and Asher now complements Zachary (age 13) and Abigail (age 20 months).
Talk about just in time delivery! You can probably imagine the uneasiness I felt concerning how to balance my family life and my first-time opportunity and commitment as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
My daughter's wonderful delivery created an exciting weekend, along with Senator Obama's announcement on Saturday naming Sen. Joe Biden as our Democratic Party VP nominee.
As I arrived in Denver late Sunday afternoon, it is crystal clear how Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are working together in regard to the nuts and bolts of the convention and toward party unity and mobilization. Additionally, on Sunday afternoon the Credentials Committee restored full voting rights to Michigan and Florida .
I have received several e-mails from both Senators and I am certain Convention Delegates from across the country will reach synergistic intensity by week's end. I intend to go each of their gatherings and other meetings.
Now, as Democrats, we must also engage America . At times, I like to draw parallels to our nation's founding fathers. The founders cared our country's future and the opinion of the future.
This is why our convention is so vitally important. Conventions matter, given what happens at these assemblages, what is being said and what will be offered as ideas to ensure a better America .
In this blog, I'm sharing some of my experiences leading up to the convention. I hope all this technology will continue to link from Denver as I finish these final edits as the plane approaches Denver . This will get emailed to my friend and confidant Terry Bankert, who is facilitating this BLOG with his know-how, verve and focus, which I very much appreciate.
Friends in the Flint area, et. al., let's stay in touch!
LEE 8/25/08 http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
PRE CONVENTION Conference call with Senator Hillary Clinton.
On August 19th in the evening Senator Clinton hosted a delegate conference call to discuss this year痴 historic convention. As a Hillary Clinton delegate, I was asked to participate in the call. In the spirit of the 2008 Olympic Games, she passionately affirmed that Senator Obama and our Democratic Party must cross the finish line in first place to ensure a better America.
Senator Clinton mentioned she has been and is working closely with Senator Obama and his team to make sure we have an exciting, energized and unified convention. Senator Clinton stated she would cast her superdelegate vote for Senator Obama, as well as release her delegates next Wednesday. (By the way, I知 still learning procedurally how the roll-call process will work.)
It was an inspiring dialogue that included background on the Democratic Party Platform. She outlined some of the key elements calling for national healthcare (not as an aspiration, but a real action plan), the need to value families rather than talking family values, and an economic message that is forward-looking and engages entrepreneurs and innovators as we compete in the new global knowledge economy.
It sounds like we will soon know our Democratic V.P. candidate, a selection I知 certain who will complement Senator Barack Obama. In order to win this race for President and cross the finish line in first place, this absolutely calls for your support, advice and mobilization.
Senator Clinton mentioned she has been and is working closely with Senator Obama and his team to make sure we have an exciting, energized and unified convention. Senator Clinton stated she would cast her superdelegate vote for Senator Obama, as well as release her delegates next Wednesday. (By the way, I知 still learning procedurally how the roll-call process will work.)
It was an inspiring dialogue that included background on the Democratic Party Platform. She outlined some of the key elements calling for national healthcare (not as an aspiration, but a real action plan), the need to value families rather than talking family values, and an economic message that is forward-looking and engages entrepreneurs and innovators as we compete in the new global knowledge economy.
It sounds like we will soon know our Democratic V.P. candidate, a selection I知 certain who will complement Senator Barack Obama. In order to win this race for President and cross the finish line in first place, this absolutely calls for your support, advice and mobilization.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Democratic Nomination, just days away!
The Democratic nomination of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States is just a
few days away!
To have the chance to represent local Democrats at the Democratic National Convention is exhilarating and humbling. Highly thought-provoking is another way of describing what I'm feeling in preparation to do my best as a convention delegate.
We are witnessing an unprecedented transformation of American politics, along with a
realignment of the electorate in the quest for the Presidency. The results of Nov. 4 will be a defining moment for our nation.
Through this BLOG I plan to provide daily updates on a delegate's role and other convention happenings. I recognize the value of this opportunity to dialogue and work with Democrats from all walks of life.
We all view the world though many lenses and individual experiences. In my case, I'm a son,
husband, father, grandfather, proud of my family, university graduate, a prideful American & patriot, proud of my ethnic heritage and an elected state representative. Because of these motivations, I am very passionate about serving our community and moving it forward.
Historian David McCullough eloquently observes in the following passage about our nation’s history, "The American experiment was from its start an unfulfilled promise. There was much work to be done. There were glaring flaws to correct, unfinished business to attend to. Improvements and necessary adjustments to devise in order to keep pace with the onrush of growth and change and expanding opportunities."
From my perspective, this is why the 2008 Democratic National Convention is so vitally important because it is an essential component of the course of human events in our great nation. So please stay tuned and share your thoughts.
few days away!
To have the chance to represent local Democrats at the Democratic National Convention is exhilarating and humbling. Highly thought-provoking is another way of describing what I'm feeling in preparation to do my best as a convention delegate.
We are witnessing an unprecedented transformation of American politics, along with a
realignment of the electorate in the quest for the Presidency. The results of Nov. 4 will be a defining moment for our nation.
Through this BLOG I plan to provide daily updates on a delegate's role and other convention happenings. I recognize the value of this opportunity to dialogue and work with Democrats from all walks of life.
We all view the world though many lenses and individual experiences. In my case, I'm a son,
husband, father, grandfather, proud of my family, university graduate, a prideful American & patriot, proud of my ethnic heritage and an elected state representative. Because of these motivations, I am very passionate about serving our community and moving it forward.
Historian David McCullough eloquently observes in the following passage about our nation’s history, "The American experiment was from its start an unfulfilled promise. There was much work to be done. There were glaring flaws to correct, unfinished business to attend to. Improvements and necessary adjustments to devise in order to keep pace with the onrush of growth and change and expanding opportunities."
From my perspective, this is why the 2008 Democratic National Convention is so vitally important because it is an essential component of the course of human events in our great nation. So please stay tuned and share your thoughts.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
MY BACKGROUND
The following is from my home page.http://049.housedems.com/
State Rep. Lee Gonzales is a dedicated fighter for the people of the Flint area and Genesee County.
As a State Representative, his top priorities include:
Creating jobs for Genesee County workers
Stopping the outsourcing of Michigan jobs.
Raising the minimum wage to support working families.
Protecting Michigan’s working families from corporate crooks who threaten workers’ pensions and 401(k)s. Work History
Gonzales has more than 29 years of experience in local, state and federal government. He served for seven years as assistant treasurer for Genesee County and was instrumental in establishing a land bank to use Michigan's property tax laws as a community economic development tool.
From 1992 to 1996, Gonzales served as Genesee County’s development director; he was responsible for writing the grant application resulting in the $25-million Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This facility includes a child development center and a solo-parent dormitory.
Gonzales also worked as an administrator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, as a program specialist and local government liaison for Gov. James J. Blanchard, as assistant to U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee (Flint) and as assistant director for the Spanish Speaking Information Center in Flint.Family
Gonzales and his wife, Brenda Galloway Gonzales, have been married for 33 years. They have three children, Ehren, Gretchen and Elijah, and two grandchildren, Zachary and Abigail.
Education
Gonzales holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies/urban administration and a master’s of public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. During his graduate work, he was awarded two Rackham Graduate Fellowships.
Gonzales also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Community Involvement
Gonzales is the former chairman and a current member of the Hispanic Caucus of Genesee County.
House Democrats are committed to building a stronger Michigan for every resident. We have a bold vision to strengthen Michigan's economy and to make our state a powerhouse in the 21st century global economy.
By focusing on creating jobs, protecting health care, strengthening education, safeguarding our Great Lakes, bolstering consumer protections and promoting renewable energy, we can create a brighter future for the State of Michigan.
State Representative Lee Gonzales is a member of the following Committee: Appropriations (Subcommittees: (C) Transportation; (VC) Higher Education; Joint Capital Outlay).
(C)-Chair, (VC)-Vice Chair
State Rep. Lee Gonzales is a dedicated fighter for the people of the Flint area and Genesee County.
As a State Representative, his top priorities include:
Creating jobs for Genesee County workers
Stopping the outsourcing of Michigan jobs.
Raising the minimum wage to support working families.
Protecting Michigan’s working families from corporate crooks who threaten workers’ pensions and 401(k)s. Work History
Gonzales has more than 29 years of experience in local, state and federal government. He served for seven years as assistant treasurer for Genesee County and was instrumental in establishing a land bank to use Michigan's property tax laws as a community economic development tool.
From 1992 to 1996, Gonzales served as Genesee County’s development director; he was responsible for writing the grant application resulting in the $25-million Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This facility includes a child development center and a solo-parent dormitory.
Gonzales also worked as an administrator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, as a program specialist and local government liaison for Gov. James J. Blanchard, as assistant to U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee (Flint) and as assistant director for the Spanish Speaking Information Center in Flint.Family
Gonzales and his wife, Brenda Galloway Gonzales, have been married for 33 years. They have three children, Ehren, Gretchen and Elijah, and two grandchildren, Zachary and Abigail.
Education
Gonzales holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies/urban administration and a master’s of public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. During his graduate work, he was awarded two Rackham Graduate Fellowships.
Gonzales also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Community Involvement
Gonzales is the former chairman and a current member of the Hispanic Caucus of Genesee County.
House Democrats are committed to building a stronger Michigan for every resident. We have a bold vision to strengthen Michigan's economy and to make our state a powerhouse in the 21st century global economy.
By focusing on creating jobs, protecting health care, strengthening education, safeguarding our Great Lakes, bolstering consumer protections and promoting renewable energy, we can create a brighter future for the State of Michigan.
State Representative Lee Gonzales is a member of the following Committee: Appropriations (Subcommittees: (C) Transportation; (VC) Higher Education; Joint Capital Outlay).
(C)-Chair, (VC)-Vice Chair
Democrats to convention
Genesee County delegates preparing for Democratic National Convention
by Kristin Longley The Flint Journal
Thursday August 21, 2008, 5:34 PM
After more than three decades with the Democratic Party, state Rep. Lee Gonzales is finally realizing one of his political dreams.
See
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/08/genesee_county_delegates_prepa.html
The Flint Township resident will join at least six other locals next week as Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.The coveted spot will afford the delegates a first-hand view of a historic presidential nomination, as U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becomes the first black nominee of any major political party.
"It's exhilarating," Gonzales said as he prepared for his Sunday departure. "This is a valuable opportunity."
For Gonzales and at least two other area delegates, this is the first time they will travel to the convention, where their only official duties are to hobnob with party leaders, cheer wildly and cast their votes for a presidential nominee.
A typical day at the convention includes meetings and convention business, but there's usually time to squeeze in some sightseeing and local nightlife.First-time delegate Michael Behm, a Flint attorney, said he's received a flood of invitations to convention events, meetings and discussions.
He already has mapped out a calendar of the most interesting occasions."It will be really interesting just from a fly-on-the-wall perspective to see how things operate," he said. "I'm not entirely sure what's going to occur, but I think it will be fun.
"In an effort to share the experience with others, Gonzales has started a convention blog. He plans to write about the daily goings-on, important announcements and his thoughts on being a delegate.
"The events are really varied and diverse and I want to take in as much as possible," he said. "Denver is a really neat community, and each day's schedule is completely full."Technically, Obama is to get 59 of the state's delegates, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is to get 69, according to a formula proposed by the state party and approved by the Democratic National Committee.
There also is a contingent of unpledged superdelegates.But the Michigan Democratic Party expects all of the Clinton delegates to vote for Obama, spokeswoman Liz Kerr has said.Local Clinton delegates include Gonzales, Behm, Genesee County Democratic Party Chairman Ron Duncan and Flint resident Vicki Price. Obama delegates include Genesee County Democratic Black Caucus chairwoman Gerri Hall, county party Secretary Sally Shaheen Joseph and former state Rep. Floyd Clack, husband of current state Rep. Brenda Clack. Both U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee of Flint and Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry Jr. of Vienna Township are superdelegates.
Gonzales said he also is looking forward to learning the vice presidential pick.With the convention opening Monday, Obama has remained quiet about his running mate. But he plans to appear with the person Saturday, after the pick is announced via text message to supporters.
Possible running mates are Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana and Joe Biden of Delaware.
by Kristin Longley The Flint Journal
Thursday August 21, 2008, 5:34 PM
After more than three decades with the Democratic Party, state Rep. Lee Gonzales is finally realizing one of his political dreams.
See
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/08/genesee_county_delegates_prepa.html
The Flint Township resident will join at least six other locals next week as Michigan delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.The coveted spot will afford the delegates a first-hand view of a historic presidential nomination, as U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becomes the first black nominee of any major political party.
"It's exhilarating," Gonzales said as he prepared for his Sunday departure. "This is a valuable opportunity."
For Gonzales and at least two other area delegates, this is the first time they will travel to the convention, where their only official duties are to hobnob with party leaders, cheer wildly and cast their votes for a presidential nominee.
A typical day at the convention includes meetings and convention business, but there's usually time to squeeze in some sightseeing and local nightlife.First-time delegate Michael Behm, a Flint attorney, said he's received a flood of invitations to convention events, meetings and discussions.
He already has mapped out a calendar of the most interesting occasions."It will be really interesting just from a fly-on-the-wall perspective to see how things operate," he said. "I'm not entirely sure what's going to occur, but I think it will be fun.
"In an effort to share the experience with others, Gonzales has started a convention blog. He plans to write about the daily goings-on, important announcements and his thoughts on being a delegate.
"The events are really varied and diverse and I want to take in as much as possible," he said. "Denver is a really neat community, and each day's schedule is completely full."Technically, Obama is to get 59 of the state's delegates, while Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is to get 69, according to a formula proposed by the state party and approved by the Democratic National Committee.
There also is a contingent of unpledged superdelegates.But the Michigan Democratic Party expects all of the Clinton delegates to vote for Obama, spokeswoman Liz Kerr has said.Local Clinton delegates include Gonzales, Behm, Genesee County Democratic Party Chairman Ron Duncan and Flint resident Vicki Price. Obama delegates include Genesee County Democratic Black Caucus chairwoman Gerri Hall, county party Secretary Sally Shaheen Joseph and former state Rep. Floyd Clack, husband of current state Rep. Brenda Clack. Both U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee of Flint and Lt. Gov. John D. Cherry Jr. of Vienna Township are superdelegates.
Gonzales said he also is looking forward to learning the vice presidential pick.With the convention opening Monday, Obama has remained quiet about his running mate. But he plans to appear with the person Saturday, after the pick is announced via text message to supporters.
Possible running mates are Govs. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana and Joe Biden of Delaware.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
