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Resolutions 2007

Tue, 07/14/2009 - 11:47pm



Orange County Democratic Party 2007 Resolutions

 

April 21, 2007

 

Contents

 

1DEMOCRACY IN ELECTIONS

 

  1. Appointment of State Board of Elections Members

  2. Election Reform

  3. “Same-Day Registration” in North Carolina

  4. Independent Redistricting Commission

  5. End the Winner-Take-All System of Awarding Presidential Electors

  6. Public Financing of Elections

 

ECONOMIC JUSTICE

 

  1. Poverty

  2. Progressive Taxation

  3. Collective Bargaining for State Employees

 

EDUCATION

 

  1. Education Lottery Funding

  2. High Quality, Well Funded, Diverse Schools for All Children

 

HEALTH

 

  1. Right to Health Care

  2. Health

  3. Seniors

  4. Eliminate Domestic Violence

  5. Residential Construction Close to Major Highways

  6. Support Our Returning Troops

 

ENERGY

 

  1. Clean Energy

  2. Resolution to Orange County Local Governments to Combat Climate Change through Building Design

  3. Resolution to the North Carolina General Assembly to Combat Climate Change through Building Design

 

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

 

  1. US Relations with Iran

  2. Exit Iraq

  3. Torture: A Resolution Calling for Ending United States Sponsorship of Torture

 

JUSTICE

 

  1. Death Penalty Moratorium

  2. Eliminate the Death Penalty

26. Repeal of the Military Commissions Act of 2006

 

CITIZEN RIGHTS

 

  1. Student Privacy and Military Recruiting

  2. Access of Military Recruiters to Secondary Schools

 

IMMIGRATION

 

  1. Immigration Reform

  2. Establish a Policy on Arrest for Civil Immigration Violation

 

1DEMOCRACY IN ELECTIONS

 

  1. Appointment of State Board of Elections Members

Whereas the State Board of Elections (SBOE) is charged with ensuring the integrity of elections in NC and selecting voting equipment under the HAVA Act of 2002; and

Whereas the method of appointing members of the State Board of Elections was altered during the 2005-06 Session of the General Assembly resulting in the reappointment of an SBOE member who was openly hostile to voter-verified paper ballots, and was unacceptable to the Chairman of the Democratic Party;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to immediately restore the method of appointing members of the State Board of Elections under Section 23A.3 G.S. 163-19 to the method used before the 2005-06 alteration, whereby the Governor shall appoint members in proportion to party registration from the lists provided by the Chairmen of the Parties.

 

  1. Election Reform

Whereas studies by independent research organizations show that campaign contributions to judges from individuals and groups who have, or will have, business with the court has dropped from 73% of non-family contributions in 2002 to 14% of non-family contributions following passage of the Judicial Reform Act; and

Whereas the Judicial Reform Act has resulted in a large expansion of the number of voters who make contributions to judicial candidates; and

Whereas the Judicial Reform Act provides appropriate guidelines that can be applied to the elections for Council of State offices if the problem of 527 contributions is addressed; and

Whereas the North Carolina Democratic Party is committed to election rules that promote maximum voter participation and calls for Voter-Owned elections in its platform, in the last two SEC meetings, and in the last state Convention;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to immediately introduce and support a bill to apply the principles of Voter Owned Elections from the Judicial Reform Act to the elections of members of the NC Council of State; and

Be it further resolved that the Judicial Reform Act be amended to explicitly count spending by 527 committees in the totals that can trigger the issuance of rescue funds.

 

  1. “Same-Day Registration” in North Carolina

Whereas more than half of the voting-age adults in North Carolina do not generally participate in elections, and voter turnout in our state is below the national average, and

Whereas current North Carolina law requires that citizens register to vote twenty-five (25) days prior to an election, and

Whereas this registration deadline, which is as early as mid-September for municipal elections, is often missed by people of color, youth, rural residents, persons with disabilities, and the poor, and

Whereas states that offer citizens an opportunity to register and vote on the same day enjoy higher voter turnout rates, which exceed the national average by 8 to 15 percentage points, and

Whereas the presence of "early-voting" sites in North Carolina, makes it possible to administer same-day registering and voting efficiently while protecting against fraud, and

Whereas the North Carolina General Assembly has considered allowing citizens to register and vote immediately at one-stop polling places, provided they pass a stringent identity verification, and

Whereas the current version of the bill specifically does not allow individuals who are already registered to change their party registration in the same-day registration process, and

Whereas in the 2008 election it will be critical for our state and nation to have maximum turnout;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party endorses the concept of Same-Day Registration and urges Democratic legislators to support it and urges that the practice of Same-Day Registration be passed for use in the 2008 elections.

 

  1. Independent Redistricting Commission

Whereas the North Carolina Democratic Party strongly believes that competitive elections are the essence of democracy, and

Whereas that the present partisan system of drawing district lines results in a situation in which fewer than 15% of North Carolina legislative districts are typically considered competitive and in 2006 fewer than half the districts had more than one candidate running in the general election, and

Whereas it is in the best long-term interests of the Democratic Party to foster electoral democracy and a government of, by, and for the people and to reform the redistricting process when it is in power and can better assure a fair and transparent outcome,

Therefore be it resolved that in order to create legislative and congressional districts that are representative of the population and districting plans that result in competitive congressional and legislative districts, the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to introduce and support a bill to create a Nonpartisan Independent Redistricting Commission which includes the following criteria:

  1. The Commission should be made up of an odd number of members who reflect the geographic, racial, ethnic, gender, and age diversity of the state.

  2. The Commission should be structured so that any redistricting plan requires the support of other political parties and shall respect the rights of unaffiliated voters.

  3. Approval of redistricting plans should require approval by a super-majority of the Commission.

  4. Districts shall comply with the United States Constitution and the Voting Rights Act to ensure minority voting interests are protected.

  5. District boundaries shall respect communities of interest to the extent practicable, including local government boundaries, and shall be geographically compact and contiguous.

  6. Competitive districts shall be favored.

  7. The Commission shall conduct public hearings throughout the state, open all regular meetings, and make all materials publicly available for free.

  8. Members of the Commission shall be prohibited from all ex-parte communications with members of the legislature, other elected officials, former elected officials, candidates for office, representatives of political parties and registered lobbyists regarding redistricting.

  9. Redistricting shall occur once every 10 years following the decennial U.S. Census and Congressional Reapportionment, unless another plan is approved by a vote of the people or required by court order.

  10. A system should be established that allows for judicial review of plans and for a clear process for timely review in the event of legal challenges.

  11. The Commission should also consider the creation of proportional representation systems and multi-member districts. Proportional representation systems can more accurately reflect the will of a district's voters by allowing voters in the minority to win a share of representation alongside voters in the majority.

 

  1. End the Winner-Take-All System of Awarding Presidential Electors

Whereas the current Democratic Party Platform calls for the proportional allocation of Presidential Electors; and

Whereas, over the last eight (8) presidential elections, the candidates who won NC’s electoral votes received, on average, only 53.6% of the popular vote; and

Whereas a system of awarding presidential electors proportionally would reflect the popular vote more closely than the current “winner-take-all” system and therefore be more democratic; and

Whereas a majority of Americans support electing the President by popular vote; and

Whereas the US Constitution gives the NC General Assembly the power to choose the method by which NC presidential electors are awarded;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to introduce and support a bill to implement a system of proportional allocation of Presidential Electors in time for its use in the 2008 Presidential election.

16. Public Financing of Elections

 

Whereas the US Constitution provides for free elections in which all registered American citizens may vote and all eligible candidates may run for office; and

 

Whereas our elections now cost candidates millions of dollars over a period of many months and special interest money too often determines who wins; and

 

Whereas candidates who are not wealthy either are excluded or must solicit and accept huge sums from special interests, becoming subject to political influence from those donors; and

 

Whereas this is a corrupting influence on our elected representatives that can prevent their free and fair judgment in considering bills before them; and

 

Whereas limits on spending in elections have been declared to be limitations of free speech and thus not permitted; and

 

 

Therefore be it resolved:

 

  1. That North Carolina should provide for public funding of elections, generous enough that candidates will opt to accept it, and

 

  1. That the General Assembly should study carefully the Maine Clean Election Act as a means of expanding the range of candidates running for office and ensuring that their candidacy will be competitive without regard to their economic background or access to wealth.

 

  1. That North Carolina’s members of Congress support legislation requiring radio and television to provide free and equal time to candidates as a part of their licensing requirements.

 

  1. That Orange County Democrats urge their Congressional representatives to support

 

                1. The Presidential Funding Act of 2007, sponsored by Russ Feingold, Marty Meehan, Christopher Shays, and David Price, which updates existing opportunities and creates incentives to accept public money while allowing candidates to remain competitive;

 

    1. The Clean Money, Clean Elections Act, HR 3079, sponsored by John Tierny (D MA), and Raul Grijalve (D AZ), which would bring proven state systems of campaign financing to the federal level, thereby freeing politicians from constant fund-raising and helping restore public faith in elected officials

 

 

7. Poverty

Whereas the Federal Poverty Level, used to determine who in America is “poor, ” is based solely on food prices and was adopted in 1969, well before the great rise in health care, housing, child care and other costs. For a family of four, the 2007 Federal Poverty Level is $20,650;

Whereas 12.6% of Orange County residents, 13,700 persons, live below the Federal Poverty Level, and 16.3% of residents under age 65, 17,300 persons, live without health insurance;

Whereas 12.5% of Orange County children, 2900 children, live below the Federal Poverty Level, and 2700 children are not covered by health insurance;

Whereas the Head Start program has a proven record of preparing children for success in school, and both Head Start programs in Orange County have large waiting lists of eligible families;

Whereas the Child Care Subsidy Program, which provides childcare support so that parents can work or be enrolled in school or a job-training program, has a waiting list of eligible applicants due to insufficient funds;

Whereas the consequences of living in poverty for children include increased probability of diminished physical health, reduced growth, and possibly reduced cognitive development low educational achievement and dropping out of school residence in poor neighborhoods with social disorganization and crime juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior;

Whereas the consequences for Orange County of thousands of residents living in poverty include less educated and less productive citizens more criminal behavior and greater expense for operation of the criminal justice system increased health costs in addition to the personal costs to our community members living in poverty;

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls upon the Orange County city governments, the County Board of Commissioners, and where necessary the State Legislature to institute anti-poverty programs which include the following measures:

 

 

  1. Ensure that all children in the county receive primary health care and preventive health education.

  2. Fully funding the two Head Start programs so that all eligible children can participate

  3. Fully funding the Child Care Subsidy Program so that all eligible persons who need child care in order to work or to attend school or a job training program can be supported.

  4. Revise the minimum wage on an annual basis, based on economic factors to provide a real living wage, which is currently $10.60/hr.

  5. Establish and fund a permanent Orange County staff position of Low Income Resources Coordinator and Advocate who will serve as an advocate for low income individuals helping them navigate through the overlapping layers of regulations and available resources, to procure for those in need the assistance to which they are entitled, and to serve county leaders as an informed source of Orange County conditions and needs. The appointment of this person within the county government should include the assignment of responsibilities such as:

    1. researching the extent and causes of poverty in the county,

    2. educating the public regarding the problems and solutions of poverty,

    3. coordinating the poverty-related programs of county government so that all our residents get the assistance they need to leave poverty,

    4. increasing collaboration and consolidation to better coordinate poverty services,

    5. expanding the Economic Development database to collect and include information from all available sources relevant to poverty, for instance include children’s programs as extensively as those on aging.

    6. reporting directly to the County Manager and the County Board of Commissioners on a regular basis the status of poverty in the county and making recommendations for reducing the impacts on low income citizens of the county.

    7. serving as the key advisor to the County Manager and the County Board of Commissioners on issues of low income conditions in the county and appropriate responses needed from county government.

  1. Offer more vocational education classes in the High School curriculum. Develop more programs to train and retrain workers and promote a Durham Tech campus in Orange County.

  2. Municipal and county governments to review land use policies to better provide an adequate supply of a range of housing options to meet the needs of people at all income levels, including shared living, single room occupancy (SROs), shelter, apartments, and homes, and provide supplemental funding where a specific need is identified.

  3. Support the establishment of a new men’s residential facility and a comprehensive service center through the active involvement of local units of government, which is necessary to resolve the many complex issues related to securing a site, addressing neighbor concerns, and obtaining the necessary resources.

 

8. Progressive Taxation

 

Whereas North Carolina has historically been committed to a progressive system of taxation, primarily through a graduated income tax, and

 

Whereas over the past 25 years the entire revenue system has gradually lost much of its progressive character, as regressive sales tax increases, which disproportionately burden low and moderate-income families, have been used by the legislature to raise considerably more revenue than the graduated income tax, and

 

Whereas more and more of the economy revolves around services and internet sales, which are often not taxed, and can be difficult to collect when they are taxed, and

 

Whereas a tax system that fails to recognize the economy of modern services and e-business has become deeply flawed and threatens the state’s ability to pay for education and human service needs in the 21st century;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to promote progressive, simple, fiscally responsible tax policies that advance economic prosperity for working families, as well as economic growth for the entire economy, including:

 

 

    1. Ending the practice of excessively taxing earned income in order to provide a tax subsidy for unearned income,

    2. Utilizing the 2005 report of the N.C. Justice Center entitled “A 21st Century Revenue Plan: Funding State Government in a Fair and Sustainable Way” in the work of the legislature’s Local Fiscal Modernization Study Commission,

    3. Implementing the “Studies Act” (House Bill 1723, Session Law 2006-248), and fully funding the Government Performance Audit Committee authorized by that Act,

    4. Increasing the Tobacco Tax to generate adequate funds to cover tobacco related health care costs incurred by the taxpayers of North Carolina,

    5. Phasing out the regressive sales tax on unprepared food,

    6. Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit to a meaningful level of at least 10% of the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit) for those who work, yet remain in poverty,

    7. Enacting the Homestead Exemption Bills (SB1891 and HB 1830 in the 2006 legislature) to freeze property taxes for the elderly on fixed incomes,

    8. Empowering local governments with additional tools of progressive taxation with which to meet their expanding needs, including impact and transfer fees.

 

9. Collective Bargaining for State and Local Public Employees

 

Whereas North Carolina’s General Statute § 95-98 prohibits collective bargaining by state and local government employees, denying the right to collective bargaining to 650,000 public employees; and

Whereas denial of the right to collective bargaining is a violation of labor protections guaranteed by the North American Agreement for Labor Cooperation (NAALC), and by conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO); and

Whereas the NAALC and other international agreements also require standards of due process for workers, protection of health and safety on the job, and protection against employment discrimination, and in denying its workers the right to negotiate contracts, the state weakens these protections as well;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to introduce and support a bill to repeal NC GS § 95-98.

 

10. Education Lottery Funding

 

Whereas H1023, the bill that created the North Carolina State Lottery, originally stated "The net revenues generated by the lottery shall not supplant revenues already expended or projected to be expended for those public purposes, and lottery net revenues shall supplement rather than be used as substitute funds for the total amount of money allocated for those public purposes," and

 

Whereas that language was removed in the final version of the bill; and

 

Whereas the NC Office of State Budget and Management has reported that $210 million of lottery proceeds will be used for funding the More at Four program and for reducing class sizes in elementary schools, programs which already were funded in the fiscal year 2005-06 appropriations bill; and

 

Whereas all net proceeds from the education lottery ought to be spent to improve educational opportunities in the state beyond the levels that are provided by educational funding in the general fund;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to introduce and support a bill in the General Assembly to provide that lottery revenues deposited in the special fund for education be used only for programs to improve educational opportunities that are not normally funded from the state general fund, and that net proceeds from the lottery be transferred quarterly, not annually as at present, to the special fund for education.

 

 

11. High Quality, Well Funded, Diverse Schools for All Children

 

Whereas the North Carolina Constitution requires adequate and non-segregated schools; and Whereas North Carolina schools are increasingly segregated by race and class; and

 

Whereas wide discrepancies in school funding levels have been well documented and have been found to be unconstitutional; and

 

Whereas the State needs to act immediately to ensure that we don’t have another lost generation of children from inner-city and low wealth rural school districts;

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party strongly urges its legislators, as a matter of the highest priority, to pass legislation this session to redress this unconstitutional discrimination and inadequacies in education including full funding of the state’s obligations under the Leandro decision, and

 

Be it further resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party strongly urges its legislators, as a matter of the highest priority, to pass legislation and funding this session for a five-year commitment to place Special Leadership Teams consisting of 3 to 5 master teachers, administrators, and community organizers in those schools that are now deemed inadequate.

 

112. Right to Health Care

Whereas, almost one third of North Carolinians (2.5 million people) are without health insurance coverage during at least part of each year and another million North Carolinians have inadequate health insurance coverage, and

Whereas, nearly half of individual bankruptcy filings are related to medical bills, and

Whereas, the uninsured receive fewer health care services and are more likely to suffer from preventable health problems, and

Whereas, most uninsured adults have jobs but cannot afford health insurance, and

Whereas, many of those families with health insurance are susceptible to losing it due to unemployment resulting from a layoff or a serious accident or illness, and

 

Whereas, this resolution has been repeatedly adopted by the Party and the need for it increases every year as the General Assembly refuses to address it due resistance by the health insurance and health care industry,

 

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 North Carolina General Assembly to support Representative Verla Insko's Bill on the Right to Health Care. This bill would give voters the opportunity to decide by referendum whether the North Carolina Constitution should be amended to guarantee that residents of our state enjoy the right to health care, just as it does the right to education. If the amendment passes it would mandate that “Not later than July 1, 2009, the General Assembly shall provide by law a plan to ensure that by July 1, 2013, every resident of North Carolina has access to appropriate health care on a regular basis.”

 

And be it further resolved that any such plan subsequently adopted by the General Assembly make such health care affordable and include support for preventive health measures.

 

113. Health

 

A. Whereas the US lags most of the developed world in the provision of health care to all of its residents, with the resulting deficits in longevity, infant mortality, etc.

 

Therefore be it resolved that a national single payer health program be instituted, that the U.S. Congress be encouraged to enact legislation to create a single, national, government-run health care insurance system similar to the federal Medicare program with the intent of extending the benefits of health insurance (and health care) coverage to the entire U.S. population.

 

B. Whereas NC has a severe shortage of primary health care practitioners, both physicians and nurse practitioners, and these practitioners are poorly distributed around the state,

 

Therefore be it resolved

  1. That federal and state financial incentives be provided to make primary care specialties in medicine more attractive as career options,

  2. That more nurse practitioners be trained,

  3. That state and federal incentives be provided to encourage graduating primary care practitioners to locate in underserved areas of the state.

C. Whereas mental health services are in disarray in North Carolina as a result of efforts toward decentralization and deinstitutionalization, leaving county and local mental health care agencies and programs without adequate resources

 

Therefore, be it resolved

  1. That the state retain full responsibility for mental health care and the financing of services to meet these needs

  2. That local community mental health service providers be given adequate financial support to organize and provide needed mental health services,


D. Whereas there is a shortage of geriatric services and personnel

 

Therefore, be it resolved

  1. That the state provide adequate incentives to attract personnel to the field of geriatric medicine, nursing and dentistry

  2. That the schools of medicine, nursing and dentistry in NC receiving state support institute and enhance programs to train additional graduates with interest in and commitment to the field of geriatric care

E. Whereas dental health is basic to general health, and

Whereas North Carolina ranks 47th in the nation among states in terms of its dentist- to-population ratio, and

Whereas there are 40 counties in NC where there is no dentist willing to serve a person covered by the state’s Medicaid program

 

Therefore, be it resolved:

  1. That the NC General Assembly support the development of a new school of dentistry at East Carolina University in Greenville,

 

  1. That the rate of reimbursement of dental care for Medicaid patients be increased to a level equivalent to 80% of usual and reasonable care charges in NC,

 

  1. That efforts be made statewide to increase the knowledge and awareness among low-income populations (particularly those covered by Medicaid) of the importance of dental hygiene and professional preventive dental care,

 

  1. That the NC General Assembly expand the opportunities for scholarships and loans for dentistry students in return for service to under-served North Carolinians.

 

14. Seniors

 

Whereas the number of seniors in this country is expected to increase from 36 million Americans over 65 in 2004 to over 85 million in 2050 according to the Census Bureau, and

Whereas the demand on health and human services will be under strain to keep pace with the burgeoning needs of seniors, and

Whereas the risk of many seniors remaining isolated in their homes will increase, and

Whereas there will be a growth in the number of seniors suffering from mental illness, particularly depression, and

Whereas the three most common factors affecting self-reported health among seniors according to the a 2005 Duke University study are poor vision, hearing loss, and mood; and these can often be treated with clinical interventions such as prescriptive lenses, hearing aid, or antidepressive therapy, and

Whereas the number of professional health and human services personnel trained in geriatric services remains low compared to other specializations,

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls upon the federal, state, and county governments to

 

1. Augment training opportunities for geriatric services and encourage training in this field, and

2. Expand home services for the elderly, and

 

3. Augment mental health services for the elderly, and

 

4. Create opportunities for senior citizens to have their sight and hearing tested and ensure that they have access to affordable eye and hearing care, and

 

5. Provide modern hearing devices in all public assembly halls.

 

 

  1. Eliminate Domestic Violence 1

 

Whereas Domestic Violence, and particularly violence against women, continues to be a major social issue, and

 

Whereas the NC Coalition Against Domestic Violence has presented recommendations for legislation which would increase funding for services to deal with the issues surrounding domestic violence,

 

Therefore be it resolved that the NC Legislature strengthen the current laws regarding domestic violence by

  1. Providing additional funding for services and programs designed to protect those affected,

 

  1. Require additional training and education for law enforcement personnel,

 

  1. Provide education on domestic violence throughout the school years, including anger management and alternatives to violence, and

 

  1. Tighten and enforce gun control laws.

 

 

16. Residential Construction Close to Major Highways

 

Whereas living close to a major highway adversely affects health through

  • Increased prevalence of asthma and wheezing

  • Long-term lung impairment

  • Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and

 

Whereas residential proximity to a highway particularly affects children who cannot select where they live, and

 

Whereas because many of the most definitive and compelling studies confirming these risks have been published only recently and are not widely known among planners, developers and potential home buyers or renters

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party urge the Chapel Hill, the Hillsborough, and the Carrboro Town Councils as well as the Orange County Commissioners and their respective planning boards

  • To include health risks associated with living close to major highways as a factor in town planning, and

  • To consider enacting effective zoning to discourage residential construction close to major highways, and

  • To weigh the health risks associated with living close to major highways when new highways or highway widenings are proposed for existing built environments.

 

 

117. Support Our Returning Troops

 

Whereas the Bush administration has broken our Government’s longstanding promises of lifetime health care to those who defend our nation; and

 

Whereas the Bush administration failed to prepare for the numbers of servicemen and women who are returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan with severe and life-altering injuries; and

 

Whereas recent investigative journalism accounts and testimonies of senior military officers and of wounded soldiers reveal squalid conditions, understaffed facilities, unacceptable and confusing delays and mistakes in transferring patients from in-patient hospitals to out-patient care (“Valor and Squalor,” NY Times, 03/05/07; “Casualties of the Budget Wars,” NY Times, 03/06/07, p. A23); and

 

Whereas in a time of war, the Bush administration has decided to close the premier military hospital, Walter Reed;

 

Therefore be it resolved

 

That We as a Nation Support Our Returning Troops by a re-allocation of a substantial proportion of the funding requested by the Defense Department for the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and fully fund restoration, expansion, and improvement of treatment and ongoing, lifetime health care for servicemen and women who serve in these conflicts, and initiation of a comprehensive medical research program on traumatic brain injuries;

 

Be it further resolved That these funds support

  1. The early and full integration of injured soldiers with their families and their home communities,

  2. Extensive renovations and expansion of health service facilities

  3. Full staffing by qualified medical and rehabilitation personnel and

  4. Construction of new regional VA facilities and upgrading of existing VA facilities throughout the country, with full-scale outpatient care units, educational and job retraining staff, and family counseling units;

 

Be it further resolved that soldiers with psychiatric diagnoses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries be offered the same standard of care and respect given to those with physical injuries.

 

Be it further resolved that the recent practice of privatizing (outsourcing) staff and professional positions in the Army and VA Hospitals (including physicians and case managers) be abolished and the staff of these health care institutions remain Government employees of US Military and Veterans Health Administration.

 

Be it further resolved that the decision of the Bush administration to close Walter Reed Hospital be reversed and all necessary repairs, modernizations and expansions be fully funded and expedited in order to return the institution to its stature exemplifying the highest standards of medical and surgical practices and patient care that our returning troops deserve.

 

 

18. 1Clean Energy

 

Whereas climate change is a major threat to North Carolina and the state has a strong moral and practical obligation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions; and

 

Whereas NC utilities are in the process of seeking permits to build two new coal plants and up to two new nuclear reactors; and

 

Whereas new coal plants would directly and substantially increase the state’s greenhouse gas emissions and new nuclear reactors would compound present unresolved nuclear safety, security, and waste problems and divert billions of dollars which could more effectively and safely be used to meet energy demand through energy efficiency and renewable energy; and

 

Whereas studies commissioned by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and other data strongly support the environmentalist’s contention that an aggressive program of energy efficiency and renewable energy can make building these new plants unnecessary while providing reliable electric service; and

 

Whereas studies consistently demonstrate that energy efficiency and renewable energy programs move the state toward energy independence and create many thousands more jobs than centralized power plants and these would be distributed across the state rather than centralized in a few counties;

 

Whereas the generation of greenhouse gas from profligate use of fossil fuel has contributed to the highest global temperatures in recorded recent history;

 

Whereas our current reliance on the automobile is a significant portion of national demand for petroleum;

 

Whereas our dependency on foreign sources for more than 45% of our oil increases our trade deficit and thereby decreases funds available for alternative uses in the United States;

 

Whereas the Earth has an estimated ten-year window before global warming will reach an irreversible tipping point for reversing of greenhouse gas buildup in our atmosphere

 

Whereas in a report commissioned by the General Assembly, financed by the State Utilities Commission and done by La Capra Associates (made available 12/06), findings showed that 10% of the state’s electricity needs for the next 10 years can be acquired by use of power from water and wind, and byproducts of agriculture, forests, and landfills and would create more jobs than building and operating more coal and nuclear plants.

 

Whereas solar hot water and solar electricity providers are becoming more available and should be encouraged by our state

 

Whereas efficiency gains can reduce electricity needs by an additional 14 percent over the next 10 years

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls upon the federal, state, county, and municipal governments to:

 

  1. encourage the research for and deployment of sustainable alternative energy, including

    1. solar energy,

    2. wind power,

    3. geothermal,

    4. bio-diesel fuel, and

    5. methane from land fills and anaerobic digesters for agricultural wastes (hog waste);

  2. Ask the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to replace the coal-burning co-generation plant in Chapel Hill with renewable generation technology as a demonstration project;

  3. Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels for transportation by

    1. Levy a tax on low fuel efficiency vehicles at purchase or by a “carbon tax” on fossil fuel, with the money collected used to provide greater transportation choices through investment in public transit, bike, and pedestrian safety improvements.

    2. Requiring production of cars and trucks with greater fuel efficiency (raise the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) standards and include trucks, SUV’s, and mini-vans in these standards);

    3. Eliminate the import duty on optimally efficient source types of ethanol;

    4. Increase the availability, coordination, and use of surface public transportation, nationally, as well as in the Triangle Area;

    5. Reduce use of fossil fuels locally by

      1. Phase in the use of hybrid or alternatively fueled vehicles for public vehicles,

      2. Expand the local free public transportation system to include the greater Triangle Area

      3. Establish dedicated, reliable and sustainable state and national funding sources for intercity rail and commuter public transit systems (including both rubber tire and rail technologies), as well as for infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists.

      4. Study methods to increase carpooling where public transportation is unavailable such as carpool bulletin boards and scheduling services, parking lots, or subsidies.

      5. Evaluate whether the purchase of carbon offsets for vehicle CO2 emissions for county vehicles is the optimum way to reduce emissions as a transition to the use of hybrid or bio-diesel fueled vehicles is practical. (i.e., buses, heavy equipment etc.)

      6. Reduce and enforce automobile speed limits

  4. Assure the support and continuation of the State Energy Office by supporting Bills

    1. HB 839, An act to appropriate funds for the state energy office (very important),

    2. HB 77, An act to promote the development of renewable energy and ENERGY EFFICIENCY in the state through implementation of a twenty percent renewable ENERGY and ENERGY Efficiency portfolio Standard (REPS), and

    3. S 3, An act to promote the development of renewable energy and ENERGY EFFICIENCY in the state through implementation of a ten percent renewable ENERGY and ENERGY Efficiency portfolio Standard (REPS).

  5. Oppose expansion of existing and construction of new coal and nuclear power plants, and

    1. Forcefully enforce existing laws and regulations on older facilities and renovations to ensure that emissions from these facilities are not allowed to increase.

    2. Pursuant to law, begin at once to develop a regime for regulation of all previously unregulated emissions that can exacerbate the “greenhouse” effect and increase global warming.

  6. Promote energy conservation and the use of renewable energy sources making new coal and nuclear power plants unnecessary by

    1. Increasing incentives for green building and use of wind, solar, methane, and other alternative energy technologies including a requirement that all electric utilities adopt “net metering” of customer-produced electricity,

    2. Mandating implementation of known energy efficient technologies in existing plants and industries,

    3. Enlisting North Carolina Utilities Commission’s cooperation to actively remove barriers to industries wishing to build solar-electric facilities in our state,

    4. Requiring zoning codes to include energy efficiency and remove covenants precluding the use of solar collectors,

    5. Restricting and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions of plants and industries and impose greater fines and penalties for noncompliance,

    6. Phasing in the use of compact fluorescent/LED lighting for all public lighting needs.

    7. Encouraging household energy conservation by

      1. Enacting a tax on the use of incandescent bulbs

      2. Enacting a tax credit for the use of fluorescent, halogen or LED lighting

      3. Continue to fund specifically targeted conservation practices through educational initiatives.

 

19. Resolution to Orange County Local Governments to Combat Climate Change through Building Design

 

Whereas buildings in the United States are responsible for 48% of primary energy consumption and 46% of greenhouse gases; and

 

Whereas current trends indicate that, unless immediately addressed, the amount of energy consumed by buildings will continue to escalate; and

 

Whereas 7% to 8% of energy consumed in the United States (150 Btus/gallon water) is associated with the treatment and transport of municipal water; and

 

Whereas to restrict global warming to less than 2 degrees C above pre-industrial era levels will require atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, now at 380 ppm, to be held below 450 ppm; and

 

Whereas the decisions made today in designing buildings will directly impact the amount of energy consumed by those buildings for decades to come; and

 

Whereas technologies and skills exist today that enable architects to design buildings to consume a fraction of the energy that is typical of current construction; and

 

Whereas the American Institute of Architects has adopted the targets of “The 2030 Challenge,” establishing the national goal of immediately reducing “site” fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in new buildings and major renovations by 50%, and continually improving energy performance so buildings constructed in 2030 will be carbon neutral; and

 

Whereas the Town of Chapel Hill has agreed with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to jointly participate in a carbon reduction program;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls upon the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the Orange County Commissioners to recognize the imperative of immediately addressing climate change through the buildings constructed within their respective jurisdictions by taking all necessary steps to insure that all new buildings, major renovations and additions be required to consume 50% less fossil fuel energy than is typically consumed.

 

Further be it resolved that in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change associated with the operation of buildings and to reduce greenhouse gas levels to those experienced in 1990, we additionally call upon the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, and the Orange County Commissioners to require the improvement in the energy and water efficiency of our building designs at the following rates until, in 2030, our buildings consume only site-generated and/or purchased renewable energy.

 

Years % reduction in non-renewable energy

2007 – 2010 50%

2010 – 2015 60%

2015 – 2020 70%

2020 – 2025 80%

2025 – 2030 90%

2030+ 100%

 

20. Resolution to the North Carolina General Assembly to Combat Climate Change through Building Design

 

Whereas buildings in the United States are responsible for 48% of primary energy consumption and 46% of greenhouse gases; and

 

Whereas current trends indicate that, unless immediately addressed, the amount of energy consumed by buildings will continue to escalate; and

 

Whereas 7% to 8% of energy consumed in the United States (150 Btus/gallon water) is associated with the treatment and transport of municipal water; and

 

Whereas to restrict global warming to less than two degrees Centigrade above pre-industrial era levels will require atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, now at 380 ppm, to be held below 450 ppm; and

 

Whereas the decisions made today in designing buildings will directly impact the amount of energy consumed by those buildings for decades to come; and

 

Whereas technologies and skills exist today that enable architects to design buildings to consume a fraction of the energy that is typical of current construction; and

 

Whereas the American Institute of Architects has adopted the targets of “The 2030 Challenge”, establishing the national goal of immediately reducing “site” fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in new buildings and major renovations by 50%, and continually improving energy performance so buildings constructed in 2030 will be carbon neutral,

 

Therefore, be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls upon the North Carolina General Assembly to recognize the imperative of immediately addressing climate change through the buildings built within the state by revising the state Building Code to insure that all new buildings, major renovations and additions be required to consume 50% less fossil fuel energy than is typically consumed.

 

Further be it resolved that in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change associated with the operation of buildings and to reduce greenhouse gas levels to those experienced in 1990, we additionally call upon the North Carolina General Assembly to include in the state Building Code required improvements in the energy efficiency of our building designs at the following rates until, in 2030, our buildings consume only site-generated and/or purchased renewable energy.

 

Years % reduction in non-renewable energy

2007 – 2010 50%

2010 – 2015 60%

2015 – 2020 70%

2020 – 2025 80%

2025 – 2030 90%

2030+ 100%

 

121. US Relations with Iran

 

Whereas, by all appearances the Administration of George W. Bush is attempting, as it did in Iraq, to preempt reasoned consideration of a constructive policy toward Iran by, using provocative rhetoric, and carrying out provocative actions against Iran, including arrest of Iranian consular officers in Iraq, and allowing for unsubstantiated and unverified information to be fed to the public;

 

Whereas numerous analysts of middle eastern policy have reviewed the Administration's representations of Iran's actions and intentions and concluded that an Iraq II is being prepared ;

 

Whereas the Bush Administration's modus operandi in diplomatic negotiations is one of askewing normal process in favor of threat of force and warfare and at the same time posturing publicly with unrealistic statements and preconditions.

 

Whereas Congress has the constitutional responsibility to represent the will of the people to prevent a United States military engagement with Iran, through the withholding of the funds, the exercise of its authority to restrict the military authority of the President ,or in the consideration of Acts of War;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party joins with other NC 4th Congressional District Democratic Party county organizations in urging Representative David Price to vote against all appropriations bills that would directly or indirectly fund military action toward Iran unless they include a provision to the effect of:

 

None of the Funds herein appropriated under this act may be expended directly or indirectly to support combat activities in or over Iran by United States forces or contractors, or any other Nation=s forces, and no other funds heretofore appropriated under any other act may be expended for such purposes, except where a duly authorized declaration of war has been approved by the Congress.

 

Be it further resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party urges our Representative David Price to oppose US military action against Iran, and to take the lead in Congress opposing another war in the Middle East.

 

Be it further resolved that the North Carolina General Assembly is hereby urged to pass a resolution asking the North Carolina Congressional delegation to oppose US military action against Iran.

 

 

22. Exit Iraq

 

Whereas it has now been shown that the President of the United States made his case to the Congress and the American People for the war in Iraq based upon apparently deliberate misinterpretation of intelligence as to the intention and actions of the Iraq government toward the United States;

 

Whereas an overwhelming majority (72%) of American troops serving in Iraq think the U.S. should exit the country within the next year, and more than one in four say the troops should leave immediately;

 

Whereas an overwhelming majority (71%) of Iraqis would like U.S. forces to exit the country within a year;

 

Whereas the American public generally agrees that the Democrats= success in the 2006 mid-term elections was effectively a referendum on the War;

 

Whereas President Bush despite the vote of the American people is escalating the war in Iraq by sending thousands more troops into Iraq instead of preparing for and beginning the withdrawing of troops from Iraq;

 

Whereas the Democratic Party, in its deep gratitude and unalterable support for the dedication and bravery of our service men and women and their families, cannot stand idly by while even one more of our service men or women is killed or maimed by prolonging the senseless policy of the Bush Administration.

 

Whereas Congress has the unquestioned constitutional authority and the responsibility to effectively represent the will of the American people to pull out of Iraq by limiting funding, limiting the President=s military powers, and, reconsidering the initial authorizations by the Congress;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party in convention strongly urges Representative David Price, and all members of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate to support the insertion of the following provisions in all appropriations bills that fund directly or indirectly the war In Iraq:

 

It is the sense of the Congress that the United States should begin no later than August 1, 2007 a strategic withdrawal of its military forces and their supporting contractors from Iraq and such withdrawal should be completed no later than July 1, 2008.

 

None of the Funds herein appropriated under this act may be expended to support directly or indirectly enlarged combat activities, or increased force level troop deployment, in or over Iraq by United States forces or contractors, and after October 1, 2007, no funds heretofore appropriated under any other act may be expended for such purposes.

 

Nothing in this provision shall be interpreted to limit the expenditure of the funds necessary for withdrawal of American forces, material, and equipment, and its contractors, for the protection of troops and extraction activities in withdrawal, or for the necessary and proper medical assistance for all personnel, both during withdrawal or there after.

 

Be it further resolved that the North Carolina General Assembly is hereby urged to pass a resolution asking the North Carolina Congressional delegation to oppose any further funding of the Iraq war.

 

 

123. Torture: A Resolution Calling for Ending United States Sponsorship of Torture

 

Whereas it has been alleged that privately owned firms and individuals physically resident in North Carolina may be engaged in torture, “torture by proxy,” and or extraordinary renditions; and

 

Whereas the systematic use of torture as a policy of governmental control is a crime against humanity; and

 

Whereas the right to be free of torture is a fundamental human right recognized in both constitutional and international law, and all government-sponsored acts of torture, regardless of circumstance, are immoral, unjustified, and illegal; and

 

Whereas United States-sanctioned torture is not justified by national security needs as it engenders hatred against the nation, does not work to gain reliable information, does not keep the country safe, and the use torture shames the nation and endangers United States troops and citizens at home and abroad; and

 

Whereas acts of torture violate United States criminal laws, specifically the federal Anti-Torture Statute and the Federal War Crimes Act of 1996, and they violate international treaties to which the United States is a party, including the Geneva Conventions, the Convention Against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and

 

Whereas no United States policy or official -- not the attorney general, not the secretary of defense, not the president -- is above the rule of law, including laws against torture and this time-honored principle of respect for law is intended to prevent governmental corruption and the abuse of power; and

 

Whereas the Orange County Democratic Party firmly rejects the use of detention, incarceration, and interrogation techniques by agents of the government of the United States that can be construed in terms of law or common morality as torture and cruel or degrading punishment;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls on all national and state leaders to support eradication of torture practices by the United States, and the bringing of charges against United States former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, former Central Intelligence Agency director George Tenet, United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, and all other officials responsible with aiding, abetting, ordering, and conspiring to commit the illegal physical and psychological torture of detainees in the custody of the United States in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo, as well as secret United States-controlled prison facilities elsewhere, and further charge these officials with the illegal transport, or extraordinary rendition, of certain detainees to countries known for their systematic torture of prisoners; and

 

Be it further resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls on US Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, US Representative David Price , Governor Michael Easley, and the NC Legislature in Raleigh to support proposed additional legal restraints to underline our national laws against the use of torture and acts that facilitate the use of torture in the United States and elsewhere, and fully to support all international law banning policies and practices of torture and its facilitation, and

 

Be it further resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls upon the Attorney General of North Carolina to instruct the State Bureau of Investigation to investigate Aero Contractors Ltd. in Johnston and Lenoir Counties, to report to the People of North Carolina, and to prosecute if any of these alleged illegal activities have violated N.C. law.

 

124. Death Penalty Moratorium

 

Whereas the current Democratic Party Platform calls for a moratorium on the death penalty; and

 

Whereas resolutions in support of a moratorium on executions have been passed by 38 local governments, including the cities of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham, Charlotte, Asheville, Thomasville, Hillsborough, Cary and Fayetteville, as well as the counties of Guilford, Durham, Orange, Chatham and Bertie; and

 

Whereas the 2005 NC State Senate supported a two-year moratorium on executions by passing SB 972; and

 

Whereas the Death Penalty represents the ultimate and irreversible expression of state power granted to it by the citizens of NC, requiring careful oversight and supervision; and

 

Whereas commissions created to study the issue, including one created by the 2005 NC House, continue to find a racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct in the administration of the Death Penalty;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party will use all of its influence to encourage the 2007 General Assembly to immediately implement a Moratorium on the Death Penalty, to remain in effect until such time as the State of NC implements policies and procedures that:

 

  1. Ensure that death penalty cases are administered fairly and impartially in accordance with basic due process,

 

  1. Eliminate racial disparities in charging, sentencing and imposition,

 

  1. Eliminate the risk that innocent persons may be executed, and

 

  1. Prevent the execution of mentally disabled persons and persons under the age of 18 at the time of their offenses.

 

25. Eliminate the Death Penalty

 

Whereas respect for the value of every human life must play a central role in our laws and the enforcement of our laws;

 

Whereas, the criminal justice system should be concerned with rehabilitation, not retribution, and that our society has the means to keep convicted violent offenders from harming others;

 

Whereas capital punishment has been demonstrated not to be an effective deterrent to crime;

 

Whereas the death penalty has not been used impartially among all economic and racial groups in North Carolina and in the United States;

 

Whereas the imposition of capital punishment is fraught with human error on the part of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges and jurors, demonstrated by the fact that, according to the American Psychological Association, two-thirds of the death penalty cases from 1973 to 1995 were overturned on appeal due to errors in investigation and judicial proceedings;

 

Whereas the act of killing prisoners by the government sets an example of violence;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party urges the N.C. General Assembly to enact legislation to end the death penalty.

 

26. Repeal of the Military Commissions Act of 2006

 

Whereas the fundamental rights of all arrested persons to be informed of the charges against them, to procure or be supplied with legal counsel, and to a fair and speedy trial have been enshrined in the US Constitution and in practice in this country since its beginnings; and

 

Whereas the Military Commissions Action of October 17, 2006, abrogates these rights for US Citizens as well as for residents of the US and others;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party call on the Congress of the United States to repeal the Military Commissions Act; and

 

Be it further resolved that the Democratic Party of North Carolina urge Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr to support S 576, " A bill to provide for the effective prosecution of terrorists and guarantee due process rights", introduced by Senator Christopher Dodd; and

 

Be it further resolved that the Democratic Party of North Carolina urge all other members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to join Representative David Price in cosponsoring HR 1415, "to provide for the effective prosecution of terrorists and guarantee due process rights", introduced by Representative Jerrold Nadler, with 30 cosponsors.

 

 

27. Student Privacy and Military Recruiting

 

Whereas under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), schools must provide notice to parents of the types of student information that schools publicly release, such as student names, addresses, and telephone numbers, and such notification must include an explanation of a parent's right to request that the information not be disclosed without their prior written consent; and

 

Whereas under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), all public high schools receiving federal funds under this act are required to turn over lists of student contact information to the Department of Defense, to be used for military recruitment purposes, assisting military recruiters in contacting minor children in their homes, possibly without prior knowledge or consent of parents/guardian; and

 

Whereas the military have budgeted $4 billion (FY 2006) for recruitment through repeated recruiter contact via letters, mass mailings, telephone calls, home visits, as well as national mass media campaigns, and

 

Whereas under NCLB and FERPA, one notification annually to students, parents or guardian is required, and that single notification can be provided through a mailing, student handbook, or other method reasonably calculated to inform parents of the above information is deemed sufficient to satisfy the parental notification requirements, and

 

Whereas this one request to “opt-out” of the military recruiting list can be overlooked or not received by parents, and under current law, students/parents must opt-out” in order to protect student information; and

 

Whereas the NCLB specifies that schools receiving federal funding under the No Child Left Behind Act must comply with these laws, implying loss of funds for non-compliance; and

 

Whereas The people of Orange County, North Carolina are concerned about the military’s default access to private student information, and subsequent inundation of students by military recruiters armed with persuasive, yet not necessarily complete information, as well as the possibility of withdrawal of federal funds if an “opt-in” policy is instituted without authorization.

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Democratic Party of NC urges our representatives in Congress to support The Student Privacy Protection Act of 2007 (HR1346), introduced by Representative Michael Honda (D-CA,15) which will restore the privacy rights of children and families by changing the military recruitment provision of the No Child Left Behind Act from an “opt-out” system to an “opt-in.” Under this bill, families may still choose to become part of the recruiting database, but privacy will be respected by default. The Student Privacy Protection Act has the support of the National Education Association (NEA), the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), 37 Congressional cosponsors, and thousands of Americans who have signed on as citizen cosponsors.

 

 

28. Access of Military Recruiters to Secondary Schools

 

Whereas the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act and Section 9528 of the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB) of 2002 included provisions that public schools receiving federal funding give military recruiters the same access to secondary school students that schools provide to post-secondary institutions or to prospective employers, or risk loss of such funding; and

 

Whereas prior to these acts, military recruiters had access to public schools on an ad hoc basis, and there was no federally mandated access to public schools granted to military recruiters; and

 

Whereas the Department of Defense (DOD) reported to Congress that military recruiters were “turned away” more from than 19,000 schools in 2000-01, conflicting data from other sources indicated that only about 1,000 schools out of the 23,000-24,000 schools in the country “turned away” military recruiters, and it is not currently known if “turned away” included school board authorized restrictions on access as well as full prohibition; and

 

Whereas the above acts make high school students increasingly open to the U.S. military’s $4 billion (FY 2006) recruitment efforts which include visits of military recruiters to schools, classrooms, and guidance counselors' offices; meetings with students during class time; military recruiter participation in school-sponsored activities (such as career days and athletic events); presentations in Army Cinema vans and in-school multimedia displays; partnerships (such as "adopt-a-school"); and military recruiters taking positions of counselors, coaches, and sometimes substitute teachers. Such efforts go beyond access typically granted to other prospective employers or post-secondary educational institutions, and

 

Whereas the people of Orange County, North Carolina are concerned about mandated access to public schools and students by military recruiters who are under pressure to achieve monthly recruitment quotas, and about reports of misleading information given to students by military recruiters across the United States; and

 

Whereas most high school districts throughout the state cannot financially afford a loss of federal funds, nor can they ignore the concerns of the community about access to students and school activities, and

 

Whereas these acts remove the traditional right of school boards of education and school administrators to determine whether to allow military recruiters on school property without a threatened loss of funding,

 

Therefore be it resolved that the North Carolina Democratic Party urge our representatives in congress to amend the 2002 National Defense Authorization Act and Section 9528 of the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB) of 2002 to return to school boards and parents the right to decide to grant, limit, or withhold access to military recruiters without the threat of loss of federal funding.

 

129. Immigration Reform

Whereas the current immigration system is badly in need of improvement and a comprehensive approach to fixing it is required; and

Whereas the current overlapping national interests of national security, anti terrorism and immigration compliance have seriously eroded the traditional United States hospitality and humanitarianism to immigrants and those seeking political asylum; and

Whereas many migrants are compelled to leave their homes out of economic necessity in order to provide even the most basic of needs for themselves and their families; and

Whereas numerous persons seek U.S. residency to protect themselves and their families from retaliation against their support of U.S. policies, human rights abuses, and the violence of warfare; and

Whereas U.S.citizens and legal permanent residents must endure many years of separation from close family members who they want to join them in the United States, and the backlogs of available visas for family members results in extended waits to receive a visa; and

Whereas current administrative procedures can cause the separation of young U.S. citizens from their parents or care givers, or force them to leave their native country for places unknown to them; and

Whereas most American are the product of immigration from other lands; and

Whereas, the vigor of the U.S. economy depends upon the intellect and the labor provided by immigrants;

Therefore, be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party calls for

  1. International efforts designed to create conditions so that people do not have to leave their homes out of necessity through revised policies on trade, international economic aid, debt relief, and other types of economic programs that result in people not having to migrate in order to survive 

  2. A reduction of the visa application backlog and the provision under law for more available visas for family reunification purposes.

  3. An end to the incarceration of care giving parents of U.S. Citizens for civil violations of the Immigration laws pending hearings on status.

  4. Sensitive and evenhanded consideration for refugee settlement in the United States of those persons who are in danger of retaliation for their part as employees of the United States and/or their support of U.S. Policies.

  5. A temporary worker program that includes:

  1. Path to permanent residency which is achievable/verifiable

  2. Family unity which allows immediate family members to join workers

  3. Job portability which allows workers to change employers

  4. Labor protections which apply to U.S. workers

  5. Enforcement mechanisms and resources to enforce worker’s rights

  6. Wages and benefits which do not undercut domestic workers

  7. Mobility between the U.S. and a workers homeland, and within the U.S.

 

  1. Opportunities for those without proper immigration documentation to obtain legalization

  2. A careful consideration and action by the Congress of the United States as to the legal rights and constitutional protections that pertain to all persons residing in the United States.

  3. Restoration of due process and a recognition of basic Human Rights for everyone irrespective of immigration status by the Citizenship and Immigration Service of the Department of Homeland Security.


1130. Establish a Policy on Arrest for Civil Immigration Violation

 

Whereas in Section 15A-401of the North Carolina General Statutes, the General Assembly has specified the circumstances under which law enforcement officers may arrest persons, with or without an arrest warrant; and

 

Whereas the list of circumstances under which a person may be arrested does not include an arrest of persons whose only known violation of law is or may be a civil violation of federal immigration statutes;

 

Therefore be it resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party urges that Orange County not enter into a memorandum of agreement with any agency to enforce immigration laws or take any other action that might result in racial profiling or create a climate of fear and hostility for any community in the County; and

 

Be it further resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party asks that Orange County municipal governments refuse to enter into memoranda of agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws; and

 

Be it further resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party urges all law enforcement jurisdictions adopt the policy to arrest or take into custody a person only when such person is known to have committed a criminal felony violation; and

 

Be it further resolved that the Orange County Democratic Party urges, that it be forwarded to all Orange County law enforcement agencies, locally elected officials, and the state and federal legislative delegations on behalf of the residents of Orange County.

 

 

 



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