THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
I first heard of the League of Women Voters as a newlywed in Minneapolis in 1963. Being busy working and putting my husband through school, I didn't have time to join. But I vowed to at my first opportunity. That opportunity came when my husband and I moved to Monterey 33 years ago.
The League at that time, to me, stood for educating the voting public on how government works and educating them on issues so they could make informed decisions when it was time to vote. So I immediately became involved by serving on a committee that rewrote the Monterey City Charter and presented it to the voters for approval (which they did) in 1974. I eagerly attended unit meetings each month (babysitting was provided in those days!), where we studied the issues that had been decided as worthy topics at the local, state, and/or national level. I agreed to serve as an observer of the MPUSD Board and wished I had time to observe the Monterey City Council also. It wasn't long before I was on the board, where I served at various times as Voters Service Director, Vice President for Action, and other positions that I can't remember now. It was a time for learning and growing as a citizen, and I was sorry when it came to an end in 1980 because of changes in my life.
When I was asked last spring to stand for President, I was very happy to once again become an active League member. But how things changed in the years I was a dues-paying member only! Units no longer exist, observers have vanished, there are few studies, and consensus is reached by a small number. Natural Resources is by far the largest and most active committee these days. Voters Service is alive and well--I was very impressed with our Voters Service Director and her volunteers. And the Government Committee is working on a presentation to the members on Campaign Finance Reform. I'm grateful that these parts of the League are working well.
But what about Social Policy? State and National Action? Are you interested in getting involved in these vital areas? Our Social Policy Director and State and National Action Director could use your help and would be very interested in hearing from you. What about being an observer? If that is something that interests you, speak to our Government Director. Our city councils, school boards, special district boards, and Board of Supervisors would welcome our impartial observing of their procedures. And if they wouldn't, we should know that! Our Government Director would also be the one to speak to if you want to get involved in the Clean Money Campaign. Wasn't our November speaker dynamic?
These are some of my thoughts and observations mid-way through my term. I'll probably have different ones next May. In the meantime, I would welcome hearing from you how you think our local League is doing, what you would like to see continue, what you would like to see changed or improved. Let me know why you joined, what made you want to be a member of the Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula, and what keeps you a member.
Marilyn Maxner, President
