DPOC Labor Breakfast at Margo's in Alamogordo, New Mexico

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Doug and I attended the 13th Annual Labor Recognition Breakfast hosted by the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) at Margo's Mexican Restaurant in Alamogordo, New Mexico. There were about 60 people in attendance.

Welcoming everyone was Stephanie DuBois, CD 2 Vice Chair, a gal who is always ready to throw her hat in the ring for just about any election. Jeff Swanson, Vice Chair of DPOC and State Central Committee Member led the Pledge of Allegiance. Nadia Sikes, Chair of DPOC, made the introductions of guest speakers.

First up was Mark Praught, former member of the CWA (Communication Workers of America Union). He gave a wonderfully informative speech on union history and how it has related to his life.

Keynote speaker was Tim Eichenberg, New Mexico State Treasurer. Among other things, Tim has said, "The State Treasurer must have the experience and integrity to be a good steward of the taxpayers' money. I pledge to be a full-time State Treasurer, adhere to a program of best management practices, maintain an accessible and transparent office, and make sound choices that benefit all New Mexicans."

Stephen Jones, CD 2 Vice Chair, was busy with his camera. Doug also took the pictures shown below.

Nadia Sikes, DPOC Chair

Stephen Jones, CD 2 Vice Chair and Photographer

L to R: Tim Eichenberg, Nadia Sikes and Jeff Swanson

Mark Praught relating the history of unions and in particular the CWA

Another shot of Nadia. Love the new haircut!

State Treasurer and Nadia Sikes

L to R: Tim Eichenberg, Nadia and Jeff

Tim

Carol Lee, DPOC Secretary

Neomi Martinez  from Deming, New Mexico

Las Cruces President Brian Brietag of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union

 

Shirley Baca, Campaign Manager

It was a very informative event and the history was quite interesting. So many of us are ill informed about unions since they are not nearly as prevalent as they once were. However, we are losing our middle class and no country can thrive for long without it. Perhaps unions need to be more powerful now than ever before.

Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photography for taking the great photos.

This is all I have to say for now.

Democratic Party of Otero County, New Mexico Holds Convention

February 20, 2016

A number of Democrats met at the First Presbyterian Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico for the Democratic Party of Otero County (DPOC) Convention to select delegates to attend the New Mexico State Democratic Pre-Primary Convention in Albuquerque on March 12, 2016.

Several people came from around the state including Mariaelena Johnson from Chaparral who checked everyone in and ascertained their voting eligibility. Also, Eric Spitty came to represent the Mescalero community. Neomi Martinez-Parra, Secretary of the State of New Mexico Democratic Party drove all the way from Lordsburg, New Mexico. Patsy Duran and her brother, Paul Duran, were here from Tularosa, New Mexico. Stephen Jones, representative of the State Central Committee from CD2/Photographer came from Las Cruces, New Mexico. Stephanie DuBois, a representative of the State Central Committee from CD2/also running for the post of Otero County Clerk and her father, Doc DuBois were here from Tularosa, New Mexico.

The venue was lovely and Judy Pingel, DPOC Treasurer, rushed around in the well appointed kitchen at the church and created some delicious food for everyone.

Nadia Sikes, Chair of DPOC conducted the meeting with Stephen Jones explaining how the delegates are selected and what happens at the Pre-Primary Convention in Albuquerque. Other speakers were Mariaelena Johnson and Neomi Martinez-Parra. Denise Lang spoke of her decision to run for Democratic Representative from Otero County and Stephanie DuBoise talked of her decision to run for Otero County Clerk. Jeff Swanson gave a report from the Financial Committee of the State Democratic Party telling us how thankful he is that the debt they inherited is almost paid.

Eric Spitty from the Mescalero Community

L to R: Judy Pingel with her back to us, Patsy Duran and her brother Paul Duran

L to R: Kenna Stormogipson, Bill Wheatley, Carla Kerr, Linda Barker, Tina, AJ and unknown man

94 Year-old Doc DuBois, our favorite WWII Veteran and loyal Democrat

Carla and Donna Swanson

L to R: Ken, Eric and Denise Lang

Neomi Martinez-Parra talking with Nadia Sikes, DPOC Chair

Nadia

Stephen Jones

Mariaelena Johnson

Denise Lang

Stephanie DuBois

Jeff Swanson

Neomi Martinez-Parra

Doug and I are now delegates to the Pre-Primary State Convention in Albuquerque that takes place on March 12, 2016 and we are excited. Thanks so much to Judy Pingel for the tasty food and all her hard work and preparation. Thanks to Douglas A. Kerr, Photography for the great photos.

This is all I have to say for now.