Democratic Club holds November meeting
The Bandera County Democratic Club met Saturday, November 13, beginning with a pot luck and social hour for members and guests.
Guest speaker Robert Brischetto’s presentation explored “Political and Racial Polarization in Texas (1968-2018).”
Brischetto, editor of recently published “Mexican American Civil Rights In Texas,” introduced his book and summarized its various topics which have impacted Mexican American civil rights in Texas, including demographic trends over the past half century, failed immigration policy, partisan redistricting tactics and voter suppression efforts.
According to Brischetto, the effects of racial and political polarization has resulted in an underrepresented Mexican American population with regards to local and state policymaking.
“Projected Texas population by race and ethnicity shows Latinos surpassing all other groups by 2030 and yet past and current data analysis demonstrates lagging Latino registered and active voters by 15-30 percent”, he stated.
Other topics discussed included inequalities in funding of public education in Texas and resultant court challenges, Texas farmworker efforts and the Chicano movement and housing and health inequalities among Mexican Americans.
Q&A commenced with Brischetto, focusing on partisan (Republican) redistricting and the challenges facing Texas Democrats in turning Texas Blue. Strategies were discussed.
The presentation was followed by a book sale and book signing.
President Eloise Clayton led the business meeting.
Club Veterans were recognized in honor of Veterans’ Day. County Chair thanked those poll workers who worked the recent election and she announced 2022 candidate filing dates of November 13 to December 13th, 2021.
The Democratic Headquarters Search Committee announced that a location has been secured with plans to open the HQ as early as the 2022 Primaries.
Donations were collected for the Helping Hands Christmas Giving. The Nominating Committee presented their slate of candidates for the 2022 Club Officers.
The next scheduled Club meeting will be Saturday, December 11, 2021. This will be the annual Club Holiday Party.
For information about joining the Bandera County Democratic Club, connect with them on Facebook or email bandemoclub@gmail.com.