Riverside's League of Women Voters 58th Annual Meeting

League members gathered at the Cask n' Cleaver Restaurant on University Ave to celebrate the end of another League year and make plans for the up-coming year.

Barbara Purvis, Treasurer and Membership Chair, reported on our League's finances and membership.  It was agreed that membership dues should be raised to $60.00 per individual membership. 

The League of Women Voters remains an influential and dynamic organization, thanks in large part to the State and National Leagues' willingness to adapt to changing times.  But, staying in the game costs money, and our local dues owed to the State and National offices leave very little left to support our local League.  So, regrettably we voted to raise our membership fee.  The cost of a household membership will remain $82.50.

Minutes from the 2010 Annual Meeting and a budget for 2011-2012 were accepted.  Nominating Committee Chair, Judith Auth, presented the slate for new officers. Our 2011-2012 Board Members are:

Officers:

President                            Joan Donahue  

First Vice President            Helen Norman

Second Vice President       Jo Turner

Secretary                           Joanne Pease-Simpson

Treasurer                           Barbara Purvis

Directors:

Chani Beeman

Melva Cooke

Sherri Gomez

Katie Greene

Harry Hood

June O’Connor

Sheila Riley

Nominating Committee:

Judith Auth (Chair)

Virginia Field

Ann Kasper

Joan Donahue gave the President's Report.  She thanked the 2010-2011 Board Members and Directors for their efforts and highlighted several of the League's activities in the past year.  She also reported on the recent State League Convention in Ventura and the 2011-2013 Program that was accepted by the delegates.

Dr Monty Van Wart, Interim Dean of Business and Public Administration spoke to attendees on "The Critical Role of the Highly Informed, Non-ideological Public in Policy Formation and Administrative Functioning."  League members were very impressed with his remarks and Dr Van Wart agreed to let us publish it here.  There was a lively discussion following his speech, as League's dedication to observing government and influencing public policy is one of our key objectives.

As for next year, our League will continue to observe government, ask the critical questions and hold our elected official accountable for their decisions.