October 2025 Newsletter

Message from the Editor

United We Stand!

October 1, 2025 brought the beginning of another government shutdown with no clue about how long it will last or how it might be resolved. The day before brought the bizarre spectacle of 800 Generals and Admirals listening to the rantings of the Secretary of Defense and the ramblings of a President who doesn’t seem to know the basics of his responsibilities to the country.

So where does this leave us, the Democrats and Independents who did not vote for this disturbing administration? How can we break through the constant noise by using this shutdown to look at how we can build a future we want to live in? First and foremost, we must re-commit to the preeminence of our Constitution, the rule of law and due process. We cannot take these principles for granted. They are the ties that bind. Americans also value our alliances at home and abroad. We demand infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, safe food, water and air; and economic security (protection from inflation, a stable labor market and livable wages) that allow families, individuals and businesses to thrive. We expect to help our neighbors and receive assistance during disasters: fire, hurricanes, tornados, floods, draughts, attacks from adversaries or war.

A shutdown provides a clear view of what government does. Many of us will learn how much government employment adds to our local economies and the wellbeing of ourselves and our neighbors. So, now, the question is: how can we prepare the ground for what comes next? How can we be sure that the will of voters is respected? How can we make our voices heard? United We Stand!

Alice Wadsworth

Sept. 26 Harvest of Hope Fundraiser

The Sold-Out Harvest of Hope Community Dinner was held at Weston Bend State Park Bee Creek Shelter. Featured speakers Peter Coyne, PCDCC Chair, Ashley Aune, MO House Minority Leader, and Jess Piper, Blue Missouri Executive Director left the crowd fired up and optimistic about the future of Missouri politics. Jess Piper said that the last three events she has attended have been sold-out, an indication of the interest and enthusiasm of Democrats especially in rural counties. This is very good news. Congratulations to Kelly Cogan and team for a job well done!

Sept. 15 Platte County Democratic Central Committee Meeting

The PCDCC met at the Media-North Classroom at Park Hill High School. The meeting offered a first presentation by the Strategic Planning Subcommittee: Dorthi Blair, Kelly Cogan, Cindy Conser, Peter Coyne and Joe Schwarz followed by a discussion of what’s next. The Plan outlines an ambitious strategy for increasing Democratic representation in Platte County government, among State Senate and State Representative seats as well as in support of statewide and national Democratic candidates.

The plan envisions working with allied groups in support of initiative petitions, protecting the initiative process and toward reversing the legislators’ illegal mid-decade gerrymander of the 5^th Congressional District. It details plans for the Midterm Election of 2026, Team Building, Fundraising & Events, Communications and Election plans with the ultimate goals of turning Platte County and Missouri Blue in 2026 and nationally in 2030. It also includes goals of establishing a permanent Platte County Democratic Office with an Executive Director and the long-term goals of achieving recognition as a model county-level Democratic Central Committee and winning Charter Status for Platte County. Acceptance of the Plan will be voted on at the October 16 meeting. Kudos to the Strategic Planning Subcommittee for their thoughtful work and commitment to supporting Platte County and our democracy.

Sept. 16 Northland Democratic Club Meeting

The NDC held its annual Ice Cream Social at Happy Rock Park shelter on September 16. This year the fare included hot dogs and brats as well as ice cream and toppings. Guest appearances (as they appear in the photo) included Matt Levine, candidate for Missouri’s 6^th Congressional District; State Representative District 24, Emily Weber; State Representative District 38, Martin Jacobs; candidate for State Representative District 12, Tracy Steele; State Representative District 14 and Minority Leader of the Missouri House, Ashley Aune; State Representative District 18, Eric Woods, former Kansas City Councilman Dan Fowler; and Candidate for KCMO City Council 6^th District At-Large, Tiffany Moore.

Sept. 13 Clay County DCC Fundraiser

The CCDCC held their Night in Clay County fund raiser “Darkest before Dawn” on September 13 at the Ameristar Hotel. The speaker was Harry Dunn, former Capitol Police officer who bravely defended the Capitol on January 6^th, 2020.

Sept. 10 Redistricting Rally at the Capitol

On September 10, thousands of Missourians from across the state showed up in Jefferson City for a protest of the illegal mid-decade gerrymander without a census, passed in the special session of the legislature. The rally, organized by Indivisible of Kansas City was to fight Trump’s power grab and to protect Kansas City’s Congressional representation in Missouri’s 5^th District and defend our Democracy.
23 Photos & High Res Pictures – Getty Images https://share.google/8Lxu6NOMhxlrNshQe

Sept. 8 Platte County Democratic Women Meeting

The Platte County Democratic Women met at the Green Hills Library 8581 N. Green Hills Road on September 8. Guest speaker was Tracy Steele, candidate for Missouri’s 12^th District of the Missouri General Assembly https://steeleformissouri.com/. Following his presentation at the Club’s business meeting, the club voted to change its name from the Platte County Federated Women’s Democratic Club to the Platte County Democratic Women. The Club will continue to be affiliated with the National and Missouri Federated Women’s Clubs. The new name is meant to simplify the designation. Plans for the upcoming Advocacy Fair were discussed. The fair will provide opportunities to connect with local organizations and nonprofits who are working to help meet community needs. RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/834185//.