September Newsletter
SUMMER PICNIC DRAWS CANDIDATES & CROWD
Thanks to all who came out to Demonstrate Democracy! Special thanks to candidates (see more below) who came out.
Thanks also to The Raging Grannies and John Rybski for the great entertainment and 8th Congressional District Board Chair Julie Hancock and First Vice Chair Amy Trader for taking time out of their Sunday to come to Kewaunee County.
MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES
Judge Chris Taylor for WI Supreme Court Justice
The progressive candidate for Supreme Court Justice is Judge Chris Taylor. Judge Taylor was our keynote speaker at the annual picnic; the first time we have hosted a Supreme Court candidate since 2019. Currently, Judge Taylor sits on the Wisconsin State Court of Appeals and in her words “pretty much does the same thing as the Supreme Court, but a lot more of it.” Learn more about Judge Taylor at her website chrisforjustice.com
Two candidates have announced their intention to run for the US Representative 8th Congressional District: Rick Crosson and Mark Scheffler.
Crosson is a 20+ year US Army Lt. Colonel and Master Aviator who most recently served on the Green Bay School Board. Learn more about Rick at his Facebook page.
Scheffler is a retired business owner from the Fox Valley who wants corporate money out of politics. For more about Scheffler see his Facebook page.
The announced Democratic candidate for State Senate to oppose Andre Jacque is Sean Grorich. Sean is a military (USAF) Vet, retired medical professional and now, small business owner from Sturgeon Bay. His website is rich with details about Sean, his backstory and vision for Wisconsin’s 1st Senate District.
Crosson, Scheffler, Grorich (L-R)
SPEAKING OF DEMOCRACY: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH
Where: Vintage Brick 208 Ellis Street Kewaunee
Time: 6-8PM. Snacks provided. Cash Bar
Special Presentation: Last Spring we asked for volunteers to work on a response to the Immigration crisis. We are ready to share with you our effors thus far and our plans for what is being called the Coalition for Humanitarian Immigration. Joining us will be Elliott Magers from Voces de la Frontera, the leading activist group in Wisconsin, working for immigrant, worker and student rights. Elliott will share with us a portion of the Immigration Myths presentation developed and offered by Voces.
We Have A Website
Many thanks go out to Laura Krzysiak, Colleen O’Brien and Renee Paplham for their efforts to design and launch our new Kewauneedems.com website. The website will host a ton of informaiton including current and archival newsletters, Party calendar and links to partners and ‘movers and shakers’ in the progressive movement.
Additional thanks to web designer Andrew Krzysiak, son of members Laura and Gary Krzysiak, for lending his professional expertise to make this dream a reality.
CHECK IT OUT: kewauneedems.com
Have an interest in Public Service? Know of anyone who does?
If you are interested in knowing what is involved in running an office, be it school board, town board Supervisor, Constable or Governor, talk with Party Chairman Stan Johnson. If you know of someone who would be perfect (or very good) for an office, talk to Stan. If you know of someone who currently holds an office who needs to be replaced (besides Trump) talk to Stan. Stan can be reached at kcdpwi@gmail.com
Democrat 8th Congressional District forms Diversity Committee
One of the key priorities for Northeast Wisconsin and the 8th Congressional District Executive Board in 2025 is to find ways to engage underrepresented voices across our district and to make sure more voices are heard across Northeast Wisconsin. This effort is about whether black and brown residents, rural residents, immigrants, working families, young people, tribal members, LGBTQ+ neighbors, or anyone who feels overlooked—have a place at the table.
To make inroads on this priority the Executive Board of the 8th is establishing a new sub-committee that will help make this a reality. The 8th is taking applications from folks interested in serving on this committee with the following:
People from all walks of life across our district who want to help strengthen their communities.
Young voices eager to make a difference.
Folks available to meet once a month and to start by attending a mini-retreat (date to be determined).
Anyone willing to commit through the 2026 election cycle.
Do not need to be a member of the Democratic Party.
If you are interested please use this link to apply by SEPTEMBER 6TH. If you know of someone who may be interested please let them know.
Volunteer View—Keith Bancroft
As a new feature of our newsletter we will highlight one of our great volunteers each issue.
This month we are highlighting Keith Bancroft who has been our float maker and parade driver extraordinaire for the last 3 years.
While Keith is the first to tell you it takes many hands to pull this off each year, Keith is the glue who makes it all come together! Keith not only has built the float from a reclaimed hay wagon, he also leads the thematic process, sourcing and making signs, banners and this year, a facsimile of Lady Liberty! He then drives the float as far as Sister Bay for their Fall Festival, as well as to Egg Harbor, Luxemburg and Algoma for their various events. Here’s a little about Keith:
How did you get involved with the Party?
I was a IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) Union Member since 1970, retiring in 2009. I remember when Reagan fired the air traffic controllers in 1982 and the attacks by Walker and the Republican Party on union workers rights that continue to this day. I became more involved with the Democratic Party in Lynn Utesch’s 2016 Assembly campaign. With the help of many we built the first parade float. When Renee Paplham ran in the 2024 election, it was time to rebuild the hay wagon float and hit the road.
What’s the best part of what you do for the Party?
Being a part of like-minded, good people standing up, speaking up and showing up to make a positive difference in the direction of our country. And knowing that one party is challenging Trump to follow the constitution, the rule of law and stand up for moral and ethical behavior our in our government.
What’s been your proudest accomplishment in your life/career?
Travel with family and friends has provided the most rewarding experiences resulting in family and friends around the world. In 1969 I traveled to Vietnam for a 13-month tour of duty. In 1993 we hosted a foreign exchange student from Germany, and my sister-in-law hosted a student from Costa Rica. In 2018 my wife’s niece married a man from India. Those connections lead to trips to Germany, Europe, Costa Rica, India and a return to Vietnam. This past spring we traveled with my brother’s-in-law family to Scotland to find his roots.
Travel abroad renews my faith that most people in the world are good and want the same things we do. Sharing local food is always a good way to try and understand the different cultures and ways of life. For me it validates that diversity in everything; food, plants, animals, people and ideas are what makes us stronger. Everywhere we traveled we have found kindness and respect.
What’s your hope for the future?
That more people stand up, speak up and show up for our Democratic Republic so it survives today’s chaos and challenges and emerges as better country for all. My hope is that democracy continues to win over autocracy.
SPEAKING OF VOLUNTEERS
We are still hoping someone will step forward to be author of this newsletter working with the Chair and Secretary on a monthly basis. Familiarity with MS Word is essential as well as background in Communications, Copy writing or Journalism.
Office Hours: See the calendar on the home page for updates and closures.
Mondays 3-6PM Fridays 4-7PM
The office will be closed on Monday September 1st.
CONTACT US
Email: kcdpwi@gmail.com
Website: kewauneedems.com
Call: 920-241-3586