LWV TODAY, JANUARY 2012: Newsletter of League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri

League to present community forum on E-verify ballot issue

The League is joining with the Springfield-Greene County Civility Project to present a community forum on the pros and cons of the proposed E-verify ordinance that will appear on Springfield’s Feb. 7 ballot

“A Civil Discussion on E-Verify” will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the Central High School auditorium, 423 E. Central St.

League members who are serving on the planning committee are Gail Melgren, chair, Allison Cash, Dianne Davidson, Elizabeth Fahey, Joye Norris.

Recent polling indicated 40 percent of voters are undecided on the issue, as of mid-January. The League hopes to inform voters through the forum and through nonpartisan information posted on this website.

Read details of the program elsewhere on the website.

In Memory: Shirley Langford

League member Shirley Langford is being remembered for her many contributions to League studies, voter registration and the board of directors. Shirley died Jan. 10, 2012 from complications of multiple myeloma, a disease she had battled since 2005.

A Louisiana native, Shirley spent an interesting life as a teacher, wife and mother in California, Oregon, Alaska, Marshall Islands and Missouri. She is survived by her husband, Leo, of Nixa, and son Charles.

After earning a degree in education from the University of Oregon, Shirley moved with Leo to Alaska where they taught Athabaskan, Aleuts and Eskimo students.

In 1975, Shirley participated in the World Conference of International Women in Mexico City, organized by the United Nations in conjunction with work being done on the Equal Rights Amendment. Alongside women leaders from around the world, Shirley helped write a set of objectives to promote women’s rights worldwide.

Shirley and her family moved from Alaska to the Marshall Islands, located in the South Pacific, about half way between Hawaii and Japan. In 1985, they moved to California and for the next 18 years, Shirley worked in San Diego County schools as director of the Regional Occupational Program, a job-training program for high school students and adults. She was twice recognized as “Teacher of the Year.”

Her teaching career ended abruptly in 2005 when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Shirley and Leo moved from their retirement home at Lake of the Ozarks to Nixa, to be closer to medical care.

Two years ago, Shirley told LWV Today, “Coming to Nixa has brought such joy and fun to our lives. We have met the most awesome and interesting people (including those in) the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri.” She expressed her desire to “devote my time and whatever expertise I have to making Southwest Missouri a better place in which to live.”

Donations in Shirley’s honor may be made to the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri, PO Box 3036, Springfield MO 65808-3036. Condolences may be sent to Leo Langford, 710 N Milton Dr., Nixa, MO 65714-8451

January unit meetings focus on program planning

At unit meetings this month, League members shared their ideas for studies and program topics at the national and local levels for 2012-13. President Allison Cash led the discussion at both the Monday and Tuesday units. Suggestions for study will be sent to the board which will decide whether or not to recommend them to the whole membership at Annual Meeting in May. Members will vote on them at that time.

Past president Cindy Stephens, who serves on the state League board of directors, presented information on the national study on privatization of government services. Cindy will report back to the local board the level of interest expressed by members, then the board will determine whether to pursue the study in our local League.

Legislators participate in Dec. 7 Town Hall meeting sponsored by League and PTA

A full house of parents, teachers and League members greeted area legislators Dec. 7 at a town hall meeting co-sponsored by the League and the Missouri PTA. State representatives Sara Lampe and Bob Dixon shared their concerns about education funding in Missouri. The offices of Sen. Claire McCaskill and Sen. Roy Blunt sent staff members to answer questions posed by the two sponsoring groups. League members also were there with a voter registration table. League member Lisa Langley, who is also a PTA member, was instrumental in organizing the program. Springfield resident Donna Petiford is the state PTA president this year.

Members gather for holiday cheer

The League’s holiday party on Dec. 10 at the home of Maggie Castrey was fun for everyone: time to renew old friendships, talk about the latest political headlines, share good food and maybe a glass of wine.

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