Iowa 2nd District Convention April 26, 2008

SECOND DISTRICT CONVENTION
April 26, 2008 at 9:00AM,
Mt Vernon High School, 525 Palisades Rd., Mount Vernon, IA 52314




Event organizers have asked convention goers to be aware of the following:


PARKING: "Due to the anticipated number attending the convention some will need to park in remote lots. While a shuttle bus is being provided carpooling is very strongly encouraged!"

SILENT AUCTION: "This event adds fun and revenue to the convention. Please communicate to convention goers in your county to encourage folks to bring items Saturday morning. Political memorabilia such as campaign items, books, posters, buttons, pins are great. Home baked goods, gift certificates, handicrafts or anything of value is welcome. If you have questions about an item you wish to donate please contact Jerry Stewart : http://us.f365.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=iowastu@aol.com or Lisa Schreihart : http://us.f365.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=iowalisa@juno.com. Recognition of donors and their home county will be made at the auction."

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If you would like to carpool, here are delegates, alternates and committee persons for district convention:

Ainsworth: Wes Madsen; Brighton: Louise and Harold Frakes; Crawfordsville: Jennifer Miller; Kalona: Robert Barrick, Antonio Rios; Riverside: Carolyn Hudson, Paul LaPorte, Robert Spenner; Washington:Bonnie Bannister, Larry Bartlett, Tasha Beghtol, Carl Berst, Janet Caldwell, Barret Gady, Erin Hepner-Elgin,Jerry Partridge, Brent Pfeiffer, Jay Santana, Tamra Schrock, Fred Stark, John Stellmach, Kathleen Wiley; Wellman: Jennifer Beresford, Robert Grigsby, Steve Maxon and Doris Park, Dianne and Matt Schaeffer, David Smithers.

April 1, 2008 Minutes

April Meeting of the Washington County Democratic Party

The Washington County Democratic Party met in the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Chairperson Sandra Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm with 38 people present.

John Greener introduced guest Larry Marek, who is running for the Iowa House of Representatives. Larry told about the busy schedule he has been keeping, with nearly some meeting every day. He also talked about what is coming up in terms of training sessions and groups he is scheduled to meet with. He asked for help with door knocking, meeting more people, finding places to put signs, and finding people to host coffee’s for him. He is also planning to attend the various parades this summer.

Next, John introduced the various candidates running for County Supervisor. They were Terry Philips for District 2, Mike Niffenegger for District 2, Mike Roe for District 5, Bob Goodrich for District 1, Steve Jensen for District 3, and Regina Utz for District 2. The candidates told about their background and what they see as important for the supervisors to do. Louise Frakes passed around a diagram showing what all the supervisors are involved with.

Sandra Johnson went into some detail about where signs can be placed. She said signs can go up anytime. She also said candidates needed to file forms DR1 and DR2 with the state.

Dave Schweitzer, candidate for Sheriff, was introduced. He talked about his background, why he feels he is qualified for the position, what he thinks some of the problems in law enforcement are, and how he would like to work to help solve them. He asked for our support. He can be contacted at zlcmowers@gmail.com.

Mike Phenicie spoke about why he is supporting Hillary, but stressed that whoever gets the nomination, we all have to work together to get that person elected.

Convention minutes were passed around. John Greener moved that they be accepted. Mike Phenicie seconded. Motion passed

Louise Frakes, secretary, read the March minutes. Terry Philips moved to accept them. Jay Santana seconded. Motion passed.

Kay Ciha, treasurer, gave the treasury report. She said we had $600 in new memberships, $225 from the Convention breakfast, and $30 in t-shirt sales. Expenses were $75 for the renting of the Mennonite Church for the Convention, $175 for the mailing permit, $66.02 for Convention ads, and $19.60 for postcards. Our new balance is $2015.90. The report will be filed for audit.

Under the Membership Report, Kay reported that we now have 85 households.

David Smithers reported on 2nd District. He said their website is www.idp2nd.org

Sandra appointed the following people to fill the District Convention committees: Rules Committee: Wes Madsen; Credentials Committee: David Smithers; Arrangements: Jay Santana; Platform: John Stellmach; 2nd District Central Committee: David Smithers, Jay Santana, and John Stellmach.

Terry Philips reported on the Veterans Caucus. He told about the Riverside soldier whose death the army is reporting as a suicide. The family has asked Representative Dave Loebsack to look into it. He also said 20 – 25 % of all homeless people are Vets. He asked if our Vets position has been incorporated into our Constitution and By Laws.

Under Old Business, Sandra thanked Ione and everyone who helped with the County Convention.

Under New Business, Sandra announced that the 2nd District Convention will be Saturday, April 26th, at the Mt. Vernon High School beginning at 9:00 am. She asked that people please car pool to the convention. She reported that 75% of the National Delegates will be selected at the District Conventions. The remaining 25% will be selected at the State Convention.

Other dates of importance are Primary Election on June 3rd; State Convention on June 14th; National Convention in Denver on August 25th – 28th.

Larry Marek asked about a shared office for himself with the County party. It was reported that the Chamber will be moving to their new office in about 40 days and that would be a great location for us. Jay Santana was appointed to look into that. Terry Philips moved that Jay be authorized to secure a lease on the former Obama office at $300 and to negotiate the best deal he could on utilities. Motion passed.

The next meeting will be May 6th at 7:00 pm in the Day Lounge.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Louise Frakes, secretary

Washington County Convention 2008

Washington County Convention
March 15, 2008

The Washington County Democratic Convention was held Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Mennonite Church in Washington, Iowa. A breakfast of egg casserole, biscuits and gravy, rolls, juice and coffee was served for a free will offering.

Chair Sandra Johnson called the Convention to order at 9:07 am with 101 people present. Richard Gilmore moved to make the delegates, as certified by the County Chair to the County Auditor, the temporary delegates to the convention." Terry Philips seconded. Motion passed.

Veterans were asked to stand and be recognized. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.

Candidates for various Democratic positions were introduced. Larry Marek, candidate for the House of Representatives, told of his background and his priorities for the legislature if he is elected. He asked for everyone’s support.

Bob Goodrich, candidate for County Supervisor in District one, was introduced to the group. Bob told of his background and his concerns for the County.

Regina Utz, candidate for County Supervisor in District two, said that she has brochures and a website (www.utz4supervisor.com) where people could learn more about her.

Terry Philips, candidate for County Supervisor in District two, told of his background. He said his slogan is “Responsive government at a reasonable cost.” Terry also said that there are eight elected positions at the county level and only one is held by a Democrat. He encouraged everyone to help get more Democrats elected.

Rodney Stogdill, candidate for County Supervisor in district three, was not present. We do not have candidates for district four or five at this time. Other elected positions that are open are the sheriff and the auditor.

Richard Gilmore moved that Sandra Johnson become the permanent chair for the convention. Seconded by Fred Stark. Motion passed. Fred Stark moved that Louise Frakes be permanent secretary for the convention. Seconded by Regina Utz. Motion passed.

Sandra announced that the District Convention will be held on April 26th at Mt. Vernon High School. We get 16 delegates for that convention which will be elected today. Those delegates will also go to State Convention which is June 14th.

Terry Philips spoke on behalf of the Iowa Veterans Caucus. He sated that their goals were to get national candidates to pay attention to veteran issues and to get legislation passed to help veterans.

Senator Becky Schmidt stopped by to greet the convention on her way to the Legislative Briefing. She told of how much the legislature was able to accomplish because of the Democratic majority and Democratic Governor. She took a few questions from the floor before hurrying to her next meeting.

Kay Ciha read a letter from Congressman Dave Loebsack. Dave thanked everyone for helping to get him elected and asked for our support for re-election.

At 10:05 am Linda Boston gave the report of the credential committee. She reported that there were 50 delegates seated and we needed 65. Twenty-seven of the Obama delegates were present. They needed to select 3 alternates to become delegates. Clinton has 14 delegates present. They needed to select 6 more. Edwards had seven delegates present. They needed to select six more. Richardson had two delegates.

Jerry Partridge moved that we break into preference groups to elect the alternates to fill the delegate positions. Wendy Heck seconded. Motion passed and the group broke into preference groups.

After the alternates were selected and realignment was done, Obama had 40 delegates and could elect ten to District; Clinton had 25 delegates and could elect 6 to District.

The Obama delegates for District Convention are Larry Bartlett, Diane Schaeffer, Louise Frakes, Barrett Gady, Brent Pfeiffer, Tarin Allen, Jay Santana, John Stellmach, Wes Madsen, and Jennifer Beresford. Obama alternates are Paul La Porte, Fred Stark, Tasha Beghtol, Bob Barrick, Robert Spenner, Jerry Partridge, David Smithers, Doris Park, Matt Schaeffer, Steve Maxon and Bob Grigsby.

The Clinton delegates for District Convention are Harold Frakes, Carl Berst, Tony Rios, Bonnie Banister, Tamara Schrock, and Janet Caldwell. Clinton alternates are Kathy Wiley, Carolyn Hudson, Erin Heppner, and Jennifer Miller.

Fred Stark moved that we ratify these delegates and alternates. Terry Philips seconded. Motion passed.

Harold Frakes moved that we suspend the rules to allow everyone in the room to vote on the platform. Terry Philips seconded. Motion passed.

Fred Stark moved that we accept the Platform as written. Seconded by Bob Goodrich. David Smithers added a friendly amendment to allow other planks from the floor. Motion passed.

Harold Frakes presented two planks from the floor. The first one was about adding something about medical research. Jerry Partridge moved to accept this plank. Bob Spenner seconded. Motion passed. The second one was to add pharmaceutical companies to p. 6 of the Platform. Robin Plattenberger moved we adopt that change. John Stellmach seconded. Motion passed.
Fred Stark moved to accept the Platform with these changes and amendments. Terry Philips seconded. Motion passed.

Sandra asked for volunteers for the Affirmative Action committee. Brent Pfeiffer, Anthony Rios, and David Smithers volunteered to serve. Paul La Porte moved we have them serve as a committee of three and that they elect their own chair. Bob Goodrich seconded. Motion passed.

Harold Frakes moved that we accept the following people to serve on Central Committee. Robin Plattenberger seconded. Motion passed. Central Committee will consist of the following:
Ainsworth: Mike Mitchel and Randy Wehr
Brighton: Harold Frakes and JoAnn Zager
English River: Kay Ciha and Terry Philips
Kalona: Kristi Sabaski and Tony Rios
Riverside: Bob Spenner and Carol Butler
Ward 1: John Greener, Jim Gorham, and Carol Ray
Ward 2: Brett Pfeiffer
Ward 3: Sandra Johnson, Jay Santana, and Bonnie Bannister
Ward 4: Tasha Beghtol and Richard Gilmore
Wellman: Tarin Allen and Steve Maxon

Harold Frakes presented the highlights of the Washington County Democratic Constitution. He then moved to ratify the constitution. Mike Phenicik seconded. Motion passed. Sandra Johnson moved to amend the constitution to add a Veteran position. Rationale: The state party has asked each county to have a veteran committee. Terry Philips seconded. Motion passed.

Harold Frakes explained the by –laws and moved that we adopt them. Terry Philips seconded. Motion passed.

John Stellmach was selected to the District Platform Committee. Jay Santana was selected as the alternate.

Sandra Johnson acknowledge the kitchen committee and said that a note of appreciation would be sent to Ione Burham and JoAnn Zager for all their hard work and delicious food.

It was announced that the next monthly meeting would be April 1st at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House at 7:00 pm

The Convention adjourned at 12:27 noon.

Respectfully submitted,
Louise Frakes, secretary

March 4, 2008 Minutes

Democratic Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, March 4, 2008

The Washington County Democrats met Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Morrison Center in Halcyon House with 22 people present. Sandra Johnson, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.

John Greener, immediate past chair, introduced Larry Marek who is our State Representative candidate. Larry told about himself, his community involvement, and his priorities if he is elected. His top priority is education. He is also interested in developing good paying jobs, agriculture, and healthy small communities. He reported that 3 weeks ago he had held a fund raising event at which Senator Tom Harkin was a guest. About 40 people had attended. He has also attended a 2-day strategy meeting in Des Moines which he found interesting and helpful. He said he needs help with door knocking and asked if people would be interested in holding events for him to meet people. Please let him know if you are willing to host something for him.

Next, John introduced Terry Philips who is running for County Supervisor in District 2. Terry reported on some of the issues facing the County Supervisors. One of their top issues is going to be dealing with the roads as they are in very bad shape due to the weather we have had this winter. They are also working on a comprehensive plan that would involve zoning for the county.

Then John introduced Rodney Stogdill who is running for Supervisor in District 3. Rodney stated that his top priority is fiscal responsibility.

John announced that word had just been received that Washington has been selected as a “Main Street Community”.

Sandra reported that her mother is now in hospice care and that is taking a lot of Sandra’s time, energy, and attention.

Secretary Louise Frakes read the minutes of the February meeting because they had not been posted to the blog. The minutes were approved as read.

Treasurer, Kay Ciha, gave the treasurers report. She had written a check for $111.20 to the Washington Evening Journal for the “Call to Caucus” ad, leaving us a balance of $1524.75. The financial report will be filed for audit.

Kay reported that we have 76 households of paid memberships, 14 of which have paid 2008 dues. The others are carry-overs from 2007. We will set up a place at the County Convention for people to pay this year’s dues. Hopefully, that will bring more people on board.

Terry Philips reported on the Veterans Caucus. They are hoping to host a National Convention at the Riverside Resort in August. One of their main goals is to get every county to have a director of Veterans Affairs and to secure more Federal money for Iowa vets. Their next meeting is March 22 in Cedar Rapids. Contact Terry is you would like more information about that meeting.

Under Old Business, John Greener moved and Tom Antosiak seconded that we renew the bulk mailing permit for $175 and make it available for candidates to use, but they would have to do their own work and pay whatever postage for they use. The motion passed.

Under New Business, Sandra announced that the Convention Call has been mailed. She has rented the Washington Mennonite Church for $75.00 for the Convention Hall on Saturday, March 15. Those willing to help with set up need to be there by 7:30 a.m. Registration and the breakfast will be from 8:00 – 9:00. The Convention will be called to order at 9:00 a.m. The proposed ad will be a 4 ½ x 3 inches at a cost of $41.70 and will run on Monday, March 10th. Louise Frakes will send information on the County Convention to the local papers for their announcement sections and Kay Ciha will contact KCII.

John Greener suggested that Precinct Chairs personally contact delegates and alternates and encourage them to attend the convention.

Terry Philips moves and Tony Rios seconded that the Rules Committee for the Convention consist of Richard Gilmore, Sandra Johnson, Kay Ciha, Everett Burham, John Greener, and Fred Stark. Motion passed.

Sandra appointed Tom Antosiak and Tony Rios to the Credentials Committee.

Richard Gilmore moved and Robin Plattenberger seconded that the Platform Committee consist of Harold Frakes, chair, Steve Maxon, vice-char, Doris Park, Kevin Caldwell, Laurie Wittmayer-O’Neill, and Ed Butler. Motion passed.

The Arrangements committee will be Sandra Johnson, JoAnn Zager, and Ione Burham.

The District Convention will be April 26th at Mt. Vernon High School. Packet from the State Democratic party should arrive soon to let us know how many people we can elect to the District Convention.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Our next meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on April 1st in the Day Lounge at Halcyon House, 1015 South Iowa Ave.

Respectfully submitted,
Louise Frakes, secretary