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
