Washington County Democrats
August Meeting, 2008
The Washington County Democratic Party met in the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, August 12, 2008. Chairperson Sandra Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm with twenty-eight individuals present.
Vice Chair Richard Gilmore introduced Clint Britt for the Loebsack campaign. Clint asked for volunteers to help that campaign.
Dave Schweitzer thanked Harold and Louise for the ice cream social. He also said he had helped at the Larry Marek work night, that Brett Pfeiffer is his campaign manager, and that he will be attending the Brighton wiener roast on September 28th.
Larry Marek also thanked the Frakes for the ice cream social and all those who had come to his work night the night before. He said he has signs at the Democratic office that volunteers may pick up and place around the county. He will be attending the Lone Tree Parade August 16. Lastly, he updated us on the Wind Farm that is starting to happen in Washington County.
Ferd Marie moved to approve the minutes of the July meeting as amended. Seconded by Terry Philips. Motion passed.
Tamara Schrock gave the web site report. That committee has met three times. The committee consists of Jay Santana, Harold Frakes, Ceanne Alvine, Kay Ciha and herself. She talked a little about what the website will contain and said they hope to have it up and running soon.
Kay Ciha gave the financial report. As of tonight we have $1209.81. She also reported that the Obama campaign has made a commitment to help us with expenses. She reported that the follow amounts of money had been raised at the Ice Cream Social: $775 for Loebsack; $175 for Larry Marek; $250 for Dave Schweitzer; $65 for the County Party and $100 in cash. She asked how we wanted to divide the cash raised at the ice cream social. Harold Frakes moved to divide the cash between the two Supervisor candidates who attended. Thus, Bob Goodrich and Merle Hagie would each receive $50. Dave Schweitzer seconded and the motion passed. Kay will write checks to Bob and Merle.
Sandra Johnson reported that she will check to see where the Second District will be holding their meeting as there had been some talk of holding it in our office. None of our representations to Second District had been notified of the meeting.
Terry Philips reported on the Veterans Affairs Caucus. He said McCain has voted against veterans 42 times. He also reminded the group that Sue Rich is the director of veteran affairs for Washington County.
Kay Ciha reported that we now have 71 paid households. We need to continue to work to get paid members.
Under old business, Chair Sandra Johnson tabled the discussion on unpaid precinct chairs.
The wiener roast at Ferd Marie’s was scheduled for September 14th. Everyone is to bring food to share.
The County Pork Loin Fund Raiser Dinner was set for October 12th. Ione will be in charge. We will sell 200 tickets for $10 each. Suggested keynote speakers: Tom Vilsack, Tom Harkin, Pat Murphy, Michelle Obama, and Chet Culver. Louise Frakes reported that she has filled out paper work at the United Methodist Church and the 4-H building to temporarily hold for us. The church is to let us know Thursday night if we can use their facility.
Sandra also reported that a second Precinct chair has been added to Ward 2. The new co-chair is Brett Evanovich.
Next Sandra reported on the Special Convention which was held August 9th. Six delegates attended and nominated Merle Hagie as our Supervisor candidate for District 4. Sandra moved that Steve’s letter to the auditor and the State code dealing with filling vacancies be added to the minutes of that convention. Ferd Marie seconded and motion passed.
Sandra thanked all those who had worked at the County Fair Booth. She suggested we do fake “ta-toos” next year.
John Stellmach reported that 7 or 8 people attended the meeting to help form the Democratic Platform. Louise Frakes read a note from Jay Santana that two of the Washington County Platform planks have been selected for the National Platform.
Under new business, Chair Sandra Johnson asked Clint Britt to take information to Representative Loebsack that small farmers of less than 10 acres will not receive CRP payments this year because of changes in the new Farm Bill. She is requesting Representative Loebsack to help correct this injustice.
Sandra reminded everyone that the National Convention is August 25 – 28. The party would like to see house parties in very precinct on August 28th. A note from Jay Santana also said that the office will be open that night for those who would like to watch the convention there.
Everett Burham addressed the group about his concern that so few people attend the monthly meeting. He said he sets out 50 chairs each month and we need to work to fill them.
Chris Street reported that the Harkin Steak Fry is September 14th so we need to move Ferd’s wiener roast. It was decided to move the wiener roast to September 21st.
Louise Frakes read a letter from Jay Santana. He had a plea for volunteers at the party office. Please let him know if you can help. Also, he said the office is in need of the following items: paper towels, toilet tissue, some munchies, beverages, and more paper for our printers. He reminded people that we can still order polo shirts and t-shirts. He reported that as of August 1st, he is the State Director of the LGBT vote and the Organizer for Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, and Muscatine Counties in SE Iowa. He will need help making phone calls, knocking doors, writing letters, etc. Please let him know how you can help.
Jay’s letter also reported on the Rural Policy Round Table that was held at the library in Washington. Mike Dunn facilitated the discussion and people from five counties came. It was a good event. Mr. Dunn will be taking our concerns to the National level.
Jay’s letter also reported that it has been officially announced that Senator Obama will be making a trip to Iowa during his “First 100 Days in Office” when he is elected President.
Meeting adjourned at 8:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Louise Frakes
