Tuesday, May 11th, 2010
Minutes of the May Meeting
The Washington County Democrats met in the Game Room at the Halcyon House on Tuesday, May 11th, 2010, with 20 individuals present. The Chair, Louise Frakes, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing You’re a Grand Old Flag.
Minutes of the last meeting held on April 13, 2010 were available in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog and sent to all of those with e-mail addresses. It was noted that the minutes of the April meeting were revised in the exec review process and to make the minute preparation process easier, that if changes are suggested that such changes be made in each respective paragraph. Louise Frakes made a request for changes or additions. Those included a number of wording changes, attendance correction and the correct spelling of names. Motion was made by Harold Frakes and seconded that the final minutes be worked out between Louise and Pete, and those minutes be used. The April minutes were revised to those specifications and used.
Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report for April, and written copies were provided to the group, said report reflected a balance of $3,904.44, as of May 11, the report was approved and will be filed for audit.
Barb Edmondson was asked to speak on her candidacy for County Attorney. She stated that she had been very busy, but was planning on getting out and speaking to groups, with greater focus on campaigning.
The Chairperson asked Shayna Kurland to speak on behalf of Becky Schmitz, and she indicated, that the fundraiser planned for May 12, 2010 between 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the 4H building at the Fairgrounds in Washington was tomorrow night. The featured speaker would be Christie Vilsack.
The Chairperson, then asked Rodney Stogdill, supervisor candidate, to speak. Rodney will be contacting KCII and talking with Washington County groups.
The Chairperson, then asked Linda Brown, supervisor candidate, to speak. Linda indicated that she would be working on campaign matters and meeting with people and groups.
Tom Antosiak has been elected to fill Terry Philips former position on the county level. Tom mentioned that he had visited with the VA Hospital in Iowa City and found that there was a great need for magazines for the waiting room areas. Magazines could be dropped off at his residence at 416 E. Main in Washington.
The Chair noted that she felt that the retreat had been successful and that the issues covered were helpful, focusing on the coordinated campaign effort and the virtual phone bank.
The Chair also noted that a small group met with Alison R. Hart, a representative from Senator Harkin’s office. It was noted that a short synopsis was provided on the blog.
Harold Frakes passed out a handout, which outlined the various parades this summer. He said the details were being formulated. The first one coming up was the Washington Ridiculous Day parade and Pete indicated that he would help with that one as he lived in Washington and Barb Edmondson also said she would help. Bob Spenner said he would bring the trailer for the float. Bob would pick up the decorations from Becky’s Fund Raiser. Those able to ride the float and to help set it up should watch their email to discover where and when to meet. Further, Harold said that the Frakes’ would be in Colorado so it will be up to the rest to see that we have a good showing at this parade.
Old Business:
The Chair moved on to old business. The Chair clarified who actually attended the 2nd District event and who substituted for whom. The question was asked about individuals pre-paying the attendance fee and the duplicate payment by the group and Kay indicated that the extra payment would simply be a contribution to the Loebsack campaign.
The Chairperson called for other old business and finding none moved to new business.
New Business:
The Chair noted that the Grassley retirement party would be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 between 2-4 p.m. at the John Greener residence. An invitation would be sent to everyone.
Details of the Becky Schmitz fundraiser were outlined and decorations and food issues were covered.
Campaign HQ office options were discussed and motion was made, seconded and approved to allow Louise and Kay the authority to decide on the best location.
The Chair called for any other new business and finding none, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Members were invited to stay and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned.
Next meeting will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter G. Morrison, Secretary
