Kids Love the Donkey

The Big Hit of the Fair was the Donkey! Bob Spenner helps kids up on the mascot. He must be an old hand at that.

Kids could not get enough of the donkey.

Democratic Donkey is Huge Hit at Parades and Fair

The new Washington County Democrats mascot, used in most of this summers parades and at the Washington County Fair, is a big hit with the kids. Along with the award winning Donkey, the county Democrats received well earned recognition and even a bit of prize money.

The donkey was the work of Steve Maxon and Doris Park, of Max-Cast in Kalona, Iowa. Steve and Doris are loyal members of the Washington County Democrats.

Washington County Fair - 2010

The Washington County Democrats again this year, provided a booth at the Washington County Fair. Volunteers offered literature, candy, handouts and the new hit this year, our own “Democrats Rock” donkey. Members examining the donkey decided its (her) name shouldbe “Gloria”.

The Donkey was a major hit with the kids and adults, attending the fair booths this year. Member, Ferd Marie, looked on as some of the kids attending the Fair jumped up on the Donkey.

Our own State Senator Becky Schmitz and our Representative Larry Marek, both attended the Fair and greeted attendees and had their picture taken with the Donkey.

Our Democratic booth at times was so crowded with kids waiting for their turn to rid on the donkey that Fair attendees could barely get by the crowd.

Patty Judge, Lt. Governor of Iowa visited the Fair and of course had an opportunity to see the fair mascot in person.

Washington County Democrats - July Meeting

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

July Minutes

Minutes of July Meeting

The Washington County Democrats met at the new headquarters office on Tuesday, July 13th, 2010, with 19 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 the Star Spangled Banner.

Minutes of the last meeting held on June 8, 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. Dave Ciha made the motion, 2^nd by Doris Parks that the minutes be approved and the minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report for July, and written copies were provided to the group, Bills for headquarters rent, IDP delegate fees, internet & phone service, parade candy, fair booth rent, and miscellaneous supplies were approved leaving a balance of $2,286.52, as of July 13, 2010, the report was approved and will be filed for audit.

Candidate’s reports and comments were moved to later in the meeting.

Events chair, Harold Frakes, reported on the parades this past month and indicated that the parades went well. He especially wanted to congratulate Steve and Doris for the outstanding job on the donkey.

No other committee reports at that time.

Old Business:

The Chair stated that all of the Washington County democrats were in attendance at the state convention. She said that many counties had only a very few delegates attend.

It was noted that the Washington County delegates held their open house for the new office and that the event was well attended and everyone had an enjoyable time.

New Business:

The Chair passed around a sign up sheet for the fair booth. The Chair asked for clarification on who would set up the fair booth and was assured that Sandy Johnson and Terry Philips would coordinate the set up on the 18^th in the afternoon and would be working with the Roe’s. Anyone wanting to help with setting up the Fair Booth should go tot he Fair grounds Exhibit Hall on Sunday about 1:00 pm.

The question of the headquarters office hours was brought up, and after a short discussion, motion was made by Harold Frakes and 2nd by Bob Spenner, that the office be open as follows, from July 24 through September 23, 2010: The office would be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Also, the office would be open on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. A sign up sheet for July 24-29 was passed around and a subsequent system will be developed and posted at the office for people to volunteer their time in the future.

The Chair indicated that we should try to find a candidate for District 5 and possible names were talked about. The Chair indicated that she should have a name not later than August 1, 2010 if we are going to have a candidate for that district.

The Chair noted that reports indicated that the Republicans had cut the registered lead by the Democrats by 50,000 individuals and that the Democrats needed to work to continue to hold majorities in both the Iowa House and Senate.

Harold Frakes made a motion and 2^nd by Margaret Marie that the Washington County Democrats give the Roxanne Conlin campaign $266.00? Toward a fundraiser, and upon the discussion and Vote, the motion failed.

The Chair called for any other new business and finding none, the meeting moved to candidates comments.

Barb Edmondson just arrived and made a few comments about the on going status of her re-election campaign.

Lauren Brainerd talked to the group about the legal issues of campaigning. She volunteered to train people to canvas for the Coordinated Campaign. Margaret Marie moved that we have that training on Saturday, July 24th from 9:30 am to 10:00 am and then canvas from 10:00 – 1:00 pm. Doris Park seconded. Motion passed. That is also the first Saturday that the office will be open from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Becky Schmitz talked briefly about her campaign and asked if she could interest a group in door knocking from 9:30 a.m. until noon on Saturday, August 7, 2010.It was agreed that we would help find people to door knock. Becky noted that the mayor of Fairfield is holding a fundraising event for her on August 17th, that the Pony Farm will host something in September, and that she will plan to attend our Fundraiser dinner in October.

Terry Philips reported on Larry Marek’s golf tournament fundraiser. Terry also, talked briefly about the Veterans Caucus and working with political procedures.

Finding no further new business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

Members were invited to stay and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned. Linda Brown and Merle Davis provided refreshments.

Next meeting will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the headquarters office.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter G. Morrison, Secretary