Tuesday, February 26, 2013

February 2013 Meeting


WASHINGTON COUNTY DEMOCRATS
Meeting, Feb. 13, 2013

The Washington County Democrats met Wednesday, February 13, 2012; in a second floor back meeting room of the Washington Public Library.

Chairman Peter Morrison called the meeting to order and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the January monthly meeting were declared ready to be filed for the record, with no corrections suggested.  Minutes were sent to everyone on the email list and posted to the blog.

Treasure Kay Ciha gave the treasurer’s report and distributed printed copies. Cash on hand on Jan. 9, 2013, was $1,415.10. There was $275.00 income from memberships. Expenses were $0.00 for the month. Cash on hand on Feb. 13, 2013, was $1,690.10. Kay reminded us that it is time for annual dues.

Chairperson, Pete Morrison, indicated that the Off-year Convention/Election would be held at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting in March.  The Constitution, by-laws and rules of the Iowa Democratic Party had been changed to bring all of the counties in line with the off-year election procedure at the 2012 Convention. Washington County was one of several counties that already had followed that procedure for some time.

Terry Phillips provided some information on the Veterans Caucus and committee actions this past month.

Old Business:

It was noted that the regular monthly meeting would be effectively held at the same time as the elections convention.

New Business:

The County Convention will be held at the same room and location on the Washington Public Library at 7:00 p.m., on March 13, 2013 on the 2nd floor.

Motion was made by Terry Phillips, and seconded, that we consider publishing the notice of the Off-year Convention, in addition to asking that the information be included in the free event calendar sections of the local newspapers and notice via email. He felt that this would give more people the opportunity to attend the meeting. It was suggested that Pete review the Iowa Constitution, by-laws and rules as amended and updated at the 2012 Iowa Convention to determine if there was a publication requirement.

Pete brought up the idea that we might have snacks at the meeting, and it was suggested that people bring something to offer if they wanted to.  It was the consensus of the group that this would work.

There was some discussion regarding the 2014 Elections and the positions of the legislative seats.  It was noted that Harkin had announced his intention not to run for re-election. Everything is very speculative at this point, and we are still very early in the process.  Harold Frakes indicated that he was planning on actively locating potential candidates for legislative and also local positions.   It was noted that we were also going to pursue finding potential candidates for local positions that would be up for re-election, including the County Attorney position.

Upcoming events were noted:  Legislative meeting at the Washington County Court House for February and March.  2nd District was trying to plan a meeting probably in March.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn, motion passed, and meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Pete Morrison, Acting Secretary & Chair