Washington County Democratic Convention
Saturday, March 8, 2014 Old Library
Lorraine Williams, temporary chair, opened the convention at 9:05 with everyone reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “God Bless America”. She appointed Louise Frakes to serve as temporary secretary. Terry Philips moved that Loraine be permanent chair of the convention and Louise be permanent secretary of the convention. Motion was seconded and passed.
Senator Rich Taylor spoke on behalf of Jack Hatch, Democratic candidate for Governor. He said Jack is “a good man — down to earth” who will “make a great governor.” People can look him up at www.jackhatch.com.
Kevin Kinney, candidate for Senate district 39, spoke about why he wants the nomination. He will face Richard Gilmore in the Democratic primary. Kevin is a resident of Johnson County.
Lorraine Williams read letters from Bruce Braley who is running for US Senate and from Dave Loebsack, who is running for re-election to the US House. It is important that we elect both of these men.
Robin Plattenberger spoke on behalf of Richard Gilmore, who is running for Iowa Senate district 39. Richard will face Kevin Kinney in the Democratic primary.
John Greener spoke on behalf of Barb Edmondson who is running for County Attorney. We all know the importance of getting Barb elected.
Sandy Johnson reported that 23 elected delegates were present. She moved that all present be seated at delegates with full voting rights. Motion passed.
Election of the 5 delegates for 2nd District and State Conventions was held. Sally Hart nominated Harold Frakes: John Greener nominated Louise Frakes; Steve Maxon nominated Doris Park; Harold Frakes nominated Lorraine Williams; Louise Frakes nominated Steve Maxon. These nominations were seconded and passed.
It was suggested that those who were interested volunteer as alternates as we can have as many alternates as we want. The following were elected as alternates:Terry Philips, Pete Morrison, Sara Williams, Lara Williams, John Greener Sandy Johnson, Ceanne Alvine, Bob Spenner, Fred Stark Mary Martin, Jim Gorham, Karen Gorham, Diane Schaeffer, Matt Schaeffer, Jackie Amigon and her son Henrica Sanchez.
The following were elected to 2nd District Committees: Fred Stark to Rules; Sandy Johnson to Credentials; Sarah Williams to Arrangements; and Steve Maxon to Platform.
Report of the Platform committee was given. The following new planks were amended:
MB1 — Sally Hart moved “Should the draft be reinstated, there shall be no deferments.” Passed.
S2 — Sally suggested to change adequately to increase.
It was moved and seconded that the Platform committee work out the details.
Jim Gorham complimented the Platform committee and Bob Spenner complimented Harold Frakes on the work he has done on the committee.
Lorraine Williams thanked Sandy for getting the room ready and Harold & Louise Frakes for their help and support.
Lorraine invited all to the Immigration party that will be held Sunday, March 16th at 5:00 pm at Dodici’s. She encouraged everyone to bring others with them.
For a Democratic headquarters Lorraine suggested the place on the square next to her coffee shop. She has offered the owners $500 a month, but has not heard back from them.
It was noted that there are 2 Supervisor Districts up for election: District 3 and 5. Ceanne Alvine spoke about her credentials for running for District 3. Ceanne is from north of Crawfordsville. She described herself as a “thoughtful, fair person”. Her background is in healthcare and she holds a MA degree in business. We need to find a candidate for District 5.
Lorraine spoke about “50/50 by 2020” and developing a “Nudge” group.
She also encouraged everyone to come to our next monthly meeting which will be Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00pm at the new library.
Meeting adjourned at 10:48. Jim Gorham commented, “this was one of the best County Conventions we’ve ever had.”
Respectively submitted,
Louise Frakes
