Washington County Democrat Minutes
The Washington County Democrats met at the Washington Public Library on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. Chairperson Lorraine Williams called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with 16 people present (Lorraine Williams, Louise Frakes, Dave and Kay Ciha, Richard Gilmore, Robin Plattenberger, Steve Maxon, John Greener, Shirley Pfeiffer, Ferd Marie, Sandy Johnson, Terry Philips, Ceanne Alvine, Jackie Amigon, Diane Schaeffer, and Jim Gorham.).
The meeting opened by reciting the Pledge of Alllegiance and the singing “America the Beautiful”.
Guests and Candidates were acknowledged: Darlene Olshansky (who is working with Kevin Kinny’s campaign); Kevin Kinny (candidate for Senate District 39) and Ceanne Alvine (candidate for Supervisor district 3).
Minutes of the last meeting were approved as sent out and posted on the blog. Louise Frakes was appointed as secretary in Mimi’s absence.
Treasurer’s report was passed out: memberships and donations totaled $884.00; bills: printer ink ($6360) and Washington Evening Journal ($40.25), leaving a balance of $2752.16 in general checking and $550 in the candidate fund). Louise Frakes moved that we pay these bills. Motion passed.
Lorraine spoke to the group about her expectations for Washington County Democrats:
Show up for meetings and forums
Keep the chair informed of things going on in the county
Participate in County activities; be accountable
Be passionate about Democratic values
Help get people elected
Embrace diversity
Recycle
Save on water
Support good wages
Have a strong local group — get people elected at the local level
Develop a strong local organization
We are going to turn this county “Blue” we need everyone’s help. Get the vote out; say your piece; don’t be afraid to speak up
Candidate Development:
Ceanne Alvine gave her credentials and spoke about what she has been doing: going over the issues, understanding the different county departments, meeting people, going to County Supervisor’s meetings and setting up “meet and greet” events. She asked for help printing labels on post cards and stuffing envelops. She announced 2 Forums:
April 22 at Mar Park at 6:30 pm
May 13 at Brighton Community Center at 6:30 pm
It was noted that we still need a candidate for Supervisor district 5. Anyone with any ideas should contact Lorraine. It would be especially good if we could find another strong woman candidate.
Kevin Kinny spoke about his background and what he has been doing as a candidate. The group asked him lots of questions about his stand on several issues. Some of what we learned include: he is a strong advocate for victims of human trafficking, he supports CAFO’s and GMO as ways to support young farmers, he supports GMO crops, The group had lots of comments about his stands, especially about CAFOs and GMO crops.
Richard Gilmore spoke about the need for a county Matrix to help control CAFOs. He said he has been filling out questionnaires and visiting people. He also said we need to support the rights of people to own guns.
Community Events: John Greener
John spoke about the success of the Jack Hatch event. It was a 3-part event starting with dinner at Dodici’s; followed by a meeting at the Triune Building on using Tax Credits for historic restoration, and then the political discussion. John thanked Terry Philips and Lorraine for their help in getting all this set up. John and Terry both spoke about the good turn out and the fact that it did get an article in the Journal! John said KCII will do an interview with Jack Hatch at a later time.
John then passed out a tentative schedule of the summer parades:
June 7 Ridiculous Day parade. Line up at Washington street and B Ave. John is the contact person. Ave. Put the float together at Greener’s (603 W. Washington)
June 14 Kalona Parade 10:00 am Meet at Maxcast. Steve is the contact person
June 21 Brighton Whoopee Day Parade 10:00 am. Harold is the contact person
June 28 Trek Fest parade in Riverside. Line up at the usual place behind the bank. Bob Spenner is the contact person.
July 4th Wellman parade. Steve Maxon and Diane Schaeffer are the contact people
County Fair July 13 - 18.
Other parades/events to check on: Ainsworth, Keota, Hills, Signorey, Oxford, Lone Tree
Platform:
Steve gave a brief presentation on the 2nd District meeting (one in Newton and one in Salem). He said the meetings were long and the final 2nd District platform will be put on line.
Old Business:
Lorraine reported that the Heritage Party was a “smashing success”. We will continue to have similar gatherings where we can just be together as Democrats and get to know each other better.
Lorraine also complimented the group on a successful County Convention. “Great job, working together.”
New Business:
Lorraine announced that the Hall of Fame is Oct.4th and 2nd District is looking for a place to hold it. Lorraine said she’d like to propose Washington and asked for suggestions of where we could hold it. Last year it was in Ottumwa and about 50 people came. It involves a dinner, awards, and is a gathering of party activists. Places that were suggested were Mar Park and Richard’s new place.
We also need to nominate people for awards. Suggested categories are Elected officials (at all levels); past and present County chairs; Rising Star (newly active in last 2 or 3 years); Activist (must have provided service & leadership for at least 10 years); County party; Lifetime Achievement (at least 30 years); Recognition & Remembrance. Nominations must be made by Aug. 2nd; include an essay for each nomination.
It was decided to wait until after the primary to give any money to candidates. Members were encouraged to give individual donations to those they hope to win the primary.
Location for the Democratic office was announced: 118 South Iowa — next to Dodici’s, owned by Richard & Robin. The first floor will be the Democratic Headquarters.
April 26 is the District Convention which begins at 9:00 am. Our delegates are Harold & Louise Frakes, Lorraine Williams, Steve Maxon, and Doris Park. Lorraine encouraged our alternates to go to Convention also. After the Convention there will be a fund raiser “Wine down”. Cost is $20 and those attending are to bring finger food and auction items. Each county is also to furnish a basket for the auction.
Time for our next meeting was discussed as it is the same night as the Brighton Forum. It was decided to meet at 5;30 the same night (May13) at Rose Jaynes’s rental house. Louise will check with Rose to be sure this is OK. At 6:30 we will go to the Forum to support our candidates.
Lorraine announced that she is going to organize a “Nudge Party” (no use delaying gender equality”). The goal is to elect 50/50 by 20/20. More details will be coming.
Details for County Fair were discussed. Lorraine said she has lots of flashlights we could hand out. Louise suggested the theme of “Democrats Light the Way”. John will work on getting candidates there; Lorraine will check with Mike & Patti Rowe, Terry Philips, and Sandy Johnson about setting up our booth. We will discuss this again at future meetings.
Lorraine wondered about getting new t-shirts. Several ideas were thrown out but no decision was made.
It was suggested that we have a table outside our headquarters during Ridiculous Days. Details will need to be worked out if we do this.
Richard said he would appreciate people offering to host “Meet and Greet” get-togethers for him.
Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. Next meeting May 13th in Brighton — first house west of Conoco station — across the street east of BP station. Hope to see everyone there.
Respectfully submitted,
Louise Frakes, secretary
