Meeting Minutes - July 2011

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

July Minutes

WASHINGTON COUNTY DEMOCRATS

Meeting, July 13, 2011

Eleven Washington County Democrats met at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2011, in a second floor meeting room of the Washington Public Library. Ten people were present, including Brian Fritsch, political director of the campaign of U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack. Chairman Pete Morrison called the meeting to order with the group’s reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the June meeting were declared approved as written and will be filed for report. Kay Ciha, treasurer, provided a printout of the financial report from June 8 to July 13, 2011. Cash on hand was $716.19, income from T-shirts sold was $61.00, and that gave a balance of $777.19. Expenses were $64.35 to Walmart for parade candy and decorations; $46.92 for parade candy provided by Steve Maxon; and $16.74 for candy for another parade, also provided by Steve Maxon. The ending balance of cash available was $649.18.The financial report will be filed for audit.

Pete reported on the Second District meeting on June 26 at the Senior Dining Center in Riverside. Primary areas of discussion were: changes to take place in the Second District because of redistricting; namely, the elimination of Linn County and the addition of several other counties including Scott County. There will be a meeting regarding the transition process. Al Bohanan will speak on that.

Brian Fritsch spoke, stating that he has worked exclusively on the campaign side of things. He said so far there were three opponents running for U.S. representative against Dave Loebsack -- Richard Gates, a Tea Party candidate; Dan Dolan, a house developer from Blue Grass; and John Archer, a crop attorney for John Deere, backed by the Republican Party. The new district is only about half as Democratic as the old Second District used to be.

Flood assistance was passed yesterday (July 12). A bill is being worked on for a national flood center -- so there are fewer surprises but rather an idea ahead of time of where flooding might occur. Defense Act and education and labor legislation have been worked on.

The group discussed some of the negative publicity and ideas that have surfaced already regarding campaigning for the 2012 election. President Obama and the Democratic National Party are working together. President Obama and the DNC administration have raised about $86 million already for the campaign. Republicans are being far less transparent about where their campaign funds come from. Brian said there would probably be fewer ads, because the largest population in the district is centered in the Quad Cities. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are significantly smaller in terms of registered voters. The money will be more spread out than before.

Old Business:

A. Redistricting -- Richard Gilmore said the southern three townships are in a precinct. They have a different representative than the rest of the county. Marion, Crawford and Brighton townships have their own precincts. It is not permitted to have two separate ballots at a polling station. The largest precinct must be limited to 3,500 people, and there are 2,010 people in this precinct.. It has to be considered a block, like a city. Pete commented that redistricting is a “thorny issue” which will be put under the “Old Business” agenda for next month.

B. Report on parades. Pete announced that the Washington County Democrats parade entry had won a $50 prize from the TrekFest event, and we also received a ribbon. The TrekFest parade was very successful, and the Wellman Fourth of July parade was very successful, as well.

C. Executive Board meeting. Printed copies of the budget that the Executive Board had prepared were distributed. Bob Spenner moved to approve the two-year budget as proposed by the Exec Board group. Richard seconded. The motion was unanimously approved.

D. Grant application. The application for a grant was filled out and sent. We will now see if it is “granted” and whether the amount made available to us is $500 or $1,000 from the Iowa Democratic Party. The IDP has sent an acknowledgment of receipt of the application.

E. Verify Fair preparation. A signup sheet for the Democratic Party booth was available, and shifts are three hours in length. Someone should be at the booth on Monday from 1 to 9 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tear-down will be between 7 and 9 p.m. Thursday. The accouterments for the fair booth are with Mike and Patty Roe; and Mike and Patty will set up the booth on Sunday evening with assistance from Sandra Johnson, Terry Philips and Bob Spenner. Brian had brought some Loebsack bumper stickers and other promotional material. Promotional materials at the booth this year will probably be mainly about President Obama and Representative Loebsack, with maybe some material for Senator Harkin, and anything else the Democratic Party wants to come up with.

New Business:

A. We need committee chairs -- for candidate development. We will need to work on that next year. Pete is somewhat uncertain about Affirmative Action. He has talked to a couple of people interested in being Democrats. He will definitely need a Platform Committee in place by January 2012 if not a little sooner, and there were some names he brought up as possibilities for this committee.

It was noted that new library policy demands that we present a $35 check as a deposit toward any cleanup or damage to a meeting room, whenever we hold a group meeting there. The check is returned if the group leaves the meeting room tidy and in order. Pete reserved the meeting room for August and September.

B. Farmers Market was discussed, and whether we might want a booth or a table there. Sandra Johnson said that there is a limit of two nonprofit groups at each farmers market and we would need to request this a week or more in advance. Candidates are outside the nonprofit status and can roam freely about the farmers market area. We can wear our T-shirts and “roam freely” around, too. Usually farmers market is over after the first hard frost after Oct. 1.

C. Second District workshop. This will be held on July 30.

Pete said he had also been asked by Al Bohanan if he would be interested in doing Web master work. Kay offered to check on whether she has a Papal account that Democrats can use to make payments. This is about registering for the Second District workshop. The Washington County Democratic Party originally budgeted funds to pay for 10 people to attend at a cost of $25 each for registration. If not many people from our group attend, we could perhaps include the price of lunch, since registration would not cost as much as the budgeted amount. Dinner at the site of the workshop would be the responsibility of the people attending. As for payment, anyone can take care of that by computer. Kay will reimburse anyone who wants reimbursement. Each person will register, etc., on his or her own.

Kay moved that everyone should do his or her own signing up (can be on the Web site by next week, and Pete will send the list) to attend the Second District workshop July 30, and she will reimburse anyone who would like reimbursement. Nan seconded. The motion passed.

Louise Frakes moved that we change our meeting time from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, and that the meetings will run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., so that we could still be out of the building by 9 p.m. Richard seconded. The motion passed.

The meeting was adjourned.

Washington County Democrats will meet again on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Public Library.

Respectfully submitted,

Nan Stark, Secretary

Washington County Fair - 2011

July 23, 2011

Well, the Fair was this week, and the Washington County Democrats had a presence as always with their booth. Gloria the donkey was there for the kids to see and ride.

The weather was hot, hot, hot this time around. Attendance was spotty most of the time, as Washington residents sought the cooler home air-conditioned areas or the swimming pool in sunset park.

We did have a few members brave the heat and man the booth through out the week and want to thank those that braved the heat and operated the booth and also those that set-up and handled the booth take down again this year.

TrekFest 2011

We were able to get it together for TrekFest 2011 in Riverside, Iowa. Bob Spenner drove the float, [thanks Bob] and we had several members ride and throw out candy. Did we have any left over candy this time? I think we went through every available sack. We'll have to buy more next time. Gloria (the donkey) is back and looking good.

With everything in order, the parade is about to start and we are worried that the rain will start before we finish.

We had a pretty good turn out of parade watchers also.

Oh and we made it through the entire parade without rain. To bad it did come and sort of dampened the afternoon activities.

But we did win for the best political float and we did take home the prize and $50.00.

Washington County Democrats Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

May Minutes

Washington County Democratic Party Meeting

May 11, 2011

Washington County Democratic Party met in regular session May 11, 2011, in the Washington Public Library. Sixteen members were present.

President Peter Morrison called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. The April minutes had been sent by e-mail and posted onto the blog.

Treasurer Kay Ciha provided printed copies of the financial report for April 13 to May 11, 2011. Cash on hand as of April 13 was $962.31. Income during this period from membership dues was $145.00, so that increased the finances to $1,107.31. There was $100 of expenses for the fair booth, leaving a balance of of $1,007.31.

Pete said unless there were objections, the treasurer’s report would be filed for audit. There were no objections.

During the chairman’s report, Pete said he has been attempting to find people to chair committees. Some people are not even willing to serve on committees. This was one of the subjects discussed at the May 7 executive board meeting.

Ione read a poem dated June 3, 1962, dealing with solving problems of society with “disposable people.”

Old Business.

Pete had appointed Richard Gilmore and Terry Philips to represent the Democratic Party on the five-member committee. Three Republicans make up the rest of the committee. The districts won’t remain the same for the next decade because of population shifts. Richard said the redistricting rules meant they must go with census blocs. The three townships in the southern part of Washington County will probably be represented by Dave Heaton of Mount Pleasant. They will have a different ballot.

Pete has contacted some people for committee chairs, and none of them have gotten back to him. It is hoped that this will be completed by next month. In discussion, it was brought up that committee chairs and officers selected at the Caucuses should be attending meetings and taking an active part. On this evening, six of the 10 precinct chairs from the Caucus were present. Sign-up sheets were distributed for those present to indicate which committees they might be interested in serving on or even chairing.

A reminder was given about membership dues, due and payable as soon as possible. There are 13 households that have paid. Pete would like to have that number increased to 50.

Pete presented some price quotes on T-shirts from Marcus Fedler. Quantity pricing starts at 48. There is a slight difference in pricing, between white or natural-colored shirts, and colored shirts.

Louise moved that the shirts not be white, Mike Mitchell seconded, and motion carried.

Richard Gilmore offered his Redistricting Committee earnings of $10 an hour to the T-shirt purchasing fund. This was greeted with appreciative applause.

The pros and cons of various color combinations were discussed. We discussed whether to have the donkey in blue or black, and whether to have a donkey on both front and back of the shirts, or to have the front of the donkey on the front of the shirt and the back of the donkey on the back of the shirt. Kay Ciha moved that the shirts be a light gray with navy blue lettering stating “Washington County Democrats“ and a donkey on the front, the donkey to be mostly blue with red head and blue stars as on the Washington County Democrats letterhead logo. Steve Maxon seconded, and the motion carried.

Susan Mitchell moved that we order 48 shirts, Richard seconded, and the motion carried. A signup sheet was distributed for those present to indicate how many shirts and of what sizes to order.

We went over the survey evaluating our county organization. Items rated excellent or very good were: calendar of events updated regularly, e-mail lists being updated and used, party plans constituency group events, party hosts well-publicized annual events, party sends donor letters (we try), party maintains a regular budget with line items, etc.; Web site is frequently updated and all the current officers are listed, we have a Facebook and Twitter site (Kay updates Facebook), technology -- we did use technology in 2008 to quite a considerable degree and we have access to it. Areas that were not as strong included a rapid response network, and a local constituency group outreach. The survey asked how the IDP might help in our training, and what additional resources would be helpful to our county. Pete would like to determine what their position is regarding Washington County.

New Business.

Pete brought up the matter of a state-recommended biennial budget. He pointed out that we have a revised budget through June 30, 2011. If we have a biennial budget, we could review and revise it if needed at the end of the first year. Louise Frakes moved that we plan a two-year budget according to the constitution, and, at the end of the first year, we have the option of revising it. Kay seconded, and the motion carried. The budget will be planed from July 1 to June 30.

Membership development and recruitment, Pete stated, must be our No. 1 priority (“It pays dues for us to use”). Louise stressed the importance of personal contact, such as a telephone call, to invite people to come to meetings and share their talents. Everett reminded everyone that we need to endorse and encourage appropriate candidates, and endorse and respect the candidates. We also need to speak up proudly for our candidates.

Some other ideas for getting people involved were Coffee and Conversation times. Jefferson County Democrats hold a Coffee and Conversation every Saturday morning at the local HyVee Store, and people are welcome to come, discuss issues or just have a social hour. We could have more social activities. Louise suggested a book-and-discussion group that could meet during winter months.

Pete will try to see what is going on in Johnson County. An Obama campaign office will be developed there, maybe as early as September or October.

Pete expressed the hope that we can be effective and do a good job in the parades where we are represented. For the Ridiculous Day events, there could be an option of having a booth or a table and having some brochures available, etc. Evidently there is no charge for this.

Louise moved that we participate in Ridiculous Day, with JoAnn Zager handling the arrangements. Mike Mitchell seconded and motion carried. Steve Maxon and Doris Park will help with Ridiculous Day in Washington, as well as the event in Kalona. In Kalona, our involvement would be just with the parade and would not include having a table or a booth. Steve said he would head the parade organization at the Wellman July Fourth celebration, as well. Bob Spenner agreed to arrange our part in the Riverside TrekFest parade.

The next meeting will be June 8 at the Washington Public Library. Kay Ciha may provide refreshments.

Respectfully submitted,

Nan Stark, Secretary

Washington County Democrats Meeting April 2011

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

April Minutes

Minutes of the April 2011, meeting of Washington County Democrats

Washington County Democrats met at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, in the second floor meeting room of the Washington Public Library. Sixteen members and guests were present. Chairman Pete Morrison called the meeting to order with the group’s reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of the last meeting, which had been sent by e-mail as well as printed on the blog, were approved as written. Treasurer Kay Ciha distributed printed financial reports, which showed a balance of $962.31. The minutes and the treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.

For the chairman’s report, Pete said there would be a number of issues to cover under the categories of Old and New Business, in greater detail. Other than that, he had attended the Second District event in Riverside. There were no administrative committee reports presented.

Old Business. We discussed redistricting maps. We now have published redistricting maps in both the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate. Though these were considered tentative, it looks as if they are rapidly becoming OK with all parties. Gov. Branstad hasn’t heard any negative comments from anyone. This was then passed by a Senate committee, and the House is now undertaking it. A redistricting committee of either five or seven members will be needed; if five, Democrats will be allowed to select two; if seven, Democrats can supply three. This will actually be addressed in September. It was noted that three county supervisors will be running for election in 2012, and we need to think of Democrat candidates to run.

Pete has talked to several people about chairing various committees. No one at the present time wishes to commit to these responsibilities. This includes the position of the events chair. It looks as thought there are only three upcoming events in which we could participate --Ridiculous Day, TrekFest, and the Fourth of July at Wellman. Concerning the Kalona event, there was a question about whether there would be enough people to represent us. These events would be an opportunity to provide exposure for any candidates running for office.

An executive board meeting will be held from 10:30 to about noon on May 7, in the back room of Dodici’s Shop. County dues are due and would be appreciated, and we are asking for updated e-mail addresses. John Stellmach spoke about activity going on now involving union supporters and, it is hoped, a backlash against what has been happening to unions this season. There was discussion about whether the configuration of the board of supervisors would remain at five supervisors or whether it might revert to three. If returning to the three-person board, this would not take place immediately. There may be potential candidates among people moving into northern Washington County from Johnson County.

We discussed the possibility of having new Democratic Party shirts printed. Consensus was that this should be done before the county fair. Louise Frakes moved that Pete look into buying new shirts. John S. seconded. A price should be available at the May meeting. Louise said she would like a shirt similar to the gray one but with blue lettering instead of red. Doris Park expressed willingness to create a new design according to specifications. The motion carried.

New Business. Republicans in the Iowa House have passed some questionable stuff. Group consensus was that not much of significance is being accomplished in the Iowa Congress. The good news was that at least little harm is being done. A positive note is that Senator Gronstal’s district is changing very little.

Louise and Harold Frakes had attended the Workers United event in Des Moines; neither state Senator Sandy Greiner nor state Representative Jarad Klein had been present. John S. commented that the bill 525 in Iowa would be much worse than what is happening in Wisconsin and Ohio. There, dues and fees would cease to be deducted from paychecks, resulting in the bargaining agent’s always having to organize and scramble to collect dues. If this bill should pass in Iowa, there would go the money which is the last bastion of trying to compete with corporations. In Iowa Sen. Gronstal saved us, killing the bill. The issue will come back again (in two years). John further explained that the bill would do away with seniority and progressive discipline, which requires just cause for an employer to discipline a worker. It was pointed out that Sen. Greiner is very much in favor of the free agent concept, which could benefit her.

Pete Morrison, Steve Maxon, Doris Park, and Louise and Harold Frakes attended the April 3 Second District meeting. Pete reported that a workshop is being planned, and that Washington has been considered as a possible site. They need a large room and about four adjoining breakout rooms, and cost is a factor in selecting a site. The meeting was mostly about seeking a location, and about the redistricting. Louise said the Second District is encouraging a women’s group to get together and discuss women’s issues, regarding women in general, of any party.

Pete said the Progressive Caucus has put together something that is more positive as an alternative to the “Ryan proposal.” The debt ceiling battle promises to be a really difficult issue. It may not end up being the best for us.

Pete brought up the IDP document and questionnaire for Washington County -- an assessment of how we are doing. A rundown includes party structure, communication, fundraising, technology, etc. Pete will scan the document and send it to everyone with e-mail addresses. We will discuss it at the May meeting. It is to be turned in by May 13.

The next meeting will be May 11 at 7 p.m. at the library. The April meeting was adjourned for refreshments graciously provided by Doris and Steve and which were very much enjoyed and appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,

Nan Stark, Secretary

2nd District meeting - 4/2011 in Riverside, IA

2nd District meeting, Riverside, Iowa

April, 3, 2011

We met on a warm Sunday afternoon in the community center after some confusion due to the incorrect description in the invitation email.

The main topic of discussion was the recent release of the new redistricting map, prepared after the final census figures indicated that the state of Iowa will be losing one congressman. The group discussed the proposed new and revised second district. The first and perhaps final map shows Linn County moving to the new proposed 1st District and Scott County [Davenport, Iowa], along with a few other counties moving into the new 2nd District. Of course at this juncture, everything is still speculation, but individual who had talked with Dave Loebsack indicated that Dave planned to move to Iowa City if the current map is finalized. He has indicated that he will again run for office in the 2nd District, which requires residence in the 2nd District.

Other matters that were brought up included planning for the next meeting of the 2nd District, the development of a workshop planning committee, workshop ideas and upcoming events in the various counties.

Legislative Briefing 3/19/2011

The last of three legislative briefings was held again at the Court House in Washington on Saturday morning, March 19, 2010. Sandy Greiner and Jared Klein were on hand to address the crowd of about 30+ people throughout the 2 hour session.

Unfortunately not much has taken place in Des Moines so far, and of course the two legislators blamed the senate Democrats for holding up legislation previously passed by the House. I guess that the fact that the House, had pushed through a radical right wing agenda, had no part to play in the delay.

It was my guess that the two-year period following the 2010 election would be mostly deadlock. I predicted that even an annual budget would be hard to establish with the hard right positions of the new Republican House, clashing with the more moderate views of the Iowa Senate.