The new Washington County Democrats website is at https://washiadems.wixsite.com/home.

Updates:

Please pardon the lack of recent updates.  We are in the process of changing to a new website that we hope to have available soon.  In the meantime, please contact us by email if you have a question or concern.

Sincerely,
Sonya Housholder, Secretary

Washington County Democrats Minutes - September 13, 2016

The Washington County Democrats met at Art Domestique on Tuesday, September 13, 2016.  Vice Chairperson Richard Gilmore called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.  

The minutes of the August meeting were approved as posted to the blog.  

Treasurer’s Report for September 13, 2016:  

Kay Ciha presented the treasurer's report with updates to membership fees, donations and the candidate fund.  New expenses include a reimbursement to Steve Maxon for fuel ($40.00). Motion to approve, seconded and passed. 

Report of the Vice Chair: Today's guests are Karen Knapik, Carlo, the organizer out of Johnson County, and Ryan Siskow, Keokuk County Democrats chairperson.  

Ryan wants to collaborate on campaigning efforts with Washington County.  He has volunteers ready to do phone calling, door knocking or other activities, as needed.  

Karen announced her resignation as the area coordinator.  The Clinton campaign is looking for a highly motivated and organized individual to take over management of her turf assignment.  The paid position will be full time for 7.5 weeks and it would be a bonus if it was someone local.  It is expected that this person will make 200 calls daily, which takes approximately four hrs/day with some knocking on doors. The staffing possibilities and budget is much different this year than in the past, as IDP reviewed the issues from previous campaign efforts and adjusted accordingly. In the meantime, Carlo will leave three burner phones for volunteers to use for phone calling.   

The 2nd District meeting will take place on October 8th in Burlington.   

Old Business:  

Office/headquarters: IDP will not support an office in Washington County at this time. The committee needs to re-vote on whether or not we’ll pay for an office out of the accounts. Art Domestique can be the office of the Washington County Democrats but Terry Philips has volunteered Mills Seed as a staging location for coordinating call packets, walking packets, etc. Mills Seed is an LLC and can’t be paid funds for reimbursement. Volunteers will be phone banking the next two Saturdays at Mills Seed 9-11am. 

Motion to approve; seconded. Motion failed.  

An amendment was made to have Mills Seed as a staging location.  Motion approved, seconded, and passed.  

New Business:  

Meet & Greet for Loebsack/Judge/Dvorsky/Kimberly/Taylor & Get out the Vote & Fall Fundraiser event: On Sunday, Oct 23, we'll host an early afternoon dessert event at 1:30pm at Art Domestique.  Robin Plattenberger Gilmore will chair the organizing committee.  Pete Morrison will invite candidates and legislators. The committee will consider radio advertising once details are finalized.  Motion to approve, seconded and passed.   

 The central committee will invite voters to join them in voting together on the first day of voting on Thursday, September 29.  Everyone will meet by 8:30am at Art Domestique and walk over to the courthouse to vote.   

Karen brought yard signs for individuals to take. 

Committee Reports:  

Affirmative Action: none 

Candidate Development: none 

Community Events: none 

Platform Committee: none 

The next meeting is October 11, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Art Domestique.   

Motion to adjourn, seconded & passed. Mtg adjourned at 8:11pm.  

Washington County Democrats Minutes - August 9, 2016

Washington County Democrats – August 9, 2016 (7:00 pm), Art Domestique 

The Washington County Democrats met at Art Domestique on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Vice Chairperson Richard Gilmore called the meeting to order at 6:58pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

The minutes of the July meeting were approved as posted to the blog.  

Treasurer’s Report for August 9, 2016: Kay Ciha presented the treasurer's report with updates to membership fees, donations and the candidate fund.  New expenses include payment for parade candy ($78.18) and a reimbursement to Steve Maxon for fuel ($40.00). Motion to approve, seconded and passed. 

Report of the Vice Chair:  

Today’s guests are Karen Knapik, Clinton staffer, who is staying with the Greeners until mid-November, and Jacob ____.  Karen spoke briefly about her immediate goals, which are to focus on getting absentee ballots out as well as commit to vote cards. 

On August 13th, the 2nd District Committee will meet at Art Domestique with Sandy Dockendorff as the new Chairperson.  

Old Business:  

Office/Headquarters: The Washington County office/headquarters for the democratic party candidates will be at Art Domestique. There is a goal of September 1st for opening the office. 

Mills Seed Bldg: Terry Phillips reported that he’s putting in a handicap ramp and it should be done by Aug 31. The committee and campaign can use it for get out the vote and other activities.  

County Fair: Everything went well with good conversations with supporters. 

New Business:  

Volunteers:  We need to focus on getting volunteers to start activities. Karen plans to start with Farmer’s Market days with vote commit cards, absentee ballots, etc.  The ideal time to recruit volunteers is August through mid-September.  Mid-September to the end of October is the big push.  

Laptop phonebank application: Currently in the works is a laptop phonebank application to help volunteers with calls.  However, the campaign will also have paper versions for those who are uncomfortable with technology. 

Committee Reports:  

Affirmative Action: No report 

Candidate Development: No report 

Community Events: No report 

Platform Committee: No report 

Next meeting will occur on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Art Domestique. 

Motion to adjourn, seconded & passed. Adjourned at 7:46 pm.