PCD-CC Minutes 5/10/07
Democratic Party of Oregon
Polk County Central Committee Minutes
May 10, 2007
Christ Church, Monmouth, Oregon
Chair Alan Holland called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM. The secretary was present. Alan announced that the Polk County Democrats have secured a room to provide child care during Central Committee meetings, and asked for volunteers to help care for the 3 children in attendance. Suzanne Price and Valerie Abrahamson watched the children for a good part of the meeting.
The agenda was modified. Minutes of the last meeting were not available. The treasurer was absent. The new treasurer, Linda Williams, was also absent, and has yet to take office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Executive Committee:
DPO Training:
Alan Holland reported that the DPO will hold a training on May 19-20, in conjunction with the 2nd Quarter State Central Committee meeting, in Corvallis at the Boys & Girls Club. Other trainings will be held throughout the state. Alan will not be able to attend, and Connie Garcia will serve as the alternate attendee.
Jimmy Carter Oregon:
Alan reported that the Oregon Education Association and the World Affairs Council in Portland have added their support to the effort to bring Jimmy Carter to Oregon
Eyes Wide Open:
Alan distributed a sign-up sheet for people wishing to volunteer at an Eyes Wide Open exhibit regarding the costs of war. No date for the exhibition has been set. No mention was made as to who was organizing this event.
Communication:
As chair, Alan called for members to remember that the Central Committee is a volunteer organization, and as such, communications amongst members would be best served if offered in the spirit of kindness and consideration.
Process and Rules Committee:
Timothe Seelbach reported that a revised by-laws draft will be presented later in the meeting.
Volunteer Committee:
David Papen reported that the volunteer committee will meet at the DPO State Central Committee meeting in Corvallis at the Boys & Girls Club at 11:35 on May 20.
David recognized Carol Easterday as an excellent volunteer.
Alan explained the information on the volunteer cards, to be distributed during canvassing to Polk County Democrats who wish to volunteer. The cards are to be filled out and collected during the canvass.
Fundraising:
Fred Brown suggested that everyone go to the PCD website, just to check it out.
Tickets for the Squantum Whiffle Fundraiser are now available for $12 each. Karen Green offered to deliver the tickets to all the PCP's. Jackie Pierce suggested that everyone needs to sell tickets, rather than just a few. Alan Holland offered to buy tickets to give to a radio station for a give-away. Surrounding counties will be notified and asked to sell tickets. Fred asked for volunteers to sign up to volunteer for the Squantum Whiffle. Fred also asked for more auction items for the Silent Auction at the Squantum Whiffle, and Jean Astrinsky reminded members that a form must be filled out and returned with each donation to the auction. Fred reported that the Polk County Democrats have adopted a portion of Hwy 22 and requested volunteers to help keep the area clean 3 times a year, beginning in July, 2007.Alan agreed to have a party to show a 12 minute tape regarding the highway clean-up project.
Kris Heath volunteered to have the August 9 Central Committee meeting, with a potluck meal, at her home.
Events/Programs:
The program for June or July will be about water and land use. September's program will offer a discussion on No Child Left Behind. Alan suggested as a possible speaker, Bailey Paine, who would discuss Living Green. There was a request to have a speaker of Safe Food.
Communications:
Timothe Seelbach reported that Wendy Brokaw was able to get an advertisement for the Squantum Whiffle into various publications.
Legislative/Platform:
Rich Riggs reported that the big issues/topics for discussion at the state legislature are Measure 37, gay rights, and a possible sales tax.
Candidate Committee:
Karen Green reported that we have a special district election. Official canvassing is over, but phone calls are still being made to remind people to send in their ballots. She encouraged all PCP's to call people on their lists. Karen offered to send out the PCP lists. It was also reported that there were some races in which no one filed and Karen Green urged Monmouth-Independence voters to write in Karen Ross, the incumbent for a position on the school board. Karen thanked all who helped with canvassing.
NEW BUSINESS:
*The secretary announced that members wishing to make a formal motion are requested to fill out the Motion Form, including the entire motion, the name of the maker, the name of the seconded, and the date.
By-Laws:
Timothe Seelbach distributed the revised by-laws. Suzy Price read through all the proposed changes. A discussion was held regarding by-laws changes involving the position of Secretary. Some felt that it was better to have one secretary, who would serve on the executive council, and who would delegate various responsibilities to membership. Others felt it best to divide the duties of secretary (as is in the current by-laws), with both positions serving a position on the executive council.
Pat Wheeler moved that the Central Committee approves all changes to the by-laws discussed, with the exception of the secretary issue. Motion passed.
Jason Brown moved and it was *seconded that the Central Committee table the discussion of by-laws changes regarding the secretary duties. (In the discussion that followed, Jason spoke to the need to expand the Executive Committee, both for practical reasons and for the goal of the inclusion of more diverse constituencies.) Motion failed.
Kathy Smits moved and Karen Green seconded that the Central Committee approve the recommendation for having one secretary, as stated in the proposed by-laws revision. Motion passed.
Karen Green moved that the Central Committee add national to state and local portions of the strategic plan. Motion passed.
Jackie Pierce moved that the Central Committee approve the Strategic Plan as revised and amended. Motion Passed
The meeting was adjourned at 9:22.
Minutes taken by Gloria Holland Smith, Secretary
*Motion form was not submitted.