Polk County Democrats Central Committee Minutes

July 10, 2008

Christ Church, Monmouth, Oregon

Chair Alan Holland called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Present were: Suzanne Price, Linda E. Williams, Kathy Smits, Peter Wells, David Papen, Rosie Sharp, Ron Dodge, Jackie Pierce, Sue Wagner, Darci Kugler, Paul Kugler,  Lisanne Pearcy, Jason Brown, Michelle Felton, Aaron Felton, Ross Swartzendruber, Pat Wheeler, Lois Derouin, Dale Derouin, David King, Dick May, Marilyn May, Patrick New, Sarah Hoyt, Timothe Seelbach, Kevin Nortness, Gloria Holland.

Jason Brown moved and it was seconded that the minutes of the June meeting be approved with minor corrections.  The motion passed.

Jackie Pierce was honored for her work in  registering voters at the Independence Park during the July 4^th weekend.   Jackie then shared with the group several tips on how to successfully register voters. Foremost among her suggestions were:

            *Don't take anything personally

            *Have a sense of humor

            *Be assertive and friendly

A lively discussion regarding successful voter registration followed Jackie's presentation.

Patrick New, representing the Obama campaign, asked that new voter cards be turned over to the Obama volunteers.  A lively discussion followed. (See motions under New Business.)

Committee Reports:

            Executive:

                        Alan Holland reported that the State Central Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2008 in Tualatin.

                        The Hollands are holding an annual, free, musicfest/potluck at their home at 530 Riverview Dr. NW, Salem, on July 19 at 3:00 PM. Truman Price and his band will be performing.

            Financial:

                        Linda Williams reported that donations have allowed the Polk County Democrats' new office space (also donated) to have phones.  Linda also proposed that the committee vote to give Rich Riggs and Jason Brown $500 each, which would leave $800 remaining to be given to other PCD- endorsed candidates. Linda then encouraged members to donate to the Polk County Democrats each month, and Suzi Price distributed information regarding how to contribute monthly.

            Candidates:

                        Ross Swartzendruber reported that volunteers are needed to support candidates at fairs and with canvassing. People were asked to (especially) sign up for the Dallas Summerfest.  Alan Holland offered to let Summerfest volunteers use his sound system.

            The Philomath Frolic and a Precinct 162 Canvass will be held in Dallas on Saturday, July 12.  Volunteers were sought.

            Ross will talk to Patrick Sieng about speaking at our next meeting regarding the Salem-Keizer School Bond.

            Sarah Hoyt reported that Rich Riggs will be involved in the Dallas campaign this weekend.  Rich has knocked on about 3000 doors to date. Sarah asked for Riggs volunteers.  On Tuesday, July 15, Riggs will hold a spaghetti feed at the First United Methodist Church in Salem from 6-8 PM. Tickets are $5.00.  Riggs will also be present at the Salem Art Fair.  Rich Riggs may be contacted at   Richardriggs.com.

Aaron Felton will be at the Summerfest and the Polk County Fair.  Aaron asked for volunteers.

Patrick New, representing the Obama campaign, reported that an Obama organizing meeting will be held Wednesday at 6:30 at the PCD office in Monmouth.  All are invited to attend.

Kevin Nortness, Democratic Candidate for Oregon Senate District 12, introduced himself and spoke briefly of his campaign.

            Events:

                        Kathy Smits reported that a picnic/fundraiser will be held at Airlie Winery on Sunday, September 14 from 1:30-4:30.  Kathy encouraged everyone to bring a picnic lunch.  Wine and other refreshments will be available for purchase.  Live music will be provided.

                        Lisanne Pearcy invited everyone to a Benton County Fundraiser, to be held the afternoon of Sunday, August 3 at the Dancing Oaks Nursery.

                        Jason Brown reported that he has been endorsed by the Benton County Farm Bureau.  He encouraged people to take his brochures, which were designed by Ross Swartzendruber.

            Process and Rules:

                        Timothe Seelbach reported the Process and Rules Committee will meet on Saturday, July 12 at 4:00 PM at the home of Suzi Price.  All are invited to attend.

            Volunteer Recruitment:

                        Gloria Holland reported that the Polk County Democratic Party now has an office in Monmouth.  Gloria asked for volunteers to be in the office during open-hours, which will be Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3-7 PM and Saturdays from 10-5 PM.  She also requested that candidates bring materials and signs to the office.

                        Dick May reported that the next road clean-up will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00 AM in Rickreall, with everyone meeting at the Rickreall Fire Station.

New Business:

            Alan Holland reported that because a motion was made at the last meeting regarding the use of the PCD Friends' List, he is requesting that the issue be placed with the Policy and Rules Committee.  Lisanne Pearcy, the maker of the original motion, agreed with this request.

            Alan reported that a policy has been discussed in the past regarding expenses incurred by central committee members while traveling and/or attending Democratic Party events. He asked that a policy be official put in place by the Policies and Rules Committee.  Suzi Price requested that a list of potential expenditures be made available to the committee before action can be taken.

            Members were again encouraged to contribute to the Polk County Democrats on a monthly basis.

            Members were encouraged to ask others to be PCP's.  Suzi will create a sign requesting people to become PCP's that will be put in the PCD's Monmouth office.

            Jason Brown moved and it was seconded that...As an ad hoc policy until the Process and Rules Committee can propose a formal policy, (I move) that voter registrations are turned over to the County Clerk first and foremost. Only information that is of public record may be captured and released to various campaigns.  Motion passed.

            Susanne Price moved and it was seconded that the Polk County Democratic Central Committee give $500 each to Jason Brown and Rich Riggs.  Motion passed.

Ross Swartzendruber and the Candidate Support Committee will evaluate the needs of other PCD- endorsed candidates and submit a recommendation at the August Central Committee meeting for allotting the remaining budgeted money to those candidates.

            Good of the Order:

                        Linda Williams reported that Vos Hispana will be held on Saturday, July 12 at the Salem Cinema.  All are invited to attend.

The next Central Committee meeting will be held on August 14, 2008 at Salem Electric in West Salem.  A social gathering will begin at 6:30 PM.  The official meeting will begin at 7:00 PM.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:16.

Minutes taken by Gloria Holland Smith, CC Secretary