Polk County Democrats Central Committee Minutes

September 11, 2008

Christ Church, Monmouth, Oregon

Present:  Kathy Smits, Joanne Timshel, Jorge Guzman, Herlinda Breitenstein, Connie Garcia, Robert Breyer, Marilyn May, Dick May, Jackie Hartford, Alyce Perry, Tandra Thorbeck, Jackie Pierce, Dennis McCaffrey, David Papen, Kristy Calkins, Walt Dawson, Jayne Rabenburg, Jason Brown, Lisanne Pearcy, Suzanne Price, Alan Holland, Gloria Holland, Aaron Felton, Michelle Felton, Pat Jaffer.

Chair Alan Holland called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.

Minutes of the last meeting were not available.  Alan thanked volunteers who worked Polk County Day at the Oregon State Fair. He announced that 720 registrations were gathered at the DPO booth for the duration of the fair.

REPORTS:

            Executive:  Alan reported that Obama volunteers may carry literature for local candidates.  At present, the Obama campaign is "growing the party."  They are not targeting loyal "D's", but rather, Independents and undecideds.

            Alan reported that some campaign signs have been stolen and tagged, which is a Federal offense.

            Fundraising: Kathy Smits reported that the Airlie Winery Fundraiser will be held Sunday, September 14, from 1-4:00 pm.

            Fairs and Festivals:  Suzi Price reported that the Independence Festival was very successful.  She asked that no photo copies be made of registration forms.

            Coordinated Campaign: Jamie, from the Coordinated Campaign for statewide candidates reported that volunteers will carry literature for all candidates during the five weeks left to campaign before ballots go out.  Thursday nights are set aside for Polk County to call for candidates. The coordinated campaign office is located at the Marion County Democrat Office in Salem.

            Litter Patrol:  Dick May reported that the grass along the Polk Dems assigned roadside has been mowed.  Dick suggested we pick a date for pick-up at our next meeting.

BREAK

SPEAKER: Dennis McCaffery reported that the Democratic party observes the election process at the Polk County Court House.  The Democratic party has lawyers to be sure the election process is done correctly.  There has been a problem dropping ballots at the West Salem Library.  The library did not  agree to accept ballots in the future, so the drop box will be placed at Roth's grocery store.

            A week before election day, the process is put through a test for validity.  Signatures are verified.  If a signature cannot be verified, the voter is notified and allowed to verify the signature.  Also, machines are tested to see that they're counting votes accurately.

            Observers are allowed to watch the process on a TV screen to see if ballots are correctly presented.  About 90% of the ballots are deemed good, while the remainder may not be "presented" appropriately, showing some kind of disturbance to the ballot.   These ballots are surveyed by 3 people, who go through all questionable ballots to determine if each ballot is legitimate and valid. Dennis asked for volunteers to observe the election process:  Contact Dennis at 503-831-0366 or at dmccaffrey@hei.net.

            There will be a meeting on October 9 for people interested in observing the voting process, followed by a "test day".  Contact Dennis for more information.  Also check out the websites:  Blackbox  voting  and Oregon Voting Rights Coalition.

NEW BUSINESS:

            Dick May moved and it was seconded that the Polk County Democratic Central Committee endorse Ballot Measures 56 and 57.  The motion passed.

            David Papen moved and it was seconded that the Polk County Democratic Central Committee contribute $200 to the Kevin Nortness campaign.  The motion passed.

            Jackie Pierce moved and it was seconded that the Polk County Democratic Central Committee give $300 each to the Richard Riggs and the  Jason Brown campaigns.  The motion passed.

OTHER: Aaron Felton, candidate for Polk County District Attorney, thanked the Polk County Democrats for their support and graciously declined to accept party money because his is a not-partisan race.

Pat Jaffer  reported that an Immigration Forum will be held on September 25 at 7:00 pm at Christ Church.

Alan reported that a candidates' forum will be held at Green Villa Farm on Wednesday, October 8 fro 6:00-9:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:17.

Meeting notes taken by Gloria Holland Smith, Secretary.