Unofficial minutes from December meeting of Oconee County Democratic Committee


OCONEE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
JANUARY 19, 2012
OCONEE COUNTY ANNEX
Members Present:  Ann Stoneburner (1-3), Robert Wyatt (6-1), Violet Dawe (1-1), Liz Goodroe (4-3), Vicky Moody (4-1), Diana Jeffreys (6-2), and Pat Adams (6-3)
Members Excused: Sarajane Love (2-3), Jonathan Veit (2-1), and Dan Matthews (2-2).
Members Absent:  Tony Glenn (1-2), Linda Elkins (3-1), Rita Bennett (3-2), and Peggy Thrasher Law (4-2).
Call to order:  The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Chair Ann Stoneburner.
Welcome and Introduction of Visitors and Guests:
David Shearon and Nancy Deremo

Approval of Minutes:   Liz Goodroe reported that the minutes had been sent to out and received no replies for corrections.  Ann called for a motion to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2011 meeting.   Robert Wyatt moved and Pat Adams seconded a motion that the minutes submitted by Liz Goodroe be approved. The motion carried.

Treasurer’s report:  Violet Dawe reported that the bank balance is $XX,XXX.XX.  Ann said Article 3.9 from Bylaws of the Oconee County Democratic Committee:  Dues: Reasonable dues for members may be set, upon due deliberation and majority vote of the committee.  No person elected to serve in a Committee post shall be denied the right to participate for a failure to pay dues to the Committee.  As things stand now, members who do pay their dues contribute a range of amounts; however, this is all lumped under the category of “Dues” in the Annual Financial Report.  It was suggested that this year we each pay the same amount in Dues and label our additional (and welcomed) monetary contributions as “Donations.”  Violet collected dues and members’ forms, and Liz Goodroe will compile members’ forms.  In terms of recording in-kind donations, the recommendation for 2012 was for members to give Violet a record of their in-kind contributions on a monthly basis.  Committee dues were set at $10/year.  

Board of Elections & Registration:  Robert Wyatt reported the BOE didn’t meet in December and the next meeting is scheduled for February 6, 2012.  While 2011 was quiet in terms of elections, 2012 has the potential for as many as seven elections or possibly as few as three.  Robert said the Oconee County website, (http://www.oconeecounty.com), provides a link to the BOE for voter information and to the state elections office.  Violet asked what happens to qualifying fees after elections.  Robert said if there is a Democrat candidate at the County level, the Oconee County Democrats Committee should receive one half of the qualifying fee, which is calculated at 3% of the annual salary of the candidate.  Violet reported that we have not received money for the past couple of elections.  Robert is going to look into it and report back.

Technology Report:  on behalf of Jonathan Veit, Ann Stoneburner reported:  Jonathan asked Committee members to check their subscriptions to “Oconee Democrats” at oconeedemocrats@yahoogroups.com. A check for $120 to develop a web-site has been sent to the DPG.  Training sessions are available if needed.  Are any members interested in joining the committee to administer the new website?  

Chair Report:  Ann Stoneburner reported that organizational plans for the rally “Oconee County Democrats in 2012,” as described by Patsy Harris at the November meeting, was in progress and requested assistance in determining a locale, refreshments, and advertising.  Darryl Hicks, previously a Labor Commission candidate, has been contacted to serve as our featured speaker.  Affidavits were submitted to be forwarded to the DPG with copies to Liz Goodroe. The annual membership ($25) was paid to the Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs (GADCC).  We should apply for funding to the GADCC to cover expenses for the new website and rally.  A training session will be held in Bishop at the Community Center for candidates to the election of delegates at the caucus to be held in Madison on April 21st.   Georgia Deserves Better Rally in Atlanta is on January 28th at noon.  Pat and Ann said they would like to go, and Ann reported that five people from a committee would be considered a sponsor.

Guest Speaker:  David Shearon of Ashford Manor spoke on his quest to support Project Safe (www.project-safe.org) through “Dancing with the Athens Stars.”  David and his dance partner, Elissa Bacso, are Team6.  He gave some suggestions for anyone interested in hosting an event to help Team6 raise “votes,” which are $1.00 for each vote.  David has a Team6 blog, http://dwasteam6.tumblr.com.  Tickets for the competition, held April 1st at the Classic Center in Athens, go on sale in March.  David reported that for every dollar raised, $.92 goes to helping abuse victims vs. overhead and administrative costs.  $260,000 has been raised over the past three years from DWAS, one third of that money is raised the night of the competition! 
Liz Goodroe reported that our $200 donation to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia provided 800 meals.  There was no other business, and Ann called the meeting adjourned at 8:45PM.
Submitted by:  Liz Goodroe


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