Democratic Party of Oconee County, Georgia
Minutes of the Meeting on 16 January 2014
1. Call to order
Carolyn Crawford, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Present were Vicky Moody, Wendy Wade, Priscilla Sumner, Margaret Holt, Robert Wyatt, and Greg Shoemaker. Excused absences were Pat Adams, Ann Stoneburner, Diana Jeffreys, and Sarajane Love.
2. Minutes of the meeting on 21 November 2013
Wyatt moved and Moody seconded acceptance of the minutes, and the motion passed unanimously.
3. Discussion of the Forum for U.S. Senate candidates
The Forum held on 10 January 2014 drew three of the four Democratic candidates: Steen Miles, Branko Radulovacki, and Todd Robinson. The fourth candidate, Michelle Nunn, was invited but sent her regrets, citing a scheduling conflict. Approximately 34 people attended the forum, which was moderated by Margaret Holt. Candidates were allowed five minutes for opening remarks, after which the floor was open for questions from the audience. Each candidate was given two minutes to answer, with the possibility of an extra minute to follow up. The proceedings were conducted fairly and democratically, and all candidates were respectful and forthcoming in their answers.
4. New website
Shoemaker reported that a new website is up and running at oconeedemocrat.net. He asked for advice and feedback from the committee. He will invite Holt, Crawford, and Wyatt to help him decide what should be posted on the site.
5. Elections in 2014
Wyatt reported on the most recent meeting of the Board of Elections and Registration, which was held on 13 January 2014. Jay Hanley, chair of the Oconee County Republican Committee, has joined the Board, appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Qualifying will be held 3-7 March 2014, and primary elections will be held on 20 May 2014. Carole Amos, assistant to Pat Hayes, reported that the total number of registered voters in Oconee County is 21,673.
6. Announcement of upcoming events
Crawford reported that there will be a meeting of Democrats from District 10 in Greensboro on Saturday, 25 January 2014. Patsy Harris is in charge, and more details will be forthcoming.
Crawford also announced that Jason Carter, Democratic candidate for governor, will be in Athens on 27 February 2014. Again, more details will be provided as plans are finalized.
7. Election of a new Secretary
With Crawford's election as Chair for 2014, a new secretary is needed, as noted in the minutes of the last meeting. Wyatt offered to stand for election and was chosen by acclamation.
8. Recruitment of more Democrats to fill seats on the Committee
Holt and Wade agreed to organize a meeting to increase awareness of the Democratic Party in Oconee County and to seek candidates to fill open seats on the Oconee County Democratic Committee. Efforts will be made to fill all vacancies and to seat as many members as possible in their home districts.
9. Next meeting
The next meeting of the Committee will be on Thursday, 20 March 2014.
10. Adjournment
Wade moved and Moody seconded a motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Wyatt
Secretary
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