Proposed minutes for March 2012 meeting of the Oconee County Democratic Committee

Minutes of the Oconee Democratic Committee Meeting

7 pm, March 15, 2012 at the Government Annex, Watkinsville 

Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm 

Attendees:  Liz Goodroe (4-3), Vicky Moody (4-1), Diana Jeffreys (6-2), Dan Matthews (2-2), Rita Bennett (3-2), Sarajane Love (2-3), Diana Jefferies (6-2), Peggy Thrasher Law (4-2)

Absent excused: Ann Stoneburner (1-3), Robert Wyatt (6-1), Violet Dawe (1-1), Jonathan Veit (2-1), Pat Adams (6-3)

Members Absent:  Tony Glenn (1-2), Linda Elkins (3-1)

Guests:  Carolyn Crawford, Wendy Wade, Lana Sheats, Eric Gray, Nancy DeRemo

Call to Order:  In Ann’s absence Liz Goodroe called the meeting to order at 7:00PM and welcomed attendees.  Since there were some new members we went round the table with introductions.

Approval of Minutes:  Liz Goodroe asked for approval of minutes of the meeting on February 16, 2012.  Sarajane moved to approve, all in favor.

Treasurer’s Report:  In Violet Dawe’s absence Liz gave the Treasurer’s report and reminded members to please submit receipts for reimbursement or in-kind donations to Violet. 

According to Violet’s report, we had $XX.XX in expenses including: Website, postage, rental of Krim’s and Bishop Community Center, etc

Deposit of $195

Balance of $XXXX.XX

We asked Eric Gray to discuss financial issues at the state level.  He said traditionally two or three months before the J&J dinner we are at our lowest funds point.  J&J dinner is major state level fundraiser; since the news came out about low funds at the state level, about $40,000 to $50,000 has been raised.  

Review of February 25^th rally – Sarajane reported that attendance was fabulous, headcount around 40, number of new people.  Darrell Hicks gave a wonderful, inspiring talk.  All in all, it was a good event.  14 people signed up as supporting or donating members.  Someone asked if there was any press coverage?  None at the event, Dan said he took pictures and added to his blog.  Eric suggested that the state mailing list could be used and can be broken out in a number of ways.  He will send a blast email two weeks before monthly meeting.  Ideas to explore: prerecord messages.  He said 3,000 voters voted Democrat in Oconee County last election. Prerecorded calls could be cost effective way to reach more people.  Eric asked if we had an email list?  Dan gave some details on that based on his recent campaigns -- the lists are outdated.    Eric said part of the problem is there are not enough Democratic candidates running in elections, so the lists are not getting cleaned up.

Lana asked if we’ve reached out to the churches.  Dan said yes, but not well.  Lana said to reach out to the Pastors to reach the congregation.  Nancy suggested we get involved in First Friday, in downtown Watkinsville.

Adopt-A-Road – Sarajane received a letter from Keep Oconee Clean, asking if we will continue supporting our adopt-a-mile?  Sarajane said that we hold clean ups about three times a year, but the same people are always the ones participating so she wanted to be sure we want to continue.  It was agreed that it is valuable publicity (sign) and it is a valuable public service.  Vicky commented that she can’t participate but she is proud of our efforts and is talking point.  Dan moved, Vicky seconded to continue, all in favor.

Additionally, Dan said the Democrats v. Republican Watkinsville trash clean up is coming up April 28.

Oconeedems.com web-site – Jonathan was unable to attend, we’ll get an update next meeting.

Anne Stoneburner’s resignation as chair.  Liz read Ann’s resignation letter.  Rita Bennett has offered to continue as first vice chair.  Liz made a motion to nominate Dan as chair, Peggy nominated, Diana seconded; all approved. Rita will continue as first vice chair.

Training session for Delegates:  Dan Matthews reported that he attended training session held at the Bishop Community Center on February 23^rd for citizens who would like to be delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, September 3-6.  The actual election of delegates will be at a caucus held in Madison on Saturday, April 21^st at Morgan County High School. The 10^th Congressional District will send 5 delegates, 3 men and 2 women, to the National Convention.  Patsy Harris has requested volunteers to assist her at the caucus in Madison.  

Attendees can vote for delegate @ the caucus in April @ Morgan County HS.

Dan said he’s not sure he will be able to go to the National Convention, due to the expense involved, about $4,000.  Eric said state will help come up with a fundraising plan.

Carolyn asked if you have to have the training to apply?  Dan & Eric said it’s not required but it would be beneficial.

Sarajane asked how will we know who the candidates are?  Eric is going to find out for sure and will let us know.  Proactive candidates will likely reach out, but he’ll find out for sure and will let us know.

New Business: 

Please remember that according to our bylaws, there will be an election for Committee members in August or early September.  [GA BL 3.5. Election Procedure:  Committee members are to be elected at a caucus of the Oconee County Democratic Party to be held within 45 days following the General Primary.  The time, place, and method of the caucus shall be set by the Committee and advertised no less than 30 days in advance.]  The general primary is July 31, 2012.  The caucus needs to be held before September 14.

Hopefully several of our new members will agree to serve on the Committee.

The State Committee is asking that we start our voter registration drive.  In light of our previous discussions concerning the high percentage of registered voters in Oconee County (95%) and the predominance of Republicans in the county, what is the Committee’s pleasure concerning a voter registration drive in general and at the local high schools in particular?  Vicky said that hs principals are considered part of the registrars and they can hold registrations.  Dan will contact Karen Solheim about getting in HS to help register voters – OCHS, NOHS, ACAD, Westminster Christian Academy.

Future speakers:  Jeff Ingram of the Obama Campaign in Georgia has been contacted, but other suggestions would be welcomed.  Dan wants to be as integrated in the Obama campaign as possible.

Adding committee members to the oconeedemocrats@yahoogroups.com list group? Dan reported he has added them to the list group.

Liz asked about considering changing the meeting day of week from 3^rd Thursday to 3^rd Wednesday?  Lana said Wed would conflict with church.  What about Tuesday?  After discussion, it was determined that the third Thursday continues to be best.  No action.  Thursday, 4/19 will be next meeting.

As all business was concluded, Dan moved to adjourn, Peggy seconded, all in favor.

Meeting adjourned @ 8:27PM.