Present Peter Alotta, Susan Easley, Jolene Jonas, Debi Corsiglia, Joe Corsiglia, Bill Eagle, Claudia Eagle, Geneva Shadley, Sherry Olsen, Josette Hugo, Rita Bernhard, Diana Boom, Karen Ladd, Craig Frasier, Phil Derby, Ted Olsen, Norma Olsen, Paul Dinu, Betty Huser , Carole Smith and Betsy Johnson

Excused Nancy Federici, Darryl Boom

The meeting was called to order by Chair Jolene Jonas at 701 PM and the group joined in the flag salute. Introductions were made.

Minutes for the meeting on January 15th were approved. Straw poll ballots for governor were distributed.

Guest Speaker Labor Commissioner candidate Dan Gardner was scheduled to attend but was detained. His campaign manager, Barbara Smith Warner, attended in his place. Barbara spoke briefly on the campaign s three main issues promotion of economic development; enhancement of apprenticeship programs; and, enforcement of civil rights, safety and workplace regulations. Barbara then fielded some questions from the membership.

Election of Treasurer Due to the resignation of Joe and Debi Corsiglia following the January meeting, an election was held to fill the vacancy. Joe and Debi asked to rescind their resignations and were nominated by Bill Eagle. The motion was seconded by Paul Dinu and they were re-elected by acclamation. At this point, Debi gave the treasurer s report. There is a current balance of $624.20 and the first pre-election report has been filed.

By-Laws After two years, work on the by-laws has been completed and the proposed by-laws were distributed to the members and will be available on the website . The proposed by-laws will be scheduled for approval at the July meeting.

State Convention Jolene reported on her meeting with Bill Bradbury and on the fund-raising that was done on his behalf. Individual Columbia County Democrats gave $850 to his campaign in the month of March. Betsy asked whether or not we had a specific policy for fund-raising for individual candidates as opposed to raising money for the larger pool of candidates. It was explained that the donations for Bradbury were made individually and not as a committee. Normally, our committee coffers are so limited in funds that any contributions to candidates are only made prior to the general election. Bill commented that he would like to see money made available to allow delegates to attend the various conventions and meetings. Jolene responded that more fund-raising would have to be done. Peter gave a report on "The Bus", a proposed method of bringing statewide candidates and volunteers to the county for a day in the summer or fall. Applications and information were distributed. Susan spoke on the Advocates Plus Program whereby monthly donations to the DPO can be made automatically from one s checking account. Jolene commented that it would be nice if the counties would receive a percentage of the amount donated each month. Jolene spoke on the possibility of purchasing Democratic buttons for sale at the Fair or other events. Claudia suggested purchasing a button machine and was empowered by the group to explore the purchase of such a machine with a cost not to exceed $50. It was determined that the group would like Claudia to select a local purveyor if possible. Members also approved the purchase of buttons for immediate sale from an appropriate source with a cost not to exceed $100.

District Leadership Training Jolene briefed the body on the training she had recently attended which focused on our roles 1) we are here to engage people and to register them to vote; 2) get out the vote; and, 3) be a resource for our candidates.

Precinct Handbooks Jolene distributed an adapted handbook for precinct committeepersons and asked for a volunteer to compile the list of contact information for our elected officials. Betsy said she would do this. Jolene announced that we can purchase copies of last year s precinct map for $15 at which point Karen offered to donate hers.

New Business Jolene reported on a training she attended on how to use voter files, and distributed a spreadsheet showing the allocation of voters by party, age and gender. Carole asked about storefront office space to better coordinate activities and to provide a greater presence. Members were asked to look for appropriate space and report back at the July meeting. Fundraising was discussed and some of the ideas mentioned were a dinner in the fall with high school culinary students preparing and serving the food, and a dessert at Caples House for Fleet Day during the Rose Festival. Carole, Karen and Josette volunteered to coordinate the Fleet Day program if that day is available. Betsy made a motion to authorize an expenditure not to exceed $100 to secure the Caples House for the day. The motion passed. Jolene reminded the group that the Race to Stop Global warming would be held on April 28th and said a good turnout was expected. Jolene asked members to contact Art and Dorothy Laubach to wish them well. Betsy suggested all members sign a copy of the agenda to enclose in a card to be mailed to them. This was done and Susan will purchase and mail the card.

Straw Poll Results Jolene announced that Jim Hill won the straw pool with 45% of the vote. Bev Stein came in second with 30%; Ted Kulongoski was third with 15% and undecided members were 10%. These results will be passed along to the candidates.

Announcements Norma announced the Women s Resource Fundraiser would be held on April 20th at the Time and Again Tearoom, and Jolene mentioned that District 1 was seeking new leadership as Rick Ross had stepped down to run for office. Josette won the 50/50 drawing and donated her prize back to the committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Alotta and Susan Easley

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