Columbia County Democratic Central Committee

http://www.columbiademocrats.org/

Minutes- February 26, 2008

Kozy Korner, St. Helens

Attendees:  Jolene Jonas, Jesse Lohrke, Rosemary Lohrke, Roger Wuollet, Chip Bubl, Nancy Bubl, Margaret Magruder, Jane Allen, Josette Hugo, Craig Frasier, Bill Eagle, Claudia Eagle, Bill Blank, Susan Conn, Rita Bernhard, Earl Fisher, Tammy Maygra, Jamie Maygra, Donna Nyberg, Karen Greeney, Senator Betsy Johnson, Representative Brad Witt.

Excused: Julane Grant

Guests:  Katherine Pfeiffer, Edie Douglas

Call to Order by the Chair
Salute the Flag

Introductions

Minutes Approved as Posted

Treasurer’s Report skipped-Julane’s home sick

Old Business

          Bylaws changes – Karen Greeney presented remaining additions/changes

                        Motion to accept changes as recommended by committee – passed

            Strategic Plan – Jolene

                        Survey showed a desire to open an office during 2008 Campaign. Jane Allen, Bill Blank, Roger Wuollet, and Josette Hugo will try to find a suitable location.

                        Candidates forum – Rainier Chamber of Commerce has invited us to participate in the “Candidates Day” to be held April 17^th in Rainier with all parties involved. Craig Frasier & Jesse Lohrke will do follow-up and report at our next meeting. 

                        Fundraising – Sell buttons, shirts, etc from Democratic HQ; Host a “NoShow” event; Send out “Wish List”. Keep cost low; contributions high.

                        Next Event – Primary Night Party – Julane Grant will co-ordinate.

Report:  Legislative Update - Special Session '08

          Representative Brad Witt – House Wrap-up

         Senator Betsy Johnson – Senate Wrap-up

                    Much was accomplished during this experiment in annual sessions.  Some highlights of legislation passed in just 3 weeks are:

Health Care got a boost with insurance coverage for cancer screenings, the Prescription Drug Program, mental health parity, and school nutrition standards.

Senior Citizens gained with enhanced funding for Oregon Project Independence;

Public Safety improved with more state troopers, longer sentences for property and drug crimes and additional circuit court judges.

Consumers benefited with a tightening of regulations on payday loans, mortgage foreclosure bailouts and dangerous products that threaten vulnerable Oregonians.

Education was given priority in dollars – Clatsop CC – will outreach to Columbia County.

December’s Storm Disaster was put front and center. 3 Bills passed to aid victims in Columbia, Clatsop, and Tillamook Counties. 

The committee voiced its appreciation for the efforts of Betsy and Brad that brought legislative changes to disaster response and assistance.

New Business

          Platform Convention – April 11; members are encouraged to attend. Those who wish to go should contact Jolene.

            No on 4x6 signs discussion – Jesse Lohrke.  Wayne Mayo’s signature gathering failed the deadline for the primary ballot.  Indications are that Mayo will continue efforts for the Nov. ballot.

Additional:  Jamie and Tammy Maygra each wished to propose an additional change to CCDCC’s bylaws and will transmit that to Jolene before the next meeting.

Next meeting Mar. 25^th at the Kozy Korner, now our regular meeting place.

Meeting Adjourned

Donna Nyberg, Secretary