Democratic Central Committee Meeting

Elaine Heck, Clatskanie North;   Brad Witt, Clatskanie South;   Margaret Magruder, Marshland;   Phil Derby, Rainier 2;   Chip Bubl, Warren North;   Nancy Bubl, Warren North;   Ted Olson, St. Helens 2;   Pam Powell, St. Helens 3;   Rod Bennion, St. Helens 4;   Nancy Roche, St. Helens 6;   Claudia Eagle, St. Helens 8;   Nancy Federici, St. Helens 9;   Craig Frasier, Scappoose 3;   Rita Bernhard, Scappoose 4;   Paula Becks, Scappoose 4;   John DeFrance, Scappoose 4;   Mike Sheehan, Scappoose South;   Elizabeth Beardslee-Folsom, Scappoose South;   John Nyberg, Yankton;   Donna Nyberg, Yankton;   Rosemary Lohrke, Yankton;   Jolene Jonas, Chapman;   Karen Ladd, Columbia City.

Guests attending:

Julie Koch, Phillip Koch, Bill Blank, Jon Peahl, Salvador Peralta, Patrick Cunningham.

1. Call to order by Chair Ted Olson 7:05. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Introductions around the room.

3. Minutes of March 22, 2005, amended to include that the State Party Reps are Ted Olson, Jolene Jonas and Brad Witt. Nancy Federici is alternate and District One Rep.

Craig moved, Nancy Roche seconded to approve the minutes as amended. Unanimous.

4. Treasurer’s Report: Karen Ladd reported that there is $2,045.70 in the bank account. The check from District 1 has not arrived.

5. District 1 Report: Jolene reported that they are dividing into sub-teams and are going to try to have another Donkey U training curriculum. Primary purpose always is to get Dems elected. The Cong. Dist. 1 meeting is Aug. 14 in Clatsop County with a Salmon Bake in a park. Is an annual event.

The State meeting in Pendleton had an “awesome outcome.” State Dems hired someone to do an analysis of the Nov. 04 election. Broke the party down into how we voted. Jolene passed around an analysis of Columbia County in various broad areas. She said that we are a conservative Democrat county, but could be pulled into the red. National Party Chair Howard Dean is asking each central committee to learn about its county and try to form key messages...what does this county care about and how do we form the message to carry the county in the polls.

Jolene also said that the DPO has formed a rural caucus, and Jolene is serving as Secretary. They will be working at the state level to form the messages. Anyone wishing to join, please send an email to Jolene.

Rep. Brad Witt’s Legislative Report: He commented that it was great to see so many Democrats meeting together in the community. He also thanked the group for allowing him to serve in the Legislature. “As much work as it is, I’m having a ball!” He added that he takes his representation seriously. He walks every weekend and has been making contact most recently with business owners.

As of Monday, he said, the D’s package of five health care bills was shot down one by one on strict party line votes. He said the caucus researched a 41-year look back at how school funding has increased. He said the spending cap of 4.5% for schools wouldn’t have maintained schools over the past years. The 51% of income dedication that the speaker supports is less than the average of 53% of income tax that schools have required over time. He and the D caucus in the House stand behind adequate funding for schools.

Brad was commended for his weekly newsletter. He said a key bill he is working on now is to get another circuit court judge for four counties.

Salvador Peralta, Yamhill County Dem Central Committee Chair, spoke in favor of an initiative he has started for 2006 Campaign Finance Reform. He said Oregon is one of the few states with no limits on donations, and corporations tend to dominate politics in Oregon. He said only 4% of the campaign donations are $50 and under, with most of the campaign money in Oregon coming from large donors. In 1996 $4.2 million was donated by corporations to political campaigns. In 2002 $48 million was donated. He said it affects public policy.

Measure 8 is an amendment that allows us to pass campaign limits.

Measure 37 implements constitutional amendment.

He left copies of the petitions and explanations for us to have at festivals. July 06 is the deadline for signatures.

6. Old business: Some discussion of the website. Nancy Roche moved, Jolene seconded to put precinct rep’s phone number and e-mail on the website. Passed.

Regular Monthly Meetings: Nancy Federici said that the State is asking us to meet monthly. Three months between meetings is too long.

Rosemary suggested monthly gatherings, no business agenda, but talk over issues, stay in contact and organize activities. John Defrance said that the meetings need to have a focus.

Nancy Roche, Jolene seconded to have informal meetings on the last Tuesday of the two months between the quarterly meetings. Passed.

Nancy Roche moved, Craig seconded to meet at the Scappoose Library for the interim meetings, as available. Passed. Group agreed to put a public notice in the newspaper and invite anyone to attend. Nancy R. agreed to check on the meeting space and report back to Jolene.

7. New Business: Ted apologized for not getting organized for the St. Helens Riverfest. We had no presence.

b. Columbia County Fair signup sheet went around. Ted will take the lead, call workers and make sure the slots are filled and the booth gets set up.

c. Clatskanie Heritage Days: Margaret Magruder, Elaine Heck, Brad Witt and Ted will be there. Maybe others.

d. Rainier: Rainier Day in the Park, July 7-10: Phil Derby said he would coordinate with Ted.

e. Vernonia Friendship Jamboree: Aug 5-7. Pam said Gayle Lee said she would get booth space. Karen, Paula and Ted volunteered to help out.

f. Sauerkraut Festival, Sept. 17: Craig will coordinate.

g. Margaret presented a potential new precinct committee rep, Patrick Cunningham of Clatskanie. He is eligible to represent Marshland (9). Chip moved, Nancy seconded to elect Patrick to the CCDCC. Unanimous.

h. State fair, Sept 5^{th Columbia County is responsible for the booth. Jolene is coordinating. Please contact her if you can help. We need 8 volunteers}

Good of the Order:

Rod Bennion asked if there is a way to make endorsements from the State or local Dems on non-partisan races? Jolene said she posted non-partisan endorsements on the web once and the candidates asked her to remove their names. She said non-partisans don’t want to be made partisan by an endorsement. Bennion then asked if we could post who NOT to vote for.

Jolene said the State Party Convention is Oct. 7,8, and 9 in Bend. It is the biggest event the State party holds and we encourage every one to attend.

Jolene mentioned the State Platform committee has been meeting monthly, starting to plan for next years Platform convention. She is hoping that we have a full slate of delegates (3 or 4). She is also hoping that the Planks and Legislative Agenda can become a more useful document for our candidates and representatives as they represent democratic interests at all levels.

Rosemary noted the document that she and Nancy R. had sent out to the members. Discussion was that it might make a good interim meeting topic.

Bill Blank said he is interested in attending CCDCC meetings to stay involved and be a grassroots supporter.

Nancy F noted that David Wu will be here July 7 – at the St. Helens amphitheater music event?

Craig noted that when his students attempted to attend an Republican Central Committee meeting, they were turned away. Rs won’t let outsiders into their meetings.

Adjourn, 9 p.m.

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