Minutes of the October 2005 Meeting in Clatskanie

 

Attendees: Ted Olson, Donna Nyberg, Jon Nyberg, Craig Frasier, Gayle Lee, Margaret Magruder, Elaine Heck, Pat Briggs, Doyce Briggs, Nancy Roche, Paula Becks, Phil Derby, Rita Bernhard, Rod Bennion, Jolene Jonas

 

Excused: Brad Witt, Nancy Federici, Josette Hugo

 

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:10, followed by the salute to the flag and introductions

 

It was determined we had the necessary quorum to conduct business

 

Last month’s meeting minutes were approved with the following correction: Jon and Donna Nyberg did attend that meeting.   

 

Treasurer Report:  No report due to Karen Ladd’s absence

 

Updates:

State Summit:   Jolene reported

Nancy Federici and Jolene attended the full summit.  Brad and Betsy were there the first day.  The event was well attended.  Over 500 with attendees turned away. 

 

Many guest speakers, including Tim Roemer, who served on the 9/11 commission, and the highlight, Ambassador Wilson, who spoke about his role as Ambassador through Bush Sr, Clinton and Bush Jr,.  He also chronicled the whole “outting” experience and believes justice will be served. 

 

One workshop, lead by two professors from the University of Washington, covered the technics necessary to engage the media as an echo chamber for our message.  They offer workshops.  Clatsop county would like to partner with Columbia County in setting up a workshop so Jolene is checking into cost.

 

A ballot initiative was introduced by Kitzhaber regarding access to health care as a right, similar to how we view public education.  Paula agreed to review the materials and report back next month on whether Columbia County Dems would help support/promote the petition.

 

Another initiative is being circulated that would require capping taxes based on inflation and population.  A similar resolution was passed in Colorado several years ago, supported by their Republican governor.  Years later that governor is asking to have it overturned as it has made it impossible for him to manage the state’s needs.  The Democrat stand is to say NO.  DO NOT SIGN. 

 

The state party has created a House Party committee.  They will work with the counties to set up house parties across the state as needed to fight specific issues and/or promote democratic candidates.  A few months ago they coordinated one focused on “Why not Privatize Social Security”.  They provided all the educational materials, using it as a fund raiser for ads that were run throughout the state.  Nov 2nd is their second one, focused on raising money to support candidates running against Republican incumbents at the state level.  Columbia County has not signed up any houses, but the goal is to find volunteers in each area; St Helens/Scappoose, Vernonia, Rainier and Clatskanie to host such events.  We need everyone’s help to line this up. 

End of State Summit report.

 

Other Business:

Ted mentioned Mike Sheehan will look into scheduling speakers to join our monthly meetings

 

Ted proposed a change in the by-laws, to state email as the primary mode of communications, with postal mail for those without email.  A motion was made and seconded.  The change was approved.   

 

Pam Powell has resigned due to evening conflicts at our meeting time.  A motion was made and seconded to approve her resignation.  The motion passed.  

Ted opened the floor for nominations to replace Pam.  By unanimous ballot we elected Donna Nyberg.. 

 

Forming Committees:

Message Committee: 

We will form a Message Committee to continue the work already underway regarding Framing Our Message.  We suggested beginning with a meeting at the Scappoose Library on Nov 8 or 15, but Nancy Roche learned the room is not available.  So we will hold the session at either Ted’s or Jolene’s home. We’ll send out a notice once decided.  We will also use this meeting to support the “Take Back the  House” effort coordinated through the state.  THIS COMMITTEE NEEDS A LEADER.  Hopefully someone will volunteer at the first meeting.   

 

PR Committee:

Jon Nyberg agreed to lead this committee.  Jon will provide an update on this committee at the next meeting.

 

Recruitment Committee:

Nancy Roche agreed to lead this committee.  Jolene will work with Nancy to set up a volunteer database.  Volunteers to make local calls will include Gayle Lee in Mist/Vernonia, Margaret/Elaine in Clatskanie, and Phil in Rainier. 

 

Finance Committee: 

We need a leader here to plan fund raising events

 

End of Committee Discussion

 

We voted to suspend the Nov meeting.

 

Next Meetings:

Nov 8 or 15 – Message Committee at either Ted’s or Jolene’s – an announcement will be sent

Dec 10 – CD 1 Christmas Auction (maybe at the Warren Country Inn)

Dec 13 – At Cozy Kitchen for our Columbia County auction.   This is our annual fund raiser.  Please be sure and attend and bring items for auction

 

Opens:

Sundays from 1 to 2 at Scappoose Totem pole – Peace Rally  

 

Meeting adjourned