Category Archives: Minutes

June 6, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-presidents Pat and Marilyn. 

Members approved a request by the Board to send $75 to Tom Griggs to help pay off debts remaining after his 2006 campaign for State Board of Education.

Members approved more of the Resolutions originally presented at the March 7^th meeting.  Those approved were as follows:

·      We support legislation that reduces the cost of healthcare and makes it affordable, including the consideration of a single payer universal healthcare system.

·      We support legislation and programs that make higher education more available and affordable.

·      We support the development of conservation programs and alternative energy sources to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

Program:

The program was devoted to Longmont’s Open Space and Trails system.  Daniel Wolford, the City’s Manager of Parks, Open Space & Forestry, spoke about the Open Space Initiative, a proposal by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, (PRAB), to extend the existing sales tax which is used for the acquisition and development of Open Space in and around Longmont.  This Initiative would be added to the November ballot.

He presented a slide show of the current Open Space & Trails Master Plan, and described plans for future acquisitions and development of the trails, greenways and open space system. A follow up Q&A session was held with the members.  Ginny Hayden, a member of the PRAB, provided additional comments, and encouraged members to apply for various board openings at the City.

Meeting  adjouned.

May 2, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-vice presidents Jack and Ruth.

The Iraq resolution was reworded as follows, and members voted approval: “We support the prompt withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in a safe and measured way, in conjunction with the pursuit of all diplomatic options, both regional and international”.

Members were asked to volunteer for the LAD booth at the Cinco De Mayo Festival on May 5^th from 9 to 5 at the Roosevelt Park Pavilion.

Program:

The program was a Roundtable Forum with Longmont City Council Members and local government officials, moderated by Jonathan singer.  The following officials attended and spoke to the members:

Council members: Mary Blue, Doug Brown, Roger Lange, Karen Benker and, Marty Block.

City Public Works Operations Manager – Charlie Kamenides

Community Outreach Coordinator for Eco-Cycle – Jen Friedman 

Planning and Development Services Director – Brad Schol

They answered questions submitted earlier by the Board, as well as questions from the membership.

Meeting adjourned.

April 4, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-presidents Pat and Marilyn. 

Resolution discussion:  Only the Iraq resolution was discussed at this meeting.  Members were given a week to email Pat/Marilyn their suggested changes.  The Board would review and make adjustments as agreed on.  The finalized wording for this resolution would be presented for an up or down vote at the May meeting.  The remaining resolutions were left for discussion at future meetings.

Program:

The program was devoted to the environment and alternative energy, with an emphasis on local issues.  Speakers were: 

James Martin – Governor Ritter’s Executive Director of Public Health and Environment.

Stephanie Burris and Bob Norris – Green Building

Bob Ewers, City of Longmont – Wind Energy

Allie Marshall – Center for Resource Conservation Center

A question and answer session with the members followed.

Meeting adjourned.

March 7, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-presidents Pat and Marilyn.

Members were presented with, and approved a list of goals for 2007 which had been developed by the Board.  Goals included:  Increase membership, Set up events/fundraisers around a cause, Present more local issues, Increase Group Interaction/Participation, Help elect locally progressive candidates for city council, other city and county offices.

LAD’s Mission Statement was revised and approved to read:  “Our mission is to be responsive to the needs of the Longmont area voting public by providing education, information and opportunities for citizen participation in our representative democracy”.

Webmaster, Doug Wray, gave a live demonstration on surfing the Longmont Area Democrats website, and answered questions from members.

Karen Benker, Longmont City Councilwoman for Ward 2, spoke about items that were being considered by City Council.  She presented some history and addresses issues related to the Union annexation, a proposed development undergoing review that would require annexation by the City.

Richard Hansen, LAD’s Content Manager for the website, at the Board’s request, complied and presented a list of Resolutions for the membership to review and discuss.  This idea came about because numerous members had asked what LAD stood for, and whether the group was willing to stake a stand on topical/controversial issues facing the state and country.  The following resolutions were presented and discussed by the members:

(1)   We support the immediate withdrawal of American troops from Iraq in a safe and measured way in conjunction with the pursuit of all diplomatic options both regional and international.

(2)   We support legislation that reduces the cost of healthcare and makes it affordable. Including the consideration of a single payer universal healthcare system.

(3)   We support legislation and programs that make higher education more available and affordable.

(4)   We support the development of conservation programs and alternative energy sources to lessen our reliance on fossil fuels.

(5)   We support efforts both governmental and private that promote the protection and improvement in our environment.  

(6)   We support the development of governmental policies that create living wage jobs that benefit the economy and increase the standard of living for all Americans.  

(7)   We support the establishment at the state level of a publicly financed election system that eliminates financial influence in politics.

(8) We support legislation and initiatives that protect and restore our civil liberties, and in the dignity and human rights of all people.

Michael Flanagan moderated the discussion.  Members agreed that more time was needed to consider the resolutions, so they will be further reviewed at future meetings.

Meeting adjourned.

February 2, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-presidents Pat and Marilyn.  The 2006 Board members were recognized for their service and presented with gifts.

A flip chart of suggested topics for subsequent meetings was presented.  Members were asked to sign up if interested in volunteering to develop programs from these topics.

Mary Bradley withdrew her name as 2007 Treasurer during January, so the Board selected Bob Norris as her replacement.  Members approved Bob as 2007 Treasurer.

Members were asked to approve an increase in yearly dues to $15 per person, or $25 per couple.  Hardship dues remained at $10 per person.  Members approved the increase. 

Members were reminded that, per the Bylaws, only paid members would be able to vote on issues coming before the group during the year.

Program: 

The 2007 State Legislators in our districts held an informal and lively conversation with the members, discussing their bills, other activities upcoming for the year, and answered member’s questions.  Speakers were: Sen. Brandon Shaffer-Senate District 17, Rep. Paul Weissmann-House District 12, Rep. Jack Pommer-House District 11, and Rep. Dianne Primavera-House District 33. 

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes of the Meeting of Longmont Area Democrats April 5,2006 Submitted by Rich Hansen

Deb Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm. She made the following public announcements, (1) We need more Precinct Leaders in Longmont and to contact either Dale Lanan or Bob Roy. (2) We need volunteers for the Farmers Market this summer. (3) The BCDP is offering need-based scholarships for Boulder County women to attend the White House Project-Colorado Go Run women’s political leadership training. (4) She mentioned the coming meeting of the Boulder County Young Dems at the Café’ Gondolier in Boulder on April 12, 2006. (5) She also mentioned the County Assembly on the 15th of April. There were several other public announcements, which were all included on a flyer that was available to all that attended the meeting.

Pat Davis gave the Treasurers report; she stated that there was $395.75 in the cash account after paying for a booth at the Cinco de Mayo event. She mentioned that we now have 49 paid members and recognized several new members.

Both candidates for the County Clerks Office were in attendance and we allowed three minutes each to speak to the audience. Both Hillary Hall and Linda Salas spoke about their qualifications and asked for the members support.

Shari Malloy discussed the May meeting, she asked for input from the audience and stated that the tentative topic would be the immigration issue. She mentioned that there would be a guest panel to answer questions on the immigration issue and try to clear-up any misinformation on the subject.

Deb informed the members that because of the on going session of the State Legislature, that the announced quest speakers would not be here to speak. She asked if there were any questions from the members? She adjourned the meeting at 7:45 pm.

Brandon Shafer arrived un-expectantly at about 8:05 pm and agreed to talk about what was happening at the State Legislature. He talked about an amendment to the School Finance Act which stated that a public school couldn’t stop a student from displaying the American flag on the school grounds without suffering financial penalties. This very contentious amendment did pass by a senate vote.

He also spoke about the (Long Bill) and how labor some the budget process is, he also mentioned that there were 58 amendments to the long bill that came out of the Joint Budget Committee.

Minutes of the Meeting of Longmont Area Democrats

March 1, 2006

Submitted by Rich Hansen

Chairperson Deb Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. She acknowledged the snack sponsors and how appreciative we all are for their efforts. She also mentioned that there were several new faces in the audience and she welcomed them to our meeting. Deb introduced the special guests in attendance and explained the newly adopted rule that they would be recognized but not allowed to speak because of time constraints. The special guests in attendance were Karen Benker-City Councilperson, Gary Chandler- Campaign Manager for Angie Paccione and Tom McCoy- former City Councilman.

Pat Davis read the Treasurer’s report, mentioning that we have $685.65 in the checking account and $1550.00 in the small donor fund. Pat reminded the audience that yearly dues were only $10.00 and how important it is to supporting the local Democratic Party. She also mentioned that we now have a suggestion box at the check-in table and she encouraged attendees to use it.

Deb made the following announcements: (1) The meeting of the Boulder County Democratic Party on the 8th of March (2) The local Caucus meetings on the 21st of March (3) The Town hall meeting with Brandon Shaffer on the 11th of March (4) The Larimer County Democrats event on the 18th of March with Joe Wilson as the keynote speaker. Deb also explained the Caucus system and how important it is to the grassroots movement to participate in the democratic process. She also explained the Caucus system and how it leads to the delegates that go to the State Democratic Caucus and eventual selection of the candidates that are on the November ballot.

The Chairperson then introduced the first guest speaker- Tom Mayor. His main theme was how County Human Services partners with non-profit’s in the County.

Tom spoke about some general issues that face the public, Globalization, the debt burden of many third world countries, the issues involved with Multi-National Companies, and the immigration issue as it is viewed from the County, State and Federal levels.

He spoke about the working poor in our State and how the Federal Government is forcing the States to take an ever-increasing role in their support. He mentioned that 35 million dollars has been cut from the State budget, which was earmarked to help the poor.

He addressed how the County directly and indirectly supports the non-profit organizations in their efforts to improve the quality of life for the poor and working poor. He emphasized the enormous Countywide problem with meth-labs and the dangers too the innocent children that are exposed to them. He stated that the County has allocated over 3.5 million dollars to non-profits for the coming year! Tom stated that Boulder County is the best county in the State at recognizing and supporting the problems associated with the poor through the non-profit organizations.

The second speaker of the evening was Edwina Salazar Waldrip- director of Longmont’s Our Center. Edwina talked about how the Our Center developed from the converging of the various church service programs and that this year is the 20th anniversary of the Our Center. She mentioned that the Our Center receives 1/3 of its financial support from the City and County- 1/3 from individual and business contributions – and 1/3 from various churched in the community.

Although contributions were down in 2005, she attributes that to the demands placed on the charity system by hurricane Katrina.

She stated that the needs in the community for the services of the Our Center have increased in 2005. Edwina demonstrated this fact by stated that they served over 10,000 more meals in 2005 than in 2004. She also said that many of the meals were provided to the working poor and not the homeless.

They have started several new programs to meet the needs of the community. They now have a day shelter, which offers showers, clothing, and help in obtaining jobs for the homeless. They now also offer free breakfast to over 150 people each weekday in addition to the 250 free lunches that they serve daily. It was also mentioned that the kitchen was remodeled in 2005, with money that was received from a $35,000 grant that they obtained.

In ending Edwina stated that although the economy is believed to be improving, she sees and increasing need for services from the Our Center! She feels it is extremely important that we continue to support the Our Center and that they continue to partner with the County and other community based organizations, like Community Food Share and The Inn- Between!

There was some times allotted for questions from the audience, and among them were: (1) Is there a need for volunteers? (2) How do you handle Longmont homeless individuals? (3) There was a question raised about the need for more transportation assistance. (4) A question was asked about the relationship of the Our Center and the Inn-Between organization?

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 and the usual time was given for personal one on one conversation with the guest speakers.

Minutes of the Meeting of Longmont Area Democrats, February 1st, 2006

Submitted by Rich Hansen

Chairperson Deb Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. The first subject she mentioned was the Congressional vote on the budget cuts, particularly the fact that if we had only won the Colorado Congressional seats the vote would have been different! The budget cuts passed 216 to 214, what a difference just a few votes would have made. The Republicans should be forced to pay for cuts to entitlements in an election year!

Deb read the Treasurers report; we now have $1550.00 in the small donor fund, and $490.00 in the general checking account. She again stated that the annual dues are only $10.00 and the fact that as a paid member you get to vote on organizational matters.

Deb discussed future meeting and the guest speakers: The February 8th meeting of the Boulder County Democratic Party will include Erin Minks the Community Liaison person from the office of Ken Salazar, April’s meeting will feature Brandon Shaffer speaking on a bill that would require employers with over 3,000 employees in Colorado to pay a certain percentage of their earnings toward healthcare. She also mentioned the upcoming Democratic caucuses on March 21st. There will also be a training session on June 10th and 11th and a film showing on the Wal-Mart issue Wednesday the 8th at the public library.

The main speaker for the evening was Rich Jones, director for Research and Policy issues for the Bell Policy Center. The main issue was the effects of immigration on the Colorado economy. He presented data that showed what effects of both documented and undocumented immigrants have on the Colorado economy. The Bell Policy Center is also against the Colorado ballot Initiative that may be on the November election ballot.

Also speaking were Lisa Duran with RAP and Manolo Gonzaleiz-Estay with Keep Colorado Safe. Both speakers are strongly against the proposed ballot Initiative. They both gave short presentations on why the proposed Initiative doesn’t solve the immigration problems and answered questions from the audience.

There were many questions from the audience and because of time constraints they had to be held to a minimum. Among the questions asked were: (1) what part does the Our Center play in supporting the immigrant population? (2) What are the legal issues involved with the proposed ballot Initiative-what about proving your citizenship? (3) What about the issue of businesses that pay immigrant worker in cash thereby not having to collect FICA taxes? (4) Someone asked about the anchor baby issue and what it meant? (5) There were several questions about the Bi-lingual dilemma, why do we have to basically present everything in two languages? There was also a question as to why we need to have Bi-lingual education in our schools. It is apparent that the Immigration problem is a hot button issue and brings out a strong public emotional response on both sides of the issue!

All the guest speakers stayed after the meeting and answered more questions; Chairperson Deb Gardner adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:40pm.

Minutes of the Meeting of Longmont Area Democrats, January 4th, 2006

Submitted by Rich Hansen

President Deb Gardner called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. Deb asked for suggestions on new programs that could benefit LAD and would appreciate any feedback on issues from the members. She also reminded us of the website for the LAD and also the website for the Boulder County Democrats. She asked if there was anyone who was receiving announcements by mail that had access to a computer and the website. She also mentioned the Letter to the Editor she had written to the Times-Call in response to a letter that someone suggested we did not help out the Our Center or other worthy causes, which we do.

Pat Davis gave the Treasurer’s report, stating that the general bank account had a balance of $ 365.00 and the Small Donors’ Fund had $ 1500.00 for funding Democratic candidates. She also reminded all potential members that it was time to pay the annual dues of $10.00. She noted that there were 34 dues paying members in 2005.

Deb mentioned the Our Center and LAD’s continuing support for that organization. Marilyn Hughes stated that we have contributed over 383 lbs of food to the Our Center. Again Deb asked if there were any other organizations that we could help and that would benefit the Democratic cause?

Deb also mentioned that in the future certain monthly meetings of the Boulder County Democrats would be held in Longmont. She also mentioned that the Democratic caucus meetings were set for March 21, 2006

There was a brief discussion about the Wal-Mart issue and the economic impact study proposed by the City Council from Council Women Karen Benker. Deb also acknowledged that in addition to Karen Benker being present, former City Councilman Tom McCoy was also in attendance.

Guest speaker Jack Pommer-11th district state representative gave a presentation on the possible state budget and its relationship to the newly passed Referendum C. This is a very complicated issue but he assured us the money would the spent as stated in the ballet. He explained that the timeout from Tabor money would be spent equally on: (1) K-12 schools (2) Health care (3) Higher education but that a certain amount of the money would and should be spent on capital construction and highways. He also mentioned some very interesting lawsuits that may very well impact the state budget!

In a question and answer session that followed the presentation, Jack answered many questions that were put to him by the audience. Questions asked included: (1) Pension funds liabilities (2) Health care problems (3) Future prison spending and the current problems in the correction system (4) Medicaid spending problems (5) Renewable energy concerns.

Jack talked about some of the issues most important to him: (1) going to a five year budget cycle (2) a national health care program as a final solution for the health care issue (3) Innovative ways to solve the energy crisis and not just subsidizing more energy use. (4) The problems associated with lobbyist and special interest money. (5) A referendum in November to allow the state to negotiate with drug companies over the price of pharmaceutical drugs.

Deb adjourned the meeting at 8:25 pm conversation and refreshment were enjoyed by all following the meeting.

Minutes of the December 7, 2005 meeting of the Longmont Area Democrats

Submitted by Kathy Simon, Secretary

6:30 pm at 375 Airport Road, Longmont, CO

Approximately 50 people were in attendance for the Annual Pot Luck Dinner. We began eating at 6:30 pm.

President Lee Springer called the meeting to order at 7:10 after most people had finished their main courses. Angie Paccione, 4th CD candidate, was introduced along with other distinguished guests: Tom McCoy, Karen Benker, Hillary Hall, and Chris Berry.

Bob Roy, Chair of the Nominating Committee, presented a slate of candidates for next year’s officers. The slate was as follows:

President: Deb Gardner

Vice President: Shari Malloy

Treasurer: Pat Davis

Secretary: Richard Hansen

Nominating Committee: Maggie VanVliet, Sue Bridgeman, and Marilyn Hughes.

Tom McCoy moved and Wanda Sterner seconded the motion that we unanimously elect the slate. That motion passed and the slate was welcomed as officers-elect for the year 2006.

President Elect Deb Gardner introduced the new officers who stood up to be congratulated. She then announced that we would be donating $100 to the OUR Center besides the food collected tonight.

She and Shari Malloy next gave out many creative and amusing awards to those who worked so hard last year. A gift certificate to Hard Copy went to Mike Dennison for his great work on our web site. He will continue this job in the coming year.

Angie Paccione, candidate for Congressional District 4, spoke briefly about the progress of her campaign. By the end of December she will have raised over $250,000. At most house parties they raise $2,500 to $3,000. She joked that she doesn’t like the way people on the phone will agree to send money to the campaign even before they know much about her; they are just happy to find a candidate running against the infamous incumbent. Angie Paccione needs volunteers on her staff which is mostly located in Ft. Collins. Go to www.angie2006.com

The next meeting will be held on the usual first Wednesday of the month, January 4, 2006 at 7 pm at 375 Airport Road. Dues of $10 per year per member are now due for the year 2006. The meeting was adjourned while all enjoyed desserts and paid dues.