Category Archives: Minutes

LAD Minutes 1/06/10

President’s note: a special thanks to our note-taker.  She did a very in-depth job of summarizing the Q&A from Romanoff’s talk.  Please feel free to comment if you feel this is too in depth.  We are typically more “bare bones.”

Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held January 6, 2010 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at  7p.m.

The first LAD meeting of the year was in great attendance, about 40 people, despite snowy weather. We started off with a few announcements for upcoming events, and followed with a visit from Andrew Romanoff, candidate for Colorado’s Senate seat. Volunteers from Andrew Romanoff’s campaign were also in attendance, with clipboards for volunteer signup.

With Governor Ritter’s retirement announcement, naturally Andrew was asked if he was interested in running for governor. His response was, “Today is a day to recognize Governor Ritter’s service, not for political speculation…” His focus was on further articulating why he is running for the Senate, covering healthcare, immigration, global warming, regulation, and our economy.

Here are the minutes of LAD’s January 6, 2010 Meeting:

———————————————ANNOUNCEMENTS———————————————–
JANUARY 8, Friday
8:30-9:30 KGNU Radio Call-in Show
Kathy Partridge leading a discussion about the upcoming Heaven Fest event that is currently being proposed to Longmont City Council, and it’s potential impact on Union Reservoir.

JANUARY 12, Tuesday
3rd Annual Open Forum
Longmont City Council Chambers
7 pm
Inviting citizens to communicate their hopes and aspirations for Longmont’s Future
NOTE: Earlier the same day is Longmont’s celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. at 4pm

JANUARY 13, Wednesday
Democratic Women of Boulder County Luncheon
Spice of Life Event Center located at Flatirons Golf Course
5706 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
11:30am
Featuring guest speakers candidates Deb Gardner, Matt Jones, and Jake Williams
dw-bc.org

JANUARY 14, Thursday
Immigration Reform Meeting
Las Palmeiras Restaurant
Longmont
6pm

JANUARY 16, Saturday
Andrew Romanoff House Party Fundraiser
Hosted by John Bigger, Judy Bigger and Shari Malloy
810 Megan Ct
Longmont
7pm

JANUARY 27, Wednesday
Screening of the Documentary “Papers”
Vance Brand Auditorium
Skyline High School
Longmont
6pm

FEBRUARY 13, Saturday
Building to Be The Change
Conference covering Healthcare, Climate Change and Ending Corporate Personhood, among other topics.
First Plymouth Congregational Church
Englewood
Registration starts at 11:30
For more information: www.btc-usa.org

CAUCUS IS 2 MONTHS AWAY!
Jonathan announced that there are precincts that need your help. He will send out an email with specific precincts that still need volunteers.

—————————————————ANDREW ROMANOFF————————————————-
Jonathan introduced Andrew Romanoff, citing Andrew’s history and reputation for working across the aisle.

Andrew opened by extending thanks to Governor Ritter and his family for his service and for their sacrifice.

Andrew told the story of a conversation with Gary Hart asking Senator Hart if he was concerned about Democrats fighting amongst themselves. Hart said, “It’s like cats. It sounds like fighting, but they are actually making more cats.”

In 1988, Romanoff was out of work. When Governor Romer lost the election, and lost big, Romanoff lost his job. He spoke to kids in a local school about the experience, to which one young boy asked, “Why don’t you move somewhere, where people agree with you?” (Andrew jokingly said he had the kid suspended)

Romanoff said that he believes most Coloradoans agree upon alot of the same things: Quality of Education, things like making preschool available, ensuring quality teachers by providing training and the proper tools, access to higher education with financial aid and workstudy programs. They believe in Quality Healthcare, Issues about our Environment, improving mass transit, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, etc. All things most Coloradoans agree upon.

But we didn’t elect a majority to support these issues until recently. In fact, in 2004, do you know what Keith King said the #1 problem facing Colorado was? Gay marriage. And King tried to prove his point further by saying if same sex couples were allowed to marry, what was next, a man seeking to marry his horse?

Diverting attention away from the fact that Colorado was facing it’s worst fiscal crisis and child immunization in Colorado fell to 50th in the US, among other serious concerns.

Healthcare: Life and Death is at stake. Told the story of Ely, a young boy who’s mother told Andrew, needed speech therapy to correct a condition. Untreated, the condition had frustrated the boy so fiercely that he started to strike himself repeatedly in the head. In one episode he actually fractured his mother’s nose. But the insurance claims have been denied for treatment, and Ely’s mother has been fighting those claims for nineteen years. While in the legislature, Andrew passed a law that would force insurance companies to give the coverage that clients had paid for.

It is immoral that someone in Colorado will die today. Someone will die tomorrow. We are paying $7000 per person in America, more than two times the cost of what it takes to insure the average person in the rest of the world. Our system is structurally flawed, and it started in WWII when we tethered healthcare to employment. What we need is universal coverage that follows you to your next job.

Too many individuals in Congress lacked the conviction to go against special interests. “We started the negotiation at the 50 yard line.” And they negotiated with a team that had no intention of negotiating (the Republicans). We need all hands on deck, not just one party.

Energy Policy: It is a survival issue, and economics issue. We need to be tapping into brain power and we need to have a national, international committment to this cause, now. But again, money is stifling the progress.

Romanoff then began taking questions from the audience.

Question asked about Colorado’s history of working on a state level healthcare reform.
Answer: In 2006, 24 people produced many proposals for a solution. At first 36 proposals, which were narrowed down to 12, including a single payer plan. The only plan to cover everyone and save money was the single payer plan. Implementing it would not be that easy. 1. Savings came in from lowering premiums offset by taxes raised, and that would have to be put to a vote. 2. People in 2006 were of the thinking that we were on the verge of national reform (just as people thought we were on the verge of national reform when the Clinton’s tried to tackle the problem). 3. There were Federal roadblocks, such as ARISSA. States can’t do this on their own without Federal approval.

As it stands, Colorado has made some progress by insuring 100,000 more people. But Romanoff’s first choice is a national solution, working with the new plan when voted in to make it better (including putting a strong public option back in), as opposed to a hodge podge of different state plans.

Question asked about Afghanistan: Romanoff has no faith in the Karzai government. In the end, we have to the Afghan people a government that is free and democratic, Karzai is neither. We should better use our resources to track down Al Queda–focus on the real threat–rather than trying to change governments.

Question: Do you support a federal mandate for gay marriage?
Answer: It is a civil, universal right. As Democrats we were too slow to embrace civil rights in the 1960s. We are in danger of doing it again.

Question: Will you run for Governor?
Answer: Today is a day to recognize Governor Ritter’s service, not for political speculation.

Question: Given the current bailout and apparent business as usual behavior from the banks and Wall Street, how would you approach serious regulation and transparency?
Answer: I’m not taking money from Wall Street. With $3.4 billion being given to candidates, what is that paying for? “You end up dancing with them that brung ya” Mentioned reintroduction of the Glass-Steagall Act (supported, surprisingly by McCain). Romanoff would do 3 things: 1. Hold violators accountable. 2. If taxpayers are loaning this money we need to know where it’s going and we have to make it easier for small businesses to acquire loans themselves. 3. We need to become more financially literate as consumers.

Question from audience member originally from Alaska, who noticed a complete lack of respect for the Colorado Constitution. In Alaska, the constitution was what it was and it didn’t change. In Colorado everytime there is a new law there has to be an amendment.
Answer: Andrew added that there are more amendments to the Colorado Constitution than any other state outside of Oregon and California. It’s called “parking proposals in the Constitution” to protect someone’s pet project or special interest from legislative interference.

Question about Global Warming.
Answer: Global Warming is the whole ballgame. The debate in Congress hasn’t gone far enough. There should be a carbon tax, so that you pay more on what you burn. Elected officials have admitted their interest in Global Warming is limited and is an issue they’ve chosen to set aside until the next election. Romanoff said we might not be around for the next election. We must address this issue now, in regard to transportation, energy efficiency, green collar jobs.

Question: What is the next area of economic catastrophe?
Answer: Romanoff cited FDR’s quip about Give me a one armed economist. All of my economists say, on one hand…, on the other… (Google search indicates this quote is from Truman, not FDR). The best way to solve the economic crisis is to develop a strong jobs policy putting Americans back to work. Programs like the WPA, CCC, because programs like that build infrastructure and provide jobs. Unfortunately, the Senate killed the proposal for bankruptcy negotiation to avoid foreclosure on primary homes. You can do it for your second home, your vacation home, but not your primary home.

Spoke about Immigration. Romanoff called it the 3rd Rail of Politics. No one wants to touch it. But it is a question of morality because the present system is immoral. We are sending mixed messages. Don’t come here without documentation. But try and die. Complain and you are deported. You enforce your laws or you reform them. Our country would not be what it is without it’s immigrants. We are economically better, culturally better, intellectually better off because of our immigrants. We need to provide a path to citizenship so that people can work and pay taxes as the rest of our citizens do. We need people to lead in immigration reform. Building coalitions are very important. We need 2 parties. The best policy involves both parties.

Question: Isn’t healthcare better reformed (single payer) on the state level? (Secretary believes this was a clever attempt on the part of the audience member to broach the governor question, the audience laughed)
Answer: Not ideal. Better to reform the Federal Plan. Put a strong public option back in. Get senators to return money from insurance companies. (this drew loud applause from the crowd)

Question/Statement: Richard Hansen mentioned the waivers to 2017, an obscure item in the present Senate healthcare reform bill (item 1332) that says states cannot innovate on the Federal bill until 2017. Romanoff was not aware of this item, but seemed to take note of it.

Question/Statement: Audience member stated that migration into our country was because of Nafta, Cafta and the drug wars.
Answer: The best way for America to be a friend to other countries is to use our economic strength to encourage democratic governments in other countries. Encouraging public health, literacy, women’s education, etc. Colorado has one of the highest drug/alcohol addiction rates and is lowest on treatment.

Question: Can you speak to regulation being stepped up?
Answer: Ask yourself what are the intended consequences of watering down regulation. 44% of Congress are millionaires, when only 1% of the population is. Reforming our political system is essential.

This ended Romanoff’s discussion and he was met with loud applause from the audience.

———————————CONDOLENCES——————————-

Jonathan sadly reported the death of Addie, the 4 month old daughter of Amy Mann and her husband Robert Miner. Amy and her son Jacob were tireless workers on the 2008 campaign.

———————————CLOSING REMARKS——————————-

Jonathan closed by mentioning that Al Franken’s Jamie Leigh Jones Amendment was passed(an amendment to the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations bill that will deny taxpayer dollars to defense contractors that restrict their employees’ due process rights. Franken’s amendment said that corporations that bar workers from litigating for sexual assault and other discrimination and civil rights claims would also be barred from receiving government contracts. source: alfranken.com). Unbelievably, 75% of Republicans voted against this bill, but it passed because we have the majority. That’s why we cannot stop our work now. We cannot afford to lose our majority.

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LAD April and May, 2009 Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERSA Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held April 1, 2009 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:10 p.m.

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD APRIL 1, 2009


CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Jonathan Singer who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting. Thirty eight members and guests were present.

Thirty-three adult members and guests were present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jake Williams, a possible future candidate for HD-12, was introduced, and he explained why he felt he would be a good candidate for State Representative.

Ray Rodriguez spoke in support of SB170.

Marilyn Hughes encouraged people to submit their names for positions on the City of Longmont election oversight committee.

Shari Malloy announced an organizational meeting of the Peace Support Group.

2009 ELECTION STATISTICS

Joel Davidow, Chair of the Boulder Democratic Party reported on information gathered by the Party’s Data Team, and praised the impact that Boulder County voters had statewide on election results. 09.7 percent of registered voters in Longmont voted. The makeup of registered voters in Longmont is now 34% Democrats and 31% Republicans.

The percent of votes receive by Democratic candidates in Longmont was: Obama – 58%; Udall – 56%; Shaffer – 57%; Pommer – 54%; Weissmann – 64% and Markey – 63%!!

OTHER PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS

Jonathan then introduced a number of representatives from complimentary progressive organizations in the area, who then spoke about their organizations:

Progressive Democrats of America. Kathy Partridge and Ira Chernus: this groups was started in 2004 by Jucihich supporters. They are now focusing on health care for all, putting a stop to golbal warming and clean-transparent elections.

Longmont Citizens for Justice and Democracy. Strider Bentson: Have demonstrated against the Iraq war at 6th and Main every weekend for seven years. Focusing on scrutiny and the issues surrounding the City Council.

Boulder County Democratic Party. Joel Davidow: focuses on electing Democrats to office and enacting policies that support our beliefs.

Organizing for America. Nita Lynch – developing grass roots support on federal issues; presently holding house parties for economic recovery and pledging for support of the federal budget.

A question and answer period followed.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Front Range Community College. Watch the web-site and e-mails for the agenda.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe


MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD May 6, 2009


A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held May 6, 2009 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:15 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Jonathan Singer who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting. Twenty six members and guests were present.

Thirty-three adult members and guests were present.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Erin Eagan of Progress Now Colorado talked about the history and present purpose of this group. They got started doing on-liine organizing and communications. They are now working to maintain the energy and enthusiasm of various groups by providing them support. As part of this, they are sponsoring Camp Progress all day on May 16th. This is a kick-off training session on the model of “Camp Obama”, and will have a number of out-of town organizing experts leading the training session. For more information, or to register, go to www.progressnowcolorado.org.


Matt Jones, a possible future candidate for HD-12, was introduced, and he explained why he felt he would be a good candidate for State Representative.

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

Jonathan reported that LAD had been asked to formally support passage of this act in Congress. A large number of organizations had already signed on to support the act, including most of the unions, and the SEIU was heading up the campaign to gather support in Colorado. Jonathan read a proposed resolution that had been sent out by the organizers for LAD’s consideration, and discussion followed. It was noted that a vote for the resolution would be a vote for the principle behind the Act, since it will not be known for some time what actual language makes it through Congress. It was also noted that the radio and TV ads in opposition are misleading; for instance, the current proposal does not eliminate secret ballots, in simply would no longer require them. The group discussed whether to support the various statements in the “Whereas” clauses of the resolution, but concluded that a vote should be taken on the entire resolution as presented.

Jonathan noted that LAD bylaws required a 2/3 vote of those present to take a position. Following considerable discussion, and upon motion duly made and carried by more than two thirds of a show of hands, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

: we, the undersigned organization, urge our Colorado decision makers to support the Employee Fee Choice Act as the most significant and necessary piece of legislation since the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. This is a historic opportunity to restore balance in the workplace and protect the right of Colorado workers to pursue the American Dream., under our broken labor laws, penalties against employers who engage in anti-union activity is minimal; and in 2005 the median time between the resolution of an unfair labor practice against an employer was 659 days; , in 2005 alone, over 30,000 workers received back pay from employers that illegally fired, coerced, bribed or otherwise discriminated against them for their union activities; and, every 23 minutes a worker in the U.S. is fired or otherwise discriminated against for trying to form a union; and during organizing drives, 91% of employers force their employees to attend mandatory closed-door anti-union meeting on paid company time; and, workers who belong to unions earn, on average, 30% more than nonunion workers and over half of all Americans say they would join a union today if they had a fair chance; and, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, unionization raises wages for minority women more than education, seniority and job training combined; and, unions have historically been one of the few legal and democratic vehicles for workers to advocate for better wages, benefits and working conditions; and, our economy is in shambles and working people are struggling to make ends meet while bankers and failed financial institutions are being bailed out at taxpayer expense; and


C.U. REGENT

Jonathan introduced the C.U. Regent for the 2nd Congressional District, Joe Negeaus, who spoke about issues, primarily financial, facing the higher education institutions in Colorado. Primarily because of TABOR, they face drastic budget cuts that could result in closure of smaller schools and community colleges. The federal ARAR Act contains grants that will keep things afloat for two years, but state legislation will be needed to fix the problem before that money runs out.

A question and answer period followed.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Front Range Community College. Our local representatives to the state legislature will talks to us about what went on in the Capitol this year, and what their plans are for next year. Watch the web-site and e-mails for more details.

ADJOURN

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

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LAD Meeting Minutes, April and May, 2009

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERSA Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held April 1, 2009 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:10 p.m.

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD APRIL 1, 2009



CALL TO ORDER


The meeting was called to order by President Jonathan Singer who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting. Thirty eight members and guests were present.

Thirty-three adult members and guests were present.


ANNOUNCEMENTS


Jake Williams, a possible future candidate for HD-12, was introduced, and he explained why he felt he would be a good candidate for State Representative.

Ray Rodriguez spoke in support of SB170.

Marilyn Hughes encouraged people to submit their names for positions on the City of Longmont election oversight committee.

Shari Malloy announced an organizational meeting of the Peace Support Group.


2009 ELECTION STATISTICS


Joel Davidow, Chair of the Boulder Democratic Party reported on information gathered by the Party’s Data Team, and praised the impact that Boulder County voters had statewide on election results. 09.7 percent of registered voters in Longmont voted. The makeup of registered voters in Longmont is now 34% Democrats and 31% Republicans.

The percent of votes receive by Democratic candidates in Longmont was: Obama – 58%; Udall – 56%; Shaffer – 57%; Pommer – 54%; Weissmann – 64% and Markey – 63%!!


OTHER PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZATIONS


Jonathan then introduced a number of representatives from complimentary progressive organizations in the area, who then spoke about their organizations:

Progressive Democrats of America. Kathy Partridge and Ira Chernus: this groups was started in 2004 by Jucihich supporters. They are now focusing on health care for all, putting a stop to golbal warming and clean-transparent elections.

Longmont Citizens for Justice and Democracy. Strider Bentson: Have demonstrated against the Iraq war at 6th and Main every weekend for seven years. Focusing on scrutiny and the issues surrounding the City Council.

Boulder County Democratic Party. Joel Davidow: focuses on electing Democrats to office and enacting policies that support our beliefs.

Organizing for America. Nita Lynch – developing grass roots support on federal issues; presently holding house parties for economic recovery and pledging for support of the federal budget.

A question and answer period followed.


NEXT MEETING


The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Front Range Community College. Watch the web-site and e-mails for the agenda.


ADJOURN


The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:40 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe


MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD May 6, 2009


A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held May 6, 2009 at Front Range Community College, 2190 Miller Drive, Longmont, Colorado, commencing at approximately 7:15 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Jonathan Singer who presided. Board Secretary Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting. Twenty six members and guests were present.

Thirty-three adult members and guests were present.


ANNOUNCEMENTS


Erin Eagan of Progress Now Colorado talked about the history and present purpose of this group. They got started doing on-liine organizing and communications. They are now working to maintain the energy and enthusiasm of various groups by providing them support. As part of this, they are sponsoring Camp Progress all day on May 16th. This is a kick-off training session on the model of “Camp Obama”, and will have a number of out-of town organizing experts leading the training session. For more information, or to register, go to www.progressnowcolorado.org.


Matt Jones, a possible future candidate for HD-12, was introduced, and he explained why he felt he would be a good candidate for State Representative.


EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT


Jonathan reported that LAD had been asked to formally support passage of this act in Congress. A large number of organizations had already signed on to support the act, including most of the unions, and the SEIU was heading up the campaign to gather support in Colorado. Jonathan read a proposed resolution that had been sent out by the organizers for LAD’s consideration, and discussion followed. It was noted that a vote for the resolution would be a vote for the principle behind the Act, since it will not be known for some time what actual language makes it through Congress. It was also noted that the radio and TV ads in opposition are misleading; for instance, the current proposal does not eliminate secret ballots, in simply would no longer require them. The group discussed whether to support the various statements in the “Whereas” clauses of the resolution, but concluded that a vote should be taken on the entire resolution as presented.

Jonathan noted that LAD bylaws required a 2/3 vote of those present to take a position. Following considerable discussion, and upon motion duly made and carried by more than two thirds of a show of hands, the following resolution was adopted:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

WHEREAS

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT

: we, the undersigned organization, urge our Colorado decision makers to support the Employee Fee Choice Act as the most significant and necessary piece of legislation since the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. This is a historic opportunity to restore balance in the workplace and protect the right of Colorado workers to pursue the American Dream., under our broken labor laws, penalties against employers who engage in anti-union activity is minimal; and in 2005 the median time between the resolution of an unfair labor practice against an employer was 659 days; , in 2005 alone, over 30,000 workers received back pay from employers that illegally fired, coerced, bribed or otherwise discriminated against them for their union activities; and, every 23 minutes a worker in the U.S. is fired or otherwise discriminated against for trying to form a union; and during organizing drives, 91% of employers force their employees to attend mandatory closed-door anti-union meeting on paid company time; and, workers who belong to unions earn, on average, 30% more than nonunion workers and over half of all Americans say they would join a union today if they had a fair chance; and, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, unionization raises wages for minority women more than education, seniority and job training combined; and, unions have historically been one of the few legal and democratic vehicles for workers to advocate for better wages, benefits and working conditions; and, our economy is in shambles and working people are struggling to make ends meet while bankers and failed financial institutions are being bailed out at taxpayer expense; and



C.U. REGENT


Jonathan introduced the C.U. Regent for the 2nd Congressional District, Joe Negeaus, who spoke about issues, primarily financial, facing the higher education institutions in Colorado. Primarily because of TABOR, they face drastic budget cuts that could result in closure of smaller schools and community colleges. The federal ARAR Act contains grants that will keep things afloat for two years, but state legislation will be needed to fix the problem before that money runs out.

A question and answer period followed.


NEXT MEETING


The next meeting of members will be Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Front Range Community College. Our local representatives to the state legislature will talks to us about what went on in the Capitol this year, and what their plans are for next year. Watch the web-site and e-mails for more details.


ADJOURN


The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:25 p.m, and private discussions continued after the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

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March 2009 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERS
OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS
HELD MARCH 3, 2009

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February Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD FEBRUARY 6, 2008

A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held February 6, 2008

at the Longmont Public Works Center 375 Airport Road, Longmont, Colorado 80503, commencing

at approximately 7:07 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Hughes who presided. Board Secretary

Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

Twenty-seven members and guests were present.

CAUCUS REVIEW

County Democratic Party Chair Deb Gardner thanked all those who came to caucus, all those

who worked at caucus and all those who threw themselves in front of a train at caucus. The Bould

County turnout of almost18,000 was second highest county in state, behind only Denver, even

though other counties had more registered Democrats.

BUSINESS MEETING

Jack Wolfe reviewed the proposed changes to the Bylaws that had been continued since the

December meeting Following discussion, and upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously

carried, it was

RESOLVED, that revised the Bylaws, as presented to this meeting, be approved and

adopted.

GOINGS ON AT THE STATE CAPITOL

State Representative Paul Weismann and State Senator Brandon Shaffer reported on activities

at the State Capitol and answered questions from the members. Among those topics discussed were:

election machine certification education, health care, severance taxes, vision versus experience in

politics (conclusion: both are necessary), and the impacts of the economy on state finances.

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned at approximately

8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

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January Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MEMBERS

OF LONGMONT AREA DEMOCRATS

HELD JANUARY 16, 2008

A Regular Meeting of the Members of Longmont Area Democrats was held January 16, 2008

at the Longmont Public Works Center 375 Airport Road, Longmont, Colorado 80503, commencing

at approximately 7:12 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Hughes who presided. Board Secretary

Jack Wolfe, acted as Secretary of the meeting.

Thirty-five members and guests were present.

4th C.D. CANDIDATEPresident Hughes introduced Betsy Markey, candidate for the 4th Congressional District

Representative’s seat and her campaign chairperson, Anne Caprara. Mrs. Markey gave a short speech

and then answered questions from the audience.

CAUCUS PROCESS

President Hughes introduced County Democratic Party Chair Deb Gardner, who gave a

review of “The Big Picture” of the caucus process that will be used on February 5th. She noted that

those who are unsure what precinct they reside in, or where that precinct will caucus can find the

information at www.bouldercountydems.org. There is also a short survey of the party platform on

that site that people can download, complete and return on caucus night.

After the presidential preference poll is completed, delegates will be selected at each

precinct’s caucus to attend the county convention and assembly to be held at Skyline High School

on March 15th. Since Mark Benner of Washington County has announced his intention to run for

U.S. Senate against Mark Udall, that race will be the centerpoint for the County Assembly.

Ms. Gardner concluded with her often repeated mantra about local politics: “It’s All About

Showing Up!”

BUSINESS MEETING

Since time was short, President Hughes suggested that the discussion of the revision to the

LAD Bylaws be continued at the February meeting of members. Upon motion duly made, seconded

and unanimously carried, it was

RESOLVED, that discussion of the proposed revision to the LAD Bylaws be tabled until

the February 6, 2008 meeting of members.

Longmont Area Democrats

Member Meeting Minutes,

January 16, 2008

2

Board Treasurer Bob Norris gave a brief Treasurer’s Report. He then discussed activities by

Latinos United for Political Engagement (LUPE), and announced that the LAD Board was

recommending that LAD make a $50.00 contribution to LUPE. Following discussion, and upon

motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried it was

RESOLVED, that a $50.00 donation be made to LUPE from LAD’s small donor committee

account.

NEXT MEETING

President Hughes announced that the regular February meeting of members would be held

February 6, 2008, at the Public Works Center, and that State Senator Brandon Shaffer would be

present to discuss issues before the current legislative session. Representatives Pommer and

Weismann have also been invited to participate.

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned at approximately

8:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jack P. Wolfe

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December Minutes

December 5, 2007:

The meeting took place at Front Range Community College.  This was the annual Christmas Pot-Luck dinner.

The meeting was called to order by Co-president Marilyn.

 

Membership was reminded that the date for January 2008 meeting would be moved to January 16th, because the first Wednesday of the month was too close to the New Year’s Holiday.  Deb Gardner gave a presentation about the 2008 Caucus. Members voted to table a review of the Bylaw changes until the January 2008 meeting. Richard Juday was introduced as a candidate for the At Large seat in the upcoming Municipal Special Election in January, 2008.  A cookbook drawing was held.

 

The following officers were elected to serve in 2008:

Marilyn Hughes-President

Bob Roy- Vice President

Jack Wolfe-Secretary

Bob Norris-Treasurer

Pat Davis-Member at Large

 

Program:

Jim Martin, Governor Ritter’s Executive Director of Public Health and Environment, spoke about issues around global warming, renewable energy and other environmental concerns facing the state.  He spoke at length on the Governor’s proposal, “Colorado Climate Action Plan, A Strategy to Address Global Warming” which was released in November.

 

He explained that the plan was developed over several months, in collaboration with business and community leaders, conservationists, scientists and concerned citizens. Its aim was to develop and support energy efficiency measures that would reduce demand for electrical energy and lower utility bills; continue to expand on the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, and find additional ways to develop the state’s renewable energy supplies.  It included a goal for making cars and trucks run more cleanly and efficiently.  It also provided a plan to help rural Colorado by creating economic incentives for major utilities and industries to pay farmers and ranchers to sequester more carbon in the soil.  For more information, the complete plan could be found on Governor Ritter’s website. He also spoke about these issues in a worldwide context, giving information regarding organizations and research groups that are working on these problems throughout the world. Overall, his presentation was very upbeat, and he stated that he was optimistic about the future, adding that he believed it was still not too late to be able to solve the many environmental issues facing the world today. He answered lots of questions posed by the members.

 

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November Minutes

November 7, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-president Marilyn. 

 

Program:

Health Care Options for Coloradoans. Speakers were Barry Keene and Jake Williams.  Barry is a small business owner and vice-president of the organization “Health Care for all Coloradans”.  Jake is affiliated with SEIU (Service Employees International Union.)

 

Barry gave some background on the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform.  It was created by the Colorado Legislature in 2006. It is now called the 208 Commission.  The Commission is evaluating 4 proposals submitted by various groups, and has, itself, developed a 5th proposal.  The Commission is required to make final recommendations for comprehensive health care reform to the General Assembly by January 31, 2008.

 

Both Barry’s organization and Jake’s organization have submitted proposals that are part of the Commission’s study.

 

They presented all of the proposals that the Commission is evaluating, and each went into greater depth on his particular proposal.  They gave the following website where members could find information: http://www.colorado.gov/208commission.    

Members participated in a Q&A session at the end.

Meeting adjourned.  

 

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September Minutes

September 5, 2007:

The meeting was called to order by Co-president Pat.

 

Pat spoke about the coming municipal election on November 7th.  She explained that in support of  LAD’s  Mission Statement “to inform and educate” its members, the Board decided to develop a questionnaire regarding issues that may be important to Longmont’s citizens. It was submitted to all 11 candidates running for local offices, with the comment that their responses was optional. Seven candidates replied. They were:

 

Mayoral candidates:  Karen Benker, Doug Brown and Roger Lange

Ward I candidates:  Brian Hansen and James DeVore

Ward III candidate:  Sean McCoy

At-Large candidate:  Sarah Levison

 

The written responses were made available at the meeting and would be published on the LAD website.  See www.longmontdems.org,.

 

Based on the candidates’ responses, the Board recommended that LAD make a $100 contribution to each of the campaigns of Karen Benker, Brian Hansen, Sean McCoy, and Sarah Levison.  Members voted approval.

 

Program:

Public funding of elections. Speakers were Dan Gould, Jim Hoffmeister and Mark Kastler from Clean Campaigns Colorado. Their organization has been focusing its efforts on how to reform political campaign financing in Colorado in order to reduce the influence of special interest groups.  They also described actions that other states are taking to change the involvement of money in campaigns. Q & A followed the presentation.

Meeting adjourned.

 

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August Minutes

August 1, 2007:

The annual LAD picnic was held at Pat Davis’ house.

 

Program:

Featured speakers were State Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak, State Senator Brandon Shaffer, and CD4 candidates Betsy Markey and Angie Paccione.  Local city council and mayoral candidates in attendance were Karen Benker running for mayor, and Sean McCoy, Ariel Steele and Gabe Santos, all running for various council positions.  They were introduced to the party attendees.

 

The picnic was a huge success, attended by 80+ people.  Several Republicans picketed the party from across the street. 

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