Val Hoyle, Chair, opened the meeting and asked for announcements. Announcements David Monk with the Oregon Toxic Alliance asked for help with projects the group is working on. The group is an advocacy organization working on issues such as rail yard cleanup, the siting of a power plant in Coburg, and legislation to submit in Salem. Parliamentarian James Mattaice briefed us on the process of making a motion, handling debate, making amendments, and taking votes. He stated that there is no such thing as a friendly amendment and that “wordsmithing” needs to take place in committee. Legislative Updates Rep. Paul Holvey stated that they are waiting for March revenue forecasts before they pull all the pieces of the budget together. Primary issues are education and protecting the minimum wage. He has also introduced bills for carbon emission fees and progressive tax reforms. He noted that the Dems are taking a proactive approach by trying to protect domestic violence victims and submitting a healthcare bill seeking mandatory contributions from large employers. Rep. Holvey is on the Business, Labor, and Consumer Affairs Committee and the vice chair of Elections and Rules Committee, which is working on Campaign Finance Reform to seek transparency and to protect vote by mail. Rep. Phil Barnhart observed that commitment to public services, such as education, safety, and so cial services, has been on the decline since 1993. Rep. Barnhart stated that the Democrats are now taking strong and intelligent positions to meet the needs of Oregonians, recognizing that taxes and services are two sides of the same coin. He is on the Veterans Affairs Committee and reported that we have treated our Vets miserably. Oregon can help Vets in a bipartisan effort. He is also on the Environment Committee and hopes to introduce an expanded bottle bill. He is on the Water Committee that is interested in hearing Oregonians’ views on water fluoridation. Chris Matson, legislative assistant to Rep. Bob Ackerman, apologized for Rep. Ackerman’s absence as he is ill. Rep. Ackerman is on the Judiciary Committee and is Chair of the Civil Subcommittee. He has introduced a bill that would reform all insurance business into a PUC-type system. Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO). Becky Gladstone reported on the February 5 DPO meeting in Corvallis. She stated that the state leadership has a strong message, and they plan to extend help to the local central committees. One issue of concern is the prisionification of Oregon with the plan to build prisons in 20 county seats. Goals of the Party are to update the rules and have less talk and more action. The DPO hopes to raise $1 million each year. As Chair of the National Democratic Party, Howard Dean wants to meet with the Oregon chairs. Special Presentation Carolyn Connelly Carrie is an attorney at a local firm that represents about 100 special government districts, such as rural fire protection, water, parks and recreation, ports, and library. Service on these boards provides excellent training for holding higher offices. Boards usually have fiscal obligations and learn about public meetings and records laws. Her firm trains district board members for their roles in long-range planning. Boards are not usually involved in day-to-day operations. Terms of office for these nonpartisan positions are usually for four years. You may find out what positions are open through the Lane County Elections Division. Campaign Services will assist you, too. The League of Women Voters are studying special district reform. Committee Reports Campaign Services - Sara Chieffo, Chair, and Jared Mason-Gere, Vice-Chair, reported that 10 people attended the first meeting on January 27. The list serve has 20 members. Any PCP is welcome to attend their meetings. They are recruiting candidates for boards, especially in the rural areas. They will be focusing on some critical races and will partner with groups like Stand for Children and the College Dems. They congratulated Amy Gibson and James Mattaice for their appointment to the board for Lane County Families and Children. Pat R.-H. was again recognized for her LCC Zone 3 Board candidacy. Leslie Rubenstein is running in the South Lane District. Jared noted that the Committee has available applications and deadline information. Please let them know if you would like to run. The deadline for filing is March 17, and election is May 17. They also have information about appointments to advisory committees. Fundraising - Amy Gibson has assumed the Chair position, and Christine Rude is on the committee. More committee members and workers for events are needed. Operating funds are the most immediate goal, and then we can start raising funds to support candidates. Let her know of any donors you know of. She has an offer to provide training in fundraising and a plan to invite Dr. George Lakoff for a daylong workshop for the DPLC and an evening event for the public. Community Action - We are still looking for a chair for this committee. Publicity - Chair Jason Owens reported that he will be working with George Grier and the Platform and Resolutions committee to develop the DPLC values that emerged from the recent Executive Committee (EC) retreat. Laura Gillpatrick will be our Outspoken editor. Organization - John Cummens reminded us that the committee consists of the House District (HD) Chairs and Vice-Chairs. Pat Reilly, HD 13 Chair, announced the PCP gathering planned for March 12 at the home of Ellen Singer and Gary Rondeau. Barbara Lowry stated that HD11 will be meeting at her home on March 6 at 2:00. John is hoping to get a HD article in each issue of the Outspoken. The new nominations for PCP are as follows:
A motion was made, seconded, and carried to suspend the rules to allow Kristina Edmunson and Elizabeth Uchytil to complete the PCP form. Candidate Motion Second Kristina Edmundson Val Hoyle Carleen Reilly Betty Uchytil Betty Crooks Ellen Klaastad Nominees from the last CC meeting were listed as follows. Nathan Bryant, Sara Chieffo, Valerie Close, Laura Gillpatrick, Julliana Parker, Judith Newman, and William Wolfs. MSC to appoint these nominees as PCPs. Platform and Resolutions - George Grier (Chair) and Dave Skillman (VC) stated that our resolutions must effectively frame our core values and get Democrats elected. Three resolutions on voter reform representing different jurisdictions were introduced after work at many meetings and a conversation with the office of the Secretary of State. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Lane County resolution. Discussion ensued followed by debate. The motion to close debate carried with one vote in opposition. A motion and second were made to adopt the Oregon version. The question to end debate failed, thus debate continued. The term ‘bogus’ and concern about potential risks at the mention of specific organizations surfaced. Debate ended with more than two-thirds vote. The motion was made to refer the Oregon version back to committee to review these two items (30 yes & 19 no). Gerry Rempel made a motion for an amendment about proprietary software to the Interstate Version. Following debate, the amendment carried. A motion was made to endorse the Interstate resolution as amended, seconded, and carried. The DPLC is undergoing organizational restructuring, and resolution preparation sometimes takes months. We will improve distribution of resolutions prior to meetings and encourage participation in the committee meetings. We will be developing email capabilities for distribution. IT - John Cuff announced that the DPLC has submitted a request to the DPO for funds to improve our computer system. Volunteers are needed to work on our e-mail list. Call John if you can volunteer. Dave Pennell, Webmaster, is testing an e-mail listserve. When you send articles for the Outspoken, please send one to the DPLC and another to the Webmaster. Old Business The minutes of the January CC meeting were approved. Treasurer’s report - Rick Grosscup announced that we had contributions of $290 this past month and that there is $4,000 in the bank account. The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
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