The Demo-Forum was held at 6:00 p.m. Barbara Lowry introduced UO Economics Professor Mark Thoma and Tim Dye, who informed us on the economic realities of Social Security and various proposals to reform Social Security. Val Hoyle, Chair, opened the meeting at 7:05 and thanked Barbara L. and team for inviting quality speakers on the important issue of Social Security. Announcements·Val announced that some changes would be made in the CC meeting to make it more interesting. Starting in June, the CC business meeting from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and issue forums would begin at 7:00. She invited ideas for speakers and asked PCPs to give feedback on how the new format works. Val also asked us to limit our announcements to 1 minute. Barbara Rose announced that a rally on Medicaid funding is being held by the SEIU and coordinated by Megan Sweeney (504-345-5141 for more info) at Lane County Mental Health, 241 MLK Blvd., on April 27 at 11:00 p.m. and then go to Senator Bob Smith’s office. Barbara also stated that the Eugene Scottish Festival would be held at the Peace Presbyterian Church on River Road from 10:00 to 5:00 on May 21. She will have a booth and register voters. Mary Ann Holser reminded us of the group that is promoting a U.S. Nobel Peace Laureate Memorial in Eugene. Flyers are available, and they are seeking funds and volunteers to help with mailings. They will be meeting on Tuesday, April 26, at the 5th St. Market. Nadia Sindi stated that she is a candidate or 4J School Board position 6, and gave her qualifications. Brooke Robertshaw announced a fundraiser for Juventud Faceta on Saturday, April 30, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Morning Glory Café’. Brooke also informed us of a project by WAND called Circle of Scribes to establish a progressing letter-writing group. They will meet at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 13th and Pearl on Saturday, April 30 from 9:00 to 1:00. Dean Mordhorst had copies of The Nation available with an article about Howard Dean. Diane Davis from HD 7 stated that she and George Letchworth are organizing a get acquainted potluck lunch on May 7 to energize the rural Dems. Betty Uchytil announced that a video of Peter DeFazio on Social Security will be shown twice at the Florence Library from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. They will also hold a discussion of taxes and tax reform on April 26. Cj Mann as the Labor Council Delegate invited us to celebrate Worker’s Memorial Day at Noon on April 29. The Union Industries show will be held in Portland at the Portland Convention Center from April 29 to May 2. It is free and open to the public. Cj also promoted Pat Riggs-Henson as a candidate for the Lane Community College Board. Cj stated that Men Against Domestic Violence is seeking 1,000 men to contribute $10 for an advertisement to appear in the local newspaper around Mother’s Day. Barbara Lowry asked PCPs to send letters to Sens. Voinovich, Hagel, and Chaffee about the investigation of John Bolton as a nominee as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Mary Ann stated that a fundraiser would be held on May 10 with Al Franken as the speaker. A request was made for PCPs to call or e-mail Senators to reject the energy bill. Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) Becky Gladstone asked us to look at the DPO website to see the issues that are being worked on and debated in the legislature. Keep yourself informed and involved. The DPO quarterly meeting will be held in Pendleton. Legislative Updates Rep. Phil Barnhart and Rep. Terry Beyer Democratic filled us in on the legislative activities. Phil talked about a bill that would reconnect Oregon’s taxes to U.S. tax law, which would reduce Oregon’s revenues by $13 million. He discussed the capital gains tax bill, which would give rich people another break. As it comes up for another vote, Rep. Debi Farr needs to receive calls from her district (HD14). Phil and Rep. Farr will be holding a joint Town Hall meeting this Saturday at the Armory on Saturday on Veteran’s Affairs. Other issues on the table are fully funding senior services, civil unions, and election legislation. Terry talked about Rep. Wayne Scott’s unwillingness to pass the civil unions measure until he gets a capital gains cut. A bill on parental notice is getting attention along with a bill on driver’s licenses for undocumented workers. Other legislation concerns Farm Worker Collective Bargaining and speed limits in school zones. Phil talked about the bipartisan work on measures concerning power plant siting that tries to put the decision-making process back with local governing bodies. Phil reminded us that any tax reduction is an anti-labor, anti-education vote. Phil answered questions about school funding. Organization - John Cummens reminded us that the house districts have Town Hall meetings and meet the candidate gathering to energize and inform PCPs. The new nominations for PCP are as follows.
Nominees from the last CC meeting were listed as follows: Stephen Anderson, Joe Montes, and Sara Wallenius. Barbara Rose made a motion, seconded by Ray Eveland, and approved to appoint these nominees as PCPs. Then John Cummens encouraged us to go out and recruit PCPs. Campaign Services - Jared Mason-Gere, Vice-Chair, reported that several exciting races are underway for the May 17 election. Sara Chieffo went to Florence and discovered that the library board and Port of Siuslaw races are intense. Jared said that Chris Matson conducted a good training for candidates. The DPLE lacks funding to help candidates who come to us requesting help. A gathering of candidates will be held at the OEA on Coburg Road at 10:00 a.m. on April 30. Community Action - Barbara Rose announced that the Auction would be held in October. Pat Reilly will be coordinating the Leaburg Festival and volunteers are needed. Fundraising - Mark Cherniak informed us that their primary focus is large donors. They are working on the auction and a mailer to targeted groups such as lawyers. Kit Larsen will be working on a database to track donors. Michelle Tompkins reported that the goal for house parties is to schedule 10 before the year is out. Al King has agreed to host a house party. FR is looking for assistance for food, ideas, and volunteers. Mark circulated envelopes for donations. Remember each person can claim a $50 (or $100 per couple) tax credit on the Oregon tax return. FR is also looking for advertisers for the Outspoken. Information Services - John Cuff informed us that when we travel on party business, we need to fill out in kind donation forms for the gasoline, hotel, and other expenses we pay for out of pocket. If you want event announcements via e-mail, send your e-mail address to event-update@DPLC.com. The DPLC now has cable internet service. In the future, written reports will be available on the back table to shorten the CC business meeting. Platform and Resolutions - George Grier (Chair) reminded us that he is working on the core values of community, prosperity, and equality. The Committee is preparing for a review of the platform and legislative agenda later this year. Communications Director - Val appointed Laura Killpatrick as Communications Director. Laura said that she would work to smooth out communications. Now that the Outspoken is on line, you may contact her if you no longer want to receive a hard copy. Her next project is to overhaul the website. She asked for volunteers to help with these activities. Old Business The minutes of the March 17 CC meeting were approved. Treasurer’s report - A report will e available at the next EC and CC meetings. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Submitted by Carleen Reilly, DPLC Secretary |