Stu Adler, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order and announced that the June meeting will again be held in the EWEB Cafeteria. The Business Meeting is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. with a forum held afterward. Announcements Dean Mordhorst is having a lamb barbecue at his farm on Sunday, May 29, at 4:00 p.m. Gubernatorial candidate Pete Sorenson will speak and there will be lots of political discussions. Bring a side dish, beverage, or dessert to the farm, one mile north of the fire station in Coburg. Directions will be on the DPLC website. Pat Reilly announced that Jaclyn Giddings has some liberal publications to share. Pat R. stated that the DPLC day at the State Fair is September 4, and he circulated a volunteer sign up sheet. Betsy Steffensen invited the DPLC to staff a booth at next year’s Million Mom March on Mother’s Day. A group of 200 people participated this year. Betsy also informed us about a hunger protest being staged by Peg Mortenson on weekdays at noon at the Federal Building and at 4:30 in front of the Eugene Library. John Cuff announced that today is Dorothy Craig’s birthday. Rick Grosscup introduced Eugene’s distinguished citizen Charles Porter. Rick stated that Social Security petitions are available to be signed. He also has videos and DVD on the Social Security issue. Rick asked that his copies of Hunting of a President be returned to him. Stu Adler talked about the U.S. Senate and the judicial candidate selection and the Republican’s plan to end the filibuster. In like manner, he described the problem in the legislature with the Republican’s refusing to allow debate now on the school budget. Stu stated that the DPLC is to be a place where debate is encouraged and opinions may be aired. Committee Reports Fundraising - Amy Gibson reported that their committee is working on the October 1 auction, and they are seeking fabulous auction items. She also stated that a fundraising letter has been mailed. Organization - John Cummens reminded us that the committee is composed of house district (HD) chairs. The purpose is to recruit precinct committee persons (PCPs) and train them to be active in their districts. John announced three new PCP candidates.
John announced two PCP nominees to be confirmed tonight: Michelle L. Tompkins and Holly M. Knight. Larry Wikander made a motion, seconded by Betsy S., and passed by the CC. Treasurer’s report - Rick Grosscup reported that we currently have $5,500 in the bank, $4,300 of that brought in by the Fundraising Committee. George G made a motion to accept this report, which was seconded by John Cuff, and passed with some votes in opposition. Rick G. made a motion to refer to the Executive Committee (EC) the discussion of the distribution of copies of the Treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded by John Cuff and passed. Campaign Services - Sara Chieffo, Chair, remarked that Tuesday’s election was a success in defeating the radical right wing Springfield School Board candidates. Jared Mason-Gere, Vice-Chair, informed us that turnout was increased by 5%. James Mattice was thanked for the partners he brought to bear on the Springfield campaigns. The next election will provide an opportunity to select a new County Commissioner for West Lane and a new Eugene City Council member for the Bethel-Danebo area. Campaign Services is seeking suggestions for qualified applicants to be appointed to the LTD Board. Budget report - Rick G. read the recommendations from the Budget Committee to approve (a) an amendment to allocate HD 11 $200 for photocopying and $200 for reproduction and (b) a policy approved by the EC that “All expenditures of $50 and over require approval from the DPLC Treasurer, DPLC Chair, or two of the following: DPLC Vice Chair, Budget Chair, or, Budget Vice Chair. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve these recommendations. House parties - Holly Knight announced that they are seeking hosts for House Parties with various themes, such as champagne and chocolate or ice cream sundaes. You can also hold a house party with an issue theme. Platform and Resolutions - George Grier (Chair) announced that the committee met and has several new members. They are refining the core values statement with a timeline for completion in July. It will be used in the framing of the Platform Convention. Rules - John Cuff stated that there nave been no new requests for bylaw changes. Information Services - John Cuff reported that their committee met on Tuesday before this CC meeting. Cable internet has been installed. A larger office is needed before more volunteers can be utilized. They are preparing walking lists for the HDs. If you have suggestions for IT, let John know. David Pennell, Webmaster, noted that the DPLC website has moved from a temporary site to a permanent server with more access. Community Action - Pat Reilly, Vice Chair, announced that the Leaburg Festival would be held on August 13. The DPLC has a booth, and we will need volunteers to sell buttons and bumper stickers. Information is on the McKenzie River website. Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) Becky Gladstone informed us that she attended a DPO meeting in Pendleton. The DPO is working on a new website and a coordinated, protected list of PCPs. She is the Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. Various caucuses are being activated - Blacks, Rural, Vets, and so on. There are new members on every committee and are getting training. Communications will be emphasized. Becky gave us a thorough update on legislative bills: education, pharmacist protocols, women’s health, elections, and land use regulations. Legislative updates Sen. Floyd Prozanski gave a legislative update for himself and Rep. Paul Holvey. Paul has been holding double hearings on domestic violence. The bill was passed by the House and is now assigned to Floyd’s committee. Floyd discussed a minority report that would have required that payments be made to gather voter registration cards, similar to the payment required for paid signature gathers on petitions. Floyd described the problem with income tax filing organizations that charge their customers’ usury rates if they take advanced funds prior to their refunds coming in. Floyd is also working on consumer protection of personal information and medical malpractice concerns, trying to protect the consumer’s access to courts. Other major issues are school funding that Floyd was holding firm at $5.4 million, environmental concerns following from Measure 37, and the failure of a move to ban concealed weapons in schools. There is a good chance that the Democrats can take the House back at the next election. It is now time to educate, to set an agenda for the next session, and to open discussions around the state. The Governor is working to get the House and Senate Budget Committee working together again. The DPLC needs to et the word out to Democrats and get them to send feedback and moral encouragement to legislators. Phone calls and e-mail are important. They are listening particularly to the rural citizens. As an addendum, Floyd noted the make or break importance of SB 1000 on civil unions. Floyd and Paul will hold a Town Hall meeting at the Eugene City Council Chambers on Tuesday, May 31, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Old Business A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the minutes of the April CC meeting. DPO House Parties - Becky G. announced that a House Party will be held on July 19 on the judicial system. The revenue will be shared between the DPO and the DPLC. Communications - Laura Gillpatrick solicited articles for the Outspoken with a Monday deadline. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Submitted by Carleen Reilly, DPLC Secretary
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