Minutes for Linn county Central Committee Meeting, January 16, 2008

Loyd Henion opened the meeting by introducing the two guest speakers,  Bill Root President of the North Albany Neighborhood Association (NANA) and Autumn Wilburn of the Democrat Party of Oregon (DPO) and the Democrat National Committee (DNC).

Loyd also recognized Sam Sappington, Wayne and Claudia Baum.  Wayne is chair of Marion County Dems. (note:  Later Sam Sappington, Chair of Benton County was recognized).

Bill Root led off with an explanation of the purpose of NANA and the how and why it was formed.  He said that NANA has about 200 members from North Albany.  He stressed the importance of Neighborhood groups conducting opinion surveys of residences to determine what they consider to be the most important issues and concerns. NANA surveys focused on issues associated with rapid growth in North Albany.   Residents were most concerned over traffic safety and delays due to congestion on North Albany road, environmental degradation, and school overcrowding. The group has made several presentations to the Albany City Council sharing their concerns.  They are now willing to assist other Neighborhoods in the Albany area establish their own association by conducting workshops.  Anyone wishing to get a group started should contact Bill Root at 541-926-6920.  Loyd Henion, complemented, the group on its professionalism and dedication to a democratic, grassroots approach to represent the interest of their neighborhood.  He encouraged others to contact Bill.

Autumn Wilburn gave an excellent presentation on the DNC’s Neighbor-to-Neighbor program.  DNC researched the most effective way to gain voter confidence with respect to the Democratic Party’s values and candidates. It was found that the most effective way was for People to directly talk to their neighbors, friends, family members and co-workers about their issues, our values and our candidates.   The DNC and DPO are actively recruiting people to volunteer to accept an assignment of talking to their neighbors (at least 25 people) 3 times during the coming election cycle. 

Autumn has packets of information to help guide people through the Neighbor-to Neighbor process.  There was a good deal of questions and interaction with Autumn throughout her presentation.   Those in attendance were very appreciative of her presentation

Loyd then opened the business block of the meeting by asking for approval of the minutes of the December meeting’s minutes.  It was moved and seconded for acceptance and the motion carried.  As the Treasurer was missing Loyd gave the Treasurer’s report by saying the Linn County Democrats had around $5,500 in the budget.  Loyd then gave the fundraising report.  He mentioned that the Fundraising Committee (members were absent) wanted to stage quarterly fundraising events but that the details were still being discussed.  He then said the committee had recommended a donation request mail-out to 100 people per month and that the Executive Committee had authorized an initial expenditure of $500 for printing costs andcover the costs of stamps. John Puma had prepared the mailing list. The mail-out also will include options for those able to donate time and effort to the local party rather than money.

Robert (Bob) Heald gave the Campaign Committee report.  At this point he and Carole Kalc are the only members on the committee.  They are seeking to find new committee members.  Bob stressed the importance of marketing.  He has been distributing the Linn County Democrats’ brochure around libraries throughout the county.  He emphasizes that an effective way for people to know that we exist is to recognize our “brand” which is exemplified in our LC Dems circle flag logo. Bob has been gathering information on all of our declared candidates.  We still have holes to fill in HD 15 and two CountyCommissioner slots.  We do have candidates in SD 9 (Dr. Bob McDonald), HD 23 (Jason Brown), and HD 17 (DanThackaberry) but still no candidate for HD 15.  Dan may have a primary opponent for HD 17 (Steve Frank).  Bob wants the campaign committee to assist all of our candidates to win their elections.  The committee will be working with the candidates and their campaign staff.  We will be hearing more from the committee in the near future.

Bob then gave an update on our Linncodems.org web site.  The new web site is now active with a new look.  There are convenient drop-down menus

Louise Owens urged people to sign up for VAN (Voter Activation Network) coming up on Jan. 26, 2008 at the LBCC computer lab. Registered Dems from four counties (Linn, Benton, Polk and Marion) are invited to this free 2-hour workshop. Autumn Wilburn, the trainer, will familiarize people with how to use the VAN voter database to generate walking maps and phone lists to contact registered voters in this crucial election year. Louise also provided an update on what has been happening with “counter-recruitment” efforts in the area. “No Child Left Behind” requires high schools to turn over every student’s contact info to military recruiters UNLESS the parents or the student “opts out” of such contact. Under law, students are entitled to hear alternative views, and we now have active citizens’ groups present in LebanonHigh School, both Albany high schools and both Corvallis high schools. We are actively “recruiting” others to attend our meetings and/or help provide jobs/training/ apprenticeship and scholarship information directly to students. Please come! Contact Sharon Gisler (Albany) or Louise Owens (Lebanon) for info.

Loyd alerted  attendees that the LC Dems would be changing the meeting date in March to the 1^st Wednesday of the month.  This will be March 5^th.  Notices will be posted over hotlines and in the newspapers.  The February meeting will still be on the 3^rd Wed. (Feb. 20^th).  This meeting is going to be a fun and joyful meeting.  Hearing no specific suggestionsLoyd said that he would seek advice from members.  Loyd said that Steve Novick, would be our guest speaker on March 5^th.  Albany, Councilman, Dick Olsen will also be hosting a House Party for Steve.  This could occur on the same day and details will be worked out.  Notices will be going out over hotlines.

As Jason Brown showed up Loyd asked him to take a few minutes and share how the campaign was going.  Jason said that he felt much better about his chances this time as he would not be running against an incumbent.  He believes that the key is getting the non-affiliated and independents to vote for him.  He was encouraged about the success of measure 49 in Polkcounty.  He is also encouraged about getting a good start on his campaign finance effort, having garnered over $7000 so far.  He believes that it will take between $50,000-$70,000 to win.  Jason talked about the impacts of global warming  onour local communities. Weather patterns are changing.  He wants people to be aware that we too are impacted but that we can begin to be a part of the solution by finding new ways to produce green energy, thereby reducing our dependence on carbon producing oil.

Louise Owens conducted the one minute  “Hot Buttons” session.  Many good issues were raised. The need to find a candidate for HD 15 and for Linn County commissioner was shared by all. Concern over a Liquid Natural Gas station on the Oregon Coast was raised.  Concern over how to fight terrorism and why no one had a detailed specific plan was mentioned.  Bob Heald will put these “Hot Button items on the Linncodems web site.  Louise Owens will type them up and give them to Bob.  After a 12 month period these items will be reviewed to determine which are the most persistent.  They will help shape the Linn County Dems future work plan.

Bob Heald suggested that we start off each meeting with Introductions as not everyone is known to each other.  Loydagreed that this was a good idea.  He then ask for self introductions.

The Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.  Almost on time!!