BEXAR COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

MEETING OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2007

• 1.  Events Committee.   Lila Aguirre reported that due to donations from elected officials and others we cleared about $2,300 on the “Bragging Breakfast” event.   It is anticipated that an additional  $500 will be coming in. 
• a.  Ms. Aguirre moved that a check for $500 be approved as a deposit to hold the Coronado Room at El Tropicano Hotel for the “Mission: Victory 2008” dinner on April 14.  Following brief  discussion,  the motion carried. 
• b.  Ms. Aguirre moved that the title for the Special Events Committee be changed to the Special Events/Fundraising Committee.  There was no discussion and the motion carried. 
• c.  Ms. Aguirre asked for a motion to open a separate bank account for use by the Special Events Committee in planning events such as the Breakfast.  During discussion, both Zada True-Courage and Bob Miller questioned the need for an additional bank account.  There followed a general discussion, after which the motion was defeated.

• 2.  Rules Committee.   Ian Straus presented a number of amendments to the Continuing Rules of the Bexar County Democratic Party    The first three issues passed with little discussion, although an attempt to amend Issue 2 was defeated.  Following much discussion, Issues 4 through 8 were likewise approved.  Issue 9 concerning limitation of authority to make legal concessions passed following amendment offered by Nancy Timmer-Froment that this issue does not prevent the Chair of the Party from carrying out her responsibilities under the Texas Election Code.  Issue 10 concerning deputy chairs was approved after an amendment directed at forfeiture of deputy office was withdrawn.  An amendment to rescind all previous motions was found to be out of order.

• 3.  Campaign & Election.   
  
• a.  Mr. Straus first proposed that the CEC should review the polling places for the prim-ary election in sufficient time to allow for negotiations, since there was dissatisfaction concerning some of the polling places used in the last general election.  The motion was seconded.  In reply to a question from Dan Ramos, Mr. Straus clarified the motion – that this was for the 2007 election.  Mr. McConnell suggested an amendment, which was not accepted, to postpone action until the April meeting to allow more time for study.  With no further discussion, the motion carried. 
• b.  Mr. Straus proposed establishment of an ad hoc committee to be known as the Primary Preparation Committee.  The proposed duties and purpose of this ad hoc committee are enumerated on the attached page.  The motion passed without further discussion.                

• 4.  Budget & Finance Committee.  Zada True-Courage stated that although the Budget & Finance Committee met on Sunday before the CEC meeting, she has no report at this time.  In order to develop a preliminary budget she is looking at all past expenditures and she will be able to present a budget at the next meeting.

• 5.  Communications Committee.  Linda Allen, co-chair of the Committee reported the next meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday.  A chair and co-chair must be elected.  Ms. Allen outlined efforts to get the website up to date, which includes listing of precinct chairs, bringing the calendar up to date and keeping it up to date, listing of committees and getting historical information from 2004, 2005 and 2006.  Madeleine Dewar asked for input from everybody on what they want in a newsletter.  Ms. Dewar suggested finding 12 to 15 places around town where the newsletter can be distributed and of course it will be available at Democratic Headquarters.

• 6.  Precinct Chair Committee.  John McConnell states this committee now has 14 members.  He asked for more help since the major purpose of the Committee is to recruit more precinct chairs.  There has been a significant loss of precinct chairs since last year.  Because of confusion and disagreement about the total number of active precinct chairs, a motion was made by Zada True-Courage that the Precinct Chair Committee take responsibility for clarification and this matter is referred back to the Precinct Chair Committee for further study. 

1. Bryan Gerard announced the election of Roberto Flores and Lynn Armstrong as chairman and co-chairman of the Stonewall  Democrats.
   
2. Placido Salazar stated that General Guest and Colonel Klass of the U. S. Air Force will be coming from Washington on February 8 to discuss the necessity for more medical facilities in south Texas.  This meeting will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Casa Dos Pedros located at Southwest Military and IH-35.
   
3. Madeleine Dewar  announced a goal of putting together a group of high school students who are Democrats and interested in politics.  The first meeting, an organizational meeting, will be a pizza lunch at 11:30 on Saturday, February 24 at Democratic Headquarters.
   
4. Larry Meads announced a  training session on parliamentary procedure is scheduled for Saturday, February 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the office of the GLI Distributing Company.  His second announcement regarded movies to be presented by Precinct 4176 during February at 6:00 p.m. at Democratic Headquarters. 
   
5. The Progressive Alliance Conference is sponsoring a meeting at CWA Hall on March 10 to discuss progressive issues according to Charlie Jones.  Congressman Dennis Kucinich will be the guest speaker.
   
6. Gina Castaneda announced that Ciro Rodriguez has opened two offices in San Antonio.  She also noted that Hillary Clinton will be coming to San Antonio on March 17 and Bill Richardson will be here on March 18.
   
7. Zada True-Courage announced the San Antonio Area Political Action Coalition is presenting  the film, “Sir, No Sir” on February 18 at Bethany Congregational Church.
   
8. John Courage told the group about his new website “Courage Action Network”.
   
9. Lila Aguirre announced that $183.31 in donations was collected tonight.