BEXAR COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

MEETING OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007

1. Precinct Chair Recruitment Committee.  Regina Gomez reported that the committee voted to include the four deputy chairs in their planning.  The committee plans to encourage each of the four county commissioners to host an event in order to disseminate information about what being a precinct chair entails.  They ask for volunteers in this endeavor. A lengthy discussion followed concerning the inability of the CEC to achieve the quorum necessary for seating additional precinct chairs.  It was ultimately determined that this matter should be referred to the State for decision. 
2. Rules Committee.  Zada True-Courage reported that the Rules Committee will meet at Democratic Headquarters on March 19 at 6:30 p.m. to continue reviewing the rules. 
3. Special Events Committee.  Co-chairs Larry Romo and Lila Aguirre reported postponement of the fundraiser at El Tropicano from April until May.  The theme for the May event is “Mission Possible” with sponsorship levels starting at $5,000. For example: Agent - $5,000. Double Agent – $2,500.  Director - 1,000.  Producer - $500.  Film Crew - $250 and Extras - $55.  The next committee meeting is on March 15 at 6:30 p.m.at Democratic Headquarters.  John McConnell inquired about  the status of the Fund Raising Committee.  The Chair responded that this committee has been combined with the Special Events Committee.
4. Youth Outreach Committee.  Madeleine Dewar reported this committee has not yet met.  She has been working on development of the high school project, which has met twice with three people at the first meeting and seven at the next.  They decided it is necessary to have a minimum of twenty people to start a seminar and they plan to meet twice a month.  The next meeting is March 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Democratic Headquarters.  The Youth Committee will include high school and college kids.
5. Communications Committee.  No report.
6. Budget Committee.   Zada True-Courage reported this committee meets the Sunday before the CEC meeting at 4:00 o’clock.  It is posted on the calendar.  The committee is still working on date for the budget.  About $2,000 a month is required to keep the office open and we had only about $635 in sustaining memberships.   Zada asked that those who are not already sustaining members should consider becoming one.  Madeleine Dewar added that next week we will be able to receive online contributions.
7. Primary Preparation Committee.  Co-chair Ian Straus made the report and explained the purpose of this committee.  Our next meeting is March 8 and for the foreseeable future we will meet every Thursday.  Whether we have a separate or joint primary the best information we have so far is that we don’t have enough election judges.  For a county wide election we need at least 266 election judges.  The committee will suggest a list of items to discuss with the County Elections  Office.  Before the Thursday meeting, Co-chair John Friedrich and Ian will arrange an introductory meeting with the elections coordinator, Jackie Callanen.  

1. Removal of a sign at the site of the old Democratic Headquarters, on Wurzbach chosen by Rudy Casias was suggested.  It was reported that there is a dispute over the rent and the sign cannot be removed until the dispute is settled.
2. It was suggested that the County Chair invite Eric Alva to address our next meeting.  He is the Marine who recently questioned the military policy of  “Don’t ask – Don’t tell”.
3. John Courage reported that the House Elections Committee met and discussed bills including one requiring that individuals submit multiple forms of ID to vote.  John suggested sending e-mails to Representative Irving England of Grand Prairie (who may be a swing vote) asking him not to vote for legislation requiring multiple forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or proof of citizenship.  

1. Ian Straus reported the Campaign Committee will meet at 6:30 on March 14 at headquarters.
2. Le Lowry announced:  (a)  A meeting of representatives of Precinct 3 on Saturday, March 31 at Brook Hollow Library starting at 3:00 p.m.    (b)  A poetry reading on Thursday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the Guadalupe Coffee House.  Admission is $2.00, with the proceeds going to help fund the Cesar Chavez March.
3. Zada True-Courage reported (a)  SAAPAC will show the movie “Archimedes Movement” on March 18 at Bethany Congregational Church. The movie concerns the nationalization of health care.  A former governor of Oregon has been promoting a movement in Oregon on how to achieve good health care.  (b)  The Cesar Chavez March is scheduled for March 31.  Zada urged attendance and suggested that participants wear their T-shirts.
4. Dan Ramos announced a meeting at Pico de Gallo Saturday at 10 o’clock to develop plans for the Cesar Chavez  March.
5. Roberto Flores, newly elected co-chair (with Lynne Armstrong) of Stonewall Democrats, announced their next meeting will be on Monday March 19th at 6:30 at Grady’s Barbecue   Mayor Hardberger will be the guest speaker.
6. Larry Meads announced that John Edwards will be in town tomorrow night at Sunset Station at 5:00 o’clock.  He will speak at about 6:15.  He is also scheduled to speak at a union rally on the steps of City Hall at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 8.
7. Lila Aguirre announced that $103 was collected tonight.
8. Mark Camaan informed the group that the joint conference scheduled by the Progressive Alliance has been moved to the Northeast Toolyard.  The keynote speaker is Dennis Kucinich and the cost is $10.00.  The conference starts at 9:30 in the morning.   For an additional $10 a box lunch can be ordered on line or by calling Madeleine Dewar.