BEXAR COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
County Executive Committee Secretary's Minutes
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BEXAR COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
MEETING OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, June 5, 2007

The monthly meeting of the County Executive Committee of the Bexar County Democratic Party was called to order at 7:20 p.m. with Carla Vela being in the Chair and the Secretary being present. There was a quorum.

John McConnell objected to approval of the agenda as written. He moved that the opening ceremonies (Item B) follow Items D and E. The motion carried. Motion was then made to approve the corrected agenda.

Placido Salazar led the pledge of allegiance, followed by a moment of silence proposed by Ian Straus for the current state of the country, the state of our troops overseas and especially for the three soldiers kidnapped awhile ago.

The Chair reported that the guest speaker Sgt. Alva has been called to Washington. She added that one of our newly elected judges, Larry Noll, was here but had to leave to attend another meeting. Frances Carnot, chair of the Bexar County Democratic Women was recognized.

Approval of Minutes of May Meeting. After correction of an error concerning the date of the July meeting, motion was made to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion carried.

Ian Straus moved for affirmation as official the following actions taken at the May meeting. First, to consider and vote on whether to approve these substantive acts: a) presentation of an award not to exceed $150 to the commissioner’s precinct recruiting the most new precinct chairs, b) to hold precinct chair recruitment meetings in each commissioner’s precinct and c) to establish a web page on the BCDP website.

The CEC was then asked to accept all other reports approved at the May meeting: a) hosting a judges’ petition signing party in early summer with approval of a contribution of $500 from the BCDP, as well as appointment by the Chair of an ad hoc committee to facilitate accomplishment; b) approval of Ruth Stewart’s motion at the May meeting that different Democratic clubs and organizations supply (on a monthly basis) enumerated items to the Soldiers & Families Assistance Center at Brooke Army Medical Center with development of a schedule and outreach committee for this purpose; and finally c) that all other reports accepted and approved at the May meeting be accepted as official.

John McConnell stated that this motion is out of order because there was no quorum at the May meeting, and that any business done without a quorum is null and void and against State party rules. There was no other discussion and after being seconded, each of the first three items was voted on separately and all carried. After again expressing disapproval of the actions of the group, Mr. McConnell left the meeting at 7:35 p.m. On motion made and seconded, the final item (approval and acceptance of all other reports from the May meeting) carried.

The Chair presented State Senator Letitia Van de Putte, who reported on the actions of the recently concluded State Legislature. She then announced that Dr. Howard Dean, Chair of the National Democratic Party, has appointed her co-chair of the upcoming National Democratic Party Convention. Nancy Pelosi is the scheduled co-chair. In conclusion, Senator Van de Putte thanked John Courage for his help during the session through the True Courage network.

On motion by Larry Romo the CEC approved a resolution recognizing the heroic efforts of Senator Mario Gallegos, Jr., Senate District 6, to block the Voter ID Requirement Bill and other onerous legislation which the Republican majority in the Texas State Senate attempted to push through in the absence of seriously ill Democrats. This occurred despite the severity of Senator Gallegos’ illness following a major transplant operation and against his doctor’s orders.

Treasurer’s Report: Fernando Contreras announced a bank balance of $8,652.54 with $4,500 reserved for the fundraiser, leaving an operational balance of $4,152.54. Two checks were received after closing of the May books -- $5,000 from SADL and $500 from John Friedrich.

Reports. Motions were made and seconded to approve each of the following reports presented by co-chairs as indicated. The motions carried.
  • Special Events/Fundraising Committee -- Lila Aguirre
  • Campaign Committee -- Ian Straus
  • Pre-Primary Committee as well as the Partners Program –- John Courage
  • Budget & Finance Committee –- Fernando Contreras
  • Community Outreach –- Ruth Stewart
  • Bexar County Democratic Women (Naturalization ceremony) –- Barbara Moschner
Unfinished Business

1. The Chair announced a short recess to allow the Justice of the Peace Precincts to elect chairpersons. Following this 15 to 20 minute recess, the representatives returned to the hall and, after Ian Straus explained the necessity for these elections, the following names were announced:
  • JP Precinct One – Olivia de la Zerda
  • JP Precinct Two – Rachel Hill
  • JP Precinct Three – Le Lowry
  • JP Precinct Four – C. P. Garcia
2. John Courage reported a petition signing party for all judges, as well as all other county-wide candidates, on July 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fire Fighters’ Hall on IH-10.

3. Motion was made to change the date of the July CEC meeting to July 14 because of a conflict with the 4th of July. This will be a breakfast meeting at Don Pedro’s Restaurant with the cost paid by the Maloney firm. Motion passed without discussion.

New Business:

1. Motion by Ian Straus that John Friedrich’s proposal to use Partner System as a guide for new precinct chairs be referred to Precinct Chair Recruitment Committee. Motion carried.

2. Following discussion of expenses (gasoline, fees, etc.) incurred by the County Chair in the performance of her duties, motion was made to provide her with an ATM card for use when expenses exceed her $100 administrative expense. The motion carried.

Announcements:  Announcement of several upcoming events included Texas Fair Trade Coalition, June 7 at Guadalupe Street Coffee House; Democratic Party Townhall Meeting at the Toolyard from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 9; International Refugees Day in Taylor, Texas> on June 13; and Barrack Obama’s Texas Kick-off at 1:00 p.m. June 24 at Sunset Station. The Chair reported collection of $131.45 tonight.

Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jane M. Humble, Secretary
Political Advertising Donated, Bexar County Democratic Party, Fernando Contreras, Treasurer.