February 13, 2007
SD63 DFL Central Committee Meeting Minutes
Convened at Augsburg Park Library
Present: Dottie G, Jerry G, Nancy O, Gary D, Charles M, Mary S, David W, Margaret S, Judi S, Janet M, James S, Sandy C, Bridget C, Sara N (and Oliver), Carol H.
Guests: Marge Hoffa (Chair, CD3), Dave Lee (Chair, CD5)
Dottie called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Minutes of 10/10/06 were approved.
Treasurer’s report: Charles reported there is $ 2,000.35 in the account. As far as he knows, all bills have been paid (although Jerry intimated there may be some outstanding bills). More money was spent in 2006 than in any previous year, but, considering the positive results, it was worth it. Report approved.
Old business:
No information/bills have been received from Air America. The motion was made and passed to remove this item from future agendas.
New business:
Jerry reported on an issue discussed at the SCC meeting last week involving two grassroots organizers who ended up paying for a share of their expenses out of pocket. The SCC voted against reimbursing them with state funds. A fund has now been established to help them with expenses. It is being managed by the Jensen law firm. Jerry made a motion that we contribute $100 to this fund. After some discussion, the motion passed.
Flower sale (May 3-5): Dottie and Sara are co-chairs of the event, which will again be held at Sara’s house. There will be a price increase on some of the items to be sold this year. The patio garden has been discontinued, but a 10- inch planter will be offered in its place. Volunteers are needed to help with calling and working at the sale.
Marge Hoffa introduced herself to the group and reported that chairs of districts 2-6 are now meeting on a monthly basis. She reminded the group that CD3 fundraising efforts directly benefit local districts since they receive a percentage of the profits from tickets they sell.
Dave Lee thanked the committee for our efforts in the last election. He also announced a new project involving the development of a podcast during which people from around the state will comment on candidates, organizing efforts and issues. Bridget Cusick will be heading up this project. She is also working on updating the CD5 website.
Newsletter: Dottie will solicit the articles, and Dave Weinlick will help format the letter.
Jerry suggested that there be meetings of senate district chairs in order that there be more continuity and communication between the state and local units. Both Marge and Dave indicated that this is something being discussed.
Other items discussed:
Dave W. talked about the possibility of starting voter ID work now rather than waiting for 2008. Even though there’s a turnover of voters, the information will still be useful, as it can be provided to areas where those voters have moved.
Another idea, suggested by Marge H, is that of mobilizing party activists (and, possibly, local celebrities) to participate in party building activities during the time of the Republican Convention. That may be a way of increasing the visibility of the DFL in a positive manner.
Upcoming Events:
Keith Ellison will be conducting a town hall forum on 2/26 from 6-8 pm at the Jenny Lind School.
Dennis Kucinich will be speaking at an event sponsored by CD6 on 3/11 at 1 pm in St. Paul. Tickets are available at $35 ($15 for students).
The next DFL Links meeting will be on 2/27.
Future Meeting dates: The next meeting is March 13th; meetings will be on Mondays starting in April.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30
Respectfully submitted,
Judi Sateren