Thursday, December 8, 2005
Barron County Courthouse

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Cecil Kippenhan at 7:00 p.m. Twenty-six people attended.

Beth Ager gave the Secretary’s report, and the minutes were approved as read.

Clarice Fall delivered the Treasurer’s report. November's ending balance was $2,800.55. November's box donation was $58.00. Memberships totalled $245.00 and an indivdual donation came to $80.00 Postage reimbursement to Jerry Schlei was $142.00, and the state's share of membership dues came to $32.50, leaving an ending balance of $3,008.97.

DNC member Jason Rae reported in a letter that Democrats are looking good for 2006. Rae also updated the party on the new DNC/DPW field organizers. Jerry Schlei offered to respond to Rae’s letter and give him feedback about our own field organizer, Nate Franklin.

Old business:
The party’s motion to disapprove of the Concealed Carry bill, then report it to Representative Mary Hubler, was still tabled, but since Hubler was in attendance, she briefed party members on the bill itself and its prospects in the legislature.

Radio spots: Linda Thompson got price quotes from WJMC. Marge Lindemann stated that the FCC imposes certain restrictions on issue ads, as well. Our original intent was to link our party with a popular news program, though making use of the community calendar service announcement of radio stations is also desirable. The secretary will include WOJB in the meeting announcement mailing list.

Members will make an effort to issue press releases when the meeting has a guest speaker scheduled.

New business:
In response to the recent resignation of the Republican Registrar of Deeds for alleged embezzlement, the Governor has contacted the party in search of recommendations for an appointee to serve out the term. Mary Hubler advised the party to wait until all suitable candidates had a chance to step forward before endorsing one.

Fred Bannister recommended Beth Ager for the position. Ager indicated interest, and stated that she would be honored.

Clarice Fall stated that two good candidates, Joanne Frandrup, and Pamela Fall, both denied interest in filling the position.

Jerry Schlei made a motion to support Beth Ager for the position, with Fred Bannister seconding. The motion passed.

In response to the party’s invitation, Washburn County Chair Jim Speck joined the group for its annual Christmas party. He extended his compliments to Barron County, expressing pride in Barron County’s success. Speck also invited us to a Washburn County Democratic Party function at Twin Oaks in Spooner on December 15th.

Communications Committee report: Jerry Schlei outlined the field organization project that would select local captains in each supervisory district to muster voters and resources during elections, and act as a liason between the county and the supervisory district residents. The field organization is so vital to Democratic goals that the communications committee is asking the party to assume responsibility for the project.

Jerry Schlei made a motion to select local captains from each supervisory district, and Linda Thompson seconded it. The motion passed.

The next Communications Committee meeting will be January 10th, at 6:30 at Ampersand in the Rose Stone Plaza in Rice Lake.

Vice Chair John Banks stated that four county board members have filed letters of non-candidacy: himself, Marlene Gargulak, Stan Bergum and James Pannier, with rumors of three more resignations—a potential turnover of one third of the board. There may be a push to put CART members on the board. The Democrats should recruit good candidates.

Office holders’ reports: Mary Hubler reported that the amendment to prohibit gay marriage will go before the electorate in November, bringing out many people who would otherwise not vote; Democrats must also work to get out the vote. Hubler says that 68% of respondents to her survey approved of the ban. A repeal of gas tax indexing is in the offing, putting a dent in state finances and saving the average driver four dollars a year.

Sunshine report: Linda Thompson volunteered to send a gift to our sunshine person, Edith Olson, who is busy caring for her ill husband—and in appreciation for Edith’s service to the party.

Food pantry report: Louise Driver mailed thanks to the party for November’s donation to the Chetek food shelf. December’s donation will go to Cameron.

Candidates’ report: John Postle, candidate for sheriff, reported that 60 people attended his campaign meeting on December 5th at Gilligan’s.

The next meeting will take place on January 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rice Lake Public Library, in the downstairs Friendship Room.

8:20: Jim Vogel made a motion to adjourn, with John Postle seconding.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary