Thursday, February15, 2007
Barron County Courthouse

Chairman Toby Paone called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Sixteen members attended.

John Banks read the Secretary's report from the January 18, 2007 meeting. The minutes passed as read.

There was no Treasurer's report.

Toby welcomed everyone to the meeting and everyone introduced themselves.

Joyce Kaseno reported that everything is going well in her department.

Fred Bannister brought up the recent news of the Sherriff/Officer Carr issue. He wanted some explanation but no one in attendance had any information.

Dave Obey has a new person working in the region in place of Jeff Buhrandt. Jeff is now on the staff of Sen. Kreitlow.

Chair's Report

A. The Chair named Jim Heerey, Fred Bannister, Marge Lindemann, Cecil Kippenhan and Jerry Schlei to be members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Health Care. The committee's charge is to be the voice of the Barron County Democratic Party on all things related to Health Care.

B. The 7th CD Convention will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007 in Marshfield.

C. The state Democratic Convention will be at the Milwaukee Hilton June 29-30, 2007.

D. Toby presented the idea of hosting a regional type fundraiser with Barron, Polk, Washburn and Burnett Counties as a springboard to the '08 presidential election. Toby has contacted the chairs of the Democratic party in these counties. These four counties all have Democratic legislators. Toby reserved Das Loch Haus in Cumberland for Friday, October 5, 2007. Hopefully Sen. Feingold could be the featured speaker. Toby will have a clearer idea in March. Toby also mentioned that Sen. Feingold's steering committee will be in Rice Lake on March 13 with the time and site to be determined.

E. The 2007 calendar is found on the back of your agenda or on the web site. A parade schedule will appear at a later date.

Old Business

A motion was made, seconded and passed to send a $25.00 memorial to Linda Thompson in memory of her sister who recently passed away in Pennsylvania. It was suggested that Linda would forward the memorial to her sister's Democratic Party in Pennsylvania.

Toby read a letter addressed to the governor dated January 18, 2007. The governor's reply dated February 6, 2007 was also read for the record. Discussion followed with the general feeling that the response was an insult and needed to be addressed. Jim Heerey read a response to the Governor's letter and made a motion to forward it to the Governor. The motion was seconded by Karn Moe. Much discussion followed with some members expressing a desire that the response be toned down. Toby proposed an amendment that the letter be addressed by the recently appointed ad hoc health committee and deal with it as they see fit. The amendment was seconded by Jerry Schlei. The amendment passed and the original motion failed. Therefore the letter of response was referred to the ad hoc committee.

New Business

Jim Heerey and Dr. Bannister discussed health care with the Rusk County Democrats in the hope of establishing a northern Wisconsin health care coalition. Jim also passed out a health care statement of purpose. Jim also passed out a letter he has composed to Dave Obey regarding his (Obey's) position on H. R. 4.

Discussion was also held on the primary election scheduled for February 20, 2007. The party can not endorse a candidate.

Toby mentioned that the Party has a constitution but no by-laws. The chair will work with the officers to draft by-laws.

Discussion was held on how the Party can attract younger members. It was suggested that each of us bring two individuals 35 years old or younger to the next meeting. This lead to a motion by Fred and second by Marge to send two young individuals to the Democratic Leadership Institute. Motion passed.

Other issues discussed were the establishment of environment and education ad hoc committees.

No collection was taken at this meeting. We are expected to double our donation next month.

Food pantry items will go to Prairie Farm.

Motion by John Banks to adjourn. Motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

John Banks
Vice Chair
and acting Secretary for this meeting only, I hope.