Thursday, July13, 2006
Rice Lake Public Library

Chairman Cecil Kippenhan called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. Twenty-eight people attended.

Beth Ager read the Secretary’s report. The minutes were passed as amended.

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report showing a beginning balance from June of $5,662.44 and an ending balance of $5,666.94. The June box donation was $67.00 and memberships $10.00. A refund came in from the state party for $12.50, and $100.00 was donated toward HQ expenses. Expenses were $90.00 for phone expenses, $65.00 for 2 months’ postage, and $30.00 to DPW for HQ and fair insurance. The report was approved as read.

The members introduced themselves and welcomed State Senator Bob Jauch.

Senator Jauch spoke about events in his district, including the aid given to the Park Falls paper mill. Referring to the Wisconsin Manufacturers’ Coalition pink billboard campaign against him, he states, “Their intention is not to inform the public but to inflame the public.” Jauch also noted that the WMC did not disclose its contributors.

Old business:
Chairman Kippenhan thanked Dar Ishmael, Beth Ager and Jerry Schlei for their work on the fair booth, newsletters and HQ, respectively, and talked about Democrats’ holiday parade activity.

Fred Bannister updated the party about his Health Security America coalition’s plans to meet and persuade legislators to draft legislation, saying, “It’s time.” Senator Jauch cautioned that representatives like Dave Obey need to pick their battles carefully, and commended Bannister for providing leadership on health care. Bannister countered that current Democratic plans are budget breakers, and need some modification.

Tom Richie reported that the Doyle fundraiser looked likely. He suggested a rally in October, deeper into the season. Jauch concurred. Jerry Schlei proposed taking planning up at the next Communications Committee meeting.

New business:
Edith Olson noted that a couple donated ten thousand dollars to UW-EC promote Repubicanism and speakers with a Republican message.

Communications Committee report: Chair Jerry Schlei went over visibility purchases and the new headquarters, now open. Besides the usual uses, it is now equipped with computers.

Officeholders’ reports:
Sheriff Tom Richie reports a good, busy summer. Eau Claire media have contacted Barron County and Rice Lake departments about the unusual events that happened in the county over the past two years.

Registrar of Deeds Joyce Kaseno reports an opponent, a realtor from Cameron who has resided in the county only 3 years. As a result, Kaseno will appreciate any contributions and other support.

Sunshine report: The party sent a card congratulating Nate Franklin and his wife on the birth of Henry.

Food pantry: July’s donation went to Chetek.

Candidates’ report:
Sheriff candidate John Postle reported that he has been visiting the fairs and all is well. Correcting a rumored assertion that the party backed his opponent, Postle asked for a fair chance from the party.

Chairman Kippenhan remarked that the party really is neutral, although individual Democrats may endorse one or another primary candidate.

Sheriff Tom Richie reported that all is going well in his campaign. He had just begun putting out signs, moving their deployment up from August.

The Barron Democrats’ next meeting will be Thursday, August 17th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Democratic headquarters, 113 N. Main, Rice Lake.

Chairman Kippenhan read a brief update from Jason Rae, who is interning for consulting firms in Washington, D.C. and has been campaigning in Georgia.

At 8:17 Tom Richie made a motion to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary