Thursday, July 12, 2007
Rice Lake Public Library

Chair Toby W. Paone called the meeting to order at 7:05, p.m. 23 people attended.

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report for June. The beginning balance was $1,490.33, and the ending balance totaled 1,535.79. Expenses to Beth Ager and Cecil Kippenhan totaled $58.04, and box donations and DPW co-pay came to $103.50. The report was passed as read.

Beth Ager gave the Secretary’s report, and members passed it as read.

Officeholders’ reports:

Sheriff Tom Richie reported that things have been relatively quiet, with methamphetamine cases under control. There has been some trouble with people stealing scrap and utility spools at construction sites and elsewhere.

Barron County has been asked to do a model probation program and is one of 5 pilot programs in the state, with Dunn, Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties being the others.

Registrar of Deeds Joyce Kaseno reported attending a Wisconsin Association of County Officials conference in Appleton last June. The state is still looking at an increase in transfer fees, although Republicans in the Assembly want to do away with them altogether. E-returns, E-recording and nationwide documentation of liens are in the works.

Chair’s report:

DPW Convention in Milwaukee: There were no national candidates there, but the buzz & excitement about Democratic sea change in 2008 clearly were. Where the GOP convention in Lake Geneva drew 350, The Democrats in Milwaukee counted upwards of 850 attendees.

Fundraiser report: Dave Obey may attend to speak and hold a book signing of his new memoir. Not all counties are yet on board and will be asked to make a commitment by the end of the week. Das Loch Haus wants a $400 nonrefundable deposit by the end of this week.

Several members voiced concern about such a large venue in an off year, and asked about additional guest speakers or booking a smaller place.

Parades: Linda Thompson will drive float in the Prairie Farm parade on the 22nd.

Jim Heerey proposed a fancier float carried by a car hauler and would be willing to donate the lumber and provide a place to build it. Toby noted that the party would need a place to store it. Marlene Raether requested a Barron County Democrats sign on the float. Fred Bannister commented that the party would need a designer to do a good job. Marge Lindemann named Dar Ishmael as a good person to ask.

Judgeship: The Executive Committee interviewed judge candidates Tim Doyle and Howard Bichler prior to the general meeting and think that they are both compelling choices for Barron County. Consensus from the general membership is to advise the Governor’s office that either one is an excellent candidate.

Linda Thompson made a motion to commend Judge Brunner for his years of work. The motion was adopted by acclamation, and the party will send a letter of congratulations and thanks.

Fair: Toby displayed his presidential straw poll scoreboard to draw people in to the fair booth and keep them longer. He also will have a TV set with a Russ Feingold commercial on loop.

Committees:

Environment: Linda Thompson spoke on train transportation: Our county board is in support of keeping a line going into this area, and deserves thanks for its investment and the resulting influx of state monies. Milwaukee is investing in a new light rail line, and this is in keeping with the Democratic platform’s pledge to invest in energy conservation measures.

The Campus Greens and the Unitarian-Universalist church are selling environmentally friendly canvas bags to use while shopping.

Landfill: 83% of the 553,000 tons of garbage buried in Sarona comes from Minnesota. To limit the influx, the Democrat-controlled Senate wants to triple the tipping fee from $3 to $10, and Governor Doyle wants to go from $3 to $6. The Republicans oppose any increase. This is an issue that we can affect by speaking up as Democrats, both to our representatives and to groups working on the issue.

Edith Olson: Mary Hubler procured some Impeach Bush Now yard signs for her. They are available from Edith for $4 apiece.

Fred Bannister recommends that everyone watch SiCKO when possible. He also stated that Healthy Wisconsin, the new State Senate plan, is a “great, great beginning.” That being said, the bill is not ready to be passed as is. It seems to perpetuate the failed HMO model and does not control costs or special interests.

Sunshine: Sandy Packenham is hospitalized.

The food donations went to Barron.

The next meeting will be held at the Barron courthouse auditorium on August 17th at 7:00, p.m.

At 8:42, Jim Heerey made a motion to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary