Thursday, June 15, 2006
Barron County Courthouse Auditorium

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

Lizbeth Ager gave the Secretary’s report. Jerry Schlei made a motion to amend the minutes to reflect a later party decision not to accompany a candidate for Sheriff on a visit to Maple Plain reservation. The minutes were passed as amended.

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report showing a beginning balance from May of $5,585.44 and an ending balance of $5,662.44. The May box donation was $67.00 and memberships $35.00. The sole expense was a $25.00 gift in memory of Ruth Doyle. The report was approved as read.

The members introduced themselves and welcomed newcomers Ron and Doris Brewster.

Old business:
At the DPW convention, Jason Rae wrapped up resolutions in 45 minutes. Dr. Bannister’s health care resolution easily passed. Bannister’s focus will be to encourage lawmakers to adopt his recommendations for curbing costs and special interest influence in future health care legislation. He has published op-eds in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and National Underwriters, and has been encouraged to contact the board of trustees of the AMA.

Chairman Kippenhan heard from Governor Doyle’s office about planning an event for the governor sometime this summer. After debate, the consensus was to plan for a general public event sometime in August, with a fundraiser dinner to follow.

The Barron County Fair runs from July 19–23. Ideally 2 people should staff the booth from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Secretary passed a sign-up sheet.

Dar Ishmael has researched balloons. Jim Vogel made a motion to buy 2,500 balloons for $400 from the Tony Doom company. Motion passed unanimously. The party has already procured 500 “Had Enough?” bumper stickers to give out at the fair, and T-shirts with the same message to be worn by a few purchasers at events. Party members discussed walking in parades and other ways to raise the party’s visibility in the county.

HQ: Jerry Schlei reported that the lease is secured, and insurance coverage can be had for $275 a year. Jim Vogel made a motion to authorize the purchase of insurance and it passed unanimously. Clarice Fall stated that the headquarters rental might be covered under the same policy that covers the fair booth, so action on buying more insurance was suspended until she could find out for sure.

New business:
Dunn County has rented a float from Saint Croix County for use in the Ridgeland parade for $200 dollars, and has offered Barron County the opportunity to participate in the parade and share the cost. Citing his expenditure of $700 on door hangers, Jerry Schlei suggested that the party needs to be prudent in its outlays. Marlene Raether made a motion to decline Dunn County’s offer. The motion passed.

Communications Committee: Chairman Jerry Schlei called a meeting of the committee and Executive Committee members on June 20th to discuss the voter outreach project. He asks people to contribute time and money to the HQ project, too.

Officeholders’ reports: Sheriff Tom Richie Spoke about the drowning recovery incident and efforts to curb methamphetamine use in the county. His campaign is going well.

As proxy for his wife, Registrar of Deeds Joyce Kaseno, Dave Kaseno reported that the deeds office is maintaining good work flow. People signing her nomination papers have been very supportive. As yet, she has no opponent, and anticipates a low-key campaign.

Candidate report: Sheriff candidate John Postle reports a smooth campaign. He continues to visit organizations, take donations and distribute campaign material.

There was no sunshine report.

The food shelf donations went to Cumberland.

The next meeting will be July 13th at the Rice Lake Public Library at 7:00 p.m.

At 8:30 John Postle made a motion to adjourn. Karen Coil seconded.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary