Thursday, March 16, 2006
Rice Lake Public Library

Chairman Cecil Kippenhan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Thirty-one people attended.

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

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report. February's ending balance was $3,281.47. The box donation was $67.00. Memberships totaled $125.00, and the state co-pay totaled $62.50. Reimbursement of postage to Lizbeth Ager was $90.35, leaving an ending balance of $3,320.62.

Nate Franklin, DNC field officer, spoke about the DNC’s Neighborhood Network project, which is an effort to build strong, long-term grassroots and precinct organizations. Franklin asked for volunteers to build ties with fellow neighborhood Democrats. After spring elections, Franklin will be conducting trainings.

Franklin says that Kreitlow’s State Senate campaign against Zien promises to be the costliest in the state.

Bill Healy invited everyone to Chippewa County’s annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner, on April first.

Old business:
The 7th CD will be held at Rolling Oaks in Barron, on April 22nd. 17 people signed up as delegates, and 7 people volunteered as workers. The party needs purchased or handmade items for a silent auction fundraiser.

Fred Bannister updated members on the Health Security America resolution. He has heard from three county chairs and Jeff Buhrandt, Dave Obey’s aide. The book and web site are coming out soon, and a coalition is forming.

Bannister also announced that the planned April 29th candidate forum with Kreitlow and Rasmus has been postponed until fall.

New business:
Jerry Schlei mentioned that Dar Ishmael had been drafting a resolution on campaign finance reform. Dar, who could not be present, may present it as a floor resolution at the 7th CD.

Officeholders’ reports:
State Representative Mary Hubler congratulated Beth Ager on being appointed by Governor Doyle to the Medical Mediation Panel. Hubler also relayed a report from new Registrar of Deeds Joyce Kaseno that, in the wake of her predecessor’s scandal and the recent move to another office, Kaseno’s backlog of work will be gone in the very near future, and she will announce her candidacy then. Her efficient dispatch of the backed up work should be enough to return her to the office in November.

Hubler updated party members on the TPA bill, Scott Jensen’s scandal, the line item veto, the Assembly 414 bill, and her latest opponent, someone who only just moved to Barron County. She expressed optimism that Dems will retake the State Senate and gain in the Assembly, and that 2006 will be “the greatest Democratic year” ever.

State Senator Bob Jauch sent greetings to those present and said that he looked forward to seeing everyone at the 7th CD.

Communications Committee report: Chair Jerry Schlei gave a summary of Steve Parliament’s voter registration drive, and asked for more volunteers.

Sunshine report: Edith Olson reports having sent a get-well card to Jeff Southern, and a card and plant to the family of Blackie O’Brien, who passed away last month.

The food pantry donations went to Prairie Farm, courtesy of Elsie and Bud Krause.

John Banks stated that the County Board has decreed that electronic voting machines will be in place in Barron County by this November. Apparently there is a paper trail from the machines.

Fred Bannister asked if there would be a central depot for signage. NUE HQ in Rice Lake has always been the traditional place.

Linda Thompson commented that we should think about setting up our own HQ later on in the year. Mary Hubler made a motion to appoint Thompson head of a committee to investigate renting a HQ. The motion was seconded and passed. Thompson was advised to check the availability and price of the storefront used in 2004, to be used this year from mid-August through mid-November.

Bill Smith stated that Larry Nitz, a strong Democratic supporter, is running for Rice Lake City Council as an at-large member. His campaign fund is “Citizens for Nitz.”

Jason Rae briefed everyone on his activities. He is vying for the chairmanship of the DNC’s new Youth Coordinating Council. He will be in New Orleans for a DNC meeting during the 7th CD, and is running for chair of the DPW Platform Committee in May.

The next meeting will be April 20th, 2006, at the Barron County Courthouse at 7:00 p.m.

At 8:40 Ralph Pitzrick made a motion to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary