Thursday, November 16, 2006
Rice Lake Public Library

Chairman Cecil Kippenhan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Thirty-five people attended.

Beth Ager read the Secretary’s report. Jerry Schlei requested that wording in the Communications Committee report be changed from “served its purpose” to “run its course,” and from “sympathetic” to “progressive.” Minutes passed as amended.

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report showing a beginning balance from September of $3,593.98 and an ending balance of 3,495.37. Receipts of memberships and donations totaled $2,770.00, including a $500.00 donation from Herb Kohl’s office. Expenses related to the election and the pig roast totaled $2,868.61. The report was approved as read, and filed with the secretary.

Old business:
The headquarters is still open through November 30. Jerry Schlei and Karen Coil donated rent for the remainder of the month.

Marge Lindemann asked to what use the headquarters would be put for the additional days. Jerry Schlei replied that it was for working on local issues. Fred Bannister and Dee Taylor mentioned their concern for ethics and campaign finance reform.

Chairman Kippenhan invited comments about the election. Jerry Schlei updated the group on the ongoing recount in the Richie/Carr race for sheriff.

On the tabled matter of donating to the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Rice Lake, Ralph Pitzrick made a motion to donate $50.00 to the club from the party, pending approval from the DPW. Dee Taylor seconded. Betty Vogel, Doris Brewster and Jim Heerey raised concerns about party policy and the legality of a party donation. Heerey suggested that individuals make private donations, which could be pooled and forwarded to the club. The Pitzrick motion was defeated 25 to 10, and then the party unanimously passed a new motion by Fred Bannister, seconded by Jim Vogel, to give the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Rice Lake a collection of personal donations from party members.

The October 21 pig roast with Doyle, Kohl, Falk and others was a success, drawing a crowd of 500.
Jim Heerey reported that the Sioux Creek Forum with local candidate was a failure in terms of drawing political newcomers, and invited ideas on how to attract a bigger rural audience in future election seasons. The bill totaled $196.00.

December brings elections for constitutional officers of the party. Tentative candidates for the positions were: Toby Paone, Chair; John Banks, Vice Chair; Cecil Kippenhan, Vice Chair; Clarice Fall, Treasurer; and Beth Ager, Secretary.

Chairman Kippenhan stressed the importance of running Democrats for even the nonpartisan spring elections. Democrats need to do better than just 50% of the countywide vote. Jerry Schlei interjected that our strong Democratic incumbents would eventually retire and the local party would need its own robust organization in order to groom and back their successors.

John Banks remarked that the party should also consult the candidates about future possibilities.

New business:
Jim Heerey made a motion to send both U.S. Senators from Wisconsin a letter he’d drafted about the unsuitability of Robert Gates for the Secretary of Defense job. “We don’t need another Bush appointee willing to subvert the Constitution.” Heerey read the text of the letter. Jerry Schlei seconded. Motion passed.

Dar Ishmael suggested that the letter also be sent to Dave Obey and e-mailed to all the county chairs in Wisconsin.

Toby Paone announced that bumper stickers saying “Another Proud Democrat” were selling for $1.00 each, as a party fundraiser.

Jerry Schlei suggested another movie night at the HQ. Members decided to show “The Selling of Iraq” on November 30 at 6:30 p.m.

John Banks asked members to review the 480-strong donor database and update information pertaining to their own cities and townships.

Officeholder report: Registrar of Deeds Joyce Kaseno thanked everyone for their support. “It’s been a great run.”

Food Pantry: November’s donations went to Prairie Farm.

Dee Taylor showed her recording of Jason Rae on FOX News, discussing young voters and the issues that would motivate them to get to the polls.

The next meeting of Barron Democrats will be a holiday party in room 110 A & B at the old courthouse in Barron at 7:00 p.m. on December 7th. Please bring a treat to pass.

At 8:50, Hugo Harbers fall made a motion to adjourn. Harold Lindemann seconded.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary