Thursday, November17, 2005
Rice Lake Public Library

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

Beth Ager gave the Secretary’s report. The minutes were approved as read.

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report. The October ending balance was $2,860.81. The October box donation was $61.00, an individual donation was $25.00, and memberships totalled $65.00. Expenses were $101.00 for 7th CD party dues, $17.50 to the DPW for ½ of membership dues, and $92.76 to Beth Ager for labels and inkjet cartridge. The ending balance for November was $2,800.55.

Old business:
Pat Kreitlow sent his regrets, stating that an unavoidable conflict had arisen, and he would come to speak at a later meeting.

Chairman Kippenhan gave an update on Congressman Obey’s activities.

The Communications Committee Chair, Jerry Schlei, reported that member Linda Thompson began exploring running ads for the county party on WOJB radio. Marge Lindeman outlined the available programming, rates, and possible funding methods. John Hardin suggested that Barron, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn counties buy a joint spot. The matter was set aside for further investigation.

Maureen Conboy published a letter in the Chronotype about the House spending bill.

A third project of the committee is to work with the DPW and DNC in forming a field operation similar to the Ward Leader program used by the Kerry-Edwards campaign in 2004. The field operation would muster local resources in future campaigns, but would require a lot of member involvement.

Jerry Schlei also reported on the November 15th gathering in Rice Lake, the conference call with Howard Dean, and the Rice Lake group’s feedback on the DNC values and goals as enumerated by Dean.

Regarding the numerous requests for donations, Schlei noted that the Democrats rely more on individual rather than corporate and PAC donations. Give as one ordinarily would, he says, then give a little more to a favorite candidate or fund, with the satisfaction of having done one’s part to help set things right again.

New business:
In December, the party has its Christmas party on the 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at the courthouse. Please bring some cookies to share.

Sunshine report: Edith Olson sent a card to Karen Coil, whose father passed away.

7th CD Executive Committee meeting: Beth Ager reported on the meeting in Phillips on October 22nd. The 7th CD website needs pictures and reports of county projects. Barron County will host the 7th CD convention on either April 22 or 29; we will know Obey’s schedule after the first of the year and plan accordingly. Dewey Floberg of Ladysmith will be running in the primaries for Mary Williams’ Assembly seat.

After the meeting, Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager spoke of how she is pressing for more transparency in lawmaking. State Senator Dave Zien is named in a lawsuit having to do with the 24-hour notification rule.

Jerry Schlei suggested that we invite members of the Washburn County Democratic Party to our Christmas party. Toby Paone moved that we do so, John Postle seconded it, and the motion passed. The Secretary will send a letter to Washburn County.

Food pantry: Members voted to send the offerings to Chetek.

Officeholders report: Among many items, Sheriff Tom Richie reports that his department has been awarded another $300,000 grant for fighting methamphetamine trafficking, thanks in part to Dave Obey. The department budget looks good for 2006.

Candidates’ reports: John Hardin considers a run for the 67th Assembly. John Postle filed papers to run for Sheriff, and is canvassing. Tom Richie also intends to run again for Sheriff.

Chairman Kippenhan has invited Action Wisconsin to give a brief talk in December about the marriage amendment.

Officer elections: The following were nominated and elected by unanimous voice vote:

Cecil Kippenhan, Chair
John Banks, Vice Chair
Beth Ager, Secretary
Clarice Fall, Treasurer

Toby Paone moved that no 2nd Vice Chair be elected this year, with Betty Vogel seconding. The motion won unanimous approval.

Fred Bannister asked what the official position of the Democratic Party was on guns. Harold Lindeman moved to oppose the concealed carry Assembly bill and notify Mary Hubler of it, with Jim Vogel seconding.

Jerry Schlei moved that the issue be tabled until we know more about the specifics of the bill. Tom Ritchie offered to present a copy of the bill for posting on the web site. The matter was tabled.

Peg Lamkin asked whether the Democrats are doing anything to outlaw voting by computer. She said that the issue needs to be dealt with, since we can not trust voting machine manufacturers.

At last October’s meeting, someone left behind a jeep key on a black string. The owner should inquire at 458-0340.

Toby Paone moved to adjourn.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager,
Secretary