Thursday, September 15, 2005
Rice Lake Public Library

Chairman Kippenhan called the meeting to order at 7:05. Thirty people attended.

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

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report. The beginning balance was $1,754.45 and the ending balance $1,301.81. Box donations from the August 18th meeting totaled $31.00, and $35.00 in membership fees came in. Expenses were: $50.00 for postage; $69.00 for the cost of the fair drawing flags; $346.14 for booth supplies and ticket printing; $36.00 for party telephone fee, May through August; and $17.50 to the DPW for half-share of membership fees.

Old business:
Fundraiser report: We sold 130 tickets. Organizer Toby Paone thanked everyone for the effort; the event will be standing room only, and reflects Democrats’ momentum—which will be needed for the 2006 campaigns.

Chairman Kippenhan reintroduced 2nd Vice Chair Brian Pinkerton to the group. 1st Vice Chair Jason Rae is now attending Marquette University and working 3 days a week in Senator Kohl’s Milwaukee office.

Chairman Kippenhan suggested that $200 of the proceeds from the fundraiser dinner go to Senator Feingold. A discussion ensued, the matter was put to a vote, and passed, 28 to 2.

Communications Committee report: Chairman Jerry Schlei said that recent committee work consisted of promoting the fundraiser, and printing and selling tickets. Coming up, committee members will be discussing ways to increase party membership, promote our message, and maximize the usefulness of our contact lists.

New business:
Candidates: Lisa Dennis announced her run for Registrar of Deeds. John Postle, an 18-year veteran of the Barron County Sheriff’s Dep’t., announced his bid for sheriff. John Hardin, a County Board member from Sioux Creek, stated that he was exploring running against Jeff Woods, of the 67th Assembly District, which includes the towns of Dovre, Sioux Creek, Dallas, and the Village of Dallas in Barron County.

Fred Bannister suggested that an additional fundraiser might be needed.

John Hardin noted that County Board member Nicole Greschner is a pro-environment Republican who may pose a stiff challenge to Mary Hubler. Chairman Kippenhan suggested that the party run an opponent for her County Board seat in the spring.

John Banks remarked that in Wisconsin’s 5th CD James F. Sensenbrenner is facing a strong challenge by Bryan Kennedy. And former WEAU TV news anchorman Pat Kreitlow is contemplating a run in the 23rd Senate District, against State Senator Dave Zien. Banks hoped that we could all encourage Kreitlow to run.

Chairman Kippenhan stated that the party could offer funds to the candidates in December. The discussion of funding was tabled for the moment.

Food pantry: For the third month in a row, party members voted unanimously to donate food to the Johnson Truck Body strikers.

Dar Ishmael suggested that in the future we have a guest speaker talk about the state of unions and their local and national impact.

Sunshine report: Edith Olson sent a sympathy card to Angela Holmstrom on the death of her father.

Fighting Bob Fest: Brian Pinkerton summarized the fourth annual progressive convention, held in Baraboo on September 10th. Speakers included John Conyers, Russ Feingold, and Jim Hightower. Over 5,000 people attended.

Laurie Broome remarked that there would be a massive anti-war demonstration in Washington D.C. on September 24th. Buses leave this area on the 23rd, and those interested in going should contact her.

Rod Dahl addressed the repeal of the estate tax soon to be before Congress, and stated that Senator Feingold needed to hear from us about it.

Jerry Schlei noted that the party’s web site now has a forum for party members.

The next meeting will be held on October 20th, at the old County Courthouse, at 7:00 p.m.

8:10: Toby Paone made a motion to adjourn, and Hugo Harbers seconded it.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary