Palm Desert Greens Democrats
General Membership Meeting
February 13, 2009
Minutes
The meeting was called to order by President Charlie Ara at 9:45 a.m., following the social-and-snacks period.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tom Swan of Veterans for Peace.
Dr. Ara underlined the significance of Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which led to voting rights for the disenfranchised and to last month’s inauguration of Barack Obama.
“Happy Days Are Here Again” was led by Henry Hoyle, who then entertained us with
“My Funny Valentine.”
Barbara Baille was recognized as a founding member of our club and an advocate for disabled people.
Corresponding Secretary Sharon Miller read the club’s letter to President Obama supporting lifting of the Cuban embargo.
Henry Hoyle read the response letter from the Palm Desert City Council regarding our request for televising the meetings. The club dissented with the excuses put forth in the mayor’s response.
Gale Broecker commented on the PD City Council meeting last night where the board put off until very late discussion of the city’s $5 million deficit. She also commented on odd proposals in the stimulus package for Palm Desert. It was agreed that we need to support Democrats for the City Council, but that it would be difficult to elect one without more financial support from the larger Democratic community.
ACTION: Both the Corresponding Secretary and individual members are urged to write letters to the Palm Desert City Council asking for transparency in budget preparation and reports.
Treasurer Sharon Miller reported a balance of $1,688.34 in club funds.
1st Vice President Sonja Martin reported about on-going efforts for outreach to all registered Democrats in the three precincts encompassing PDG and Suncrest.
Tom Swan talked about the Veterans for Peace’s 4th Anniversary Awards Banquet to be held at Rick’s Restaurant in Palm Springs on Feb. 21. Our club will send two members. The treasurer was instructed to give the attendees $30 for the event (senior discount rate).
Sandra Stone reported that the Voter Registration Bounty Program will be restarted March 1, and that we will participate in this important activity, despite the slow pace of reimbursement for 2008.
Guest Speaker Art Copleston of the Desert Foundation for Democracy informed us on a number of issues:
*The flexibility the foundation has by not opting to be chartered.
*The success of the Voter Reg campaign in reducing the deficit between Republicans and Democrats from 16% to 4.5%
*The beneficial relationship built up with the Agua Caliente tribe when thy underwrote the Democrats 2008 Victory Party, despite protests from Bono-Mack.
*The success of the Democratic clubs’ ad in the Inauguration special insert in the Desert Sun.
*His faith in the leadership of John Burton as Chair of the California Democratic Party; Eric Bauman is Vice Chair.
*The scholarships given by the Desert Foundation for Democracy---a strategy to grow local leaders.
*The relatively new and very active Democratic Headquarters set up in Cathedral City. Volunteers were invited to pitch in at the office or to attend the monthly mixer held the 2nd Wednesday of every month. The PDG Dems treasurer was asked to donate $25 to the Headquarters. The Executive Board will discuss increasing our financial support after we receive our voter registration money.
Questions were discussed regarding Barbara Boxer’s probable Republican opponent in the 2010 election, and who would be running for the 45th congressional seat in two years. Democratic leaders seem to be focusing on the 44th district in 2010.
NEXT MEETING: FEBURARY 27, 9:30 AM, PDG RECREATION CENTER
Be sure to join us for a fun, informative hour and a half!