Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club

Minutes: Dec. 11, 2009

President Charlie Ara called the meeting to order at 10:00 after half an hour of holiday brunch and banter among the 23 present.

Earl Sampson led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2010 OFFICERS

First Vice President Sonja Martin announced the proposed slate of 2010 officers, which was accepted by unanimous vote:

President: Charlie Ara

First Vice President: Sonja Martin

Second Vice President: Henry Hoyle

Secretary/Treasurer: Sharon Miller

Standing Committees staffed thus far are as follows:

Press: Samm Coombs

WebsiteNewsletter: Chris Towner

Political/Action: Suzanne Wilkinson, Dale Hultgren

Hospitality: Kay Black, Flo Corey

TREASURER’S REPORT:

The current bank balance is $1,712.46. The club has 88 paid members for 2009. 11 have already paid 2010 dues: $10/year; $15 per two people with the same address. Dues can be mailed to Sharon Miller at 39811 Palm Greens Parkway, P.D. 92260..

BEST OF 2009 POLITICS:

Those present shared what they felt was the best thing about 2009. Almost everyone spoke to the importance of the inauguration of Barack Obama. One recognized that although “Obama cannot walk on water, he is the best swimmer we have.’ Frustration over the war in Afghanistan was expressed by some., while others thought Obama’s direction was the lesser of two evils. It was suggested that to get health care reform “we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”

POLITICAL REPORT:

PDG DEMS can send at least four delegates to the March Pre-Endorsement Conference. The primary will be held June 8. At this point we are opposed to the Open Primaries ballot measure.

Other information shared:

*David Hunsicker is running for Palm Desert City Council which currently has no Democratic members.

*A small number of Blue Dog senators and Lieberman are impeding health care.

• AARP has issued an information sheet listed how health care reform will enhance our Medicare.

• *Progressive and moderate Democrats should continue to work together, unlike the conservative and moderate Republicans who are at loggerheads.

• *The Walk Against Hunger is slated for Jan. 23. Sharon Miller is willing to head a PDG Dems team.

• *We advocate becoming a permanent vote-by-mail voter----it has a higher vote rate. Contact Charlie for information.

• The new Tolerance Education Center has opened on Ginger Rogers.

• You can turn in old holiday lights for LED lights in Palm Springs City Hall.

• There will be a Climate Change Vigil at 7 p.m. at Palm Springs City Hall tomorrow night.

• The Marine Corps Band performed last night.

• In pursuit of Going Green, members are invited to bring their own re-useable cups to our meetings.

NEXT MEETINGS:

Jan. 8: Amalia on the importance of counting everyone during the 2010 Census

Jan. 22: Candidates Forum

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m. and the happy participants went about their other holiday activities.