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PALM DESERT GREENS DEMOCRATS

MINUTES OF GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

April 9, 2010



The meeting was called to order by club president Charlie Ara at 9:45 AM, followed by the flag salute and singing of “Happy Days Are Here Again.”

Announcements/Discussion

Update on Apr. 13 and June 8 elections.  Jerry Brown is running unopposed for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.  It is important to help elect a Democratic governor in November re appointments, veto power, etc.  Janice Hahn appears to have an edge over Gavin Newsom for the Democratic lieutenant governor slot because of her large volunteer base and southern California base.  Ted Lieu is well-liked as attorney general nominee.

Democrats generally support signing onto the initiative for changing to a simple majority to pass the state budget.

Discussion of whether newsletter should be mailed out in addition to being e-mailed.

Charlie and Shirley Ara were commended by the guest speaker for initiating and nurturing the Palm Desert Greens Democratic Club

It is felt that Obama is doing a great job in restoring a proper sense of order and priorities.  The curve is going up for Obama and Democrats now that health care has passed, jobs are being created, and retail is the best it has been in three years.

Anna Nevenic, candidate for the 37th state senate district seat, gave a brief summary of her campaign goals.

Action:

Moved, seconded, discussed, and passed Resolution in Support of the Fair Elections Now Act

Moved, seconded, discussed, and passed proposal to change meeting time for PDG Dems from 9:30 to 9:45, with business commencing at 10 AM.


PROGRAM: 

 

John Smith, Regional Director of the California Democratic Party (also works with Common Cause)

We need to rescue political campaigns from the undue influence of monied special interests, especially after the recent Supreme Court decision (Citizens United) that decreed that corporations can spend as much as they want on campaigns.

Mr. Smith outlined three ways this huge problem is being addressed:

*Long-term-A constitutional amendment affirming that a corporation is not a person

*Short-term federal level:  Fair Elections Now Act which may be voted on in Washington this summer.

*Short-term in California:  Prop 15, California Fair Election Act , which would be a pilot project to make voluntary public financing available to Secretary of State candidates in 2014 and 2018.

President Charlie Ara adjourned the meeting at approximately 11 AM.

NEXT MEETING:  FRIDAY, APRIL 23, REC CENTER. 

NEW TIME:  SOCIAL FROM 9:45-10:00 AM.  BUSINESS COMMENCES AT 10 A.M.