Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, January 7, 2003
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, January 7, 2003 at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:18 p.m. EST.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Secretary gave the invocation.
The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:
Present:
- Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary
- Maureen McHugh of Illinois, Treasurer
- James D. Jones of Tennessee, Party Building Chairman
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Finance Committee Chairman
- James Edwards of Tennessee, Candidates Committee Chairman
- Michael O'Brian of Michigan, Platform Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Gene Lovell of Georgia, Vice-chairman
Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman, joined the meeting after the call to order.
Mr. Jones moved the adoption of the Agenda. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters. The members added a number of items by unanimous consent, and the final version of the Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. The party has a great deal of work to accomplish during this new year. We must approach our task with enthusiasm and hope.
The Secretary delivered his report. He reminded the members that he had circulated draft minutes of the December 17, 2002 meeting of the Operating Committee. The Secretary moved the adoption of the minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reported making another bulk mail drop of about 300 newsletters, as well as many bumper sticker and newsletter mailings to state party members. He reported that most of the donor information has been keyed into the database, and the system is ready to generate reminder letters for repeat donors.
A discussion was had regarding the credit card processing company, and the distribution of bumper stickers and newsletters.
The Treasurer described progress in getting the financial data ready for FEC submission. She has also pursued the question of setting up a new party bank account in Illinois.
A discussion was had regarding the submission of the proper reports to the FEC.
Mr. Jones delivered the Party Building Committee report. New states are coming on-line, and many good contacts are being made now that the Christmas vacation is concluded.
Mr. O'Brian delivered a brief Platform Committee report. Subcommittee members are being lined up to coordinate the different sections of the platform in time for the national convention.
Mrs. Winters delivered a Public Relations Committee report. A press release on the party convention date went out earlier today. A discussion was held regarding printing a generic newsletter and a second issue of the newsletter. The logo project is moving forward, and as soon as the credit card processing is worked out, the "logo vote with dollars" event will be put into effect. In addition, the possible use of "inserts" into national publications as a means of promoting the party was discussed.
Mr. Hill reported for the Finance Committee. Several resolutions have been prepared for submission to the National Committee. The Committee has studied and compiled ideas for "premiums" to be sent to donors. More work has been done on the Finance Committee manual. The resolution involving triage of the party's mail was reviewed; the resolution will be submitted to the National Committee for approval.
Mr. Golmon delivered a Ballot Access Committee report. The Committee has been populated, the goals and agenda of the committee settled, and work has begun. A comprehensive survey on obtaining ballot access state-by-state is underway.
Mr. Edwards delivered a Candidates Committee report. A report is being prepared on his experiences running for office last year. Additional reports are being compiled regarding other party candidates' experiences campaigning for office, and the outcome of their endeavors. A discussion was held concerning some potential candidates for the 2003 off-year election cycle.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Jones, and adopted by unanimous vote, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
