Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, January 21, 2003
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, January 21, 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 9:11 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
- Gene Lovell of Georgia, Vice-chairman
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary
- Maureen McHugh of Illinois, Treasurer
- James D. Jones of Tennessee, Party Building Chairman
- James Edwards of Tennessee, Candidates Committee Chairman
- Michael O'Brian of Michigan, Platform Committee Chairman
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Finance Committee Chairman
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
Mr. Jones moved the adoption of the Agenda. His motion was seconded by Mr. Edwards. Mr. Lovell added an item by unanimous consent, and the final version of the Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. The party is starting to attract refugees from the Libertarian and Constitution Parties, because they agree with our issues and our fresh approach. The itinerary for the Chairman's trip to the East Coast at the end of this month is firming up, with some good meetings and excellent contacts planned.
The Secretary delivered his report. He reminded the members that he had circulated draft minutes of the January 7, 2003 meeting of the Operating Committee. The Secretary moved the adoption of the minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reported finishing answering all the December mail to the party, and entering all contributions and contacts into the database.
The Treasurer reported opening the Illinois post office box and work on opening the new bank account. The year-end FEC report was filed today.
The Chairman conducted a discussion of the party's press release deploring the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Extensive feedback was received and incorporated into the final version, set for release early tomorrow morning.
A detailed discussion ensued regarding the war with Iraq, and how the party might best stand up against it. The Chairman briefed the members on plans to begin circulation of a petition against the war.
Mr. Jones, Mr. O'Brian, and Mr. Lovell provided updates on exciting party building activities, and reported several new state parties on the verge of petitioning for affiliation.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Lovell, 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
