Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, January 28, 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 9:07 p.m. EST.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Secretary gave the invocation.
The Chairman delivered a special prayer for the surgery and safe recovery of Mr. Francis of Ohio.
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
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Finance Committee Chairman
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
- James D. Jones of Tennessee, Party Building Chairman
- James Edwards of Tennessee, Candidates Committee Chairman
- Michael O'Brian of Michigan, Platform Committee Chairman
Mr. Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman, joined the meeting after the roll call.
Mr. Lovell moved the adoption of the Agenda. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters. The Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. His trip to the East Coast will begin this weekend. A radio interview is scheduled for the weekend, as well as a fundraiser in Massachusetts. Early next week will take the Chairman to the nation's Capitol and a host of networking meetings with various organizations and individuals.
The Secretary delivered his report. He reminded the members that he had circulated draft minutes of the January 21, 2003 meeting of the Operating Committee. The Secretary moved the adoption of the minutes. The motion was seconded by Mrs. McHugh, and adopted by unanimous vote, Mrs. Winters abstaining.
The Secretary reported that he has spent most of the time working on various Public Relations issues, as well as updating the party building web site.
The Treasurer reported that credit card processing for the party will be up and running by tomorrow before noon.
The Chairman began a discussion of the petition against the war. He presented draft text of the petition, and outlined plans to place this petition on-line for distribution and electronic signature.
Mr. Jones moved that a teleconference meeting of the National Committee be called for next Tuesday, February 4th, 2003 at 9 p.m. EST. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Jones started a discussion of a proposed resolution to purchase a full page ad in the American Free Press. A wide-ranging discussion was had on how best to accomplish this purpose. The National Committee will have to decide the ultimate matter.
A discussion was held regarding streamlining the National Committee meetings and how best to handle conflicting or overlapping resolutions submitted to the National Committee. Some members made the point that, under our rules, every National Committee member has the right to bring original resolutions directly to the National Committee. At the same time, other members encouraged all National Committee members to refer resolutions to the proper standing committee for more efficient and friendly handling of the party's business.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
