Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Thursday, February 13, 2003
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Thursday, February 13, 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 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
- Michael O'Brian of Michigan, Platform Committee Chairman
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
Absent:
- James Edwards of Tennessee, Candidates Committee Chairman
Mrs. Winters moved the adoption of the Agenda. Her motion was seconded by Mrs. McHugh. The Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated minutes for the Operating Committee meeting of January 28. The Secretary moved the adoption of those minutes. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated minutes for the Operating Committee meeting of February 7. The Secretary moved the adoption of those minutes. His motion was seconded by Mr. Jones and adopted by unanimous vote, Mr. Golmon abstaining.
Mr. Lovell moved that the Operating Committee offer a motion, at the February 18 National Committee meeting, to amend the agenda for that meeting to move old business up before committee reports. His motion was seconded by Mr. O'Brian and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman relinquished the gavel to the Vice-chairman to make a motion.
Mr. Charles moved that the Operating Committee offer a motion, at the February 18 National Committee meeting, to amend the agenda for that meeting to strike the Chairman's report, the Secretary's report, and the Treasurer's report. Mrs. McHugh seconded the motion. A friendly amendment was made to reinstate the Secretary's report for the approval of minutes. The motion, to recommend that the National Committee amend the Agenda at the February 18 meeting to strike the Chairman's and Treasurer's reports, was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman reclaimed the gavel.
A discussion was had regarding the length of National Committee meetings. Several ideas were discussed, including starting on time and calling the roll at that time, having the National Committee consider committing some resolutions to the proper standing committee for study and improvement, and having the National Committee recess at the two hour mark and continue the meeting one week later.
The Chairman reported the credit card processing account is now operational.
A discussion was had regarding advertising by the state parties, including Michigan and Tennessee.
A discussion was had regarding support for the armed forces, and waiving any state party membership fees for active duty personnel who wish to join a state party. However, the state parties will have to make this decision.
Mrs. McHugh reported on a very successful party building meeting that the AFP-IL held earlier this week.
Mr. O'Brian reported on some contacts with a pro-handgun organization which might lead to membership prospects for the party.
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
