Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, April 22, 2003
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.
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
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Finance Committee Chairman
- Michael O'Brian of Michigan, Platform Committee Chairman
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
- James Edwards of Tennessee, Candidates Committee Chairman
- James D. Jones of Tennessee, Party Building Chairman
- Eric Thomas of Tennessee, Rules Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Gene Lovell of Georgia, Vice-chairman
Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman, joined the meeting after the roll call had been taken.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:07 p.m. EDT.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Secretary gave the invocation.
Mr. O'Brian moved the adoption of the Agenda as proposed by the Chairman. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. His radio appearance may be heard on the web on streaming audio. The full page advertisement in the American Free Press has been submitted and should appear in the next issue.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the April 8 meeting of the Operating Committee. He moved the adoption of the April 8 minutes. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote, Mr. O'Brian and Mr. Thomas abstaining.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the April 21 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Edwards moved the adoption of the April 21 minutes. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote, Mr. O'Brian and Mr. Jones abstaining.
The Treasurer reported that the party has a bank balance of approximately $9000, but she will shortly be paying the $1000 invoice from the American Free Press. In addition, invoices for the printing of the newsletter and fundraising inserts have not yet been received, but are expected shortly.
Mr. O'Brian and Mr. Thomas moved and seconded adoption of a resolution re-affirming the party's reflector rules and party platform. After much discussion, the resolution was withdrawn. Messrs. O'Brian, Thomas, and Hey will work on a letter to the party leadership about the subjects referred to by the resolution.
A brief discussion was held regarding a petition to withdraw from the United Nations. Mrs. Winters, Mr. O'Brian, and Mr. Illions are crafting the language and will report back when they have settled on the final wording.
A discussion was held regarding the Convention and the need for the National Committee to adopt certain enabling resolutions to carry out the decision to hold the convention at the Nashville Airport Marriott.
A long discussion was held regarding disagreements within the party leadership. Many members spoke on the need to work together without rancor, and to place trust in each other's intentions and loyalty to the good of the party.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Hey, 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
