Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, March 9, 2004
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hey delivered the invocation.
The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:
Present:
- Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Vice-chairman
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary/Treasurer
- Tom White of Massachusetts, Party Building Committee Chairman
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
- Larry Carroll of Colorado, Platform Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman.
The Chairman recommended the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mr. Hill moved its adoption, Mr. White seconded the motion, and the Agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
The Chairman delivered his report. The trip to Washington, D.C. was very productive. He met with staffers for a half-dozen Congressmen and Senators to lobby for the party's position on energy, trade, and immigration. He also had the opportunity to meet with several candidates for public office. He reported that the party's literature was snapped up at Saturday's American Cause conference.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the March 2, 2004 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote, Mrs. Winters abstaining.
The Secretary reported completion of the mailings of the January 2004 newsletter, including the 490 special packets to former state party members.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is around $1,200, but there is still an outstanding postage invoice due. We should know shortly whether the change in credit card depository has taken effect.
Mr. White reported receiving encouraging feedback from Florida and Michigan prospects and former members. He is also researching address information for many prospects using the internet. Finally, he mentioned an example of how the party principles continue to filter out undesirable individuals who cannot agree with what we stand for.
A discussion was had regarding the possibility of launching official boycotts of one or more companies who outsource American jobs overseas. Mr. Charles reported that the Republican Party has outsourced its fundraising calls to India.
Mr. White stressed the importance of making clear to people that the AFP is committed to building the party from the ground up, and not wasting our resources running candidates for high public office without the proper infrastructure and elected officials at the lower levels.
Mr. Hill reported that the Finance Committee will meet later this week to begin work on a major fundraising plan.
Mr. Carroll reported on the first meeting of the Platform Committee. The committee is discussing minor clean-ups of the language in the Platform, as well as crafting a few additional topics that need to be addressed in our Platform.
The Public Relations Committee has almost finalized the 2004 generic newsletter, and will soon commence working on the next quarterly newsletter.
A time of general discussion was held. Mr. Hey reported on a recent abortion lawsuit (known as "Roe II") that is now before the Supreme Court. The issues do not seem to be as clear-cut as they were first reported, and caution is urged regarding our getting behind this particular lawsuit.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
