Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, April 6, 2004
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Winters 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
Absent:
- Larry Carroll of Colorado, Platform Committee Chairman
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman.
Mr. Hill moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mr. White seconded the motion, and the Agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
The Chairman delivered a brief report. Last week, he was interviewed by Rollcall. He will be appearing on several radio programs in the next few weeks. Progress is being made in bringing a state party on-line later this month.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the March 30, 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.
The thank-you letters have been sent out to the 91 persons who donated to the party during the month of March.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $3,271.64. There are no outstanding invoices left to be paid at this time, but there are various credit card fees yet to be captured which will adjust the balance down by no more than $100.
The quarterly FEC report is almost ready to submit. Members are encouraged to submit their in-kind receipts as soon as possible.
Mr. Hill reported that the Finance Committee is considering a new book premium to offer to donors to the party.
Mrs. Winters reported that final approval will be made of the generic newsletter at a special Public Relations Committee meeting Thursday evening. Mr. Hill reported some press coverage in Massachusetts media outlets concerning the recent election of a party member to the Framingham Town Meeting Assembly.
Mr. Charles reported that the Rules Committee will meet this Saturday.
Mr. White reported that he had continued to make contacts with potential members. He is working with Florida, and has answered many questions about the party's status in that state.
There is continuing confusion coming out of the Zine 22 magazine article about the party. The Secretary reported he has corresponded with Zine 22 to try to clarify the matter and cut out the confusion.
A discussion was held regarding party literature being sent out without the party's return address, and the confusion caused by donations being sent to the wrong address. All donations should be mailed to the party's address in Boulder.
Mr. Charles brought up a problem with spamming on our party's reflectors. We need to increase security to stop these attacks, and the Rules Committee will offer a proposal later this week.
A discussion was held regarding ongoing efforts to stop the "gay marriage" debacle in Massachusetts. The AFP members in that state continue to provider leadership and are receiving some publicity for their efforts.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mrs. Winters, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
