Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, April 20, 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. 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.
Mrs. Winters 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. The America First Party of Florida assembled in state convention last weekend, and voted unanimously to petition for re-affiliation with the America First Party. At the next National Committee meeting, there will be resolutions offered to add Mr. Gaurav Ahuja and Mr. Martin McClellan to the Certified List of National Committee members, which is the constitutional process for affiliating a state party.
The April 15 press release on taxes was well received.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the April 13, 2004 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous vote, Mr. White abstaining.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $3,376.07. 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. This means we are $500 short of the amount necessary to print the newsletters. The quarterly FEC report has been posted by the FEC on its public web site.
Mr. Hill reported that the Finance Committee has almost completed work on its fundraising proposal.
Mr. White reported he continues to make party building contacts in several states.
Mr. Carroll reported that the Platform Committee has interviewed Mr. Joe Spitzig and adopted a resolution endorsing him for a position on the National Committee.
Mrs. Winters reminded the members that a press release was issued on April 15 regarding the income tax situation. She also reports that she appeared on a television show to promote the party. The program has aired several times.
Mr. Charles reported further work by the Rules Committee on rules to govern Organizers and Organizing Committees. The Rules Committee will probably be meeting later this week to continue its work.
Mr. Charles led a discussion on the timing of the next in-person National Committee meeting and National Convention. There ensued a wide-ranging discussion on possible venues, costs, convenience, and other factors that need to be taken into account while planning these meetings.
A discussion was held regarding party building letters and their distribution. The need to provide a consistent and professional appearance was underscored. The Operating Committee will work to update the letters that are sent to people who need membership forms.
Mr. Hill moved that the Operating Committee call a teleconference meeting of the National Committee for 9 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, May 4, 2004. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote.
A discussion was held regarding the outstanding convention assessments that are still unpaid. The Chairman will circulate a reminder to National Committee members of their obligations in this matter.
A short discussion was held about inquiries received by the party regarding our not running a Presidential candidate. The Chairman will prepare a short essay explaining why third parties which are serious about taking back the country are not running candidates for President in 2004.
A discussion was held regarding Iraq and the growing calls for re-institution of the military draft. The President's policies are falling to pieces, and this creates a time of real danger for the Middle East and for our own country.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. White, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
