Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party

Tuesday, July 6, 2004

BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, July 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. Mr. Hey delivered the invocation.

The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:

Present:

• Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman
• John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary/Treasurer
• Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Vice-chairman
• Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
• Tom White of Massachusetts, Party Building 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 at 9:20 p.m.

Mr. White moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mrs. Winters seconded the motion, and the Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.

The Chairman delivered his report. He has just returned from a business trip out West. He has prepared a Resolution for consideration under New Business. He reported that Apple Computer has closed several foreign manufacturing facilities and expanded operations at several stateside plants. He described further communication regarding other third parties. A discussion was held regarding this correspondence.

The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the June 22, 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.

The Secretary reported that he continues working on technology upgrades for the web site that will enable many new features for party building and communications. He has completed sending out the June "thank you" letters, donor reminder letters, and FAFP renewal letters. The FAFP packets have all been sent out as of the end of June.

The Secretary reported that the brochures and bumper stickers are running low and will need to be re-printed very soon.

The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $207.64. The business cards are now available for party members to obtain and pass out. The Finance Committee has set the price for the cards at $5 per 100, $20 per 500.

The FEC quarterly report will be submitted in the next several days, and everyone needs to report "in-kind" contributions for the second quarter as soon as possible.

Mrs. Winters moved the adoption of a Resolution Dismissing Mr. Bruce Westcott from the Party Membership Committee. The Resolution was seconded by Mr. Hill. The Resolution reads as follows:

Resolution Dismissing Mr. Bruce Westcott from the Party Membership Committee

Whereas the Membership form of the America First Party's National Membership Organization requires that members pledge that, "3. I am not presently a member of any other political party," and Mr. Bruce Westcott of Nevada has stated in private e-mail that he is a registered member of the Republican Party; and,

Whereas the Membership form of the America First Party's National Membership Organization requires that members pledge that, "4. I embrace the Constitution of the United States of America and the traditions and values expressed by the Founding Fathers of this nation," and "5. I am in agreement with and will support the Mission, Principles and the Platform of the America First Party," and Mr. Bruce Westcott of Nevada has repeatedly expressed and argued for policy positions which contradict these statements both on the Party's Chat Reflector and on his own campaign website; and,

Whereas the Membership form of the America First Party's National Membership Organization requires that members pledge that, "13. I will be ever mindful of the unity of the party over personal ambition," and Mr. Bruce Westcott of Nevada has used his membership to promote his Campaign for President of the United States as an independent candidate in a manner disruptive to the unity of the party; and,

Whereas the Membership form of the America First Party's National Membership Organization requires that members pledge that they will take certain actions to promote the Principles and Platform of the America First Party, aid in establishing an Affiliated State Party in their state, and grow the membership of the America First Party, and Mr. Bruce Westcott of Nevada has taken no such visible steps, but has instead attempted to undermine the Principles and Platform of the America First Party among its membership; and,

Whereas the Membership form of the America First Party's National Membership Organization requires that members, "attest to the accuracy of the foregoing application and pledge to remain true to the conditions of membership listed therein, so help me God," and that the membership form, its conditions, requirements, and the duties imposed thereby were adopted by the America First National Committee; and,

Whereas the resolution authorizing the creation of the National Membership Organization states, "Membership in this new subsidiary organization may be revoked or reinstated at any time without notice by resolution of the Party Building Committee, the Operating Committee, or the National Committee when the best interests of the Party shall so require," and the membership form requires that the members certify their understanding of this rule;

Now therefore be it resolved by the Operating Committee of the America First National Committee:

That we adjudge that Mr. Bruce Westcott of Nevada submitted and signed a membership form to join the America First Party National Membership Organization under false pretense; and,

That we adjudge that Mr. Bruce Westcott of Nevada has egregiously violated his Pledge of Membership; and,

That we hereby terminate his membership in the America First Party National Membership Organization forthwith; and,

That we instruct the National Secretary to immediately remove him from the Chat Reflector; and,

That we instruct the National Chairman to communicate the meaning of this resolution to Mr. Westcott at the Chairman's convenience.

The Resolution was adopted by unanimous vote.

Mr. Hill reported that the Finance Committee will be meeting within the week to continue work on the fund raising plan. A short discussion was held regarding the proper cost structure for promotional materials.

Mr. White delivered a brief Party Building Committee report. A discussion was had about advertising in a magazine. Another discussion was had about the need to assure that new party prospects are being properly processed and sent membership forms.

Mrs. Winters reported that the Newsletter will be the subject at next Monday's Public Relations Committee meeting. The article assignments need to be turned in as soon as possible.

Mr. Charles reported that the Rules Committee has made progress on the Endorsement procedure and the Regulation of Organizing Committees. Some of these matters will be finalized at the next Rules Committee meeting.

There being no further business, upon motion made by Mrs. Winters, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 11:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee