Minutes of the America First National Committee
Saturday, June 3, 2006
BE IT REMEMBERED that the America First National Committee met on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. East Coast Time, pursuant to the Resolution of the National Committee adopted on May 16, 2006. The meeting was held in person at the Drawbridge Inn in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
The Chairman led the National Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Hey delivered the Invocation.
The Secretary called the roll of National Committee members.
Present:
- Dan Charles of Colorado, National Chairman
- Martin McClellan of Florida
- Peter Browning of Florida
- Maureen McHugh of Illinois
- Tom White of Massachusetts
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, National Vice-Chairman
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi
- Greg Roberts of Missouri
- Joe Spitzig of Ohio
- Ward Chorpenning of Ohio
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, National Secretary and Treasurer
Absent:
- Larry Carroll of Colorado
- Tim Lohrmann of Idaho
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire
- Bradley Maurer of New York
- Jim Arft of New York
- David Thomas of Pennsylvania
- Sam Cross of Pennsylvania
- Frank Hackl of Wisconsin
A number of delegates and visitors were also in attendance.
The National Committee members received their credential cards.
A Quorum being present, the Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. ECT.
The Secretary delivered the Credentials Report. He reported that four credentialing issues could not be considered under the Party Constitution without a waiver and suspension of the committee interview requirements.
The Rules Committee chairman reported that the three new designees have been interviewed by the Rules Committee, and have been recommended for seating on the National Committee by the Rules Committee.
Mr. White moved that the requirement regarding Platform Committee interviews be waived. His motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan. The motion to waive the requirement was adopted by unanimous consent.
Mr. Hey moved that the Certified List of National Committee members be amended to add the name of Anne O'Brien of Colorado. His motion was seconded by Mr. Chorpenning, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reported that his own state party has elected him to serve as its second representative on the National Committee, on which he is presently serving ex officio in his capacity as an officer of the party.
Mr. Golmon moved that the Certified List of National Committee members be amended to add the name of John Pittman Hey of Mississippi. His motion was seconded by Mr. White, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Hey moved that the Certified List of National Committee members be amended to add the name of Dan Eller of Michigan. His motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Hey moved that the Certified List of National Committee members be amended to add the name of John Wagner of Michigan. His motion was seconded by Mrs. McHugh, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The National Chairman offered a welcome on behalf of the entire party to the new affiliated state party, the America First Party of Michigan.
Mr. Hill moved that the entire Certified List of National Committee members, as amended, be adopted by the National Committee. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Spitzig moved the adoption of the published Agenda. His motion was seconded by Mr. Chorpenning and adopted by unanimous vote. The Agenda as adopted is annexed to these Minutes.
The National Chairmen delivered some remarks. He stressed the need for party leaders and members to make the sacrifices necessary to build the party and save our country.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes for the May 16, 2006 meeting of the National Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote, Mr. Golmon abstaining.
The Secretary delivered his report. He described the duties of the Secretary, and the work that has been done since the last meeting. He provided a printed copy of a more detailed report of his duties.
The Treasurer briefly described the duties of his office, and referred the Committee to the full Report that was circulated at the meeting. The current account balance is $2,513.60. The required monthly FEC reports have been prepared and submitted to the FEC; they may be reviewed on the FEC's public web site.
Mr. McClellan moved the adoption of the Treasurer's report. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Charles passed the gavel to the Vice-chairman.
Mr. Charles delivered the Rules Committee report. He described the Rules Committee's proposed Standing and Special Rules for the National Convention.
Mr. Charles moved the adoption of the following Resolution:
Resolved, that the America First National Committee does adopt the following Standing Rules for the conduct of the General Session of the 2006 National Convention.
His motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan, and adopted by unanimous vote. The Standing Rules of the National Convention as adopted are annexed to these minutes.
Mr. Charles moved the adoption of the following Resolution:
Resolved, that the America First National Committee does adopt the following Special Rules Governing Submission and Consideration of Resolutions from the Convention Floor of the General Session of the 2006 National Convention.
His motion was seconded by Mrs. McHugh, and adopted by unanimous vote. The Special Rules as adopted are annexed to these minutes.
The Chairman reclaimed the gavel from the Vice-chairman.
The Secretary presented the Credentials Report for the National Convention.
The following persons are delegates by virtue of their membership on this National Committee:
CO Donald Lawrence Carroll
CO Anne E. O'Brien
FL Peter Browning
FL Martin Scott McClellan
ID Tim Lohrmann
IL Maureen O. McHugh
MA Jonathan M. Hill
MA L. Thomas White
MI Daniel R. Eller
MI John L. Wagner
MO Greg J. Roberts
MS Ernest E. 'Trey' Golmon
MS John Pittman Hey
NH Romelle F. Winters
NY James E. Arft
NY Bradley F. Maurer
OH H. Ward Chorpenning
OH Joseph A. Spitzig
PA Samuel Cross
PA David L. Thomas
WI Frank Hackl
The following persons have been registered as delegates from their respective states by the state party chairman or his designee:
CO Daniel Jay Charles
FL Roger D. Simmermaker
FL Barbara S. Susco
IL Edmund McHugh
IL David R. Wade
MI Julie Ann Dickerson
MI Steven John Dickerson
MI Marilyn S. Eller
MI Michael S. Eller
MI Gary Gerow
MI Joy Gerow
MI Phillip A. Wagner
MI Ruthann W. Wagner
OH Evan Ekstrand
OH Michael W. Fleharty
OH John Francis
OH Blaine Heath
OH Wayne Herrod
OH Jerry Martin
OH Vincent J. Schmithorst
OH John C. Schweingrouber
Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the Credentials Report for the National Convention. His motion was seconded by Mr. Roberts and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman declared a fifteen minute recess of the National Committee.
The Chairman called the National Committee back to order at 10:35 a.m. ECT.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for National Chairman.
Mr. White nominated Mr. Hill. The nomination was seconded by Mrs. McHugh.
There being no further nominations, on motion made by Mr. McClellan, seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote, nominations for National Chairman were closed.
Mr. Hill was elected National Chairman by unanimous consent.
Mr. Charles handed over the gavel to Mr. Hill.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for National Vice-chairman.
Mr. White nominated Mr. McClellan. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Golmon.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent.
Mr. McClellan was elected National Vice-chairman by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for National Secretary.
Mr. McClellan nominated Mr. Hey. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Chorpenning.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed without objection upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. McClellan.
Mr. Hey was elected National Secretary by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for National Treasurer.
Mr. White nominated Mr. Hey. The nomination was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Spitzig.
Mr. Hey was elected National Treasurer by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Finance Committee Chairman.
Mr. Golmon nominated Mrs. McHugh. The nomination was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
Mr. Spitzig nominated Mr. Mike Eller. The nomination was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Hey.
Mrs. McHugh withdrew her name from consideration.
Mr. Eller was elected Finance Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Rules Committee Chairman.
Mrs. McHugh nominated Mr. Hey. The nomination was seconded by Mr. White.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Wagner.
Mr. Hey was elected Rules Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Candidates Committee Chairman.
Mr. Spitzig nominated Mr. J. C. Schweingrouber. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Chorpenning.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Golmon.
Mr. Schweingrouber was elected Candidates Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Public Relations Committee Chairman.
Mr. McClellan nominated Ms. O'Brien. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Chorpenning.
Mrs. McHugh nominated Mr. Spitzig. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Hey.
Mr. Golmon nominated Mr. Schweingrouber. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Hey.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. McClellan.
The Chairman declared a five minute recess so that the candidates and their sponsors could caucus.
The National Committee came out of recess.
Ms. O'Brien and Mr. Spitzig withdrew their names from consideration.
Mr. Schweingrouber was elected Public Relations Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
Mr. Schweingrouber announced that, following his election as Public Relations Committee Chairman, he wished to tender his resignation from the chairmanship of the Candidates Committee.
Mr. Hey moved that the Agenda be amended to now take up the matter of election for Candidates Committee Chairman. His motion was seconded and adopted by unanimous consent.
Mr. Hey nominated Mr. White. The nomination was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
Nominations were closed by unanimous consent.
Mr. White was elected Candidates Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Party Building Committee Chairman.
Mr. McClellan nominated Mr. Browning. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Golmon.
Mr. Spitzig nominated Mr. Michael Fleharty. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Chorpenning.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. McClellan.
The two nominees made short statements. The election was conducted by paper ballots.
The Chairman announced the election of Mr. Browning as Party Building Committee Chairman.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Platform Committee Chairman.
Mr. Hey nominated Mr. Spitzig. The nomination was seconded by Mr. McClellan.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mr. Chorpenning.
Mr. Spitzig was elected Platform Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
Mr. McClellan moved that the Agenda be reopened for amendment. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous consent.
Mr. McClellan moved that the Agenda be amended to insert as the next item the Ballot Access Committee Chairman election. His amendment was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous consent.
Mr. Hey moved that the Agenda be closed. His motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan and adopted by unanimous consent.
The Chairman announced the floor open for nominations for Ballot Access Committee Chairman.
Mrs. McHugh nominated Mr. Golmon. The nomination was seconded by Mr. White. Mr. Golmon declined the nomination.
Mr. Spitzig nominated Mr. Wayne Herrod. Mr. Herrod declined the nomination.
Mr. Spitzig nominated Mr. Michael Fleharty. The nomination was seconded by Mr. White.
Mrs. McHugh nominated Mr. Roberts. The nomination was seconded by Mr. White. Mr. Roberts declined the nomination.
There being no further nominations, nominations were closed by unanimous consent upon motion made by Mr. McClellan and seconded by Mr. Chorpenning.
Mr. Fleharty was elected Ballot Access Committee Chairman by unanimous consent.
Mrs. McHugh moved the adoption of a Resolution Commending and Thanking the past National Chairman Dan Charles. The Resolution was seconded by Mr. White. The Resolution reads as follows:
Whereas, Dan Charles has served the America First Party as its National Chairman for a number of years with dedication and steadfast service; and
Whereas, in his role as National Chairman, he has been invaluable in assisting other national officers and committee chairs in their duties to promote the growth and principles of our party;
Therefore, be it resolved, by the America First National Committee:
That its members express their heartfelt gratitude for his years of service in the capacity as National Chairman.
The Resolution was adopted by unanimous consent.
Mrs. McHugh moved the adoption of a Resolution Commending and Thanking the past Public Relations Committee Chairman Romelle Winters. The Resolution was seconded by Mr. White. The Resolution reads as follows:
Whereas, Romelle Winters has served the America First Party as Press Secretary and Public Relations Chairman with dedication and steadfast service since its inception while sacrificially promoting the goals of the party before its existence;
Therefore, be it resolved, by the America First National Committee:
That its members express their heartfelt gratitude for all her years of service, in particular, as in the role of Press Secretary and Public Relations Chair.
The Resolution was adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Wagner moved a Resolution relating to a proposed press release to be issued. The Chairman recommended that the matter be referred to the Public Relations Committee. Mr. Wagner withdrew his resolution.
The Chairman made several announcements related to the Dinner Banquet tickets and to the process for introducing Resolutions during the National Convention.
Mr. White moved the adoption of the following Resolution:
Resolved, that the America First National Committee shall stand in recess until called back into session by either the chair, the Executive Committee, or by petition of one-quarter of its members.
His motion was seconded by Mr. McClellan and adopted by unanimous consent.
The National Committee therefore stood in recess.
The National Committee came out of recess and reconvened at 3:21 p.m. June 3, 2006 on notice issued by the National Chairman.
Mr. Hey moved that the Credentials Report for the National Convention be amended to add the name of James M. Crawford to the list of delegates from the state of Florida. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman declared the National Committee to now stand in recess.
The National Committee came out of recess and reconvened at 6:32 p.m. June 3, 2006 on notice issued by the National Chairman.
Mr. McClellan moved that the National Committee meeting now adjourn. His motion was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
America First National Committee
Saturday, June 3, 2006
Drawbridge Inn - Yeoman's Hall
2477 Royal Drive, Fort Mitchell, KY
8:30 AM to Noon
Agenda
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Invocation
3. Credentials Report
4. Adopt Agenda
5. Speech: Welcome from the National Chair
6. Secretary's Report
7. Treasurer's Report
8. Rules Committee Report: Standing Rules of the National Convention (Res. #1)
9. Rules Committee Report: Special Rules Governing Submission and Consideration of Resolutions from the Convention Floor (Res. #2)
10. Convention Credentials Report
11. Election: Chair
12. Election: Vice Chair
13. Election: Secretary
14. Election: Treasurer
15. Election: Finance Chair
16. Election: Rules Chair
17. Election: Candidates Chair
18. Election: Press Secretary & Public Relations Chair
19. Election: Party Building Chair
20. Election: Platform Chair
21. New Business
22. Motion to Recess: Resolved, that the America First National Committee shall stand in recess until called back into session by either the chair, the Executive Committee, or by petition of one-quarter of its members.
STANDING RULES
2006 National Convention of the America First Party
ARTICLE I: PURPOSE
Section 1. The purpose of these Standing Rules shall be to provide for the orderly conduct of the National Convention of the America First Party (hereinafter, "AFP")
ARTICLE II: PARTICIPATION
Section 1. The Delegates to this Convention shall be those individuals selected by the affiliated State Parties, in accordance with the Constitution of the AFP and the rules adopted by the respective State Parties.
Section 2. Each affiliated State Party shall submit credentials to the National Secretary prior to the seating of their delegates. The document shall list the names and addresses of the delegates.
Section 3. Alternates may be seated in the absence of the delegate as determined by the affected State Party.
ARTICLE III: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Section 1. The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern this convention in all cases to which they are applicable and are not inconsistent with these Standing Rules and any other Rules adopted by the Convention, or Rules or Constitution adopted by the National Committee.
ARTICLE IV: CONDUCT OF THE MEETING
Section 1. The Convention shall be called to order by the National Chair.
Section 2. The National Chair shall call for the Credentials Report of the National Committee. The delegates whose credentials are approved by the National Committee shall receive and adopt the Credentials Report. A delegation shall not vote upon any challenge to its own credentials.
Section 3. The National Chair may designate a Parliamentarian to provide for him such advice as he may require.
Section 4. The agenda shall be adopted by majority vote of the delegates. The agenda shall include but not be limited to:
a. Opening Remarks by the National Chair and the host State Party
b. Credentials Committee Report
c. National Officers Reports
d. Standing Committee Reports
e. Special Committee Reports
f. Resolutions
g. Adjournment
Section 5. Deviations from the agenda shall require a two-thirds vote.
ARTICLE V: VOTING
Section 1. Each credentialed delegate is entitled to one (1) vote on any matter before the Convention.
Section 2. The Chair of each State Party delegation, or their alternate, shall be responsible for assuring all delegates are properly credentialed and only properly credentialed delegates cast votes on matters before the convention.
Section 3. Voting shall be by voice vote unless other methods are required by these Standing Rules. If there is reasonable question regarding the results of a voice vote, a hand vote may be requested by a delegate or the National Chair.
Section 4. A roll call vote may be called by the National Chair or by majority vote of the convention.
Section 5. A roll call vote, when required, shall be conducted by state.
ARTICLE VI: RESOLUTIONS AND DEBATE
Section 1. The Platform Committee shall make a formal report to the convention regarding its activities and shall present any resolutions the committee recommends for adoption:
a. All Resolutions recommended by a committee for consideration shall be presented in the form of a written "RESOLUTION" to the convention for debate and vote;
b. Committees may establish Standing Rules specific to the conduct of their committee business by majority vote of the committee membership.
Section 2. Any delegate wishing to sponsor any "Resolution" or Amendment to the Platform shall do so in conformance with the Special Rules on Resolutions as adopted by the National Committee.
Section 3. Resolutions shall be presented to the convention by the National Secretary and called up for consideration by the Presiding Officer in the order required by the Special Rules on Resolutions of the National Committee for debate and vote at the designated time for the consideration of Resolutions. The maker of the Resolution shall have the privilege of moving its adoption and speaking first in support thereof.
Section 4. Debate on any issue or resolution shall consist of 3 speakers for and 3 speakers against, with a 2-minute time limit per speaker, except in the case of an appeal from the decision of the Chair, in which case the Chair may speak once for three minutes, and the person bringing the appeal may speak once for three minutes.
Section 5. Extending debate on any one resolution beyond the requirements of Section 4 of this Article shall require the support of a majority vote of the delegates.
Section 6. Adoption of Platform Planks shall require three-fifths supermajority of those present and voting for passage. Adoption of other resolutions shall be by majority vote of the delegates present and voting.
ARTICLE VII: SEVERABILITY
Section 1. In the event any provision of these Standing Rules shall conflict with State or Federal law or the AFP Constitution, such laws or Constitution shall take precedence over the specific requirements of the Standing Rules.
Special Rules Governing Submission and Consideration of Resolutions from the Convention Floor
Section 1: These Rules shall govern the submission and consideration of any main resolution or amendment brought to the convention by a delegate that in any manner affects the platform, policy, or public position of the America First Party on any matter. These Rules shall not apply to regular or subsidiary motions made as part of the routine conduct of convention business.
Section 2: All Resolutions must be reduced to writing, shall name the maker of the Resolution, and shall be headed by the appropriate caption as follows:
a. A Resolution which seeks to adopt, amend, or expand the Platform shall be titled, "Resolution to Amend the Platform", followed by a brief sub-title describing the particular subject of the Amendment;
b. All other Resolutions shall be titled "Resolution of the National Convention", followed by a brief sub-title describing the subject of the Resolution.
The complete text of every Resolution shall be read aloud by the National Secretary at the time of its consideration.
Section 3: Each Resolution to amend an existing Plank in the Platform shall specify the Section, Title, and First Sentence of the Plank to be amended. The Resolution shall then clearly state the change to be made to the existing Plank.
Section 4: Each Resolution must bear the signatures of at least one fifth of the Convention delegates, to include at least one delegate from each of three states, before such Resolution may be considered by the Convention; and each signer shall provide a legible printed name and state alongside said signature.
Section 5: All Resolutions shall be filed with the National Secretary or his designated assistant, who shall mark thereon the date and time of submission; and the National Secretary shall verify that the required number of signatures has been met.
Section 6: The position of new Planks within the Platform shall be determined by the Platform Committee Chairman. Should the Platform Committee Chairman be unable to perform this duty, the determination shall be made by the National Officers. The proposed position of each considered plank will be announced by the National Secretary at the first reading of each Plank.
Section 7: The priority of consideration of Resolutions shall be:
1) Resolutions to amend the existing Platform proffered by the Platform Committee;
2) Resolutions to add new Planks to the Platform proffered by the Platform Committee;
3) Resolutions to amend the Platform from the body as is described in these rules;
4) Other Resolutions from the body as described in Section 9 of these rules.
Any Resolution offered by the body to amend a Resolution proffered by the Platform Committee which is submitted prior to the consideration of that Platform Committee Resolution will be taken up at the time of the consideration of that Platform Committee Resolution, as described in Section 8 of these rules.
Section 8: The Presiding Officer shall, at the appropriate time during the presentation of the Platform Committee report, recognize the maker of each resolution offered as an amendment to the pending Platform Committee Resolution that has met the requirements of these rules and has been submitted in a timely manner; and such resolution shall be treated as an amendment of the platform committee report, and shall require a three-fifths vote for adoption. Should multiple amendments be offered regarding the same Resolution proffered by the Platform Committee, they shall be taken up in descending order by number of signatures.
Section 9: All Resolutions submitted by the body which bear the required number of signatures shall be called up for consideration by the Presiding Officer in accordance with section 7 above and then in the order of descending number of delegate signatures, and in the case of multiple resolutions bearing the same number of signatures, in order of submission to the National Secretary.
