Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 9:00 p.m. East Coast 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:

• Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman

Larry Carroll of Colorado, Platform Committee Chairman, joined after the roll had been taken.

Mr. Joseph Spitzig, Convention Committee chairman, also attended as a guest.

A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:12 p.m.

Mr. White moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mrs. Winters seconded the motion. Mrs. Winters and Mr. White moved that the Agenda be amended to include a report from the Convention Committee. Their amendment was adopted by unanimous vote, and the Agenda, as amended, was finally adopted by unanimous vote.

The Chairman delivered his report. He has been catching up with contacts and fielding calls to the party hot-line. He reported working on various Public Relations and Finance Committee projects. The Chairman has been working with Mr. Browning and Mr. White regarding ramping up some assistance for the Party Building Committee's work.

The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes for the January 3, 2006 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 Secretary reported that all newsletters and the monthly thank-you and reminder letters have been mailed. The brochures are now in hand, and the FAFP packets are being prepared for mailing. Mr. Hey reported making additional improvements to the Party Building web site since the last meeting.

The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $10,231.22. There are no unpaid invoices. The final FEC report for the year has been prepared and a draft is being reviewed before submission.

A discussion was held regarding costs associated with the forwarding of the party's mail.

Mr. Spitzig delivered the Convention Committee report. A discussion was had regarding lining up speakers for the Convention.

Mr. Hill delivered the Finance Committee report. He reminded people that the next stage of the fund raising plan requires the publication of the next quarterly newsletter in order to go forward.

Mr. White delivered the Party Building Committee report. He reported on Mr. Browning's providing increased assistance in handling contacts. He stated that the Party Building Committee will be meeting this weekend.

Mr. Charles provided a very encouraging update on organizing efforts in Michigan.

Mr. Carroll reported that the Platform Committee is trying to schedule its next meeting and will be seeking new members as well.

Mrs. Winters delivered the Public Relations Committee report. She reported that the Committee will be meeting this weekend to work on the next newsletter.

A discussion was held regarding the coal mine tragedy that took place last week. The Chairman reported work on articles for the newsletter and various press releases.

Mr. Charles reported that the Rules Committee will be meeting the middle of next week.

The Chairman passed the gavel to Mr. Hill.

Mr. Charles moved that the committee open the Standard Operating Committee Agenda for amendment. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters. The motion was adopted by unanimous vote.

Mr. Charles moved that the Standard Operating Committee Agenda be amended to add the Convention Committee Report in the proper alphabetical sequence. His amendment was seconded by Mr. White and adopted by unanimous vote.

The Standard Agenda was closed for amendment by unanimous consent.

Mr. White led a discussion on the political situation in Puerto Rico.

There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Hill, seconded by Mrs. Winters, and adopted by unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 11:02 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee