Minutes of the America First National Committee
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
BE IT REMEMBERED that the America First National Committee met on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 9 p.m. East Coast Time, pursuant to the Resolution of the Operating Committee adopted on October 19, 2009.
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:
- Maureen McHugh of Illinois
- Jonathan Hill of Massachusetts, National Chairman
- Tom White of Massachusetts
- John Wagner of Michigan
- Dan Eller of Michigan
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, National Secretary and Treasurer
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire
- Michael Lynch of New York
- Steven Meier of Ohio
Absent:
- Peter Browning of Florida
- Martin McClellan of Florida, National Vice-chairman
- Joe Spitzig of Ohio
- David Thomas of Pennsylvania
- Samuel Cross of Pennsylvania
- Frank Hackl of Wisconsin
Greg Roberts of Missouri joined the meeting after roll had been taken.
A quorum being present, the Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:20 p.m. ECT.
The Credentials Report was reviewed. There being no amendment, Mr. White moved that the Certified List of National Committee members as recited during the roll call be adopted. His motion was seconded by Mrs. McHugh and adopted by unanimous vote.
Mr. Lynch moved that the Agenda be adopted as presented. His motion was seconded by Mr. Meier. The Agenda was approved by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. He described the numerous press releases and articles which he has issued since the last meeting. He discussed the business that will be presented later in the meeting.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes for the April 14, 2009 meeting of the National Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters. The minutes were adopted by unanimous vote, Mrs. McHugh abstaining.
The Treasurer referred the Committee to the full Report that has been published on the Reflector and on the Agenda web page. The current account balance is $6568.79; there are no unpaid invoices at this time. 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. Hey moved the adoption of the Rules Committee's recommendation for an Amendment to the Party Constitution. His motion was seconded by Mr. White. The Resolution reads as follows:
Resolution #1: A Rules Committee Resolution Relating to the Status of Certain Party Officers
Resolved, that the National Committee does hereby amend the Party Constitution by the addition of the following numbered sections to Article V:
Section 9: Whenever an Officer shall be absent from either a) three consecutive meetings of the National Committee at which a quorum was present, or b) five consecutive meetings of the National Committee, properly called by the Operating Committee or by the National Committee, whether quorum be attained or not, his Office shall be deemed vacant due to non-attendance.
Section 10: Whenever a vacancy shall exist in one of these Offices, whether through non-attendance as described hereinabove, by death, or by written, signed resignation delivered to the National Secretary, the National Secretary shall provide notice of such vacancy to the National Committee. The National Committee may elect a replacement in the case of such vacancy.
The Resolution was approved by unanimous vote.
Mrs. McHugh moved the adoption of the Finance Committee's request for authorization to print the next issue of the newspaper and a follow-up fundraising letter. Her motion was seconded by Mr. Roberts. The Resolution reads as follows:
Resolution #2: The Finance Committee's Newspaper and Fundraising Letter Budget Request
Resolved, by the National Committee of the America First Party:
That, up to $3,700 be spent on the printing and mailing of 5,000 copies of the America First Leader newspaper; and,
That, the Finance Committee is authorized to send a fundraising letter to the membership and donor list within 45 days after the mailing of the next newspaper issue.
The Resolution was approved by unanimous vote.
Mr. Lynch moved the adoption of the Public Relations Committee's request for authorization to place a web advertisement to promote the party. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters. The Resolution reads as follows:
Resolution Funding a Web Banner Advertisement
Whereas, the America First Party is committed to using a variety of tools and resources to spread our message and build the party; and
Whereas, the Party has received a good response from its first advertisement on the American Conservative magazine website, and the Public Relations Committee recommends additional use of this advertising method;
Be it resolved, that the America First National Committee authorizes its Public Relations Committee to place one-month banner advertisement on http://amconmag.com once a quarter two times at a price not to exceed $500 each.
The Resolution was approved by unanimous vote.
A time of general discussion and questions took place.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. White and seconded by Mrs. Winters, the meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote at 10:26 p.m. ECT.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
