Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Monday, March 23, 2009
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Monday, March 23, 2009 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:
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Chairman
- John Hey of Mississippi, National Secretary and Treasurer
- Tom White of Massachusetts, Candidates Committee Chairman
- Michael Lynch of New York, Public Relations Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Martin McClellan of Florida, Vice-chairman
- Peter Browning of Florida, Partybuilding Committee Chairman
- Joe Spitzig of Ohio, Platform Committee Chairman
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:13 p.m.
Mr. White moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mr. Lynch seconded the motion. The Agenda was adopted by unanimous consent.
The Chairman delivered his report. He has handled various party correspondence, sent out a couple of press releases, and completed several lengthy articles for the next newspaper issue.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes for the February 23, 2009 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published. His motion was seconded by Mr. White. The minutes were adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reported that he has not received any reply to the letter sent to Peter Browning on January 19 to facilitate his stated intention to resign as Party Building Chairman.
The Secretary reported that Mr. Maurer from New York continues to claim he wishes to resign from the National Committee, but he refuses to fax or mail a signed resignation. Mr. Hey has carefully explained that as National Secretary he has no discretion in the matter, and without a signed resignation, he has no authority to modify the certified list of National Committee members. The National Committee can vote to remove Mr. Maurer, per his expressed wishes, at its next meeting.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $ 9868.19. There are no unpaid invoices at this time.
Mr. Hill reported that the Finance Committee has finished voting on all its pending resolutions for the anticipated upcoming National Committee meeting. A discussion took place regarding payment and placement of the American Conservative web page ad for the party.
Mr. Lynch reported the PR Committee has approved the newsletter reprint project. The National Committee needs to approve funding for the printing. The Committee will meet next Saturday to work on the newspaper. The ad for the American Conservative has been completed and will be submitted for posting shortly.
A discussion took place regarding Mr. White's proposal for an article focusing on the Obama administration's intention to strip freedom of conscience protections in the area of abortion services.
Mr. Hey reported that the Rules Committee has circulated an amendment to the party constitution to address the situation where a standing committee lacks a Chairman.
There being no further business, on motion made by Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Lynch, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
