WILSON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING 01/09/2012
The January meeting of the Wilson County Democratic Party was held at 6:30 on Jan. 9, 2012 at the Gentry Building on the Wilson Co. Fairgrounds. With Chm. Terry Heady scheduled for late arrival, 2nd Vice Chm. Ken Fraley called the meeting to order and led us in the Pledge. The printed secretary’s report was circulated. Motion to accept the report as printed was made by Jeff Ortengren & seconded by Danny Foutch. Motion carried. Treasurer Rachel Givens was absent due to a death in the family but the printed treasurer’s report was circulated. Motion to accept as printed was made by Danny Foutch & seconded by Jeff Ortengren. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Chili Cook-Off: Ken Fraley clarified the need for donated food and passed the list among those present. He also stated that Cathy Heady had tickets and would take money for tickets already sold. Ken showed the flyers and asked members to take them to post in public places. JoAnn Brown asked about door prizes and showed three that she was donating. Mary Patterson said we could use some of the purple Obama t-shirts. Charlene Foutch said the trophies had been ordered; that 21 people had agreed to make chili but more was needed. She said that a hot dog cooker was needed & Bob Haley offered to provide one. Chili should be at the site at 4:00. She also said she had coordinated the electrical set up and that, with the help of Brent Linville, desserts were being donated. Discussion ensued on set up and & clean up. Ken said that ads are running in local papers the last two weeks of January.
Chairman Heady arrived and assumed management of the meeting. He said that the Second Vice Chair is still vacant & asked for nominations or volunteers. None were offered and the office stays vacant…
Chm. Heady stated that Rachel Givens had reported that no one had called her regarding auction items. Rachel will collect auction items or they can be brought to the East West Building on the day of the event. The building will be open from 10:00 A.M. and auction items should be there by 2:00 P.M.
NEW BUSINESSS
Mary Patterson spoke on the redistricting stating that the lines are still unclear & that the TN Legislature would meet on Wednesday. She stated that Wilson County is no longer in Jim Cooper’s district; that it is now in the one held by Diane Black. She said that the TNDP will attempt a big push to win back both the House & the Senate in 2014 & good candidates are needed. Terry Heady stated that the 2014 election was also discussed in the County Chair’s Meeting and that there may be legal action on the Voter ID law. Annette Stafford stated that the mayor is trying to get state officials to open a central location in Lebanon on Saturday so that everyone in the surrounding area would have a place to come to get their picture ID.
Chairman Heady had printed & circulated information on two events on January 21st; one for the African American Museum and one for a Hispanic forum. He also said that a meeting had been held with Lowes and they would allow a 33% discount on materials for repairing Pickett Chapel which will house the Museum. He is pursuing other stores that might donate materials free of charge.
Discussion ensued regarding being a member of and meeting at the Chamber of Commerce. Terry stated that the TNDP wants local parties to get involved in groups in which Republicans are currently involved. Mary Patterson asked that two different issues be considered; that of belonging to the Chamber and having the meetings there. Charlene Foutch asked that having our meetings there be re-evaluated as some members are opposed. It was decided that the next two meetings, February 13 & March 12, would be held at the Gentry Building on the Fairgrounds. Terry will investigate whether the Fair Board will begin charging for meeting in the building & the degree of the local Chamber’s involvement with the National Chamber of Commerce. He will be absent next month but he will make his findings available for the next meeting before the vote.
Marissa Richmond, who is running for TNDP delegate for the Democratic National Convention for the 5th Congressional District asked to be recognized. She asked for support from the WCDP. Information was given on how to qualify to run and on the County Convention that must be held to elect delegates. All Conventions must be held across the state on March 10 at 12:00. Location is yet to be decided for Wilson County but will be published in local papers two weeks in advance. Any registered voter is eligible to vote at the Convention if they sign an affidavit that they are a Democrat.
Motion to adjourn was made by Danny Foutch & seconded by Jesse McLevain. Motion carried and meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
JoAnn Brown, Secretary