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, 2^nd 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 21^st; 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 5^th 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

The Wilson County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting will be held on March 12th beginning at 6:30pm. This meeting will take place in the Gentry Building of the Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon. The following agenda will be discussed:

Agenda

Meeting call to order – 6:30 p.m.

Pledge to the flag

Secretary Report – Jo Ann Brown

Treasurers Report- Rachel Givens

Old Business

Chili Cook- off Report- Rachel Givens & Charlene Foutch

Vote on Meeting Place

2nd Vice Chair

Other Old Business

New Business

Headquarters

Other New Business

Adjourn

Next meeting April 9th at 6:30 pm

The Wilson County Democratic Party will be holding elections for candidates to the Democratic National Convention September 3rd – 6th in Charlotte N.C. This election will be held on Saturday, March 10th at the United Auto Workers District Hall, located at 151 Maddox- Simpson Pkwy in Lebanon at 12:00 noon. No one will be allowed to enter the convention after this time.

To become a candidate individuals must file a Statement Of Candidacy and a Pledge of Support to the Tennessee Democratic Party no later than 12:00 PM March 1st. Forms are available at www.tndp.org or at their office located at 1900 Church Street, Suite 203, Nashville, Tn. 37203 or may be requested via phone at (615) 327-9779.

This will be the first step for delegates from the 5th & 6th districts elected on this date. There will be a total of 7 men & 7 women for the 6th District and 17 men and 18 women from the 5th District.

To vote for candidates due to Wilson County still having 2 congressional districts for this vote you will need to bring your voters registration card to determine your correct district. We will be using the old districts not the newly redrawn districts. You will also have to complete a pledge of support and you will have to have voted in the March 6, 2012 Democratic Primary. Due to these things we ask that you arrive at least 1 hour prior to the convention so as to allow time for these procedures to be met.

For more information please call 444-3838 or contact the Tennessee Democratic Party at (615)327-9779.

Education Forum:

Impact of Legislative Changes on our Schools

Lebanon: As a public service, the Wilson County Democratic Women have organized the second annual Education Forum which is again being hosted by Cumberland University. This forum will be held on March 27 at 7 p.m. in Cumberland University’s Labry Hall. This forum is open to all those interested in the education of our children.

An invited panel of experts and stake holders will discuss the significant changes passed by the legislature last year and those currently being proposed by Governor Haslam. The forum’s focus will include the recent changes to teacher evaluations and collective collaboration, which replaces collective bargaining by teachers. The proposals from Governor Haslam are to remove the standards for class sizes and to modify the pay scales for teachers.

The panel will discuss the impact on our teachers being able to perform at their best and what the consequences may be for the future of education in Tennessee.

The panel participants are Mike Davis, Director of Wilson County Schools,

Dr. Sharon Roberts, COO of State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), and previously Director of Lebanon Special School District, Dr. Edward Johnson, teacher at Mount Juliet High School, Becky Kegly, Principal of Winfree Bryant Middle School in Lebanon Special School District, and Representative Mark Pody of the 46^th District.

The moderator for the forum will be Dr. Bill McKee, Professor of Education and Public Service Management at Cumberland University.

Invited guests include the County Mayor and the Mayors of Lebanon, Mount Juliet and Watertown. The county commissioners and school board members are also encouraged to attend.

This event is open to the public, and we invite all interested parents and taxpayers to attend. The Wilson County Democratic Women have organized this event as a public service, and it is hosted by Cumberland University. For more information call 444-3838.

The inaugural WCDP Halloween Bash, held Friday October, 14th at Five Oak Country Club, was well attended and deemed a great success. As evident by the pictures, a good time was had by all in attendance!

The Wilson County Party will be having their first ever Halloween Bash on October 14 from 7:00 till 11:00 pm at the 5 Oaks Country Club on Highway 70 in Lebanon.

This event is for a 21 & up crowd. There will be hors d’ oeuvres, music from DJ “That’s All Right” and Karaoke, Costumes, and a Cash Bar. Trophies will be awarded for Best Female Costume, Best Male Costume, & Best Karaoke, also a door prize every hour.

Tickets are just 20.00 Dollars per person and, due to limited availability and getting the menu set for the night, PLEASE RSVP no later than September 30^th by calling or e-mailing Terry Heady at 615-289-6729 or headyt59@att.net, Ken Fraley at 615 -708-6468 or k_fraleysr2@yahoo.com or Diane Wilde at 615- 881-4923 ordianewilde8803@yahoo.com .

Look forward to seeing you there!

The Wilson County Democratic Party will be meeting on Monday September 12th at 6:30 pm at the Chamber of Commerce building located on the public square in Lebanon. On the agenda for the evening, a vote on the Halloween Bash at 5 Oaks Country Club and guest speaker Sue Vanatta from the Wilson County Chamber of Commerce. Hope everyone can attend and bring a friend or 2!

The Wilson County Democratic Party is proud to announce that it’s first ever Blue Plate Dinner is set for Monday, August 29th from 4-7p.m. at the City Limits Café located at 1717 Cainsville Pike in Lebanon. Menu for the night will consist of Hamburger Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cole Slaw, Pinto Beans, Corn Bread, Banana Pudding, and Coffee or Tea to Drink. We will be drawing for the winner of the Wii from the fair which is a donation from the Aubrey Givens Law Firm. Suggested donation $15 per person.

Hope to see you at the “Make it Blue” Monday!

The Wilson County Democratic party will hold it’s monthly meeting Monday, August 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Wilson County Chamber of Commence building located on the Public Square in Lebanon. The nights discussions, among others, will include final talks on the Wilson County fair booth.