10/17/19 Minutes- When You Come to Meetings, Stuff Happens
Sweetwater County Democratic Party Monthly Meeting
Rock Springs, WWCC Campus
October 17, 2019
In attendance:
Chair: Meghan Jensen
Secretary: Lyndsey Love
State Committeewoman: Hollis Meader
WDP State Chair: Joe Barbuto
State Committeeman: Dana Furgason
Meghan Jensen called the meeting to order at 7:02. A moment of silence was held in memory of United States Representative Elijah Cummings. Brent Alcorn led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Agenda: Hollis Meader moved to approve the agenda and was seconded by Joe Barbuto.
Correspondence: Meghan asked for ideas to engage Democrats in Sweetwater County and increase involvement in the party. There was a discussion about using social media to promote area events, candidates and activities to the community. Michelle Irwin suggested that people write letters to the editor to the local papers and attend meetings to improve civic engagement.
Secretary’s Report: Joe moved to approve last month’s minutes, Hollis seconded. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Meghan Jensen read the report in place of Treasurer Jim Wilson. Beginning balance of 3,446.93, ending balance of 3,895.93 We spent $250.00 for the Christmas Party Location. Income from the 50/50 raffle and Pass the Hat is $612.00. Vicki Roth made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s report and it was seconded by Rhonda Coleman. The motion passed.
Old Business
The Party would like to continue to encourage new people to get involved and come to meetings. Attendees were asked to invite a friend to the next meeting.
Meghan informed the group that we are not even half-way to our fundraising goal of $10,000.00. There is currently $3,446.93 plus the Weatherby gun as a $600.00 asset. Meghan asked what suggestions there were for the Weatherby since the winner of the raffle opted for a cash prize instead of the gun. Several people asked why there was a rifle raffle is the winner was able to choose a cash award instead. There was concern that people who weren’t interested in the rifle may not purchase a raffle ticket. A discussion about the merits of having a gun as a prize were still relevant to the party goals. Joe motioned to table the discussion until the April meeting and was seconded by Joyce. The motion to table discussion passed.
New Business
The Sweetwater Democrats need to look for ways to improve attendance at meetings and to support engagement in the community. There was a discussion about the different public meetings that occur, such as City Council, County Commissioners and many other committees and board meetings. Meghan has been working to get these meetings on the website calendar. It was suggested that party members who could attend a meeting, do so. They could then report to the rest of the group at the next monthly meeting.
News Roundup
Dana Ferguson is the new State Committee man. Joe Barbuto spoke about the lack of resources and our progress in our community for LBGTQ+ community, relaying information from the event Wyoming Equality. Joyce talked about speaker, Sam Mihara and reminded everyone that our past involving Heart Mountain is becoming increasing relevant today and everyone should be more vigilant in opposing this, especially our younger membership. Meghan talked about the presentation from the Boom and Bust Cycles, where presenters mentioned that the people of Wyoming need to decide what level of service they expect from their government. Michelle Irwin spoke about the Minerals Bankruptcy meeting and the op ed on Sweetwater Now on the Solar Industry.
Joe Barbuto gave an overview of the upcoming Sweetwater County caucus that will take place on April 4th, 2020. He said that Democrats will be able to rank the nominees on the ballet, as there will like me multiple candidates still running. The state convention will be held on June 6th, 2020, in Powell. Joe also offered an overview of the campaign fundraising process and reminded the group that the State Party has funds and resources to help local candidates run for office.
Rosa Pugh, a college student and member of the Spanish Club spoke to the group about her work with Juntos. She explained that they were a non-profit organization that advocates for the undocumented population in Wyoming. Juntos will be sending postcards to the governor, opposing the detention facility being proposed in Uinta County. People can contact the Spanish Club at Western Wyoming Community College or go to https://juntoswyoming.com.
Closing
The 50/50 Raffle generated $125 and was won by Rhonda Coleman. She opted for the “Never Trumper” prize instead of half of the winnings.
Lyndsey Love motioned to adjourn. Brent Alcorn seconded. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 7:56.