October Minutes
October Minutes
Democrat Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Baxter County Library
10/4/25
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Donnie led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to September minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Donnie Huffine made the motion. Patti Huneycutt 2nd and all were in favor. September minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Karen Breton
Karen reported that as of the end of September 2025 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $10,072.25.
Update: $195 was collected today.
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary began the meeting by introducing officers and new members to our meeting. Mary greeted the first time attendees. There were at least 10 new people here today, which is always great to see.
Ballot access requirements were discussed in the group. In the executive meeting, the group consensus was to charge no filling fees for county positions. This was also the consensus of the committee at large. The committee does not want to place barriers for people in Baxter County to run as democrats. If there are no fees the candidates are better able to spend their money on advertising etc. to reach potential voters. If you want to run for office there is still time! Filling will be at the beginning of November.
Mary discussed having state candidates come to talk to the committee at further meetings. Mary asked if there were multiple candidates coming, if the group would be interested in a special meeting-different days/times and the group agreed. The committee board members will be organizing state candidates for visits in the coming months.
Mary also informed the group that Carrie Huddleston is collecting signatures to get on the ballot for State Representative in District 3. Please sign the petition if you live in her district (parts of Baxter and Fulton counties).
Speaker: Billy Cook
Billy is the President of the Young Democrats of Arkansas (YDA). The YDA is the largest youth-led organization in the state and members are between the ages of 14-36. Billy has been active in the democrat party for at least the last 10 years and was a member while a student at the University of Arkansas (President of his chapter!) In the last couple of years, Billy even ran for state office. He ultimately lost, but got 44% of the vote, a BIG accomplishment in a RED area.
The state YDA gives resources /signs/materials and supports chapters around the state and only 3 people are needed to start a chapter.
Many young people feel alone out there, many feel like they don’t belong in either party and if they’re young democrats they may sometimes feel like they're on an island alone. The YDA is there to support them. A local chapter can provide that sense of belonging to young people. It also gets them real life experience-they may knock on doors, make calls, send mailers for candidates and they see that they can make a difference in their community. Organization is the KEY!
Billy has firsthand seen the positivity of progress and helping friends and neighbors and young people to be more involved. Now what can we do-if you know young democrats or young people who are progressive tell them about YDA. If you know faculty members (college or high school) that are willing to sponsor, let him know! We’re all part of this same group (of Democrats). We need “old” people to show up for young people and we need these new young people to set forward and lead the charge.
Billy told the group about the upcoming conferences for the YDA. This year the fall conference is in Jonesboro. They raise funds to send young people for free! If you would like to donate head over here- https://goodchange.app/donate/ydarkansas or you can send checks to Democrat Party of Arkansas ℅ YDA 1300 W. Capitol Ave. Little Rock, Arkansas, 72201 Learn more about the group here- https://ydarkansas.org/
Billy is a dynamic speaker and we were so lucky to have him here! Thanks Billy!
Announcements:
Poll workers are still needed. There will be multiple training dates in January. See Mary O’Shields or Bob Bodenhamer if interested. They have applications and you are paid for your work.
NO KINGS RALLY PLANNED FOR SATURDAY 10/18/25 from 10 to 11:30-Join us as at 401 South Main as we rally for no dictatorship in our country. We will have some signs, but if you have some bring those too. All are welcome.
Attend No Kings in the Morning and then head over to ASUMH for the Robert Arnold speaking event. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church is sponsoring this event on Saturday 10/18/25 at 2:00. Tickets are $5 and it will be held at the ASUMH McClure Center at the Sheid. Seating is limited to 250. Join us after the event at 5:00 for a book signing and appetizers at the Rabbithole Coffeehouse and Brew (407 S Main St Suite 9, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
If you would like to discuss something or add something to the agenda please contact Mary at meaoshields@gmail.com or Jennifer at jennifer@baxtercountydemocrats.com and we will work to add that. Remember we allow time for discussion at the end of the meeting for these items.
Chair Mary O’Shields adjourned the meeting at 12:00 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
November 1st: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
December 6th: TBA
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
October 16th: City Hall 5 p.m.
November 6th: City Hall 5 p.m.
November 20th: City Hall 5 p.m.
December 4th: City Hall 5 p.m.
December 18th: City Hall 5 p.m.
County Quorum Court Meetings: (1st Tuesday)
Meetings take place at Baxter County Courthouse- 1 East 7th Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653
November 4th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
December 2nd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Mountain Home School Board Meetings (3rd Thursday)
Meetings take place at Central Office-2465 Rodeo Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653
November 20th: Central Office 6 p.m
October 16th: Central Office 6 p.m
December 18th: Central Office 6 p.m
