April Minutes
April Minutes
Democrat Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
LaPaloma Restaurant
4/5/24
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mary led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to March minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Shane Tilley made the motion. Joanne Baeten 2nd and all were in favor. March minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Karen Breton
Karen reported that as of the end of March 2024 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $9979.30. Karen expressed her thankfulness to those who are able to give. With this support we’re able to support candidates, advertise candidates, buy stamps etc.
Update: $280 was collected in donations at the meeting
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary began the meeting by introducing officers and new members to our meeting.
Mary discussed the modification and creation of new committees to help further our county committee. Committees include:
-History/Education Committee-documents achievements of local democrats and of the DPBC
-Events and Special Projects Committee-responsible for organizing events and identifying and ensuring participation at community events and presenting events to the committee.
-Legislative Committee-reviews and tracks state/national legislation
-Local Beat Committee-attends local city, county and school meetings
-Publicity/Public Relations Committee-responsible for brochures, leaflets, photographs, press releases and identification of information to be included on social media and webpage.
-Nomination Committee-identifies and recruits candidates to run for executive committee
-Election Committee-work with vice-chair and determine appropriate campaign donations for local/state candidates.
Mary informed the group of the Contest Every Race grant. Contest Every Race was founded in 2018 with a single goal in mind- to help rural Democrats find candidates for elections that were otherwise going uncontested. What began with one race quickly grew into a nationwide initiative, recruiting over 11,000 candidates and building a community of over 200,000 local leaders. They believe that no election should go unchallenged and that regular people with shared values can step up to make a difference. Their mission is to strengthen democracy by empowering individuals to run for office, especially in communities where republicans and the radical right have taken control unopposed. By building a bench of future leaders, they are creating opportunities for everyday Democrats to rise and lead at every level of government.
Mary discussed the idea of creating a local DBBC scholarship to a local graduate.
Mary went over the results of the survey that committee members had the opportunity to fill out. There were 55 participants. 42 of 55 preferred to continue a morning/weekend meeting. 51 prefer local updates, 52 state updates, and 32 national updates. 38 agree that sponsoring local events would be good for the committee. Look for a full survey on the website.
Business:
A motion was made by Glenda Huffine to approve the DPBC bylaws and 2nd by Gina Wilson. All were in favor and new bylaws were adopted. You can read them on the website- posted here- DPBC Bylaws
Announcements:
DPBC shirts are now for sale. T-shirts and polos. They are $20. See Karen Breton or Mary O’Shields for more information.
Mary, Johnny, Glenda and Donnie attended the State DPA meeting Saturday April 12.
Bob Bodenhamer updated the committee regarding primary dates. In the future primaries will take place in March (including school board elections next year). Filling dates will likely be due in December. We will update the group as we know more information.
Deborah Knox updated the group regarding the library board bill (later noted-this bill died, but the radical right supermajority pushed a bill that would remove all members of the board and allow the governor to choose new members)
Elizabeth Vanderstek updated the group regarding the bill that would end moratoriums on allowing pig farms on Arkansas waters, including the Buffalo. (later noted-This bill was amended to excluded the Buffalo from the language of the bill)
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. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the food basket, if you’re able.
Chair Mary O’Shields adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
May 3rd: Back Forty (1400 Hwy 62 E Mtn.Home, AR 72653)
June 7th: Back Forty (1400 Hwy 62 E Mtn.Home, AR 72653)
July 5th: Cancelled due to 4th of July weekend
August 2nd: La Paloma (1014 Highland Cir, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
April 17th: City Hall 5 p.m.
May 1st: City Hall 5 p.m.
May 15th: City Hall 5 p.m.
June 5th: 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
May 6th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
June 3rd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
July 1st: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
August 5th: 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
April 17th: Central Office 6 p.m.
May 15th: Central Office 6 p.m.
June 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
July 17th: Central Office 6 p.m
