June Minutes
Democrat Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Back Forty Restaurant
6/7/24
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Donnie led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to May minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Michael Baeten made the motion. Mike Breton 2nd and all were in favor. May minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Karen Breton
Karen reported that as of the end of May 2024 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $9437.88. 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: $620 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. We are so happy to see more new visitors each month!
Mary updated the group about the Contest Every Race Grant. The board has begun to complete some of the tasks and has already received $200. As more goals are achieved, the DPBC will receive more funds.
Mary spoke about the upcoming need for candidates for local office. There will be several openings-city council (8), quorum court (11), state senators (2), house of representatives (1). Please be thinking of potential candidates, as the filing date will be here quickly (November).
Mary O’Shields reminded the group-to not let up calling legislators. She said to call regarding women’s healthcare cuts and mention the “CMS ruling”
Announcements:
Mike updated the group regarding recent donations. The DPBC donated to Serenity House, Library (Lego Club), scholarships for 2 High School seniors (two $500 scholarships). Billboard space was donated by in-kind donation by Tim Fitzmaurice and another generous member donated to make copies of meetings and buy cardboard for protest signs.
Glenda Huffine stated we’re #1 with the Heritage Foundation on election integrity which means we’re #1 in voter suppression. The legislative committee exists to fight/push back against bad legislation. Glenda urged members to volunteer and join a committee and review the different committees that exist.
Mike Breton said the history committee will meet again in August. A new article about an influential Democrat in the area will be on the website soon.
Mary has made a BlueSky account for our group: @baxterdemocrats.bluesky.social
Ozark Unity Group has fundraising cards available for the Pride event.
The Ozark Forward group will be sponsoring a speech from Jess Piper on July 9th from 1-3 at the library. She is a progressive voice of reason from Missouri and is a wonderful speaker. This event is being sponsored by Ozark Forward. If you would like to go, contact Sandie Cloud @ sandiecloud@yahoo.com for tickets.
The Bodemhamer dinner to honor the family will be September 15th (a Monday) at Leo’s Italian Restaurant. More information to follow.
Heather Graham stated that Move-On contacted her to help coordinate a connection to the nationwide No Kings rally. She connected them with Ozark Forward (who has been organizing local protests). On June 14 at 10am-2:30 pm there will be a peaceful protest on the Square. Heather stressed that we will not engage with counter-protesters who we are aware will be there. She also reminded protesters – don’t park on the Square itself. There is a postcard available with details about the protest. She requested that people engage on social media to promote the protest. If sharing, include the hashtag #NOKINGS and to tag national and local media. There will also be a car caravan for those who can’t attend the rally itself. We will also have Voter registrations at the upcoming 50501 rally, we will be roaming/walking around instead of having a table. Potential voters who don’t live in Baxter Co can take forms with them to complete and turn in to appropriate office, if needed.
Donnie Huffine said he went to a DPA fundraiser and Dean McDonald said they are interested in starting a Young Democrats of Arkansas group here in Mtn.Home.
Joann Baeten gave updates on the Mtn. Home School Board meeting. They discussed MHHS renovation plans, that are still being reviewed. Four potential plans exist with more being brought in. These are to address safety issues at the school and possibly moving 9th grade to the high school building in the future. She will continue to attend meetings and report on the building plans. It seems to be going in the right direction.
Johnny Rickman stated that the Arkansas League of Women Voters filed a lawsuit to block ballot initiatives.
Cynthia Peterson donated to the hiking trail in the groups name (through the library)
T-Shirts are in! Make sure and get your if you haven’t yet!
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 11:00 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
July 5th: Cancelled due to 4th of July weekend
August 2nd: 10:00 TBA
September 6th: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
October 4th: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
June 19th: City Hall 5 p.m.
July 3rd: City Hall 5 p.m.
July 17th: City Hall 5 p.m.
August 7th: 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
July 1st: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
August 5th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
September 2nd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
October 7th: 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
June 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
July 17th: Central Office 6 p.m
August 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
September 18th: Central Office 6 p.m
