June Minutes
Democratic Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Back Forty Restaurant
6/4/26
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Guest and DPA Chair Marcus Jones led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to May minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Mike Breton made the motion. Ann Glueck 2nd and all were in favor. May minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Mary O’Shields
As of the end of May 2026 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $5520.42. Remember to donate as we continue to support democratic candidates on the ballot for 2026 and in the future.
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary introduced the committee chairs and asked for new members to raise their hands. There were at least 5 new visitors. Remember all are welcome.
Mary thanked Mike and Karen Breton for their support over the last few years with strengthening the local county party. They are moving to California to live near their daughter and family and will be so missed!
Mary and Carrie Huddleston spoke regarding the proposed Democratic Platform for 2026-28. (it was also posted on the website for review) DPA Chair Marcus Jones also added that it is in the discussion period and will be voted on at the next DPA meeting.
Speaker: Marcus Jones
We welcomed Marcus Jones, DPA chair, as our special guest speaker for the month of June. He was elected chair in August of 2025 and retired from the Army after 33 years of service. He listed finances, fundraising and stewardship as main key points that need to be targeted within the DPA as well as messaging and communication. It’s important that the state party looks ahead five years to assess what will be important and to have a strategic analysis that fits that. There is a national brand issue that needs to be addressed.
He thinks it's important to show people who you are and to make it an everyday thing to be a democrat and the changes we want in the state have to come from us.
Marcus spoke about upcoming races in the AR legislature. Currently there are 20 Democratic members in the AR Legislature and six more are needed to break the supermajority. There are currently six contested races where the office is currently held by a democrat and there is a republican running against them. There are several winnable races for democrats in the state and their focus is getting them over that winner’s line.
Announcements/Open Discussion:
Marketing manager Kirstin Johnson updated the group regarding the 2026 communication plan and the digital impact. There has been a 307% growth on facebook following and interaction with 46000 views in the last 30 days. The website has had 1500 views, up 62% in the last 30 days. Email sign up continues to grow, and the committee is looking at a new platform to better send out messages and to reach more email followers. She is also working on growing instagram and there will be a website update as well.
If you would like to volunteer please reach out to Kirstin!
Mary reminded the group that we have Democratic Party of Baxter County t-shirts available for $20.
Remember two current petitions available for signatures at the Farmers Market each Wednesday and Saturday. If you would like to volunteer, contact Glenda Huffine.
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 11:32 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
July 4th: No meeting
August 1st: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
September 5th: Labor Day Weekend-Look for updates about meeting date and time change
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
July 16th: City Hall 5 p.m.
August 6th: City Hall 5 p.m.
August 20th: 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
August 4th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
September 1st: 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
August 20th: Central Office 6 p.m
September 17th: Central Office 6 p.m
