March Minutes
Democratic Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Foodbank of Northcentral Arkansas
3/7/26
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Shane led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to February minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Johnny Rickman made the motion. Laurie Stockton 2nd and all were in favor. February minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Paulette Riley
As of the end of February 2026 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $12,248. Mary explained that we get funds from Contest Every Race ($200/month) which also goes towards electing Democrat candidates.
Update: $715 collected at the meeting.
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary began the meeting by introducing officers and new members to our meeting. Mary greeted the first time attendees. In attendance was Steve Parsons, a libertarian running for US House of Representative District 1.
Mary read the mission statement—
The mission of the Democratic Party of Baxter County is to promote Democratic values through community engagement, ethical leadership, and effective advocacy. We are committed to supporting families, strengthening our communities, protecting individual freedoms, and ensuring equality, safety, and opportunity for all. Through education, outreach, and organized action, we work to elect Democrats locally and statewide who reflect these values and serve the people with integrity and respect.
Mary remarked that we welcome everyone to meetings and asked that they join our group to help achieve the goals in the Statement. Mary then introduced Kirstin Johnson as our new communications chair. Kirstin spoke about her background and that she works in marketing. She will be working to help spread awareness on our group, especially on social networks, and elect Democrats.
Mary stated that we’ll be sending delegates to the State Convention in June. We will be electing delegates at next month's meeting.
Mary presented Dr. Green with a donation check for $500 and stated that she’s impressed with Dr. Green’s critical thinking and integrity.
Speaker: Dr.Terri Green
Mary started off by introducing Cindy Young from Marion Co. Cindy introduced the candidate that she met and is excited about. Cindi will be volunteering for Dr.Green as a Volunteer Coordinator. She introduced Dr. Terri Green, who is running for the 1st Congressional district.
Dr. Green began by saying she was nervous and did not consider herself as a career politician. She is retired from the medical field and felt driven and inspired to get involved. She considers her stand-out quality that she is like you. She saw no one was challenging the position [which Rick Crawford currently holds]. Dr. Green felt if no one else would it had to be her. She wants to speak for farmers and teachers, law enforcement and workers. She was raised by parents who believe in public service, for people not in power. Dr. Green stated that she’s doing what you’re doing all day – showing up. She spoke on how people are struggling and those in power are benefitting – thriving – off of it. Dr. Green will especially focus on three things. Accountability – no one is above the law, including corporations. Honest democracy and respect – we all care about the same things, such as our family and our futures. Every Arkansan will know their vote counts. Opportunity – an economy that works for the people who are in it, ensuring that small businesses can compete and grow. I will show up – town halls – I will listen, especially if we disagree. The seat belongs to the people, not the party. Dr. Green stated that she believes that democracy is worth saving and worth strengthening.
Dr. Green introduced her campaign manager, Laura Moorman. Laura introduced herself and expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Green. Laura has been a political consultant for 20 years. Dr. Green and her team do not want AIPAC or other PAC donations. Laura requested that people please consider making a monthly, ongoing donation. And/or please consider hosting an event to introduce Dr. Green to the community. If you would like to volunteer or help in any way – even just spreading the word online – please do so. They have a feeling that this election cycle will be different. She stated that handouts are also available. Cindy stated that as little as $10/mo (reoccurring donation) can make a big difference to a candidate. Laura said they’re hoping to receive donations via Good Change, an Arkansas based platform that does not take a high portion of the donation (unlike Act Blue).
Dr. Green’s campaign said that their website is TerriGreenforArkansas.com.
Dr. Green and her campaign will have signs and stickers available. Her campaign launch will be March 21st in Jonesboro and West Memphis.
Leo, who is with Dr. Terri Green, spoke about some of Dr. Green’s opponent Rick Crawford’s qualities. Rick Crawford has been a longtime supporter of GOP issues. Leo reminded the attendees of Rick’s belief that he’s “constitutionally underpaid” and has attempted to pass a significant raise for himself.
Steve Parsons, the Libertarian candidate also running against Rick Crawford, spoke about Rick, adding that Rick also wanted back pay for that proposed raise. He reminded attendees that 98% of Rick’s campaign is financed from political PACS. If elected, Steve Parsons stated that he would donate his salary to education around the state.
Announcements/Open Discussion:
Micah Johnson gave a scholarship committee update after introducing himself and explaining why he got involved with the group. The Future Leadership scholarship will be two $500 awards to local high school seniors. It was originally one award but we recently got a matching donation for a second award. The committee was formed to review and select recipients. It will consider their civic background, involvement in public service or pre-law. The deadline is April 1st and may be extended if we need additional applicants. There is an online form to apply. Micah is contacting the school for addition to their scholarship list. The email for the committee is baxtercountydemcommittee@gmail.com. The floor was opened up for questions regarding the scholarship. It was asked if we would be prioritizing lower income, higher needs students, such as the first in family to go to college. Micah confirmed that if we get enough applicants that yes, we would be.
Mary showed the attendees the shirts we have available for sale and said there was an order form for them.
Mary announced that there would be a No Kings Rally on March 28th on the Baxter County Square. She reminded people who attended to please not park in business’ parking spots. Instead park off the Square; someone should be on site to direct parking traffic. The protest should last around 90 minutes.
Glenda Huffine spoke about the two current petitions available for signatures. One is for continued ballot access via constitutional amendments. The other for an education bill in response to the LEARNS Act. There will be a booth at this season’s Farmer’s Market, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting on April 4th. Volunteers please arrive at 8am to help. We will be having other booths around the county – not just in Mountain Home.
Bob Bodenhamer thanked election workers that volunteered in the most recent election. Bob especially thanked Mary for her trip to Big Flat. He stated that they complimented Mary’s paperwork skills. Mary stated that it was a long day but she was glad to do it.
Another attendee spoke up and said there is a group, Like-Minded Women, that meets at the Midway meeting center.
Johnny Rickman stated that some voter turnout in Arkansas is as low as 18%. He said we have a lot of work ahead of us and many non-voters are independents. People are out there and are fed up. Trump voters are fed up also – so please speak to everyone!
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 11:10 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
April 4th: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
May 2nd: 10:15 Baxter County Library (300 Library Hill Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
June 6th: TBD
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
April 2nd: City Hall 5 p.m.
April 16th: City Hall 5 p.m.
May 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
April 7th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
May 5th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
June 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
April 16th: Central Office 6 p.m
May 21st: Central Office 6 p.m
June 18th: Central Office 6 p.m
