May Minutes
May Minutes
Democratic Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Back Forty Restaurant
5/3/24
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Donnie led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to April minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Glenda Huffine made the motion. Patti Honeycutt 2nd and all were in favor. April minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Karen Breton
Karen reported that as of the end of April 2024 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $10467.95. 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: $570 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 provided the group with a list of economic blackout dates and previous ones.
Upcoming:
Walmart May 20-26
Target June 3-9
McDonalds June 24-30
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)
Speaker:
We were honored to have Grant Tenille, the Chair for the Arkansas Democrat Committee, speak to the group. Grant is energetic and passionate about Arkansas and progressive movement. It starts with THE PEOPLE. It is essential for us to identify candidates and support those candidates with time and money. The Democrat party in Arkansas is still being out spent in races against the republicans but that difference is lessening.He spoke about current issues, including medicaid cuts and the Franklin Co. jail. It’s important to keep contacting our legislators. Not only to tell them what we oppose, but contact the ones that are doing a good job. Non-voters are holding back Arkansas-we have to get registered voters to VOTE! Talk to your friends, family, neighbors. High schoolers continue to be the most growing population of young voters. It is crucial to get them registered and to get them to vote!
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Announcements:
Mike updated the group regarding the formation of a local scholarship in the amount of $500 to a local high school student. This year, since it is so close to graduation, the Mtn.Home Education Foundation will select a recipient for the committee. Next year we can look at modifying criteria and scholarship amount.
Mike also spoke to the group about a sponsorship at the library. The DPBC will be sponsoring the LEGO workshop/events at the library in the amount of $250.
130 pounds of food was donated to the food basket after the last rally! That makes a total of 297 years to date of food donated to local families. Keep up the good work!
Johnny Rickman spoked about upcoming ballot initiatives and lawsuits brought by the League of Women voters.
Mary briefly spoke about gauging interest for a rapid response team in the case of ICE deportations. More info to follow.
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 11:30 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
June 7th: 10:00 Back Forty (1400 Hwy 62 E Mtn.Home, AR 72653)
July 5th: Cancelled due to 4th of July weekend
August 2nd: 10:00 La Paloma (1014 Highland Cir, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
September 6th: 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
May 15th: City Hall 5 p.m.
June 5th: City Hall 5 p.m.
June 19th: City Hall 5 p.m.
July 3rd: 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
June 3rd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
July 1st: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
August 5th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
September 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
May 15th: Central Office 6 p.m.
June 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
July 17th: Central Office 6 p.m
August 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
