May Minutes
Democratic Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
Baxter County Library
5/2/26
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:15 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Shane led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to April minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Donnie Huffine made the motion. Gina Reyes 2nd and all were in favor. April minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Paulette Riley
As of the end of April 2026 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $13,501.09. Mary explained that we get funds from Contest Every Race ($200/month) which also goes towards electing Democrat candidates. Paulette reminded everyone that we work on donations only and we’re donating strongly to democratic candidates currently for their November races. Balance after current donations will be about $6000.
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary reported that the scholarship committee awarded three local scholarships of $500 each to two students at Mtn.Home and one at Cotter.
Mary introduced the committee chairs and asked for new members to raise their hands. There were at least 10 new visitors. Remember all are welcome.
Mary introduced the new chair, committee chairs and sponsor of the newly formed Young Democrats of Arkansas chapter.
Speaker: Fred Love
We were so pleased to hear from Mr.Fred Love, current Arkansas State Senator in District 15. He has been a legislator in the house and senate for the last 16 years and is the current Democratic candidate for Governor of Arkansas.
Fred started with a clear message of the need for community and working together and to be inservice to mankind. He has a BS in Political Science and a MS in Public Administration and started his service in politics in southwest Little Rock. Southwest Little Rock had immense public health needs and that was one of the first things he wanted to handle and work on, where it was important to start a new public health unit. He was also crucial in getting the first justice center in Arkansas to bring more domestic violence awareness to the state.
Economic development, Public health and Public Education are the bedrock to his platform. The last fiscal session chose to ignore childcare and its growing need. Funding for state preschool programs hasn't been increased in 20 years and there is a huge need for more funding and preschool spots so parents can work. Mental health services for young children also need to be addressed as well as literacy. Fred plans on making sure the state produces more literacy specialists and to invest in tutoring and after school programs.
Medicaid must be invested within the state as well. Hospitals are many communities' economic engine and if they close the community suffers. Twelve month postpartum care for mothers has to be passed. Arkansas is the only state in the union that does not have this basic need. Jobs have to be a living wage for employees. If companies are given incentives to come to Arkansas they must not just be a low-wage job, but pay a living wage.
Mr.Love talked about the recent fiscal session and frankly it didn’t invest in Arkansas. The special session cut taxes, that won’t help the vast majority of Arkansans. We don’t have a true surplus because we aren’t actually investing in Arkansas needs.
His final message was to keep pushing, donate if possible and stop being a closet democrat! Be loud, be proud. Talk to your neighbors, friends and family members.
Mary and the DPBC were pleased to donate $1000 to Fred’s campaign.
Announcements/Open Discussion:
Marketing manager Kirstin Johnson spoke to the group about the increase in followers to the Facebook page and ad targeting to increase followership. Social media use and views are increasing rapidly. Kirstin also talked about the need for volunteers, especially with upcoming elections. See Kirstin if interested.
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 11:20 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
June 6th: 10:00 Back Forty (1400 Hwy 62 E, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
July 4th: No meeting
August 1st: 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 21st: City Hall 5 p.m.
June 4th: City Hall 5 p.m.
June 18th: City Hall 5 p.m.
July 2nd: City Hall 5 p.m.
July 16th: 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 2nd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
July 7th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
August 4th: 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 18th: Central Office 6 p.m
July 16th: Central Office 6 p.m
August 20th: Central Office 6 p.m
