Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hey delivered the invocation.
The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:
Present:
- Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Vice-chairman
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary/Treasurer
- Tom White of Massachusetts, Party Building Committee Chairman
- Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Larry Carroll of Colorado, Platform Committee Chairman
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman.
The Chairman recommended the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mrs. Winters moved its adoption, Mr. White seconded the motion, and the Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. He has made contact with various issue groups and scheduled meetings to take place during his trip to Washington, D.C. in early March. In addition, he has been working to re-activate a former state party. He has re-established contact with his counterparts in other constitutionalist third parties.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the February 19, 2004 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published and corrected. His motion was seconded by Mrs. Winters and adopted by unanimous consent.
The Secretary reported receipt of the January newsletter. He has mailed out 1500 newsletters, and is working on the remaining 2500 pieces to be mailed Thursday. The 490 packets will be prepared and mailed as soon as the final signature for the letter is obtained.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is around $2,000, the invoice for the newsletter printing having been recently paid. The bank account in Greenwood has been opened, and a new Form 1 has been filed with the FEC. After brief discussion, the consensus was that the party would switch over to electronic filing of its FEC reports.
Mr. Charles reported that the Rules Committee will meet this Thursday, and will interview Mr. Spitzig for a recommendation on his petition for membership to the National Committee.
Mr. Golmon reported progress on researching ballot access laws. He will work with the Party Building Committee to assist in those efforts until more candidates come to the fore.
Mr. White reported expanding efforts into North Dakota. Since the last meeting, he has been working with contacts in Florida, Texas, California, and the District of Columbia.
A discussion was held regarding attracting and involving more party members in the party building activities.
Mrs. Winters reported that the Public Relations Committee is almost finished preparing the 2004 generic newsletter. In addition to several press releases currently being prepared, the committee has approved the final text of the membership drive letter that will go out in the next few days.
A general discussion ensued regarding various public relations and party building issues.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Hey, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
