Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party

Tuesday, December 10, 2002

BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, December 10, 2002 at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:10 p.m. EST.

The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Treasurer gave the invocation.

The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:

Present:

• Dan Charles of Colorado, Chairman
• Gene Lovell of Georgia, Vice-chairman
• John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary
• Maureen McHugh of Illinois, Treasurer
• James D. Jones of Tennessee, Party Building Chairman
• Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman
• Michael O'Brian of Michigan, Platform Committee Chairman
• Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Finance Committee Chairman

Absent:

• James Edwards of Tennessee, Candidates Committee Chairman
• Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman

Mr. Jones moved the adoption of the Agenda. His motion was seconded by Mr. Lovell and adopted by unanimous vote.

The Chairman reported some new media contacts. The newsletter fundraising mailing responses continue to pour in.

The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the December 3 meeting of the Operating Committee. The Secretary moved the approval of the minutes. His motion was seconded by Mr. O'Brian and adopted by unanimous vote.

The Secretary reported that he was collecting addresses for a second, small mailing of the newsletter to people who have contacted the party since November 18. In addition, many packets of bumper stickers and bulk newsletters have been mailed.

The Treasurer reported progress in preparing the FEC software and database for submission of future reports.

A discussion was held regarding the most efficient method of routing the party's mail to the Secretary and the Treasurer. The Secretary reported plans to track details of donor history, and stated that this information could be made available to the party building representatives.

A discussion was held regarding the misuse of the party reflectors. The importance of limiting traffic on the Leaders reflector to actual party business was stressed. The Chairman informed the members that Mr. Doyle would step up enforcement of the reflector rules to make sure they are used as intended.

The need for an easily-reproduced pamphlet was discussed. The Secretary stated that he would prepare a PDF file for such a pamphlet.

Mr. Jones gave a brief party building committee update. Additional states are coming on-line in the next several days.

A short discussion was held regarding the status of the Finance Committee's research into fundraising ideas. Mr. Hill reported several ideas for premium gifts that could be given to donors.

There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Lovell, seconded by Mr. Hill, and adopted by unanimous vote, the Chairman declared the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee