Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight 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
- John Pittman Hey of Mississippi, Secretary/Treasurer
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Vice-chairman
- Tom White of Massachusetts, Party Building Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Trey Golmon of Mississippi, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
- Larry Carroll of Colorado, Platform Committee Chairman
Romelle Winters of New Hampshire, Public Relations Committee Chairman, joined the meeting after the roll had been taken.
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:18 p.m.
Mr. Hill moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mr. White seconded the motion. The Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. He traveled to New York to represent the party at the awards dinner for Lou Dobbs. He reported a good conversation with Mr. Dobbs, who was already familiar with the Chairman from his review of the Party's web site. Mr. Dobbs, a life-long Republican, stated that his party has walked away from principles it is supposed to embrace.
The Chairman has been working on several messages to party leaders regarding party strategy and nomination issues. He discussed briefly his thoughts on the idea of endorsing a candidate for President.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes of the September 14, 2004 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published. His motion was seconded by Mr. White, and adopted by unanimous vote.
The Secretary reported that he received the following Presidential candidate nominating petitions before the September 15 deadline:
For Michael Peroutka - Hey, Charles, Hackl, Chorpenning, Maurer, Hill, McHugh, Cross, Arft, Roberts, and Thomas
For Michael Badnarik - Charles
For David Cobb - Charles
For Ralph Nader - Charles
Because the minimum required number of petitions under our Rules is five, the only candidate receiving sufficient petitions for consideration is Mr. Peroutka.
The Secretary moved that the Operating Committee receive the nomination petition report and forward the name of Michael Peroutka to the National Committee for its consideration for nomination for President of the United States of America. Mr. White seconded the motion, and it was adopted by unanimous vote.
The bumper stickers are due to be shipped Thursday from Alabama. The newsletter inserts are in production, and the Secretary is reviewing the printer's proof.
The Secretary reported that he has prepared almost all of the FAFP packets that are due to be shipped to party donors. As soon as the bumper stickers come in, the remaining packets will be mailed out.
A short discussion was held regarding the printing of additional stationery.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $3488.32. There are no outstanding invoices due at this time. The next quarter's FEC report will be coming due on October 15.
Mr. Hill reported that the Finance Committee is considering a funding request for stationery and is reviewing the long-range fundraising proposal. The Secretary will be forwarding a cost breakdown on literature items for use by the Finance Committee in setting donation levels for bulk requests for literature.
Mr. White reported that he has been returning calls to people who have sent paper contact forms to the party.
Mrs. Winters reported that the Public Relations Committee will meet again Thursday evening to finalize the Newsletter.
Mr. Charles reported that the Rules Committee will continue its meeting tomorrow evening to work through the model rules for Organizing Committees and to discuss the procedure for conversion of an Organizing Committee to an affiliated state party.
A general discussion was had regarding the appropriate time to call another meeting of the National Committee, particularly to handle any possible endorsement for President. October 5 and October 12 are the two dates under consideration, but the Chairman has been informed that Mr. Peroutka will not be available to attend on October 5th.
A detailed discussion was held regarding endorsement of a candidate for President.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mrs. Winters, seconded by Mr. Hey, and adopted by unanimous vote, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
