Minutes of the Operating Committee of the America First Party
Monday, July 24, 2006
BE IT REMEMBERED that the Operating Committee of the America First Party met on Monday, July 24, 2006 at 9:00 p.m. East Coast Time, pursuant to the previous resolution of the Operating Committee.
The Chairman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Spitzig delivered the invocation.
The Secretary called the roll of Operating Committee members:
Present:
- Jon Hill of Massachusetts, Chairman
- John Hey of Mississippi, National Secretary and Treasurer
- Joe Spitzig of Ohio, Platform Committee Chairman
- Peter Browning of Florida, Party Building Committee
- Mike Eller of Michigan, Finance Committee Chairman
- Mike Fleharty of Ohio, Ballot Access Committee Chairman
- JC Schweingrouber of Ohio, Public Relations Committee Chairman
Absent:
- Martin McClellan of Florida, Vice-chairman
- Tom White of Massachusetts, Candidates Committee Chairman
A quorum being present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 9:10 p.m.
Mr. Schweingrouber moved the adoption of the standard Agenda. Mr. Eller seconded the motion. The Agenda was adopted by unanimous vote.
The Chairman delivered his report. The various standing committees appear to be working hard and making substantial progress. He reported on actions taken by the State Committee in Massachusetts relative to fund raising and party building needs.
The Chairman reported he was interviewed on Boston radio talk show about the stem cell legislation and presidential veto.
A discussion was held regarding various press release topics and recent developments in the third party arena.
The Secretary reminded the members that he had previously circulated draft minutes for the July 10, 2006 meeting of the Operating Committee. Mr. Hey moved the adoption of the minutes as published. His motion was seconded by Mr. Fleharty, and adopted by unanimous vote.
A discussion was had regarding payment of the web site and telephone services.
The Treasurer reported that the party's bank balance is $1274.20. There are no outstanding invoices due at this time.
The Treasurer gave a report on the follow-up of the fund raising discussion at last week's National Committee meeting.
Mr. Fleharty reported that the Ballot Access Committee continues work gathering information on state filing requirements. The Committee will be meeting next in early August.
Mr. Eller reported on his presentation at last week's National Committee meeting. The Finance Committee is working on a form letter soliciting participation by state party leaders and members in regular financial support for the party.
Mr. Browning delivered a Party Building Committee report. The committee has held three meetings recently, including a meeting to discuss technical aspects of party building and the proper use of the web resources of the party by committee members. The committee met with party members from Arizona to discuss establishing a state organizing committee. The Party Building Committee met later to confirm a second organizer for Arizona. The Party Building Committee will be meeting later this week with members from other states to coordinate organizing efforts.
Mr. Spitzig reported that the Platform Committee is on hiatus at this time.
Mr. Schweingrouber delivered the Public Relations Committee report. The Committee will be meeting later this week to finalize the Summer newsletter.
Mr. Hey reported that the Rules Committee does not have any issues outstanding at this time.
A discussion was held regarding the forced medication of a teenager in Virginia against his parents' will, and the possibility of issuing a press release on the subject, tying it to the new Health Care plank adopted at the Cincinnati convention.
There being no further business, upon motion made by Mr. Spitzig, seconded by Mr. Eller, and adopted by unanimous consent, the meeting was adjourned at 10:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________
John Pittman Hey
National Secretary
America First National Committee
