Butler County Progressive PAC
Miami University College Democrats
Annual Election and Candidates Night
7 pm, Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Minutes
Don Daiker, President, called the meeting to order at approximately 7.10 pm in the Community Room of the LCNB Bank Building, Oxford. There were approximately sixty in attendance, including five members of the Executive Board of the Butler County Progressive PAC (Don Daiker, Bill Gracie, Rick Bailey, Clyde Brown, and Eric Carman.)
1: Don Daiker welcomed everyone to the first joint meeting of the Butler County Progressive PAC and the Miami University College Democrats. He introduced Aaron Bly, President of the College Democrats, who, following brief remarks, introduced Kelly DiTurno, Treasurer of the College Democrats. Kelly commemorated Brendan Burke, Communications Director of the College Democrats, who died last Friday as a result of an automobile accident in Indiana. Kelly then asked us to observe a moment of silence in Brendan’s memory. Don Daiker asked all College Democrats to introduce themselves. After those introductions, all members of the audience introduced themselves.
2: Treasurer’s Report. Rick Bailey, Treasurer, reported that the PAC’s total assets on 10 February 2010 were $5,155.49. He then proposed that Article VI of the PAC’s by-laws be amended by adding two new sentences to Article IV, Section B: “The Executive Board may expend up to $250.00 per instance and up to $500.00 in any quarter without the approval of the general membership. The Executive Board may not expend any monies on issues or candidates not previously endorsed by the general membership.” The proposal was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.
3: Report on the Inaugural Re-Celebration Gala. Bill Gracie, Vice President, reported that approximately 90 attended the Gala at the White Garden Inn, Oxford, on 20 January 2010. The gala included remarks from special guests Judge Mary Ann Trapp, candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court, and Kevin Boyce, Treasurer of the State of Ohio. He singled out for their help in planning a highly successful evening, Marilyn Elzey, Valerie Hart, and White Garden Inn owners Linda and John Alexander. A breakdown of expenses follows:
Paying guests: 66
Total receipts (tickets, donations, silent auction): $3,328.00
Costs (labels, beverages, White Garden Inn): $1,353.08
Net proceeds: $1,449.11
4: Report on the Southwest Ohio Candidate and Activist School. Clyde Brown, Executive Board Member, reported that the Candidate and Activist School on 30 January 2010 at Miami University-Hamilton organized by Change Butler PAC and co-sponsored by Butler County Progressive PAC was a success. About 75 people registered for the one-day event and participated in one of two tracks, each with five sessions, conducted by prominent trainers active in local, regional, and state progressive politics. He recognized Jocelyn Bucaro, Kathy Wyenandt, Kathryn Bridgman, Donna Nicol, and Valerie Hart for their efforts on behalf of the Candidate and Activist School.
5: Annual Election. The following members of Butler County Progressive PAC were elected to the Executive Board for 2010:
Don Daiker, President
Bill Gracie, Vice President
Mary Melvin, Secretary
Rick Bailey, Treasurer
Clyde Brown, Board Member
Eric Carman, Board Member
Pete Carels, Board Member
Marilyn Elzey, Board Member
Jessica Gephart, Board Member
6: Candidates Night. Brian Harrison, Chair, BCP-PAC Committee on Political Information and Outreach introduced the following candidates, all of whom spoke briefly:
Butch Hubble, Candidate, Butler County Commissioner
Michelle Wilson, Candidate, Butler County Auditor
J.C. Shew, Candidate, Ohio House, 53rd District
Bruce Carter, Candidate, Ohio House, 54th District
Tim Wurst, Candidate, Democratic State Central Committee (male) introduced Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune who spoke on behalf of Ohio Lt. Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Lee Fisher (the Brunner campaign was invited to send a representative to tonight’s meeting but declined.)
Don Daiker introduced Justin Coussoule, Candidate, U.S. Congress, Ohio 8th District who addressed the audience for about ten minutes.
7: Announcements. Several speakers and candidates announced fund-raisers and formal opening events for their campaigns (Coussoule event in Middletown on 15 February; fund-raiser for Bruce Carter at River Bank Café on 16 February; Butch Hubble reception and fund-raiser at Berkeley Square on 28 February; Ohio Democratic Party fund raiser at River Bank Café on 15 March.)
8: Adjournment at 8.50 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Gracie, Vice President, BCP-PAC