August 4, 2020 minutes
Cheatham County Democratic Party
Regular Monthly Meeting
August 4, 2020 Online
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance: Chair L. Newcomb called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. , followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Present: Lynn Newcomb (P), John Patrick (VP), Martha Wettemann (S), Roger Marriott (T), Karen Stell, James Brooks, Margaret Brooks, Kathryn Mitchem, Randy Fiedler, Rick Johnson, Gerald Dooley, Michael Lottman, Elena Roser
Absent and Excused: Jane Crisp (VP), Nicole DeBaun-Phillips, Aric Storck
Absent: Tony Gross.
Guests: Linda McGee, Christie Grotheim, Beth Cavagnolo, Brian Hallgren, Brandi Ghergia, and others who listened online.
Minutes and Meeting Agenda: After receiving no comments, Chair Newcomb said that the minutes and agenda were approved by acclamation.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer R. Marriott reported the current balance of $2,658.58, with no outstanding obligations. Donations can be made through our website cheathamcountydemocrats.org Act Blue or sent to CCDP at PO Box 414, Ashland City, TN 37015.
Advocacy Committee: M. Lottman got articles in two papers about Medicaid expansion, and is now working on an article on mask wearing. M. Wettemann advocates writing a letter to the Governor in opposition to the items to be considered in the special session- immunity for businesses and other agencies regarding COVID-19 and criminal penalties for protesters. She has provided a sample letter. There are concerns about the constitutionality of these measures.
Election Committee: E. Roser reported on current activities in support of John Patrick for School Board in District 2, including the 3 waves of calling and mailing of 700 postcards just before election day. J. Patrick thanked everyone who assisted in all these efforts. E. Roser described her concerns about voting by mail since her certified mail took 14 days to reach Nashville from Ashland City, and the fact that clerks in the post office described mandated reduced hours and leaving first class mail “on the floor.” Concerns were discussed about the new Postmaster General interfering with mail delivery.
Chair L Newcomb stated that Cheatham County early voting will have extended hours 9 to 7 on Tuesday and Thursday. E. Roser is scheduling an Elections Committee meeting next Monday.
Holly Spann is campaigning on Facebook and with appearances.
- Patrick reported that early and absentee voting in the primary had 2,300 more votes than in 2016. If as expected there will be more than 5,000 votes through election day, that could mean an increase of about 30%. He asked for assistance at his tent at East Cheatham Elementary between 10 to 2 p.m.
Events Committee: R. Marriott said September 1 is the deadline to apply for a booth for the tentatively planned October 1 event in Ashland City. After discussion, R. Marriott/ J. Patrick moved that we submit an application for a booth. The motion carried with one abstention.
Old Business: Chair Newcomb reported the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association (TDCCA) will have Biden merchandise in early August to purchase and later in August with the vice presidential nominee. Prices are lower as follows: Yard signs $3. each with stake; 4 x 8 signs $35; 50 bumper stickers $70; buttons @2 each. Hats: $10. She will send an email for people to order the 4 x 8 signs, and will probably order the merchandise next week.
She talked about how Jane Crisp is doing and a memorial donation to be made to the ARC in honor of Doug O’Rear. Cards to Jane would be appreciated.
The next meeting will be online at 6 p.m. on September 1, 2020.
A motion to adjourn was made by K. Mitchem/R. Marriott. The motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Submitted by Martha Wettemann, Secretary.