July 7, 2020 minutes

Cheatham County Democratic Party
Regular Monthly Meeting
July 7, 2020 Online
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance: Chair L. Newcomb called the meeting to order at 6:08 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, Aric Storck, Kathryn Mitchem, Rick Johnson, Michael Lottman, Elena Roser

Absent and Excused: Jane Crisp (VP), Nicole DeBaun-Phillips, Gerald Dooley.
Absent: Randy Fiedler, Tony Gross. 

Guests: Rep. Jim Cooper, Keeda Haynes (candidate for U.S. House 5th District), Robin Kimbrough (Candidate for U.S. Senate), Ron Day, Joanne Jaworski, Linda McGee, others who listened online.
Rep. Jim Cooper, Keeda Haynes, and Robin Kimbrough were each introduced in turn by Chair L.
Newcomb, followed by remarks by each candidate.

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer R. Marriott reported the current balance of $2,371.10, with no outstanding obligations.

Old Business/ Advocacy Committee: June 14 Rally for Black Lives Matter: K.Stell reported that there were thumbs up and 50 people viewing the website 2 days before the event. Since there was a remark about burning down the courthouse on social media, the police were there, and they did a great job maintaining two peaceful protests. L. Newcomb said support included about 60 people, only 7 of whom she knew that were not from Cheatham County. Channel 17 did an interview with Karen and livestreamed the event. Facebook has been increasing.

Committee Reports:

Advocacy Committee: M. Wettemann suggested we connect with the Equity Alliance in Nashville; the local leader is a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She forwarded an action item from the Tennessee Justice Center re getting Tennessee out of the lawsuit against the ACA. E. Roser suggested friending Cheatham County Mayor McCarver and advocating for required masks in Cheatham County. M. Lottman has an article for Medicaid expansion he is working to get published in local papers.

Election Committee: E. Roser reported on current activities in support of John Patrick for School Board in District 2. Voters in the May primary have been contacted by phone and mail about absentee ballots. Mailings were sent to about 90 voters. Contacts will continue by phone and mailings through Election Day. M. Lottman requested help with poll watching during early voting starting July 17 (and also election day). According to the Election Commission if you registered but have not yet voted, you can provide ID to the Election Commission before election day and still vote absentee. John Patrick thanked all for their assistance.

Events Committee: R. Marriott planned to call a meeting. Chair Newcomb was encouraging an online meeting of 5th District candidates. Holly Spann has begun her campaign. An Ashland City event is tentatively planned for October 10. 2020. 

New Business: Chair Newcomb reported M. Lottman was elected Middle Tennessee representative on the Rural Caucus. 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 as follows:
Yard signs 50 for $250; 4 x 8 signs $65; 50 bumper stickers $75; 50 buttons $150. Motion by M. Wettemann/E. Roser to spend $500 on Biden election merchandise and the Election Committee decide how to spend the money. After discussion, M. Wettemann called the question. The motion carried. A vote on the original motion then carried.

The next meeting will be online at 6 p.m. on August 4, 2020.
A motion to adjourn was made by M. Lottman/R. Marriott. The motion was carried. The meeting
adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

Submitted by Martha Wettemann, Secretary.