May 5, 2020 minutes

Cheatham County Democratic Party

Regular Monthly Meeting

May 5, 2020

Online

MINUTES

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance: Chair L. Newcomb called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendance: A quorum was present.

Present: Lynn Newcomb (P), John Patrick (VP), Jane Crisp (VP), Martha Wettemann (S), Roger Marriott (T), Karen Stell, Rebecca Brooks, Jim Brooks, Nicole DeBaun-Phillips, Kathryn Mitchem, Michael Lottman.

                Absent and excused: Randy Fiedler, Elena Roser.

                Absent: Aric Storck, Gerald Dooley, Tony Gross, Rick Johnson.

Guests: Linda McGee.

Committee Sign-ups (committees are not limited to the Executive Committee):

Advocacy Committee: Martha Wettemann (chair), Jane Crisp, Nicole DeBaun-Phillips, Mike Lottman, Karen Stell.

Elections Committee: Elena Roser (chair), Kathryn Mitchem, Martha Wettemann, Jane Crisp, John Patrick

Events Committee (including Forums): Roger Marriott (chair), Randy Fiedler, Rebecca Brooks, Mike Lottmann, John Patrick, Linda McGee (holiday animal food collection).

Social/Print Media: Jim Brooks,Karen Stell, Mike Lottman, Aric Stork (chair not named).

Approval of Minutes and Agenda: A motion was made by K. Mitchem/J. Patrick to accept the minutes with the one correction that last month’s balance was $2,260.15. Motion carried. R.Marriott/M. Wettemann moved to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Mr. Marriott reported that $2,268.76 is our current balance with no bills pending. He said the only money we get now is through our ActBlue account. Someone has a $30/month donation to Bernie Sanders they want to transfer to our ActBlue account. J. Patrick: Donate to our ActBlue account at www.cheathamdemocrats.org, DONATE button.

Chair’s Report: L. Newcomb reported on the recent executive committee meeting where engaging all board members in at least one committee was discussed, as well as having committee chairs. She named the following chairs for the committees: Advocacy: M. Wettemann. Elections: Elena Roser. Events and Forums: Roger Marriott. Social and Print Media: No chair named yet. Committee activities include writing letters to the editor, blog posts, creating handouts, social media activity, and support on the web page.

Re the executive committee, there will not be a June Executive Board meeting on the first Tuesday. The committees can start meeting on Zoom or by conference call. L. Newcomb will take any material we want to distribute and put it into the newsletter. 

Committee Reports:

Advocacy Committee: M. Wettemann listed five topics that could be subjects of advocacy in the coming months as we worked toward engaging more people in the election and to vote, including

• Saving lives during the coronavirus pandemic (all related issues)
• Ensuring every eligible person has the ability to vote, and vote safely in the August and November elections
• Caring for (preserving) our earthly home
• Insuring workers’ and human rights
• The right to quality education for every child (includes broadband access)

The Advocacy Committee will discuss these at their next “meeting” or on email.  Chair Newcomb:  With regard to voting, the focus of the Democrats in the legislature when it convenes will be for the universal absentee ballot. 

Elections Committee: J. Patrick discussed that he is running for his current seat on the Board of Education. The election is August 6. In 2 months voter registration ends. Early voting starts in 2 months and 10 days. After additional discussion, Chair L. Newcomb said she would get the list of who voted in the March 3, 2020 primary from Pam Frejosky. Holly Spann, candidate for State Representative, has a Facebook presence. J. Crisp will call Holly about her campaign. She will need to purchase Votebuilder for $250.  Other races: Sen. Alexander’s seat: 5 Democratic candidates. U.S. House District 5: Rep. Jim Cooper and 2 other Democratic candidates. U.S. House District 6: Only one Democrat, Chris Finley.

1. Patrick is running for an at-large position at the Democratic National Convention on May 16 and would appreciate any calls on his behalf to the State Executive Committee. 

1. Debaun-Phillips: Pleasant View (District 3) is increasing in diversity, which could provide more opportunities for finding Democrats. A local software is NextDoor. 

1. Marriott/J. Patrick moved to adjourn. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

Submitted by Martha Wettemann, secretary