November 2, 2021 minutes
Cheatham County Democratic Party
Regular Monthly Meeting
November 2, 2021, in person at Pinnacle Bank, Ashland City
Attendance
Present: Aric Storck (P), John Patrick (VP), Elena Roser (VP), Martha Wettemann (S), Lynn Newcomb (PP). Dist. 1, Prec. 1: Galen Gray, Rick Johnson, Roger Marriott. Dist. 3: Ryan Philipp, Lynn Seifert. Dist. 4: Linda McGee, Dennis Barnes. Dist. 5, Prec, 1,2: Randy Fiedler, Joanne Jaworski, Beth Ervin. Dist. 6, Prec. 6-1: Jan Morrison, Gerald Dooley.
Absent: Dist. 2, Prec. 2-2: Randy Baker.
Excused: Karen Stell (T), Mike Lottman (6), Peggy Gilgore (2), Jack Kilgore (2).
Guests: Nicole Binkley, Jane Crisp.
Committees: (committees are not limited to the Executive Committee):
Advocacy Committee: Martha Wettemann (chair), Rick Johnson, John Patrick, Linda McGee.
Elections Committee: Elena Roser (chair), Kathryn Mitchem (phone banking), John Patrick, Martha Wettemann, Jan Morrison.
Events Committee (including Forums): Randy Fiedler (chair), Michael Lottman, Roger Marriott, Lynn Newcomb, Ryan Philipp (event planning/coordination), Karen Stell, Linda McGee.
Social/Print Media: Michael Lottman (print chair), Karen Stell (web site chair)(advocacy posting on web site), Beth Ervin (social media).
Nominating: L. Newcomb, Elena Roser (co-chairs). Membership/recruitment- Ryan Philipp.
Federation of Democratic Women: Lynn Newcomb (chair), Joanne Jaworski.
Call to order: Chair A. Storck called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda for the Meeting. The minutes were sent out before the meeting. No changes were suggested.
Treasurer’s Report: K. Stell (excused) sent a copy of the treasurer’s report. The current balance was $2695.29 in our account.
Committee Reports
Advocacy Committee: M. Wettemann read a draft statement “Anti-Life Republicans Pass Deathly Covid-19 Legislation” outlining the very dangerous threats to public health of legislation passed in the recently held Special Session called by Republican Tennessee legislators which would prevent measures like mask mandates from being implemented until a pandemic huge surge had already happened. E. Roser agreed to submit a version of the to the Cheatham County Exchange. J. Patrick reported on Shine on Cheatham. A grant has been submitted to TVA for 2 solar installations- one each at a Cheatham high and middle school for 50 kilowatt systems with 20 year maintenance. The grant application required community support so the Shine on Cheatham group was mentioned as well as the Board of Education school survey. Local support was also secured for matching funds. R. Marriott, on the board of Safe Haven, reported on their successful fundraiser and thanked the CCDP for their $830 donation.
Elections Committee: Three candidates, Jane Crisp (Ward 1), Nicole Binkley (Ward 2), and Kevin Thompson (Ward 3) are working together on the Ashland City election for December 4. Jane is running for an open seat against Tony Young (former city recreation director); Nicole against incumbent Tim Adkins (school district communications director), and Kevin against incumbent Roger Jackson. Nicole and Jane have signs and need phone calls and help with sending out postcards. The three together plan 3 public events: November 13 at the Braxton, Shey Girl on November 21, and at Vantage Point during early voting. They are also doing Facebook pages.
There are 3 candidates running in the Democratic Primary for governor. Dr. Martin (from Sumner County) won the straw poll at the Three Star Dinner. He will be doing a meet and greet at Pegram Park at 4:30 pm soon. Maria Brewer has said to do whatever we can to assist him [as with other candidates who request assistance].
- Patrick said Christina Gilliam will not be running for School Board. Mr. Louallen may also not be running.
Events Committee: R. Fiedler thanked everyone who assisted with setup and staffing of the booth for Music on Main (Riverfront Park): Aric, Ryan, Karen, Elena, Joanne, Martha, and Linda. Joanne asked for assistance with talking points to counter Republican standard points. The Christmas Parade is on December 4 with the theme “A Disney Christmas.” K. Stell can provide a truck. Besides R. Fiedler, Chair A. Storck, G. Gray, L. McGee, and Matthew Binkley can assist. Details will be worked out by email. The Holiday “Drop in” Party for Democrats is planned for Wednesday December 8 at the Marrowbone Brewery at 6 p.m.
Pet Food Collection: R. Fiedler said collection boxes will be at the Pegram and Kingston Springs Post Offices. J. Jaworski has a truck and will spearhead the effort in Ashland City. L. McGee and R. Philipp will help with signs telling people where the collection boxes are.
Chair’s Report: A. Storck said that the Executive Committee still has unfilled precinct positions. According to our new by-laws, we can fill these positions temporarily with people outside the districts when there are vacancies. M. Wettemann/ J. Patrick moved to nominate Kathryn Mitchem for the precinct position 5-1. The motion was carried.
New Business: R. Philipp brought up the importance of recruitment and retention for CCDP. He said we need materials with a QR code that we need to follow-up immediately. An area of his expertise, he volunteered to head up the recruitment effort. He will no longer be on the Social Media committee. Beth Ervin followed to do Social Media.
Adjournment: J. Patrick/R. Marriott moved to adjourn. The motion was carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Submitted by Martha Wettemann, Secretary.