Minutes Feb 06
Meeting 2/18/06 16:10
In attendance:
County Chair: Kevin Tunstall
Treasurer: Danny Sessums
Secretary: Candace Sessums
Michael Lee
David Finberg
Roger Pease (new attendee)
Meeting began approximately 4:10 p.m.<br><br>
Kevin advised that Jeff Diaell had requested that members of the FB and Harris County LPs attend each other‘s county conventions and also that Stan Norred (running for District 22) would like to address our convention. Kevin proposed discussion of times for FB county convention so as to allow time for Harris County conventioneers to attend FB convention. A discussion ensued and members agreed that the FB County Convention would take place from 6:00 – 8:00 on March 18th at the Museum of Southern History in Sugar Land.
Kevin further added that current discussion among local county parties for a combined district convention centrally located, possibly at the University of Houston Main campus. This convention will take place March 25th. Meeting attendees agreed that this location would be convenient for FB members to attend.
Kevin addressed that precinct chairs have indicated that they do not want to have precinct conventions in their homes, therefore a decision needed to be made for a central, combined precinct convention. Danny suggested the Sugar Land Airport and agreed to contact airport by beginning of the next week so that a decision could be made by end of that week. Michael asked whether delegate forms and a stamp to mark registration cards were available. Kevin said he had forms available, but that we do not yet have a stamp. Michael asked about the county by-laws and Kevin advised they could be viewed on the FBLP website. Danny suggested precinct convention could be held at museum instead of county convention. Candace and Kevin suggested the county convention should remain at the museum as a larger crowd is expected and the location is much nicer.
Kevin advised that the National LP Convention will be held the weekend of July 1st and 2nd and will be held in Portland, Oregon. Kevin reported that he expected Guy to attend as well. David stated he hopes to attend.
Kevin stated that current membership in FBLP is up to 47 numbers with email addresses and phone numbers.
Kevin advised that the FB Vice Chair position would be available as Guy intends to step down in order to run for Harris County Chair position. Kevin pointed attention to the article Guy assisted in writing regarding the current party planks and bringing them into line with the U.S. Constitution.
Kevin reported that the opening of the bank account had been difficult, but that the account was opened. Danny and Candace signed the signature card for the account. Kevin, Danny and Candace are all signatories for the account. Kevin advised that he had read the IRS rules regarding bank accounts for political parties and had used the research when addressing the bank about the account. He further stated that the Amegy Bank had a location across from Danny’s office and would therefore be convenient for him to access. Checks have not yet been ordered as Michael had previously advised Kevin of inexpensive checks available online.
Kevin made a motion to reimburse Danny for the cost of opening the Post Office Box. The motion was seconded by Michael and David. A unanimous vote affirmed the motion. Kevin and Danny both have keys to the post office box. David advised that he would add the new address to his website.
Candace shared the fundraising postcard which Guy designed. Kevin will have the postcards printed soon and David stated he could assist in printing too.
Candace reported that she had attended Jeff Diaell’s talk at the Wharton County Junior College Sugar Land Campus government class. She advised that the talk was very well researched and informative, but that the class members appeared to be unresponsive and even talked amongst themselves during the lecture. Danny suggested that he would encourage a young man (Mark Gruver) to become involved in the party and that perhaps he could work with David in encouraging young/college student involvement. David advised that members needed to give talks to inspire the young people who are looking for something to become involved in. David advised he had two other people he believed would want to get involved.
Kevin reported that he had at least two media leads which he expects to attend the FB county convention (Fort Bend Now and www.brazosriver.com). Members agreed that media coverage needed to be solicited. Kevin added that he believed his wife would attend and would take photos. Danny and Michael indicated they would collaborate on a Press Release. David agreed to assist as well.
Kevin advised that he had a voice modem and software to project phone messages to people. He stated he and Guy had thought to canvas issues in certain precincts in the county. David said he can also do that via his website. Kevin indicated that he hoped that the party would be ready soon to begin calls. Danny said he wanted calls to not just be about polling issues, but to harvest new members for the party and to get people out to vote. Kevin said he hoped that soon FB unopposed candidates would have viable opposition in the not to distant future.
Kevin advised that he intends this next term to be his last so that he can run for office.
Michael asked about getting voter registration cards for the conventions. David agreed to attempt to get some and Kevin said he could go to Richmond if David could not get them. Michael also suggested that a delegate sign in sheet would need a place for phone numbers and Kevin advised that he already has the numbers. Michael also suggested stapling voter registration cards to newsletters to get people registered. Discussion was had about area outreach, such as at HEB stores. Michael suggested promoting our cause as the advancement for self government.
Kevin reported that he intended to get a mailing out by next week. Michael agreed as this would be last mailing before convention. Kevin asked that Danny notify him as soon as any mail was returned so good addresses could be obtained.
David suggested put up a booth at Houston Community College to get additional members. Michael noted that the conventions should also boost membership. David requested information and posters for the booth and Kevin advised he would make them available, but that the posters would need frames and he would probably need an easel. Michael suggested that business cards were needed. Candace advised that free cards could be obtained through www.vistaprint.com.
Kevin asked Michael if he would consider Vice-Chair position. Michael agreed that he would. Kevin moved executive committee to appoint Michael as director (required for him to run for Vice-Chair) and 3 votes were made in favor. The motion was affirmed.
The meeting was adjourned approximately 6:00 p.m.
