Minutes for July 12, 2008

Democratic Women Meeting Minutes, July12, 2008

Welcome and thank you to Flo Bellamy and her staff for set up of facility and to Romayne St. John, Karin Bell, and Evelyn Cook for the snacks.

Program: Message from Democratic Primary Candidate, who is running against David Davis for US House of Representatives, Rob Russell

• Rob Russell, a Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives, 1st District, spoke to the Democratic Women of Johnson County, Tennessee on Saturday, July 12, 2008. Mr. Russell's passion for this district is evident when he spoke of the need for new representation for Johnson County. Mr. Russell is the Director of the Writing and Communication Center at ETSU, a lifelong resident of northeast Tennessee, and a husband and father of two children. He spoke of three strengths that he brings to this election. His pride in the people who live here and the need for pride in our member of the House. He said that representative should be working for all of us to bring jobs, to raise wages, and to ensure everyone has affordable and portable health insurance. He pledged to work for our security. Mr. Russell believes all families should have economic security, energy security, and national security that we can believe in and count on to ensure stability and a decent life. He also wants accountability for our Representative. Mr. Russell is not a career politician. He wants to serve the people of the first district and is motivated by the present plight of others and the challenges of families in today's USA. He sees the American Dream slipping away from the average person. One of his pledges is to remain accountable to us, the citizens of Johnson County. Mr. Russell believes citizen supported campaigns and continual contact with those he hopes to represent will help him be an accountable member of the US House of Representatives.
• Questions on Issues

1. The Environment: We need to be better stewards of the Earth
2. Mountain Top Removal: We need a federal ban on this practice
3. Wages: Wages for non high-tech jobs are important, and we need health care and a living wage for everyone.
4. Campaign Finance: We need campaign finance reform so election for federal office are publicly funded.
5. Iraq: It’s time for the US to leave
6. Taxes: We are living in a time of Reverse Robin Hood—take from the poor and middle class and give to the rich.

General Meeting

• Change billboard message to “Vote for Change: Vote Democratic.” Approved.
  
• All members need to find neighbors who will allow yard signs on their property.
• Darlene Atwood: The Democratic Executive Committee of the Johnson County Democratic Party will meet at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2008 at the Mountain City/Johnson County Community Center. In addition to the regular business meeting, the session will be for organizing for the general election in November and distributing campaign materials. All Democrats are invited to attend and participate in the discussion during the meeting.
• Next Meeting: August 9, 2008 and snacks will be provided by Kathleen Gehr and Louise Hamm.
• Minutes from June 14, 2008: Adopted
• Treasurer’s Report: Bank Balance of $767.48
• Adjourn: 11:30 am

Submitted by: Katherine Hegemann, Secretary on July 17, 2008