Arizona Borderlands Democrats

The meeting was called to order at 3:00 pm at Cady Hall, Patagonia, by president, John Michael. 42 members and non-members were present.

 

Audit AZ & Voting Integrity Presentation
There was a compelling discussion of the problems of election machines and the software that runs them. Currently votes can be stolen and recounts do not actually count the ballot but re-tally the memory chip thus avoiding a paper trail. The machines used in Santa Cruz county do not have a paper trail once the vote is scanned. For further information relative to fair, clean and transparent elections contact the following groups/sites.
Randall Holmes, Committee to Achieve Fair Elections, 480.452.8249, rholmes69@qwest.net. Americans United for Democracy, Integrity and Transparency in Elections and Media, Audit AZ at AUDITAZ@COMCAST.NET.

 

The Treasurer's report was submitted and accepted.

 

Report from AZ State Dem. Convention, John Michael:

• Resolution for Democratic party to ask all candidates and elected officials to work for withdrawal from Iraq.
• Democratic victories in Pima County attritubited to heavy canvassing by Democrats and a lower turnout of Republicans.
• Petition to put on the ballot an initiative to raise the min. wage to $6.75. The petition will be circulated at ABD meetings and at the post office.
• Humanitarian Aid is Never a Crime Yard signs. Contact St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. 3rd St., Tucson, AZ 85716 if you want to place a sign in your yard/house/area.

 

Report on the Tri County Coalition, LD30
An organization to represent LD30, Cochise, Pima and Santa Cruz Counties that will coordinate election activities to elect a Democrat to local, state and federal offices. The coalition is investigating hiring a staff person to organize and carry out the mission of the group.

 

Old Business
ABD Report: We’re good at raising funds and have been active. We need a more robust committee structure in order to impact 2006 local, state and national elections.

 

New Business
Nominating Committee for 2006 includes Spenser Ralston, Sally Greenleaf, Nancy Cook, Jack Cox, Vista Michael.

 

Registration for DFA (Democracy for America) activitist training in Sierra Vista, March 11 & 12, 2006. More information about this training will be distributed but if you’re interested in becoming a more effective activist please call John Michael and sign up, 455.5184.

 

Allocation of ABD resources/funds     Available approx. $11,000
Suggestions for use of these funds:

• Pledge to Tri-County Coalition for full time field organizer,$5000
• Scholarships for DFA training, $1000
• Pledge to Tri-County for A.V. hardware, $2500
• Resume Spanish radio ads
• Increase commitment to other categories
• Challenge to Santa Cruz County to match with aim of a county office.
• ABD Club budget: include voter education, membership drive, club activities.
• Contribute to AZ Citizens for Election reform
• Contribute to “No More Deaths” movement

 

Question: How does the $200.00 ($300 per couple) state tax credit for contributions to public schools effect the state funds given to that institution & other institutions.

 

Meeting adjourned 5:00, Potluck followed.
Next meeting is January 15, 2006, 3:00 - 5:00, location to be announced

 

Respectfully Submitted

L. Vista Michael, Acting Secretary