Second Congressional District Meeting
MINUTES
Saturday, July 8, 2022 Via ZOOM
10:00 a.m.
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Mary Minnick, Chair at 10:03 a.m.
Guest Speakers
Michael Lynch, Candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Michael talked about the impact of the Presidency of Trump on the current Supreme Court and how that is affecting us today. Visit www.ElectMichaelLynch.com.
Brenda Reeber, Starfish Gun Buy Back Program
A group of friends were drawn to action by the Uvalde, Robb Elementary School shooting. They worked first through the Ludington City Council, then the Ludington City Police Department. Where the story of one starfish at a time, one assault rifle at a time would make a difference. Not only focusing on assault rifles, they were raising awareness and stimulating community conversation. They offered $300 Meijer Supercenter gift cards in exchange for an assault rifle. They received three voluntary surrendered assault rifles in exchange for gift cards. The guns were taken to the Michigan State Police where they were destroyed. Their FaceBook Page is: The StarFish Buy Back Program. (Don’t forget the THE.)
Mary Minnick, Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition, Julie Alexander, Mecosta County, read the Land Acknowledgment Statement.
Roll Call --
Officers -- Mary Minnick, Chair – Present
John Helge, Vice Chair -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Treasurer – Present
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary -- Present
Roll Call (continued)
District Committee Members
Robin Aslakson, Mason County – Absent
Julie Alexander, Mecosta County – Present
Jennifer Austin, Midland County -- Absent
Jeffery Beegle, Muskegon County -- Absent
Christina Bush, Barry County -- Absent
Jason Colella, Muskegon County -- Absent
Shawn Davis, Ottawa -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County -- Present
Mark Everhart, Lake County -- Present
Michael Fields, Gladwin County -- Present
Christie Freestone, Gratiot County -- Absent
Kim Gates, Kent County -- Absent
John Helge, Manistee County -- Absent
Jerry Hilliard, Mecosta County-- Absent
Justin Johnson, Montcalm County -- Absent
Jennifer Koch-Donovan, Clare County -- Absent
Michael Lynch, Gratiot County -- Present
Ken Mahoney, Muskegon County -- Present
K.P. Mahoney, Muskegon County -- Present
Lynn Mason, Ionia County -- Absent
Edward Miller, Mason County -- Absent
Mary Minnick, Lake County -- Present
Landon Myers, Eaton County-- Absent
John Pakledinaz, Clare County -- Absent
Peggy Raddatz, Mason County, -- Present
Amanda Siggins, Wexford County -- Absent
Mary Temple, Oceana County -- Absent
Mark Thomson, -- Absent
Karen Turnbull, Gratiot County – Present
Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County – Absent
Chadwick Walenga, Newaygo County -- Absent
Cathy Willermet, Isabella County-- Present
County Count
Barry County --1
Clare County -- 0
Eaton County (3/16) --0
Gladwin County --1
Gratiot County -- 1
Ionia County -- 0
Isabella County --1
Kent County (13/24) --0
Lake County --3
Manistee County --1
Mason County --1
Mecosta County --2
Midland County --0
Montcalm County -- 0
Muskegon County (11/18) -- 2
Newaygo County -- 1
Oceana County -- 0
Osceola County -- 0
Ottawa County (1/17) --0
Wexford County -- 0
A Quorum was deemed present.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Mark Everhart to AMEND THE AGENDA TO INCLUDE LYNNE CAVAZOS AS THE OCEANA REPRESENTATIVE TO THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Julie Alexander, Mecosta County TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIIED.
It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Mark Everhart, Lake County THAT THE MINUTES BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED.
Chair’s Report
Mary Minnick, Chair highlighted her Chair’s Report which can be found on the District Website https://www.michigan2nddemocrats.com/.
Vice Chair’s Report
John Helge Vice Chair’s report could also be found on the website
Treasurer’s Report
Dallas Dean, Treasurer reported the balances of the Federal, State, Administrative, and Texas Hold ‘em Accounts. The State Account had a balance of $226.86, the Administration Account had a balance of $306.87, the Federal Account had a balance of $4,499.68 and the Texas Hold’em had a balance of $3,373.04. It was moved by Mark Everhart, Lake County and seconded by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County to: ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT AND PAY ALL BILLS. MOTION CARRIED.
Secretary’s Report
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary stated she had received no correspondence.
Committee Reports
Rules and Bylaws Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair reported in answer to a question raised at the June Meeting, that yes, the 2nd CD District Committee Meetings are open meetings, but not to the public. They are open to fellow members of the Michigan Democratic Party. Only District Committee Members may vote. In addition, there is no provision in the 2nd CD Bylaws for an excused absence. There is, however, a provision for a Party Vice-Chair to vote in the absence of a Party Chair.
Finance and Fundraising Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair talked about the Blue Wave Gala sponsorships. The Committee had received four returned mailings, one response and was asking County Chairs to call sponsors that they knew to support the Blue Wave Gala. The Blue Wave Gala is set for September 30.
In addition, Dallas Dean announced the Texas Hold’em license had been received. Those folks who were working, please get Dallas your name, email and phone numbers. The work dates for Texas Hold’em. They are July 24-27, August 7-10, and September 11-14 and September 18-21.
Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee – Cathy Willermet, Isabella County, Committee Member reported this committee had not met.
Political and 2nd CD Party Organizing Committee – Cathy Willermet, Isabella County, Committee Chair reported they were looking for emails and names of the newspapers. If those could be forwarded, it would be appreciated. In addition, a planning session of the Committee would meet and decide about an upcoming Osceola party organizing picnic.
Communications Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair reported on August 12th, we will have one of our quarterly in-person (and on zoom) general monthly meetings (All 540 members will be invited) at the Wheatland Township Hall 201 S. Sheridan Ave. Remus, MI. from 10am-12:00pm. State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch has agreed to be our guest speaker and will speak after the 2nd CD Congressional Candidate Michael Lynch. Please note, we will not have a live auction at this event per the request of Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth. Instead, we will have an “After-Hours Live Auction Fundraiser” at the “Remus Tavern” located at 118 West Remus Ave, Remus, MI. following our meeting at 12:00pm. Please bring a few dollars to participate, this should be a fun event for all! In-addition, U.S. Senate Candidate Pamela Pugh will speak at our November 11th in-person meeting at Wheatland Township Hall in Remus, MI.
Policy and Resolution Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair apprised us all of the Support for Gotion Resolution from Governor Whitmer's staff, and the State Central Committee on June 24th which will now go to the Michigan Democratic Party's Resolution Committee to be added to their approved Resolutions.
Audit Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, was advised by Treasurer, Dallas Dean that the Audit will not need to be addressed until 2025 when a new Treasurer is elected.
New Business –
RESOLUTION
Michael Lynch, Gratiot County, and member of the Policy and Resolution Committee proposed the following resolution:
Whereas: The Michigan Democratic Party Second Congressional District Committee has planned to hold the “Blue Wave Gala” on Saturday September 30, 2023, and
Whereas: This event will be held at CK’s Place - Banquet Hall located at 11515 Northland Drive in Big Rapids MI 49307 and
Whereas: This event will be a fundraiser with a cash bar available and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
Therefore: The officers of this organization recommend approval of an application to the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission for a special license for this event.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Mark Everhart TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION. MOTION CARRIED.
POWER LAB APPROVAL – Jeff Winston, MDP Project 83, announced the twenty-three counties that applied for Power Lab approval were granted.
INCREASING/DECREASING DISTRICT COMMITTEE – It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Ken Mahoney to REPLACE MARY TEMPLE WITH LYNNE CAVAZOS AS THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR OCEANA COUNTY. Discussion followed. Dallas Dean called FOR THE MOTION TO BE TABLED FOR MORE RESEARCH AS TO WHO SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST BASED ON GEOGRAPHIC RESIDENCY. A review and vote on who should be on the District Committee will be added to the August 12th Meeting Agenda.
BYLAW CHANGE – Karen Turnbull, Gratiot County, requested the Rules and Bylaws Committee look into a Bylaws change where those District Members who do not have 50% attendance over a six-month period would be removed from the District Committee.
GOOD AND WELFARE –
Julie Alexander, Mecosta County, asked the 2CD to consider a shared calendar. This would provide better awareness of when the newer counties of the CD are holding their events.
Jeff Winston, MDP Project 83, told us about using MOBILIZE.
Kelly Weaver, Lake County requested to join the 2CD District Committee. It was the consensus of the group TO ADD KELLY WEAVER AND LYNNE CAVAZOS TO THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE EMAIL LIST. A vote on adding these two people to the District Committee will be added to the August 12th Meeting Agenda.
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, did inform the group the comedic team of Nancy Walker and Marshall Stern will be performing at the Blue Wave Gala September 30th.
Mary Minnick, Lake County, apprised us of the health issues of Christine Bush, Chair, Barry County Democratic Party. She is in and out of Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and would welcome us reaching out to her.
Adjournment
It was the consensus of the group the meeting be adjourned. Mary Minnick, Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 12:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
By Peggy Raddatz
Secretary
2nd Congressional District
If you have any changes or additions, please contact me directly before the meeting to save time at the meeting, peg.raddatz@gmail.com. Thank you for your cooperation!
MINUTES
Saturday, July 8, 2022 Via ZOOM
10:00 a.m.
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Mary Minnick, Chair at 10:03 a.m.
Guest Speakers
Michael Lynch, Candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Michael talked about the impact of the Presidency of Trump on the current Supreme Court and how that is affecting us today. Visit www.ElectMichaelLynch.com.
Brenda Reeber, Starfish Gun Buy Back Program
A group of friends were drawn to action by the Uvalde, Robb Elementary School shooting. They worked first through the Ludington City Council, then the Ludington City Police Department. Where the story of one starfish at a time, one assault rifle at a time would make a difference. Not only focusing on assault rifles, they were raising awareness and stimulating community conversation. They offered $300 Meijer Supercenter gift cards in exchange for an assault rifle. They received three voluntary surrendered assault rifles in exchange for gift cards. The guns were taken to the Michigan State Police where they were destroyed. Their FaceBook Page is: The StarFish Buy Back Program. (Don’t forget the THE.)
Mary Minnick, Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition, Julie Alexander, Mecosta County, read the Land Acknowledgment Statement.
Roll Call --
Officers -- Mary Minnick, Chair – Present
John Helge, Vice Chair -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Treasurer – Present
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary -- Present
Roll Call (continued)
District Committee Members
Robin Aslakson, Mason County – Absent
Julie Alexander, Mecosta County – Present
Jennifer Austin, Midland County -- Absent
Jeffery Beegle, Muskegon County -- Absent
Christina Bush, Barry County -- Absent
Jason Colella, Muskegon County -- Absent
Shawn Davis, Ottawa -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County -- Present
Mark Everhart, Lake County -- Present
Michael Fields, Gladwin County -- Present
Christie Freestone, Gratiot County -- Absent
Kim Gates, Kent County -- Absent
John Helge, Manistee County -- Absent
Jerry Hilliard, Mecosta County-- Absent
Justin Johnson, Montcalm County -- Absent
Jennifer Koch-Donovan, Clare County -- Absent
Michael Lynch, Gratiot County -- Present
Ken Mahoney, Muskegon County -- Present
K.P. Mahoney, Muskegon County -- Present
Lynn Mason, Ionia County -- Absent
Edward Miller, Mason County -- Absent
Mary Minnick, Lake County -- Present
Landon Myers, Eaton County-- Absent
John Pakledinaz, Clare County -- Absent
Peggy Raddatz, Mason County, -- Present
Amanda Siggins, Wexford County -- Absent
Mary Temple, Oceana County -- Absent
Mark Thomson, -- Absent
Karen Turnbull, Gratiot County – Present
Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County – Absent
Chadwick Walenga, Newaygo County -- Absent
Cathy Willermet, Isabella County-- Present
County Count
Barry County --1
Clare County -- 0
Eaton County (3/16) --0
Gladwin County --1
Gratiot County -- 1
Ionia County -- 0
Isabella County --1
Kent County (13/24) --0
Lake County --3
Manistee County --1
Mason County --1
Mecosta County --2
Midland County --0
Montcalm County -- 0
Muskegon County (11/18) -- 2
Newaygo County -- 1
Oceana County -- 0
Osceola County -- 0
Ottawa County (1/17) --0
Wexford County -- 0
A Quorum was deemed present.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Mark Everhart to AMEND THE AGENDA TO INCLUDE LYNNE CAVAZOS AS THE OCEANA REPRESENTATIVE TO THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Julie Alexander, Mecosta County TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS AMENDED. MOTION CARRIIED.
It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Mark Everhart, Lake County THAT THE MINUTES BE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED.
Chair’s Report
Mary Minnick, Chair highlighted her Chair’s Report which can be found on the District Website https://www.michigan2nddemocrats.com/.
Vice Chair’s Report
John Helge Vice Chair’s report could also be found on the website
Treasurer’s Report
Dallas Dean, Treasurer reported the balances of the Federal, State, Administrative, and Texas Hold ‘em Accounts. The State Account had a balance of $226.86, the Administration Account had a balance of $306.87, the Federal Account had a balance of $4,499.68 and the Texas Hold’em had a balance of $3,373.04. It was moved by Mark Everhart, Lake County and seconded by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County to: ACCEPT THE TREASURER’S REPORT AND PAY ALL BILLS. MOTION CARRIED.
Secretary’s Report
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary stated she had received no correspondence.
Committee Reports
Rules and Bylaws Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair reported in answer to a question raised at the June Meeting, that yes, the 2nd CD District Committee Meetings are open meetings, but not to the public. They are open to fellow members of the Michigan Democratic Party. Only District Committee Members may vote. In addition, there is no provision in the 2nd CD Bylaws for an excused absence. There is, however, a provision for a Party Vice-Chair to vote in the absence of a Party Chair.
Finance and Fundraising Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair talked about the Blue Wave Gala sponsorships. The Committee had received four returned mailings, one response and was asking County Chairs to call sponsors that they knew to support the Blue Wave Gala. The Blue Wave Gala is set for September 30.
In addition, Dallas Dean announced the Texas Hold’em license had been received. Those folks who were working, please get Dallas your name, email and phone numbers. The work dates for Texas Hold’em. They are July 24-27, August 7-10, and September 11-14 and September 18-21.
Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee – Cathy Willermet, Isabella County, Committee Member reported this committee had not met.
Political and 2nd CD Party Organizing Committee – Cathy Willermet, Isabella County, Committee Chair reported they were looking for emails and names of the newspapers. If those could be forwarded, it would be appreciated. In addition, a planning session of the Committee would meet and decide about an upcoming Osceola party organizing picnic.
Communications Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair reported on August 12th, we will have one of our quarterly in-person (and on zoom) general monthly meetings (All 540 members will be invited) at the Wheatland Township Hall 201 S. Sheridan Ave. Remus, MI. from 10am-12:00pm. State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch has agreed to be our guest speaker and will speak after the 2nd CD Congressional Candidate Michael Lynch. Please note, we will not have a live auction at this event per the request of Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth. Instead, we will have an “After-Hours Live Auction Fundraiser” at the “Remus Tavern” located at 118 West Remus Ave, Remus, MI. following our meeting at 12:00pm. Please bring a few dollars to participate, this should be a fun event for all! In-addition, U.S. Senate Candidate Pamela Pugh will speak at our November 11th in-person meeting at Wheatland Township Hall in Remus, MI.
Policy and Resolution Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair apprised us all of the Support for Gotion Resolution from Governor Whitmer's staff, and the State Central Committee on June 24th which will now go to the Michigan Democratic Party's Resolution Committee to be added to their approved Resolutions.
Audit Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, was advised by Treasurer, Dallas Dean that the Audit will not need to be addressed until 2025 when a new Treasurer is elected.
New Business –
RESOLUTION
Michael Lynch, Gratiot County, and member of the Policy and Resolution Committee proposed the following resolution:
Whereas: The Michigan Democratic Party Second Congressional District Committee has planned to hold the “Blue Wave Gala” on Saturday September 30, 2023, and
Whereas: This event will be held at CK’s Place - Banquet Hall located at 11515 Northland Drive in Big Rapids MI 49307 and
Whereas: This event will be a fundraiser with a cash bar available and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.
Therefore: The officers of this organization recommend approval of an application to the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission for a special license for this event.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Mark Everhart TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION. MOTION CARRIED.
POWER LAB APPROVAL – Jeff Winston, MDP Project 83, announced the twenty-three counties that applied for Power Lab approval were granted.
INCREASING/DECREASING DISTRICT COMMITTEE – It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Ken Mahoney to REPLACE MARY TEMPLE WITH LYNNE CAVAZOS AS THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR OCEANA COUNTY. Discussion followed. Dallas Dean called FOR THE MOTION TO BE TABLED FOR MORE RESEARCH AS TO WHO SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE LIST BASED ON GEOGRAPHIC RESIDENCY. A review and vote on who should be on the District Committee will be added to the August 12th Meeting Agenda.
BYLAW CHANGE – Karen Turnbull, Gratiot County, requested the Rules and Bylaws Committee look into a Bylaws change where those District Members who do not have 50% attendance over a six-month period would be removed from the District Committee.
GOOD AND WELFARE –
Julie Alexander, Mecosta County, asked the 2CD to consider a shared calendar. This would provide better awareness of when the newer counties of the CD are holding their events.
Jeff Winston, MDP Project 83, told us about using MOBILIZE.
Kelly Weaver, Lake County requested to join the 2CD District Committee. It was the consensus of the group TO ADD KELLY WEAVER AND LYNNE CAVAZOS TO THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE EMAIL LIST. A vote on adding these two people to the District Committee will be added to the August 12th Meeting Agenda.
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, did inform the group the comedic team of Nancy Walker and Marshall Stern will be performing at the Blue Wave Gala September 30th.
Mary Minnick, Lake County, apprised us of the health issues of Christine Bush, Chair, Barry County Democratic Party. She is in and out of Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids and would welcome us reaching out to her.
Adjournment
It was the consensus of the group the meeting be adjourned. Mary Minnick, Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 12:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
By Peggy Raddatz
Secretary
2nd Congressional District
If you have any changes or additions, please contact me directly before the meeting to save time at the meeting, peg.raddatz@gmail.com. Thank you for your cooperation!