Second Congressional District MeetingMINUTES
Saturday, February 10, 2024 Wheatland Township Hall
10:00 a.m. Remus, MI
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Mary Minnick, Chair at 10:01 a.m.
a. Mary Minnick, Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
b. In addition, Mark Everhart, Lake County, read the Land Acknowledgment Statement.
2. Guest Speaker
a. Our guest speaker was Benjamin Orjada, Chair of the Young Democrats of Michigan. He talked about the YDM and that he had been Chair since 2023. The age range of members was from 16-36. This year they had a record number of candidates, 30 no less, running in municipal and state races. It is a major goal of the organization to elect young democratic candidates.
b. Michael Lynch, Candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Michael talked about all the misinformation that will be prevalent in this year’s national campaign. He especially took umbrage with the misinformation included in the Special Council Report ruling on Biden and classified documents. Visit www.ElectMichaelLynch.com to make a donation.
3. Roll Call --
a. Officers -- Mary Minnick, Chair – Present
John Helge, Vice Chair -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Treasurer – Present
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary -- Present
4. Roll Call (continued)
a. District Committee Members
Robin Aslakson, Mason County – Absent
Jeffery Beegle, Muskegon County -- Absent
Christina Bush, Barry County – Present
Lynn Cavazos, Oceana County -- Present
Shawn Davis, Ottawa -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County – Present
Mark Everhart, Lake County -- Present
Michael Fields, Gladwin County -- Present
Christie Freestone, Gratiot County -- Absent
Christine Gerace, Gladwin County -- Absent
John Helge, Manistee County -- Absent
Jerry Hilliard, Mecosta County-- Absent
Michael Lynch, Gratiot County -- Present
Ken Mahoney, Muskegon County – Present
K.P. Mahoney, Muskegon County -- Present
Edward Miller, Mason County -- Absent
Mary Minnick, Lake County – Present
Betsy Moskowiz, Mecosta County – Present
Stan Opal, Newaygo County -- Present
John Pakledinaz, Clare County – Absent
Chris Prowant, Oceana County -- Present
Peggy Raddatz, Mason County, -- Present
Shelly Ross, Newaygo County, -- Present
Karen Turnbull, Mecosta County – Present
Kelly Weaver, Lake County -- Present
Cathy Willermet, Isabella County—Present
b. County Count
Barry County -1
Clare County -- 3
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 --0
Mecosta County –5
Midland County --0
Montcalm County -- 1
Muskegon County (11/18) -- 2
Newaygo County -- 6
Oceana County -- 3
Osceola County -- 0
Ottawa County (1/17) --0
Wexford County -- 1
5. A Quorum was deemed present.
6. It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Mark Everhart, Lake County to ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED.
7. There were no corrections to the Minutes of the Previous Meeting, the MINUTES WOULD STAND APPROVED.
8. Chair’s Report
Mary Minnick, Chair stated because of time constraints, her Chair’s Report could be found on the 2nd Congressional District Website https://www.michigan2nddemocrats.com/.
9. Vice Chair’s Report
John Helge Vice Chair’s report could also be found on the website.
10. Treasurer’s Report
Dallas Dean, Treasurer Newaygo County reported the balances of the Federal, State, Administrative, and Texas Hold ‘em Accounts. The State Account had a balance of $2,573.86, the Administrative Account had a balance of $142.96, the Federal Account had a balance of
$7,537.09 and the Texas Hold’em had a balance of $14,467.40. It was moved by Mark Everhart, Lake County and seconded by Stan Opal, Newaygo County TO ACCEPT THE FINANCE REPORT AND TO PAY ALL BILLS. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Secretary’s Report
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary Manistee County stated she had received no correspondence.
12. Committee Reports
a. Rules and Bylaws Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair stated there was no report at this time. He did want to mention that the MDP would be having a training for Board of Canvassers that he highly recommends.
b. Finance and Fundraising Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair stated the Fall Gala will be Saturday, September 28th to be held at the Riverwood Resort 1313 E Broomfield Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858.
c. Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee – Ed Miller, Mason County, Committee Chair was absent therefore there was no report at this time.
d. Political and 2nd CD Party Organizing Committee – Cathy Willermet, Isabella County stated she and Karen Turnbull, Mecosta County had planned to give a Powerpoint presentation at the January meeting, but has postponed it until March. They are looking for people or organizations with skill sets, or resources they could share with others. Such as the Isabella Democratic Party just developed a new website and are willing to show others how to do the same. https://www.isabellacountydemocraticpartymichigan.net/ If you have such resources or skill sets to share, please contact Cathy Willermet or Karen Turnbull.
e. Communications Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair reported she has continued to work on getting Elissa Slotkin to speak to our group, with little success. She did offer a meet and greet with County Chairs which may be in the making. It was strongly suggested by K.P. Mahoney that the invitation list be expanded to include the 2nd CD Executive Board and State Central Committee Delegates as well.
f. Policy and Resolution Committee – Michael Lynch, Gratiot County stated there was no report at this time.
g. Audit Committee – Mark Eberhart, Lake County stated there was no report at this time.
Unfinished Business –
13. There was no Unfinished Business
14. New Business –
Peggy Raddatz, Manistee County, requested $1,000 in support of the MDP Rural Caucus 2024 Rural Summit. It was moved by Cathy Willermet, Isabella County and seconded by Janet Schultz, Oceana County to GIVE $1,000 TO THE MDP RURAL CAUCUS IN SUPPORT OF THE 2024 RURAL SUMMIT. MOTION CARRIED ONE ABSTENTION.
Delegates to the National Democratic Convention were discussed. There is one for sure, John Helge, Manistee County, and possibly one more male. Further discussion followed in regard to scholarships. This was referred to study and would be addressed at the next 2nd CD Meeting.
Michael Fields, Gladwin County, requested $500 in support of candidates and the MI Rural PAC. It was moved by Janet Schultz, Oceana County and seconded by Michelle Ross, Newaygo County TO GIVE $500 TO THE MI RURAL PAC IN SUPPORT OF CANDIDATES. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Dallas Dean, to GIVE $500 TO WHITE LAKE AREA FUTURES DEMOCRATIC CLUB. MOTION CARRIED. 1 NAY.
GOOD AND WELFARE
Many good and welfare events and activities were shared.
ADJOURNMENT
15. Adjournment
The agenda was completed. Therefore, Mary Minnick, Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 11:56 am.
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, [email protected]. Thank you for your cooperation!
Saturday, February 10, 2024 Wheatland Township Hall
10:00 a.m. Remus, MI
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Mary Minnick, Chair at 10:01 a.m.
a. Mary Minnick, Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
b. In addition, Mark Everhart, Lake County, read the Land Acknowledgment Statement.
2. Guest Speaker
a. Our guest speaker was Benjamin Orjada, Chair of the Young Democrats of Michigan. He talked about the YDM and that he had been Chair since 2023. The age range of members was from 16-36. This year they had a record number of candidates, 30 no less, running in municipal and state races. It is a major goal of the organization to elect young democratic candidates.
b. Michael Lynch, Candidate for 2nd Congressional District.
Michael talked about all the misinformation that will be prevalent in this year’s national campaign. He especially took umbrage with the misinformation included in the Special Council Report ruling on Biden and classified documents. Visit www.ElectMichaelLynch.com to make a donation.
3. Roll Call --
a. Officers -- Mary Minnick, Chair – Present
John Helge, Vice Chair -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Treasurer – Present
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary -- Present
4. Roll Call (continued)
a. District Committee Members
Robin Aslakson, Mason County – Absent
Jeffery Beegle, Muskegon County -- Absent
Christina Bush, Barry County – Present
Lynn Cavazos, Oceana County -- Present
Shawn Davis, Ottawa -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County – Present
Mark Everhart, Lake County -- Present
Michael Fields, Gladwin County -- Present
Christie Freestone, Gratiot County -- Absent
Christine Gerace, Gladwin County -- Absent
John Helge, Manistee County -- Absent
Jerry Hilliard, Mecosta County-- Absent
Michael Lynch, Gratiot County -- Present
Ken Mahoney, Muskegon County – Present
K.P. Mahoney, Muskegon County -- Present
Edward Miller, Mason County -- Absent
Mary Minnick, Lake County – Present
Betsy Moskowiz, Mecosta County – Present
Stan Opal, Newaygo County -- Present
John Pakledinaz, Clare County – Absent
Chris Prowant, Oceana County -- Present
Peggy Raddatz, Mason County, -- Present
Shelly Ross, Newaygo County, -- Present
Karen Turnbull, Mecosta County – Present
Kelly Weaver, Lake County -- Present
Cathy Willermet, Isabella County—Present
b. County Count
Barry County -1
Clare County -- 3
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 --0
Mecosta County –5
Midland County --0
Montcalm County -- 1
Muskegon County (11/18) -- 2
Newaygo County -- 6
Oceana County -- 3
Osceola County -- 0
Ottawa County (1/17) --0
Wexford County -- 1
5. A Quorum was deemed present.
6. It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Mark Everhart, Lake County to ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED.
7. There were no corrections to the Minutes of the Previous Meeting, the MINUTES WOULD STAND APPROVED.
8. Chair’s Report
Mary Minnick, Chair stated because of time constraints, her Chair’s Report could be found on the 2nd Congressional District Website https://www.michigan2nddemocrats.com/.
9. Vice Chair’s Report
John Helge Vice Chair’s report could also be found on the website.
10. Treasurer’s Report
Dallas Dean, Treasurer Newaygo County reported the balances of the Federal, State, Administrative, and Texas Hold ‘em Accounts. The State Account had a balance of $2,573.86, the Administrative Account had a balance of $142.96, the Federal Account had a balance of
$7,537.09 and the Texas Hold’em had a balance of $14,467.40. It was moved by Mark Everhart, Lake County and seconded by Stan Opal, Newaygo County TO ACCEPT THE FINANCE REPORT AND TO PAY ALL BILLS. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Secretary’s Report
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary Manistee County stated she had received no correspondence.
12. Committee Reports
a. Rules and Bylaws Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair stated there was no report at this time. He did want to mention that the MDP would be having a training for Board of Canvassers that he highly recommends.
b. Finance and Fundraising Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair stated the Fall Gala will be Saturday, September 28th to be held at the Riverwood Resort 1313 E Broomfield Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858.
c. Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee – Ed Miller, Mason County, Committee Chair was absent therefore there was no report at this time.
d. Political and 2nd CD Party Organizing Committee – Cathy Willermet, Isabella County stated she and Karen Turnbull, Mecosta County had planned to give a Powerpoint presentation at the January meeting, but has postponed it until March. They are looking for people or organizations with skill sets, or resources they could share with others. Such as the Isabella Democratic Party just developed a new website and are willing to show others how to do the same. https://www.isabellacountydemocraticpartymichigan.net/ If you have such resources or skill sets to share, please contact Cathy Willermet or Karen Turnbull.
e. Communications Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair reported she has continued to work on getting Elissa Slotkin to speak to our group, with little success. She did offer a meet and greet with County Chairs which may be in the making. It was strongly suggested by K.P. Mahoney that the invitation list be expanded to include the 2nd CD Executive Board and State Central Committee Delegates as well.
f. Policy and Resolution Committee – Michael Lynch, Gratiot County stated there was no report at this time.
g. Audit Committee – Mark Eberhart, Lake County stated there was no report at this time.
Unfinished Business –
13. There was no Unfinished Business
14. New Business –
Peggy Raddatz, Manistee County, requested $1,000 in support of the MDP Rural Caucus 2024 Rural Summit. It was moved by Cathy Willermet, Isabella County and seconded by Janet Schultz, Oceana County to GIVE $1,000 TO THE MDP RURAL CAUCUS IN SUPPORT OF THE 2024 RURAL SUMMIT. MOTION CARRIED ONE ABSTENTION.
Delegates to the National Democratic Convention were discussed. There is one for sure, John Helge, Manistee County, and possibly one more male. Further discussion followed in regard to scholarships. This was referred to study and would be addressed at the next 2nd CD Meeting.
Michael Fields, Gladwin County, requested $500 in support of candidates and the MI Rural PAC. It was moved by Janet Schultz, Oceana County and seconded by Michelle Ross, Newaygo County TO GIVE $500 TO THE MI RURAL PAC IN SUPPORT OF CANDIDATES. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Dallas Dean, to GIVE $500 TO WHITE LAKE AREA FUTURES DEMOCRATIC CLUB. MOTION CARRIED. 1 NAY.
GOOD AND WELFARE
Many good and welfare events and activities were shared.
ADJOURNMENT
15. Adjournment
The agenda was completed. Therefore, Mary Minnick, Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 11:56 am.
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, [email protected]. Thank you for your cooperation!