Second Congressional District Meeting
MINUTES
Saturday, June 10, 2022
Via Zoom - 10:00 am through 12:00 pm.
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Mary Minnick, Chair at 10:05 a.m.
Guests Speakers
Michael Lynch, Candidate for 2nd Congressional District
Michael Lynch talked about his personal conversations with Republicans and how they think of themselves first before country. Where Democrats are just the opposite. They think what’s best for the country, is best for me. He gave examples of just how petty the Republican outlook is compared to the “big-picture” Democratic one is.
Benjamin Orjada, Chair Young Democrats of Michigan
The Young Democrats of Michigan is made up of members in the age group from 16-36 and they have approximately 1,000 members. Their make-up is from non-profits, trades, candidates, campaigns, and policy groups. Their number one issue is affordable housing.
Mary Minnick, Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition, Christina Bush, Barry 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 – Present
Julie Alexander, Mecosta County – Present
Jennifer Austin, Midland County -- Absent
Jeffery Beegle, Muskegon County -- Absent
Christina Bush, Barry County -- Present
Jason Colella, Muskegon County -- Absent
Shawn Davis, Ottawa -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County -- Present
Mark Everhart, Lake County -- Present
Michael Fields, Gladwin County -- Absent
Christie Freestone, Gratiot County -- Present
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 -- Present
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 --0
Gratiot County -- 2
Ionia County -- 0
Isabella County --1
Kent County (13/24) --0
Lake County --2
Manistee County --1
Mason County --2
Mecosta County --2
Midland County --0
Montcalm County -- 0
Muskegon County (11/18) -- 2
Newaygo County -- 1
Oceana County -- 1
Osceola County -- 0
Ottawa County (1/17) --0
Wexford County -- 0
A Quorum was deemed present.
It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Ed Miller, Mason County TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIIED.
Since there were no corrections, the MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED.
Chair’s Report
Mary Minnick, Chair read her Chair’s Report which can be found on the District Website https://www.michigan2nddemocrats.com/. She had heard Brenda Reeber present a program about the Starfish Buy Back Gun Program and she wanted to know if anyone would be interested in having Brenda Reeber speak? If they were, please they were asked to place their affirmative statement in the chat.
Vice Chair’s Report
John Helge’s 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 $4745.60 and the Texas Hold’em had a balance of $3,573.04. Questions were raised as to how to participate in staffing the Texas Hold’em. Dallas Dean will create a comprehensive document, including location, schedules, and requirements for staffing Texas Hold’em. He will forward to Mary Minnick who will post on the 2CD website.
Secretary’s Report
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary reported no correspondence had been received.
Committee Reports
Rules and Bylaws Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair stated since there were no changes to the bylaws, there was nothing to report.
Finance and Fundraising Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair reported the Ice Cream Social made $1,431.34. He went on to talk about the Blue Wave Gala. The information about procuring tickets to the Blue Wave Gala is on the 2CD website with all ticket sales going through ActBlue. It was noted, the comedic team of Nancy Washburn and Marshall Stern, may not be able to be present at the Blue Wave Gala. As of yet, they have not formally canceled.
Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee – Edward Miller, Mason County, Committee Chair reported this committee had not met, but would meet prior to the August 12th meeting of the 2nd Congressional District. Ed Miller asked Mary Minnick to set up a Zoom Link so this Committee could meet.
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.
Communications Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair reported she continues adding to the 2CD website and FB page.
Policy and Resolution Committee – John Helge, Manistee County, Committee Chair. No report at this time.
Audit Committee – Robin Aslakson, Mason County, Committee Chair. No report at this time.
New Business –
MARK YOUR CALENDAR -- At the August 12th Meeting of the 2nd Congressional District where all members are invited, State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch will be our guest speaker. The meeting will be held at the Wheaton Township Hall, 201 Sheridan Avenue, Remus, Michigan from 10-Noon. The Finance Committee will work on an AFTER GLOW Event at the Remus Tavern in lieu of a fundraiser at the meeting.
Good and Welfare –
Karen Turnbull, Mecosta County, asked members to consider supporting Mecosta County’s Gotion Resolution. She was delighted Isabella County Democratic Party had passed the resolution. She hoped surrounding counties of Newaygo, Lake and Osceola would do so as well. In fact, she encouraged any member of the 2CD to pass the Mecosta County Gotion Resolution.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney, Muskegon County and seconded by Ed Miller, Mason County to SEND THE GOTION RESOLUTION TO THE POLICY AND RESOLUTION COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND FUTURE PRESENTATION TO THE 2CD DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED.
Carmelitta Tiffany, Mason County, asked if the 2CD District Committee Meeting was an opening meeting? After much discussion in favor of 2CD District Committee Meeting being an open meeting, it was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Ed Miller to SEND THE QUESTION TO THE RULES AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE FOR FINAL DETERMINATION. MOTION CARRIED.
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, stated Newaygo County had an excellent speaker, Erica Hoover, from the State of Michigan, speaking on Military Women and the VA. Her email is hoovere2@michigan.gov. should anyone want her to be a speaker for their county party.
Cathy Willermet, Isabella County suggested contacting https://redwine.blue/freedomtoparent to counteract the extremism against School Boards, book bans, and etc.
The next 2CD District Committee Meeting is scheduled for July 8 via Zoom at 10 am.
Adjournment
It was the consensus of the group the meeting be adjourned. Mary Minnick, Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 11:43 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 at the meeting, peg.raddatz@gmail.com. Thank you for your cooperation!
MINUTES
Saturday, June 10, 2022
Via Zoom - 10:00 am through 12:00 pm.
Call to Order – The meeting was called to order by Mary Minnick, Chair at 10:05 a.m.
Guests Speakers
Michael Lynch, Candidate for 2nd Congressional District
Michael Lynch talked about his personal conversations with Republicans and how they think of themselves first before country. Where Democrats are just the opposite. They think what’s best for the country, is best for me. He gave examples of just how petty the Republican outlook is compared to the “big-picture” Democratic one is.
Benjamin Orjada, Chair Young Democrats of Michigan
The Young Democrats of Michigan is made up of members in the age group from 16-36 and they have approximately 1,000 members. Their make-up is from non-profits, trades, candidates, campaigns, and policy groups. Their number one issue is affordable housing.
Mary Minnick, Chair led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
In addition, Christina Bush, Barry 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 – Present
Julie Alexander, Mecosta County – Present
Jennifer Austin, Midland County -- Absent
Jeffery Beegle, Muskegon County -- Absent
Christina Bush, Barry County -- Present
Jason Colella, Muskegon County -- Absent
Shawn Davis, Ottawa -- Absent
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County -- Present
Mark Everhart, Lake County -- Present
Michael Fields, Gladwin County -- Absent
Christie Freestone, Gratiot County -- Present
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 -- Present
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 --0
Gratiot County -- 2
Ionia County -- 0
Isabella County --1
Kent County (13/24) --0
Lake County --2
Manistee County --1
Mason County --2
Mecosta County --2
Midland County --0
Montcalm County -- 0
Muskegon County (11/18) -- 2
Newaygo County -- 1
Oceana County -- 1
Osceola County -- 0
Ottawa County (1/17) --0
Wexford County -- 0
A Quorum was deemed present.
It was moved by Michael Lynch, Gratiot County and seconded by Ed Miller, Mason County TO ACCEPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIIED.
Since there were no corrections, the MINUTES WERE ACCEPTED AS PRESENTED.
Chair’s Report
Mary Minnick, Chair read her Chair’s Report which can be found on the District Website https://www.michigan2nddemocrats.com/. She had heard Brenda Reeber present a program about the Starfish Buy Back Gun Program and she wanted to know if anyone would be interested in having Brenda Reeber speak? If they were, please they were asked to place their affirmative statement in the chat.
Vice Chair’s Report
John Helge’s 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 $4745.60 and the Texas Hold’em had a balance of $3,573.04. Questions were raised as to how to participate in staffing the Texas Hold’em. Dallas Dean will create a comprehensive document, including location, schedules, and requirements for staffing Texas Hold’em. He will forward to Mary Minnick who will post on the 2CD website.
Secretary’s Report
Peggy Raddatz, Secretary reported no correspondence had been received.
Committee Reports
Rules and Bylaws Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair stated since there were no changes to the bylaws, there was nothing to report.
Finance and Fundraising Committee – Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, Committee Chair reported the Ice Cream Social made $1,431.34. He went on to talk about the Blue Wave Gala. The information about procuring tickets to the Blue Wave Gala is on the 2CD website with all ticket sales going through ActBlue. It was noted, the comedic team of Nancy Washburn and Marshall Stern, may not be able to be present at the Blue Wave Gala. As of yet, they have not formally canceled.
Candidate Recruitment and Support Committee – Edward Miller, Mason County, Committee Chair reported this committee had not met, but would meet prior to the August 12th meeting of the 2nd Congressional District. Ed Miller asked Mary Minnick to set up a Zoom Link so this Committee could meet.
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.
Communications Committee – Mary Minnick, Lake County, Committee Chair reported she continues adding to the 2CD website and FB page.
Policy and Resolution Committee – John Helge, Manistee County, Committee Chair. No report at this time.
Audit Committee – Robin Aslakson, Mason County, Committee Chair. No report at this time.
New Business –
MARK YOUR CALENDAR -- At the August 12th Meeting of the 2nd Congressional District where all members are invited, State Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch will be our guest speaker. The meeting will be held at the Wheaton Township Hall, 201 Sheridan Avenue, Remus, Michigan from 10-Noon. The Finance Committee will work on an AFTER GLOW Event at the Remus Tavern in lieu of a fundraiser at the meeting.
Good and Welfare –
Karen Turnbull, Mecosta County, asked members to consider supporting Mecosta County’s Gotion Resolution. She was delighted Isabella County Democratic Party had passed the resolution. She hoped surrounding counties of Newaygo, Lake and Osceola would do so as well. In fact, she encouraged any member of the 2CD to pass the Mecosta County Gotion Resolution.
It was moved by K.P. Mahoney, Muskegon County and seconded by Ed Miller, Mason County to SEND THE GOTION RESOLUTION TO THE POLICY AND RESOLUTION COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW AND FUTURE PRESENTATION TO THE 2CD DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL. MOTION CARRIED.
Carmelitta Tiffany, Mason County, asked if the 2CD District Committee Meeting was an opening meeting? After much discussion in favor of 2CD District Committee Meeting being an open meeting, it was moved by K.P. Mahoney and seconded by Ed Miller to SEND THE QUESTION TO THE RULES AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE FOR FINAL DETERMINATION. MOTION CARRIED.
Dallas Dean, Newaygo County, stated Newaygo County had an excellent speaker, Erica Hoover, from the State of Michigan, speaking on Military Women and the VA. Her email is hoovere2@michigan.gov. should anyone want her to be a speaker for their county party.
Cathy Willermet, Isabella County suggested contacting https://redwine.blue/freedomtoparent to counteract the extremism against School Boards, book bans, and etc.
The next 2CD District Committee Meeting is scheduled for July 8 via Zoom at 10 am.
Adjournment
It was the consensus of the group the meeting be adjourned. Mary Minnick, Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 11:43 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 at the meeting, peg.raddatz@gmail.com. Thank you for your cooperation!