State Executive Meeting of the DFL Party

04/25/2005

The DFL state executive committee met on April 23 in Mankato (CD1).

1.  Chair’s Report

The HHH dinner was the most successful financially and also the best
attended in at least six years.  Before expenses, $272,000 was taken in
for the party.

Peggy Flanagan has been hired as Community Outreach Director.

The party is ahead of the budget on fundraising.

Town Hall meetings across the state for Congressional reps and
legislators have been well attended, and DFLers are holding their
elected officials accountable.

Howard Dean, Chair of the DNC, has promised help from grassroots
organizers in 2006.

2. Constitution Commission Report by Mike Rothman

The commission has met twice, in February and April.  It will meet next
on June 18.  Suggestions for changes in the Call or Constitution should
be submitted to your elected District members.

These dates are recommended for the Call:

Precinct Caucus March 7, 2006 (established by statute)
County Unit Conventions March 7 to April 12
State Convention Committees meet (St. Paul) May 6-7
CD Conventions April 19 to May 19
DFL endorsed, Elected Official Convocation May 19
State Convention (St. Paul) May 19-21
SD Endorsing Conventions March 7 to July 16 (ending date to be
confirmed)
2007 Business Conference April 1 to June 20

Two exec committee members objected to the May dates for the state
convention, as it is difficult for farmers and people in education to
get away at that time.  June was suggested as a better time.  Chair Mike
Erlandson responded that there are few venues in the state large enough
to hold the convention, and that alternative dates would be looked into.


3.  Legislative Affairs Report by Kathy Nelson

Each county unit should have a Letters to the Editor project.  A
suggested current topic is “don’t balance the budget with property tax
increases.”

Jeanne Thomas and Jackie Stevenson have been helping Kathy with
communicating with legislators about party positions.

4.  Business Conference Rules

The rules as proposed were adopted, with two small changes. Noise making
devices are entirely banned from the conference and chair candidates
will have 5 minutes each for seconding or speeches and the Q & A period
was increased to 30 minutes total.

5.  Candidates for Party Office as of April 23

Chair:  Betty Folliard, Brian Melendez, and Josh Syrjamaki
Associate Chair: Donna Cassutt
Secretary:  Susan Rego
Treasurer: Sue Ponsford and Kerry Gauthier
AAO:  Megan Thomas and Angela Burkhalter (Angela was unable to attend)

6. Exec Committee Retreat

Jackie reported that the date is June 10-11, and it will be at Jackpot
Junction.  It was difficult to find a venue in June that offered a rate
as low, at $55 a night per room.

7.  MYDFL

Kendal Killian, chair of MYDFL, reported that congressional district
conventions will be taking place in May and June.  DFLers under the age
of 35 are encouraged to take part.

8.  DFL Veterans Caucus

The April 16 DFL Veterans Caucus convention elected Nancy Gertner as
Chair and Jim Bootz as Associate Chair.