June 26, 2006

 

The Executive Committee of the Buncombe County Republican Party met on June 26, 2006 at Ryan’s restaurant, Patton Avenue Asheville, NC. The meeting was called to order promptly at 6:30 pm by George Keller, Chair of the BCGOP.

 

Don Yelton was called upon, and gave the blessing. George Keller led the Pledge to the Flag.

 

It was noted that the minutes from the previous Central Committee meeting are available on line.

 

Roll was called with 19 members attending.

 

The Action Club has appointed Kathy Rhodarmer to represent the Action Club on the GOP Executive Committee. The Chair recognized Kathy Rhodarmer as the Action Club representative member of the BCGOP Executive Committee.

 

Preparations for fall early voting were discussed. It was decided that it was not practical to man the five proposed library voting sites outside with signs and a question/answer table. These sites are open all day for several weeks. The overnight security of paper ballots and optical reader machines was questioned. George Keller will investigate further. Paid Republican judges must be on hand for early voting. George Keller will talk to the BCBOE, including what the state voting law says about this important requirement.

 

Get out the vote methods were discussed with headquarters multiple phone lines identified as one alternative and cheap cell phones a second alternative. Trades between combinations of these alternatives will be conducted by George Keller and reported at the next meeting.

 

Don Yelton volunteered his TV show as an advert method for get out the vote.

 

Sourwood Festival booth committee is headed up by Jerry Orr. Chuck Durand volunteered to work with Jerry.

 

Republicans have a booth at the Goombay Festival, thanks to Eric Gorny who paid the required fee; coordinated with the other candidates Mike Harrison, and Charles Thomas; and is working with the Action Club.

 

Henderson County Republican Party has agreed to work with the BCGOP to fund and man a booth at the NC Mountain State Fair. George Keller is putting together a volunteer schedule and needs volunteers to man the GOP booth.

 

Festival Latina has been selected as a possible GOP presence project. Don Yelton will check it out and report back.

 

Greek Festival will be held in late September. Kathie Lack is working on GOP participation.

 

Gun Show GOP table efforts are in the works by the Action Club.

LEAF Festival efforts are continuing by Bill Reynolds.

 

Lexington Arts Festival GOP planning is underway by Matt Hebb.

 

BCGOP resolutions are valuable in supporting candidates, addressing elected officials and establishing County platform elements.  A resolution was discussed that addressed the current property tax increase problem within the County. Florida and California laws were referred to. A resolution that puts a cost of living cap on tax increases with an absolute cap if excessive cost of living increases are required was suggested. George Keller is to create a draft resolution with help from Bill and Kathie Lack, and Chuck Durand.

 

Kathy Rhodarmer reported that GOP Headquarters is being manned, but activity is slow there because of the summer holidays. George Keller reported that Headquarters will be used for political sign pick-up for all candidates for the election in November. Sign pickup is ideally suited for the rear Headquarters area with its overhead garage door. Judge’s signs and bumper stickers are available at Headquarters.

 

The GOP Pot-Luck Picnic for September is planned to be a joint effort between the Blue Ridge Woman’s Club and BCGOP. Mary Jane Westall is the coordinator. Chuck Durand will work with her and handle invitations to Judges and Poll Workers and their families. Candidates are invited.

 

Bill Porter, Kathie Lack and Kathy Rhodarmer have received Voter Vault Training so that we can develop lists for our get out the vote efforts.

 

Matt Hebb reported that the Young Republicans Club members have volunteered to decorate the GOP Headquarters so that it is more inviting to guests and meetings. The suggestion was well received and supported.

 

Ed Osaka discussed the advantages of taking out a large ad in the CT just prior to the election with the objective of informing voters of the platform of our candidates and to encourage everyone who will support our platform to vote for our candidates. Ed’s idea was well received. Ed, Don Yelton, Kathie Lack and Jerry Orr volunteered to pursue the approach further.

 

The plight of unaffiliated voters was discussed. Matt Mattan has been claiming on his radio show that the State of North Carolina, with its two party system, is discriminating against unaffiliated voters. Mattan is also insinuating that Republicans are insensitive to the problems of unaffiliated voters. Suggestions were made as to what the BCGOP could do for unaffiliated voters and to Matt Mattan.

 

The BCGOP Executive Committee Meeting was concluded at 7:45 pm.