Minutes of the BCGOP Executive Committee Meeting on March 24, 2008

Called to order by Chairman Johnson at 6:30 p.m.

Prayer by Pastor Hardaway, Pastor of Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church

Pledge led by Rick Jenkins

Chairman Johnson expressed his desire for the BCGOP to Grow, Prosper, and Lead.

The minutes, as posted on the web site, were approved.

The treasurer’s report was accepted.   It will be posted on the website.

Vice Chair Jenkins reported that McCrory needs volunteers.   He invited us all to Fred Smith’s reception at noon on Wednesday, March 26, at the Asheville Ballroom.   He is looking forward to the 31 August Republicans at the ballgame night out.   He reported that the Buckmaster organization, http://www.buckmasters.com/bm/, would like to found a chapter in this area and that they teach youngsters how to hunt and fish – the Junior Republicans are interested.

Blue Ridge President Dorothea Alderfer urged those who attend their meeting on April 3 to come at 6:00 p.m., for the program includes all three of the Republicans who are running for Congress.

President Beryl Windsor reported that the Buncombe County Republican Women had a very successful fundraiser this year, the afternoon at the NCSC.

President Kathie Lack reported that the ACTION club is looking for smaller community events where they can set up information tables.

There will be Congressional debate on Thursday, 27 March, at the YMI.   This one is to be taped.  The public won’t be invited to this one.    It will be aired on URTV often, starting a week or so after taping.  

There will be a Gubernatorial Debate on May 1 at the YMI. 

Chairman Johnson expressed a desire for more advertising of our events.   He wants us to be a party of pride.

Chairman Johnson introduced J.L. Thompson, whom Johnson wants to appoint to the position of Finance Chair.   J.L. has a master’s degree in Public Policy from Carnegie   He spoke of being ready to lead, grow and prosper.   He and his wife had their first child in February 2008.  Congratulations.

Chairman Johnson introduced Diana Kantor, already a precinct chair and assistant secretary, whom he wishes to appoint as Communications Director of the BCGOP.

Chairman Johnson also wishes to appoint Pastor Hardaway as the Chaplain for the BCGOP.  

Don Yelton moved the approval of the three appointments, Keller seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Regarding office space, Chairman Johnson asked for volunteers for a Space Committee.   Betty Budd, Robin Ramsey, Loree’ Pettit, Chad Nesbitt, Chuck Durand, and Bill Lack volunteered.    They are to report at the next regular meeting on April 28.

Regarding meeting space, Loree’ reported that the Shoney’s is no bigger than Ryan’s.   The only spaces that she found that were really big enough were the Asiana Restaurants.   Danny Roberts will look into the availability of the AmVets club.

Dorothea asked if there were plans to transport voters to the polls.   Rick Jenkins and Chad Nesbitt will inquire of Asheville Dodge and Ken Wilson Ford about available vans.

Chairman Johnson pointed out that with 49,000 Republicans in Buncombe County, if one fourth of the families gave $100 per year, the BCGOP would have $1.2 million per year, and we’d have no space problems.   He promised that we would not spend money we have.

Finance Chair Thompson discussed ways to raise money.  Besides the $100 challenge, in which we are already engaged, he wants a corporate challenge of $1000 from each Republican-owned business in the county.  We would publicize the names of the business contributors.   He wants to find out how to make most, if not all, contributions to the party tax deductible.  He desires levels of giving and recognition.  

Chuck Durand suggested that we add a lawyer to the Finance committee.  Don Yelton suggested that the lawyer would probably have to come from outside Buncombe County.     Robin suggested adding Trish Smothers to the Finance Committee.

Kathy Rhodarmer pled for adherence to the party platform as we try to attract new Republicans.

Bill Porter sought the names of those Republicans who have died since January 2007, to be recognized at the District Convention.   He also sought resolutions for that April 26 meeting.

The Golden Elephant plaque was awarded to Betty Budd.

Mark Delk was recognized for his service as chair, with a mug and a plaque.

Betty Budd urged us all to urge all our friends and acquaintances to vote in the primary on May 6.   She was especially interested in the Congressional primary race.

Next regular Executive Committee meeting is on April 28, with a pre-meeting of the Central Committee at Denny’s at 7:00 a.m. on April 21.

May meeting will be one week early, to avoid Memorial Day.   So the Executive Committee meeting will be on May 19, with a pre-meeting of the Central Committee at Denny’s at 7:00 a.m. on May 12. 

Chairman Johnson wishes to continue having the Central Committee pre-meetings a week before the Executive Committee until further notice.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. by Chairman Johnson.

George Keller, BCGOP Secretary