March Minutes
Democrat Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
LaPaloma Restaurant
3/1/24
Chair Mary O’Shields called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Rod Brandt led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to February minutes. Called for approval of minutes. Ron Curtis made the motion. Jerry Newton 2nd and all were in favor. February minutes were accepted.
Treasury Report: Karen Breton
Karen reported that as of the end of February 2024 and with ACT Blue contributions the ending balance is $9634.74.18. Karen expressed her thankfulness to those who are able to give. With this support we’re able to support candidates, advertise candidates, buy stamps etc.
Update: $280 was collected in donations at the meeting
Chair Update: Mary O’Shields
Mary began the meeting by introducing officers and new members to our meeting.
Mary discussed the modification and creation of new committees to help further our county committee. Committees include:
-Nomination Committee-identifies and recruits candidates to run for executive committee
-History/Education Committee-documents achievements of local democrats and of the DPBC
-Legislative Committee-reviews and tracks state/national legislation
-Local Beat Committee-attends local city, county and school meetings
-Publicity/Public Relations Committee-responsible for brouchures, leaflets, photographs, press releases and identification of information to be included on social media and webpage.
-Events and Special Projects Committee-responsible for organizing events and identifying and ensuring participation at community events and presenting events to the committee.
-Election Committee-work with vice-chair and determine appropriate campaign donations for local/state candidates.
Mary updated the group of bill progress. She reported that it’s difficult to keep up at times because in the past bills may take the whole legislative time to go through, but now can go through in just a couple of days. These please to call/email your legislators are fluid and constantly changing-watch facebook for most update information. Don’t forget the app 5 calls. This app lists current issues/bills/legislation/appointments with templates to call/email/mail to local, state and national legislators.
Start here to look for current bills being presented- https://arkleg.state.ar.us/
Here are some links to Actions-
Indivisible -https://indivisible.org/
Fast Democracy- https://fastdemocracy.com/
Vote Forward- https://votefwd.org/
5 calls- https://5calls.org/ can download in apple or google play store
Mary went over the summary points of the new dog ordinance that is up for selection at the city council (has just gone through first reading). This ordinance would:
-make a one time license fee $5
-allow pit bulls within city limits, by changing the word to “vicious dog”
-not allow feeding of feral cats on property that is not yours
-require fresh food and water out for pets
-can’t leave pet in hot/cold car
-define “noisy animal”
-allow reasonable number of birds (chickens)
-no horses/cows/goat/pig/sheep-have to have at least 1 acre per animal
Announcements:
Mike Breton informed the group of his and Mary’s visit to Rick Crawford’s Office. Republicans currently have a moratorium on town halls. Mr.Crawford is much too busy to come to Arkansas during the recess and they spoke with his assistant. Look for that report on the website soon.
Steve and Elizabeth spoke briefly about SB 290-the bill to end the moratorium on the issuances of permits in watersheds and other bodies of water.
CALLS CONTEST-Mary Newton made 109 calls this last month to state and national legislators! She said at first it was intimidating, but having a script helped. Now she is able to “adlib” what she wants to say to get her message across. One line that she always says is, “What do you need from me so that my call will be counted?” Mary is a true rockstar!!! We will continue this competition next month-so tally your calls!
Please remember to fill out the 2025 membership form.
Please fill out the questionnaire presented to the group. If you missed the meeting, here is the online link to fill out digitally. These questions will help us guide the board in helping members. Link to Questionnaire
If you would like to discuss something or add something to the agenda please contact Mary at meaoshields@gmail.com or Jennifer at jennifer@baxtercountydemocrats.com and we will work to add that. Remember we allow time for discussion at the end of the meeting for these items.
Chair Mary O’Shields adjourned the meeting at 11:20 a.m.
DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
April 5th: La Paloma (1014 Highland Cir, Mountain Home, AR 72653)
May 3rd: TBA
June 7th: TBA
July 5th: TBA
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Meetings take place at City Hall-720 Hickory St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
March 6th: City Hall 5 p.m.
March 20th: City Hall 5 p.m.
April 3rd: City Hall 5 p.m.
April 17th: City Hall 5 p.m.
County Quorum Court Meetings: (1st Tuesday)
Meetings take place at Baxter County Courthouse- 1 East 7th Street, Mountain Home, AR 72653
April 1st: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
May 6th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
June 3rd: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
July 1st: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Mountain Home School Board Meetings (3rd Thursday)
Meetings take place at Central Office-2465 Rodeo Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653
March 20th: Central Office 6 p.m.
April 17th: Central Office 6 p.m.
May 15th: Central Office 6 p.m.
June 19th: Central Office 6 p.m
