October Minutes
Democratic Party of Baxter County
Meeting Minutes
The Back 40
10/7/23
Chair Derek Huber called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.
Donnie Huffine: Pledge of Allegiance
Minutes: Called for any changes to September minutes. Karen noted there was a mistake in the accounting, the amount in September that was collected should be $230. We will update this. Called for approval of minutes, Johnny Rickman made the motion, Mary O’Sheilds 2nd, all were in favor. The September minutes were accepted.
Treasury report: Treasurer Karen Breton reported that the current account balance is $4,832.42.
Karen passed out the financials year-to-date, with a monthly breakdown for everyone to see.
Chair Update: Thanked everyone for patience with us as we get back into the swing of things after losing a family member and our wedding. We are working on an event and have been communicating with Chris Jones about being a guest speaker. We have a very small window to get any candidates for next year. The filing period runs from Monday, November 6, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. until Tuesday, November 14th, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
Reports of Officers and Committees:
Legislative: Glenda Huffine and Mary O’Sheilds briefly summarized new legislative Acts that have been put in place this year. Tax rate changes, a one-time tax credit of $150 for low-income, this year.
History: Mike Breton has written an article about our former State House and State Senate member, Vada Sheid. Mike visited with her son recently, but recommended that members check out her autobiography, “Vada, Nothing Personal, Just Politics.” The library has several copies.
Local Beats/Election Committee: We have had several that are visiting School Board Meetings, City Council, etc. Donnie spoke about the QC meeting this last month, basic business just paying bills. The QC will discuss paper ballots in December again. Bob Bodenhamer still feels strongly that paper ballots are not going to be an issue going forward.
Guest Speaker: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer to speak on FOIA
There have been several proposed FOIA bills. Some have passed some have not. One of the bills was to change WHAT could be FOIAed. A few weeks ago Governor Sanders asked the Legislature to basically gut FOIA. Our FOIA bill was put in place by Republicans. Our Senator Scott Flippo wrote this bill. It was very vast and concerning. The goal was to pass this on a State level and then bring it to local levels. A lot of people pushed back, but she was still able to push some through. A whistleblower has come forward against Sanders. Documents have been tampered with at the direction of Sanders. It is likely they will try to push this through again next Spring. An audit of Sander’s office is happening now. There is a petition to put FOIA on the constitution. Besides signing the petition, contact your Senator and Rep.
Chair Derek Huber adjourned the meeting at 10:52 a.m.
Next DPBC Meetings: (1st Saturdays)
November 4th: Baxter County Library 10:15 a.m.
December 2nd: Baxter County Library 10:15 a.m.
City Council Meetings: (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Oct 19th: City Hall 6 p.m.
Nov 2nd: City Hall 6 p.m.
Nov 16th: City Hall 6 p.m.
County Quorum Court Meetings: (1st Tuesday)
Oct 5th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Nov 7th: County Courthouse 6 p.m.
Mountain Home School Board Meetings: (3rd Thursdays)
Oct 19th: Central Office 6 p.m.
Nov 16th: Central Office 6