ATTENDANCE:  Zephyr Tate-Mann, chair; approximately 19 present

BUSINESS MEETING called to order at 7:30pm.  

MSA Mel, Gar.  Minutes for General Meetings of October, November, January and February which were on the website or at this meeting for review were approved.

Zephyr announced that Beverly Stone was under care at Casa Colina but will be home later in the week.  Carolee Monroe is in Florida with her ailing mother.

PROGRAM:   “Vote Yes on Proposition 15”

Dr. John Goodman, a spokesperson from the Yes of 15 organization  introduced us to the California Fair Elections Act which has been passed by both houses of the CA legislature, signed by the governor and will appear on the November ballot.   This is an amendment that will remove the current prohibition for publicly funded elections from the California constitution. 

According to Dr. Goodman,  our elected officials spend approximately 34% of their time on fundraising, taking away time from meetings with constituents or researching and passing legislation.  The current systems also promotes the problem that politicians actually serve the special interests whose money they need to fund their campaigns.  According to the Yes on 15 organization “over $1 billion has been raised by California politicians since 2000 – buying access for special interests and shutting out the rest of us.”    Seven states and two cities are successfully using a similar public funding procedure for some of their campaigns –AZ and ME have used the system for all statewide offices since 2000. 

Prop 15  creates a voluntary pilot program to provide limited public financing for Secretary of State candidates in 2014 and 2018. 
Highlights:   

• Candidates who agree to use public funds must prove they have substantial support by getting signatures and $5 contributions from 7,500 registered voters.
• Participating candidates are banned from raising or spending money beyond the limited funds.
• Spending limits and reporting requirements are strictly enforced.  Candidates can only spend on legitimate expenses.  Violators would face fines, possible jail time, and prohibitions from running for office in the future.
• Taxpayers and public funds are protected.  It will not increase taxes or take away from other important programs.
• Candidates who qualify will get seed money and if they are outspent by outside groups or non-participating candidates they will get a matching amount immediately.  One of the income sources will be from the fees lobbyists pay for access at the Capitol.  This fee is currently only $12.50 and will be increased. 
  

Additional information at: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/vig-public-display/060810-primary-election/
 
To join in supporting the Proposition, Spread the Word, Donate, Phone Bank, Host Parties, etc., please go to www.YesOnProp15.org   Dr. Goodman emphasized that because funding is limited for this proposition and details are not widely know, there is a great need to talk about this and inform everyone.  The campaign staff also will come and speak to organizations or groups as well as train others to do so.

BUSINESS MEETING:

MSA: Ned, Gar. (Unanimous) A resolution to support the position of the Claremont Unified School District Board of Education in opposing further cuts in education funding.

MSA: Rudy, Aelian. To place a resolution for the endorsement of Proposition 15 on the agenda for our April 26th meeting.
 
The Executive Committee on behalf of the Democratic Club has nominated our club member Chuck Farritor to be the Claremont Honored Citizen for the July 4th celebration and activities, and for the Community Hero to be recognized at our City’s Day at the L.A. County Fair.

At the Pre-Endorsement Conference held on March 20, 2010, both Russ Warner for the 26th CD and Darcel Woods for the 59th AD received the 70%+ votes needed for pre-endorsement.  Their endorsements will be voted on by the delegates at the Democratic Convention to be held April 16,17,18, 2010, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Both candidates are unopposed in the primary.

Zephyr pointed out the nice article and announcement of tonight’s meeting in the March 20, Claremont Courier.  It included the Prop 15 program description.  She also commended both Gar and Merrill for their recent letters to the Courier.  Their letters also appear in our newsletter.   Any member who writes a letter to a newspaper is encouraged to also send it to Laura Lo for inclusion in the newsletter.  dittelaura©gmail.com

Candidate Forum:

Zephyr reported that she has gotten several RSVP’s for our May 24th Forum at El Roble auditorium.  The Issues Committee is at work formulating some questions for our speakers.   Our inland area is often overlooked by candidates and we want to take the lead in the Inland Valley for Democratic positions and supporting our candidates.   Our target is to get an audience of 300 people and we are working with surrounding clubs to raise attendance and co-sponsor the event.  We are also working with the Claremont HS Dem Club and encourage both students and their parents to attend.   We ask that all of our members talk this up and bring a friend or colleague with them.  Finally, since candidates also must be concerned with raising money, please set aside as much as you can to be able to donate to our participants. (Refer back to Prop 15 comments!)

Zephyr encouraged members to attend the JFK Profiles in courage Awards Dinner, Thursday April 8, 2010.  this is put on by the LACounty DemCentralCommittee and is the primary fundraiser for helping our candidates running in local elections in traditional Republican districts.  Support our Red to Blue efforts!
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Whitson
Recording Secretary

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday April 3.  9:30am  at Scrooby Lounge
JFK Profiles in Courage Awards Dinner, Thursday April 8, 2010,  6:30-9:00 at Downtown L.A. Marriot Hotel
Luncheon Meeting on Friday, April 9, 12 noon, at LYL Garden
Democratic Convention at LA Convention Center, April 16, 17, 18
Claremont Earth Day Celebration,  Saturday, April 17, 2010,  9am – 4 pm