St.

Landry Parish Democratic Executive Committee Minutes: Meeting 5/17/2012

MEMBERS PRESENT

Robert J. Wilson, Dist. 1

John Hadley, Jr., Dist. 2

Stephen Woods, Dist. 10 DIST. 11 - VACANT

John Miller, Dist. 3 James Ronald Vidrine, Dist. 4 Maude Inez Nevills, Dist. 5 Bambi Polotzola, Dist. 6
Charlie Jagneaux, Dist. 7

George Fisher, Dist. 12

Morris M.T. Tate, Dist. 13

Gregory Ardoin, At-Large Jarvis Claiborne, At-Large Gregory J. Doucet, At-Large Marshall A. Thibodeaux, At-Large
Danny L. Uriegas, At-Large

Leona Henry Boxie, Dist. 8 Wayne Ardoin, Dist. 9

CALL TO ORDER Chairman Fisher called the meeting to order. INVOCATION Maude Nevills led the committee and guests in a brief prayer. RESIGNATION/ELECTION OF SECRETARY Gregory J. Doucet announced his resignation of the ofce of Secretary due to time limitations. Chairman Fisher accepted Mr. Doucets resignation and opened the oor to nominations. Wayne Ardoin nominated Marshall Thibodeaux, who declined the nomination. Mr. Thibodeaux nominated Robert J. Wilson with a second by Leona Boxie; Mr. Wilson accepted the nomination. Mr. Thibodeaux moved to close nominations, the motion carried with no objection. Mr. Wilson was elected Secretary with no objections.
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INTRODUCTION OF & REMARKS BY GUESTS Vice-Chair Bambi Polotzola introduced Justin Franklin, recipient of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council Award. Mr. Franklin provided remarks on his selection as an award recipient and his plans for future involvement in politics. Following Mr. Franklins remarks, Mr. Wilson offered a resolution of commendation for Mr. Franklin on his selection for this prestigious honor and in anticipation of his bright future in Louisianas Democratic Party. This resolution was adopted unanimously. Vice-Chair Polotzola then introduced Stephen Handwerk, Interim Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Mr. Handwerk provided comments on the state of the Party and efforts to strengthen our base and reinforce connections between the state and local components of the Party. Among other topics, Mr. Handwerk addressed the Democratic National Committee Delegate Qualifying process/timeline, plans for this summers Jefferson/Jackson Dinner, investments in technology infrastructure, and a series of tours focused on training and connectivity to the local committees. The Chair and members expressed their appreciation for Mr. Handwerks attendance and participation. At this time, Sen. Elbert Guillory arrived to present an update on the ongoing Legislative Session and answer questions from the committee members. Lengthy discussion was held on topics including: The State Budget Changes to LA State Employee Retirement Alterations to LAs Education System Efcacy of Tax Incentives in the Current Fiscal Climate Civil Rights (specically, the Senators involvement with the Louisiana Family Forum) The Chair expressed appreciation for Sen. Guillorys participation. MEETING ETIQUETTE & EXPECTATIONS Chairman Fisher gave remarks regarding the need to implement a voter registration campaign in advance of the November elections. He also discussed the expectation that representatives of St. Landry Democrats will participate in the Jefferson/Jackson Dinner while becoming increasingly involved with the Party in general. MINUTES Minutes from the previous meeting were not provided. Gregory Ardoin moved to dispense with the reading of the Minutes; this motion carried unanimously. DEMOCRATIC STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (DSCC) MEETING UPDATE DSCC Members Leona Boxie, Marshall Thibodeaux, and Robert J. Wilson provided a brief recap of events from the rst meeting of the newly-elected Democratic State Central Committee. Topics included the enthusiasm regarding Chairwoman Sen. Karen Carter Peterson and the plan to build stronger connections between state-level and local Democrats.
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Chairman Fisher expressed his appreciation for the hard work of all four of St. Landrys DSCC members. MEETING SCHEDULE A discussion was held regarding the establishment of a regular meeting schedule. Jarvis Claiborne moved that meetings be held on the third (3rd) Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. until such time as the committee decides to alter its schedule. This motion passed without objection. A conversation followed wherein members discussed the suitability of meeting locations and requested that meetings be held in an environment more conducive to both discussion and public involvement. Mr. Wayne Ardoin stated that he would investigate the availability of the Parish Council Chambers for future meetings. Leona Boxie reported that the expense of meetings could be controlled by members paying for his/her own meal. After discussion, Wayne Ardoin moved that DPEC Members be required to pay for their own meals at regular meetings. A roll call vote was requested, with results as follows: ROLL CALL VOTE RESULTS

Robert J. Wilson, Dist. 1

John Hadley, Jr., Dist. 2

Stephen Woods, Dist. 10 DIST. 11 - VACANT

John Miller, Dist. 3 A James Ronald Vidrine, Dist. 4 Maude Inez Nevills, Dist. 5 Bambi Polotzola, Dist. 6
Charlie Jagneaux, Dist. 7

George Fisher, Dist. 12

Morris M.T. Tate, Dist. 13

Gregory Ardoin, At-Large Jarvis Claiborne, At-Large Gregory J. Doucet, At-Large Marshall A. Thibodeaux, At-Large
Danny L. Uriegas, At-Large

Leona Henry Boxie, Dist. 8 Wayne Ardoin, Dist. 9

KEY: = YEA = NAY A = Abstention

The motion carried with eleven (11) yeas, zero (0) nays, and one (1) abstention. Sen. Guillory asked if there were any vacancies on the DPEC and was informed that District 11 was currently vacant. Wayne Ardoin moved that Tim Ledee be elected to ll the District 11 vacancy. In discussion, it was determined that Mr. Ledee was not
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registered to vote in District 11 and was, therefore, ineligible. Mr. Ardoin offered a substitute motion to elect Sen. Elbert Guillory, who afrmed that he resided in the District. The substitute motion passed with no objection. CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Chairman Fisher led a discussion on the need for a Communications Director. Marshall Thibodeaux moved that Robert J. Wilson be appointed to this position; the motion carried with no objection. Mr. Wilson stated that he would schedule a meeting with Mr. Fisher to review parameters and establish a scope for this position. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMITTEES The Chair established Outreach and Fundraising Committees, respectively, then solicited volunteers to serve on each. Leona Boxie and Mr. Wayne Ardoin volunteered to serve on the Fundraising Committee. Members volunteering to serve on the Outreach Committee are: Bambi Polotzola Maude Inez Nevills Sen. Elbert Guillory Jarvis Claiborne Gregory J. Doucet PURCHASE OF VOTER ACTIVATION NETWORK (VAN) Stephen Handwerk provided an overview of the value of VAN to committees and candidates, highlighting the ability to micro-target for maximum benet to campaign efforts. Robert J. Wilson moved that the committee purchase VAN access; the motion carried unanimously. FINANCIAL REPORT Treasurer Leona Boxie presented a verbal Financial Report and stated that the account of the St. Landry DPEC contained $8,109.56 as of the last statement. A discussion was held regarding the need to establish a second account for qualifying fees in order to comply with applicable rules and campaign nance statutes. Robert J. Wilson moved that the Treasurer be empowered to open a second bank account and transfer thereto an amount commensurate with the total qualifying fees collected from the Louisiana Democratic Party. This motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Tim Ledee expressed his desire to become involved with the committee and to help promote the Democratic Party within St. Landry Parish. The Chair thanked Mr. Ledee for his enthusiasm and encouraged his ongoing participation. With no further business, Bambi Polotzola moved to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously.
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