Carroll County Democratic Central Committee Meeting Minutes March 12, 2015 Meeting called to order at 7:08 pm by the Chair. Attendees: Zach Hands, Dorothy Scanlan, Tom Scanlan, Anita Riley, Don West Guests: Greg Pecoraro, Jackie-Schrenker-Case, Dr. Robert Wack Chair's Report The strategic plan has been submitted. The Rural Maryland Dem. Summit was discussed at length. All the rural counties have been invited, and Greg P. who is on the board detailed what will be happening. The summit is changing tactics. They're looking to what would make a difference to the Democratic Party in the rural counties of Maryland. Look to see how the party can be best served in these counties from the state. They are inviting people from all areas to speak, but also to listen. There will be a panel of candidates for the US Senate, and a straw poll will be taken. The Western MD PAC will buy tickets and an ad. The CCDCC should have a presence at the summit, which was general agreed upon by all members. This led to a group discussion of why it is so difficult to get the Democratic vote out again in these counties. We can't seem to reach a consensus message or build upon one to draw out the base because the cause already seems lost. Most members said they would attend the summit, and funding for it could be discussed at the next meeting. Secretary's Report Zach H. submitted the February meeting minutes for approval. The minutes were approved by unanimous vote. Treasurer's Report The treasurer's report was filed by Corynne C. prior to the meeting due to her absence. She reported that the committee had the same amount of money on hand as at the last meeting. The current balance still stands at $59.47, and the financial report was approved unanimously. Special Report Neil was not present to give the state of the county, and he reported prior to the meeting that there was not much to report at that present time. Dorothy S. agreed that she will now be a watchdog on the Carroll delegation in the legislative session for the committee. She spoke a bit about current bills introduced by Justin Ready, the new member of the Maryland State Senate. April Rose's appointment to the vacant delegate seat was also mentioned. All members present supported the move to have Dorothy keep tabs on the Carroll delegation's movement, which was followed by a motion, and approved unanimously. The JJ Dinner was discussed. Anita R. encouraged people to take ads, and to help out with securing a speaker. Otherwise, everything was moving in the right direction. Sen. Mikulski will not be able to attend but will send a video. Several members advocated for attempting to secure the declared Senate candidates as speakers which Anita R. agreed to look into. It was decided unanimously that Hampstead Day would not see the attendance of the committee this year due to it being held in the Baltimore County because of construction work on Route 30 in Hampstead. The committee will look to do something else at some point over the summer. Zach H. reported that three candidates had submitted materials to be considered for the CCDCC internships. Don W. suggested that we bring the candidates in and speak to them individually before a decision is made. He said that it would be a topic of further discussion at the April meeting. Don W. explained that the updated By-laws have been sent out, and encouraged all members to take a look. He also encouraged members to continue to seek qualified candidates for the openings currently on the CCDCC, particularly female members. Anita obtained badges for the committee members. They cost each member a total of $15. Dr. Robert Wack spoke to the committee at length about Westminster's attempt to implement fiber optics throughout the city. He explained how it was in great demand, and that the county was not an effective partner in potentially implementing it in the county. He also briefly spoke of his campaign to be reelected to the Westminster City Council. The election will be held in May, and turnout has traditionally been around 10%. The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm. The next meeting of the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee will be held at the large meeting room of the Finksburg Branch of the Carroll County Public Library on April 9, 2015 at 7pm. Sincerely, Zachary Hands Recording Secretary