CHARLOTTE AREA GREEN PARTY AUGUST 2003 MEETING MINUTES


Members Present: Judy Aulette, Gregg Jocoy, KathrynKuppers, Gray Newman, Mark Ortiz

Guests: Jim Barton, Phil Well



Mark Ortiz, treasurer, reported that the CAGP had $1,004.90 in checking. Mark had himself put $20 in to prevent the account from falling below $1,000, which would have triggered a service charge. Thanks Mark. Dues and donations collected at the meeting brought the prospective balance up to $1,064.90.

Kathryn Kuppers asked for suggestions for wording on banners for the CAGP to carry in the Labor Day Parade. We decided on three slogans: FAIR TRADE, NOT FREE TRADE; REPEAL TAFT-HARTLEY ACT!; END CORPORATE PERSONHOOD!. Two banners will hang on the sides of the Green Utility Vehicle, which the Campus Greens will be bringing down from Raleigh for the parade. The Fair Trade, Not Free Trade banner will be carried by marchers, as well as our regular CAGP banner. Gray agreed to draw up a brochure to pass out during the parade, explaining the history of the Taft-Hartley Act and corporate personhood, as the theme of the parade this year is “The History of American Labor”. Our tabling space will accommodate a 10x10 foot tent, which Gregg will supply. Kathryn reported that the proceeds this year from the Labor Day raffle ticket sales will go to the laid-off Pillowtex workers.

Members present agreed that the CAGP should host a one-day business meeting of the NCGP on October 4, with informal gatherings the Friday evening before and that same Saturday evening.

The CAGP website home page was reviewed, and it was decided that for the moment it can remain unchanged, except for the addition of an announcement on that page about the Labor Day Parade. Jim Barton suggested that the path to access the ballot access petition be more direct. Kathryn agreed to look into this.

Our guest speaker, Phil Wells, of MeckPAC, Mecklenburg Gay and Lesbian Political Action Committee, presented two of their current specific goals: 1. Adding sexual orientation to non-discrimination policies for local government employees 2. Adding domestic partner benefits for local government employees.They are continually stymied by city and county officials worried about reelection and unwilling to commit themselves to what they consider too controversial an issue. These two proposals would cost only a few dollars per government employees per year due to increased insurance costs for partners. The CAGP expressed support for these issues and suggested that the Meck PAC also look for support from Democracy Charlotte.

Gray Newman’s proposed amendment about decision-making on-line passed by consensus. A quorum (50% of dues-paid, active members) was present at the meeting. To read the amendment go to the website and read Section VIII D. of the bylaws.

Gray Newman suggested that we hold another yard sale around the time of the Greek Festival in Dilworth, at Alan’s house (in Dilworth).

Judy Aulette generously offered to let the CAGP hold its next meeting, on September 13, at her house at 2214 Chatham Avenue, off of Central Avenue, between The Plaza and Briar Creek.

Gregg Jocoy reported on the Riverkeeper land/water competition which should be held again next year on the Catawba River. Participants make human powered vehicles that can go on land and water. He suggested it could provide good, cheap publicity for the CAGP. While on the subject of the Catawba River, Kathryn proposed that the CAGP take a stand on the artificial whitewater course planned for somewhere on the banks of the Catawba River. She reported that attempts to contact Riverkeeper Donna Lisenby about the environmental impact of such a project were fruitless. It was suggested that someone could contact Katherine Mitchell of the Riverkeepers by phone for information.

Jim Barton from the California Green Party wanted to know how our ballot access drive was going . Mark expressed the belief that the NCGP will not obtain enough signatures in time for the next presidential election. Judy Aulette suggested that one way to drum up interest in the drive would be to hold meetings to discuss Green Party presidential candidates. Gregg Jocoy suggested that the NCGP recruit as many people as possible to hold a kind of weekend-long petition-gathering blitz, during which volunteers would do nothing but collect signatures.

Gray Newman asked if the CAGP would be interested in participating in a county-wide massive road clean-up the last weekend in September. No firm decision was made.



Submitted by Kathryn Kuppers, co-clerk, Charlotte Area Green Party