CHARLOTTE AREA GREEN PARTY JUNE 2003 MEETING MINUTES


Members Present: Alan Burns, Gregg Jocoy, Kathryn Kuppers, Elizabeth Melvin, John Michalski, Gray Newman, Mark Ortiz, Harry Phillips

Guests: Elena Everett, Roey Rosenblith, James Sellers

Gray requested that Mark clarify the nature of each contribution to the CAGP, whether it is for membership, a donation, etc. Mark reported that we have $1154.90 in our treasury, and this figure will change to 1179.90 when Gray returns the check for $25 that the Black Political Caucus would not accept.

Kathryn reported that this year’s Labor Day Parade will likely be smaller because Charlotte Shout will not be as active in promoting the parade. We’ll pay $100 as a sponsor, and Judy Aulette will serve as judge of the essay contest. Roey will speak at the parade if he can be here. It was voted, unanimously, that we continue as a sponsor and that we again march.

The Evening Muse is closed the first Friday in July. Liz has contacted the Visulite Theatre about us tabling there on some first Fridays and had a positive response from Visulite management. It was suggested that tentatively we plan to alternate first Fridays between the EM and the Visulite.

Brad, an NCSU Green, will take over from Michael managing the NCGP web site.

Campus Greens in attendance reported that the "veggie car" was totaled this past Thursday and that they are looking for a replacement diesel vehicle. Elena announced a benefit concert at Phat City on Sunday, June 15. The Campus Greens reported positive experiences on their summer tour.

Gray read a proposal for "same-day registration" and we agreed to support it. Gray also read the North Carolina Voters for Clean Elections statement of purpose. It will cost adults in NC approximately one cent per day to publicly finance campaigns. We may want to partner with this organization as a way to support their efforts.

Democracy Charlotte has asked us to help on July 19 at the Democracy and Campaign Finance Reform Fair at Freedom Park. Alan will help, as will John if he can, with a table.

Planned Parenthood and NOW will hold a meeting on Thursday, June 19 to discuss a response to Operation Rescue, the anti-choice group moving to Concord.

Roey apprised the group of the NC statute that allows those who have served jail time to vote. He suggested that we contact our local Board of Elections and the Board of Corrections to notify folks of their right to vote. It is a matter of removing a flag next to the former prisoner’s name.

Mark suggested that we make a $25 donation to the Bill of Rights Defense Committee. Gray requested more information on this organization before pledging a donation. This request was agreed to.

Gregg suggested that we table at rest areas located at NC / SC borders.

It was decided not to hold a July meeting.

Alan noted that he will be among a group critiquing the Charlotte Observer’s news coverage. He is in regular correspondence with the Observer’s foreign news editor. We are on record as having called for an investigation into the events of 9-11.

Respectfully Submitted,

Harry Phillips, Co-Clerk
June 16, 2003