SANTA CLARA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE
6:45 pm, County Building Cafeteria, 70 W. Hedding St.; San Jose
AGENDA FOR Thursday, April 2, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER: 7:10p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
a. Absent: Ron Lind, Francis LaPoll, Denise Alejandro, Albert Torrico, Bill Monning, Anna Caballero, Ellen Corbett, Elaine Alquist, and Anna Eshoo,
b. Alternates: Jonathan Starr for Herb Egstrom, Jeanne Lamar for Craig Dunkerley, Alex Kobayashi for Ira Ruskin, Jon Kessler for Paul Fong, Darcie Green for Joe Coto, Emma Rodman for Joe Simitian, Swanee Edwards for Jerry McNerney, Albert Beltran for Mike Honda, and Mia White for Zoe Lofgren.
c. Excused: Jacquie Heffner
3. IDENTIFICATION OF VISITORS
Eric Bradley, Renee Reid, Blair Bobier, Duane Jones, Galen Swan, Kip Crosby, Hilary Crosby, and Janet Strombers,
4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
a. Motion to Approve; Seconded, Motion Approved.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Minutes are posted at sccdp.org)
a. March 5, 2009
1. Motion to Approve; Seconded
2. Item 6b – Sri Lanka resolution. Change to reflect motion was approved subject to final approval of revised language.
3. Motion Approved.
6. NEW BUSINESS
a) California Democratic Party Candidates
a. Darcie Green spoke in support of Alice Rucker, who is a candidate for Vice Chair - Female.
b. Cesear Diaz also spoke in support of Alice Rucker.
c. Eric Bradley – Candidate for State Controller
d. Hilary Crosby – Candidate for State Controller
e. Evan Low – Candidate for Vice Chair - Male.
b) Sri Lanka Resolution Update
a. Resolution was referred to the Executive Board to work on revised language. Bill James Jey Sathe, Steve Preminger, and Emy Thurber worked on proposed language that would be agreeable to the Santa Clara County Central Committee. Revised resolution was distributed to attendees.
b. Motion to approve substitute language; Seconded; Discussion: Jey Sathe informed the attendees that he supports the Resolution with the substitute language.
c. Emy Thurber thanked Jey Sathe in working with the committee on amending the language of the Resolution.
d. Motion Approved on Resolution with revised language.
c) Instant Runoff Voting Resolution for Santa Clara County Elections Resolution (Refer to Back of Agenda)
a. Resolutions are local, and therefore, would not be submitted to State Party.
i. Steve Chessin
1. Santa Clara County Elections: Urges Board of Supervisor to use the runoff election process.
a. Would replace the 2nd round elections with only 1 election. The election would be in November. Process would save monies.
b. Process: Voter would put “1” adjacent to your candidate, “2” adjacent to second choice, etc. Counts are done by 1st choice. Eliminate the person who came in last and ballots would then be recounted. If your ballot is eliminated, it would go to the 2nd choice. Would still need a majority of the vote. This process would only apply to County elections. San Francisco has been using the process since 2004. Each jurisdiction would have their own runoff voting process.
c. Motion to Approve, Seconded; Motion Approved.
2. San Jose Election – Provides 1 way as a step closer to public financing. Process would promote more people to run.
a. Motion to Approve; Seconded.
b. The floor recommended an amendment to the Resolution language: Third paragraph - Add “unnecessary and expensive” (language would be the same as the Santa Clara County Elections Resolution). Exit polling was done in San Francisco across all ethnic and primary languages. Polling indicated San Francisco voters preferred the runoff system. If Resolution passes, there needs to be a period of voter education.
c. Motion proposed to table until the next meeting; seconded. Motion was denied to table.
d. Other jurisdictions (Assembly, Senate, etc.) would have to make an instant runoff their rule, as well.
e. Adoption of Resolution approved.
f. Show of hands was requested from floor – Motion Approved.
ii. Blair Bobier – New America Foundation (Non-public policy institute) – will help with voter education and implementation. Cambridge Mass, Minneapolis, Burlington Vermont also using instant runoff. Have good models. Thanked Steve Chessin for his work on the instant runoff resolutions. Full-time staff working on election reform. Steve Preminger also commended Steve Chessin for his work.
iii. Motion from the floor to endorse Alice Rucker for Female State Democratic Party Vice Chair; Seconded; Motion Approved.
iv. Motion from the floor to endorse Hilary Crosby for State Democratic Party; Seconded; Motion Denied due to not receiving a simple majority vote by show of hands.
7. OLD BUSINESS
9. REPORTS FROM OFFICERS AND OTHERS
a. Executive Board: Steve Preminger
1. Discussion of website, by-law revisions, and Resolutions that are before the Central Committee.
b. Chair: Steve Preminger
1. James Kim will head a sub-committee dealing with Resolutions. This will help guide us through a resolution review process.
d) Vice Chair – Clark Williams
1. By-Laws. Clark Williams thanked members of the Central Committee for working on the by-laws. 15 members are currently participating in the process. The timeline was presented to Executive Board. Schedule to get completed in time for June Central Committee meeting. The next by-law (face-to-face review) will be on Saturday, April 11, at 2:00 at Clark Williams’ residence. Clark informed attendees that anyone interested in serving on the committee was to contact him.
e) Treasurer: Drina Collins
1. Informed attendees that dues were $25/2 years and she still collecting today. Current balance: $933.28. Drina informed attendees that there were still outstanding expenditures still need to be paid. Membership due expenditures are for the Central Committee’s post office box, phone bill, and other incidentals.
f) Secretary: Margie Mitchell
1. No Report
g) Community Services and Voter Registration: Judy Pipkin
1. Informed attendees that the office was doing well and volunteers are still coming in. San Jose State students are learning about voter registering and hot to get politically involved. Office is currently doing voter registration. Office has a new volunteer from San Jose City College, who is a teacher computer information systems instructor. His wife will also be volunteering.
h) Finance: Jim Thurber/Hope Cahan – J J Dinner
1. Steve Preminger commended Hope Cahan and her committee for their work on the J J Dinner, which is April 19, 2009. Tickets are still available and can be purchased or mailed. Attendees were informed that if individuals or clubs want to purchase program ad space, they have until April 4 and are to contact Kristen Johnson. Hope Cahan informed attendees they are still looking for ticket and table purchases.
i) Candidate Recruitment and Endorsement: Jon Kessler
a. May Election Proposition Updates.
b. Since last month, states condition has changed again.
c. May 19, State party has not taken position and will not until after convention.
d. Overview of each proposition follows the minutes.
e. Proposition 1F – Freezes legislator’s salaries if the budget is not passed on time.
f. On April 27, a forum will be held to speak about the propositions. John Laird will be the guest speaker.
j) Communications: David Cohen
a. David Cohen informed attendees that paid or association members should be in the directory. David will send out an e-mail to inform people what the passcode to access the directory. David asked attendees to peruse the directory and notify him of any necessary changes.
b. The Madge Overhouse Award Nomination is on line. The deadline has been extended to April 5, 2009. There are currently 2 nominations.
c. Clem Lundy was acknowledged for his volunteering by Steve Preminger.
k) Campaign Services: Tom Cochran
a. No Report
l) Political Outreach (Clubs): Diane Rolfe
a. There are now 17 chartered Dem Club.
b. Thanked the Silicon Valley Dem Club for the Italian dinner. Next month is DAWN.
c. Judy Pipkin and Diane Rolfe will be working on voter registration. Diane informed attendees they clubs can make monies on voter registration. Tabling and getting out information is also needed.
d. Diane talked with Sally Lieber, who indicated an initiative being developed by Darryl Steinberg other leaders in legislature and her. The initiative will be on ballot in 2010. Polling indicates that 80% of the public in California oppose giving the legislature the right to raise taxes. The majority wants to raise taxes to fund the state via ballot initiatives.
m) Regional Director: Emy Thurber
a. Region 5 has a Facebook site.
b. Delegate forms need to be posted marked by April 10, 2009.
n) Democratic National Committee: Chris Stampolis
a. Process of having a conference call with the DNC in order to have regular interaction.
b. Chris asked attendees for questions and issues. Health Care for All, Re-organization of party and volunteers; electoral reform, choice and its funding issues were some that were suggested from the floor.
o) Pro-Choice Coalition: Claudia Shope
a. Next meeting will be April 15 at 6:30.
b. Lobby Day is April 22. Attendees are to contact Christina Locke for additional information.
c. San Jose Library computer filtering is still around.
p) DTV Report: Steve Chessin
a. Guest speaker was Leona Butler – CEO of Family Health Plan. She discussed health care and insurances in Santa Clara County.
p. CDC Report: Jay Jackman
a. No Report
10. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. Melody – Obama Dem Club and DEAN Club: Informed attendees that the House had just passed the $3.55 trillion budget. The Democratic Club of Sunnyvale’s first meeting will be May 16.
b. Mission City Dem Club will be meeting the Sunday after Easter at the Santa Clara Library.
c. Jim Brady asked for donations to support Diabetes and Lymphoma Research.
11. EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
12. ADJOURNMENT: 9:07p.m.
Club Reports:
DAWN: 1 table plus 1 program ad for J J Dinner. 55 people attend the recent potluck brunch. Guest speakers were Madison Nguyen, Evan Low, and representative from San Jose Unified School District who spoke about the District’s GAINS program. Carol Garvey received Assembly and Senate Resolutions in recognition for DAWN. Champagne fundraiser will be June 7 at Meri Maben’s residence.
Bay Area for Change: 1 table at J J Dinner. On April 30, a dinner will be held at Vita’s Italian Restaurant to celebrate first 100 days of the Obama administration.
Obama Dem Club: Pledge Project – Americans to pledge support on economic agenda. The Club has organized 6 events and has collected 400 pledges on behalf of economic agenda. A Spring Meet-Up potluck will be held on April 5 at the UFCW Hall on Market Street from 1:00 to 3:00.
Silicon Valley Dem Club: 1 Table at J J Dinner. Guest speaker was Chris Riley, who gave a presentation on Prop 8. Club selected the committee chairs and co-chairs. 8 members of the club will be going to the State Convention as volunteers.
Santa Clara County Dem Club – Sri Lanka Resolution concern was discussed at the last meeting.
Silicon Valley African American: Will have a presence at J J Dinner. Club will have its first kick-off meeting on April 30 at Tom Cochran’s residence.
Silicon Valley Young Dems: Thanked attendees for their support. 25 Young Dems will be attending the convention. A fundraiser held at Ash Kalra’s house. After the J J Dinner, there will be an after party with Gavin Newson at Azucar beginning around 9:30 or 10:00 - suggested donation is $10.
Iranian-American Dem Club: At least 1 table at J J Dinner. On April 4 and 5, there will be a picnic at Vasona Park. Anticipated attendance is 20,000 people.
San Jose State University Dem Caucus: On April 22 there will be an Obama second semester event.
Silicon Latino Dem Club: 1 table and program ad at J J Dinner.
LBGT Dem Club: Reminded attendees to renew their membership dues. Vermont legislature will vote on marriage bill. Iowa Supreme Court to vote on LBGT marriages.
Milpitas Dem Club: Club has invited Alberto Torrico to be their May guest speaker.
Dean Dem Club: 1 ½ table and ½ page program ad to J J JDinner. SB810 was discussed at the last meeting.
Democratic 21st Century club (New Club): 1 full-page program ad at J J Dinner. Club is a State political pact. Club donates monies to the Central Committee for slate mailer on behalf of local candidates. Membership fees are $100. Mike Honda will be the guest speaker at next luncheon.
Peninsula Dem Club: 1 ½ tables and ½ page program ad at J J Dinner. Annual retreat will be held in mid-April.
Instant Runoff Voting Resolution for Santa Clara County Elections
Whereas: the Santa Clara County Democratic Party endorsed Measure F in 1998, which amended the county charter to allow the use of Instant Runoff Voting for county elections when the technology became available; and
Whereas: the technology is now available for conducting Instant Runoff Voting elections; and
Whereas: the use of Instant Runoff Voting can eliminate unnecessary and expensive runoff elections, improve the tenor of campaigns and increase voter turnout; and
Whereas: a vote of the Board of Supervisors is required to implement Instant Runoff Voting for county elections; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED: that the Santa Clara County Democratic Party urges the Board of Supervisors to authorize the use of Instant Runoff Voting for county elections.
Instant Runoff Voting Resolution for San Jose Elections
Whereas: the use of Instant Runoff Voting can eliminate unnecessary and expensive runoff elections, improve the tenor of campaigns and increase voter turnout; and
Whereas: using Instant Runoff Voting in San Jose elections requires that city voters approve a charter amendment; and
Whereas: the San Jose City Council could put such a charter amendment before the voters; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED: that the Santa Clara County Democratic Party urges the San Jose City Council to place a charter amendment before city voters that replaces San Jose's two round runoff elections with instant runoff voting.
Potential Impact of the May 19 Special Election on the State Budget
If the first five propositions on the May 19th Special Election do not pass, there will be an immediate $6 billion hold in the 2009-10 budget that was just resolved on February 19, 2009.
1) Prop. 1A: Spending Cap and “Rainy Day Fund”
· What it Does:
o Limits spending growth to 10year revenue trend,
o Strengthens “rainy day fund” to be used in economic downturns, and
o Establishes a mechanism to fund the Prop. 98 education past due payments that are in Prop. 1B.
· What’s at Stake:
o If it passes, the tax increases in the budget continue through 2012-13. If it fails, the tax increases stop at the end of 2010-2011.
o If it fails, the $9.3 billion repayment to education in Prop. 1B will not happen.
2) Prop. 1B: Education Past Due Payments
· What it Does:
o If Prop 1A also passes, Prop 1B would pay schools and community colleges $9.3 billion in past due payments.
· What’s at Stake:
o If Prop 1B fails and Prop 1A fails, school districts and community colleges will lose $9.3 billion in funding.
· Why a Proposition is Needed:
o To authorize the $9.3 billion payment, voters need to amend the Prop. 98 public school funding program.
3) Prop. C: Borrowing Against Future Lottery Funds
· What it Does:
o Allows the state to borrow $5 billion in future lottery proceeds.
o Prop 1C and its implementing legislation (AB 12xxx, 2009 and AB 1654, 2008) do not take money away from K-12 funding. Rather AB 1654 replaced Lottery funding for K-12 education with state General Fund monies.
· What’s at Stake:
o If it fails, there will be a $5 billion hold in the 2009-10 budget.
4) Prop. 1D: Prop. 10 First 5 Children’s Programs Funding Diversion
· What it Does:
o Transfers up to $340 million from First 5 children’s programs in 2009-10 to the state to pay for state health and human services programs for children five and under, such as the Early Start Program and the Foster Care Program.
o Transfers $268 million annually to pay for state health and human services programs for children five and under, such as the Early Start Program and the Foster Care Program.
· What’s at Stake:
o If it fails, there will be a $608 million hole in the 2009-10 budget.
5) Prop. 1E: Prop. 63 Mental Health Program Funding Diversion
· What it Does:
o Transfers $227 million in funding in 2009-10 and $235 million in 2010-11 from Prop. 63 mental health programs to assist in funding health care for low-income children.
· What’s at Stake:
o If it fails, there will be a $227 million hole in 2009-10 budget and a possible $235 million hold in 2010-11.
So, if these five propositions do not pass on May 19th, there will be an immediate $6 billion hole in the state budget and education will not receive $9.3 billion in past due payments.