SDEC report? Anyone?

[johncoby2]

I am interested in a report from and SDEC member on the meeting, especially the "closed door" meeting DVO mentioned.

[PDittie]

1. Joy DeMark sent one through the Whitmarsh list

DVO posted here regarding the Texas Trust. He's pissed. Did you read that post yet? Eddie Rodriguez of DU and The Red State was appointed to the Resolutions committee by Boyd Richie.

Here's Joy:

Re-elected and recently elected SDEC members got together Friday evening at
the Texas AFL-CIO HQ for a little BBQ and fun before beginning work on
Saturday morning. Ken Bailey, Director of Party Affairs for TDP showed how
truly tough and dedicated he really is. As a former firefighter only Ken
could have stood out in that 104 degree Austin afternoon (heat index about
114) leaning over a fiery BBQ Pit to make great beef brisket.

The SDEC meeting was preceded by meetings of the Finance and
Resolutions/Communications Committees. These committees had carryover
business due to the June Convention. Finance reported that the convention
was a financial success - no debt incurred. In fact, a little more than
$7000 was added to the TDP coffers from the state convention after all
bills were paid. Kudos go to everyone of you who attended, and especially those
of you who got tickets or sponsored tables for the Blue Star Breakfast. This
was the most successful breakfast ever and the Breakfast Committee set new
levels of expectation for the next convention in Austin, 2008.

SDEC Training was held at 10AM for new members. Almost every returning
member also attended to learn more and brush up their skills. Dr Dennis
Teal, Bill Brannon, Rose Salas, John James and Chair Boyd Richie gave
excellent advice and info to the group. All the TDP staff was introduced so
we can now put a face with that voice or email from headquarters. Each SDEC
member was given a notebook with all the information needed to be an
effective voice for the Party.

At the SDEC Meeting, officers of the County Chairs Association took their
oath of office. The main legal team headed by Chad Dunn, General Counsel for TDP received
several standing ovations for their fine work on the Delay case.
Nominations and Legal Committee nominated Larry Weiman as the Democratic
Nominee for the 80th Judicial District Court in Harris County. There was a
unanimous statutory vote by the SDEC to put Weiman on the ballot here in
Harris County for Nov 7.

There was a Finance report but no Resolutions/Communications report due to
lack of a quorum on that committee.

Chairman Richie announced the standing committees for the 2006-2008 SDEC.
"This was a toughie," said Chair Richie. "Diversity, Youth, Gender,
Geography and Experience" were the criteria used "to make committees
reflect the face of our Party." A new committee was approved unanimously by the
SDEC, the Sustaining Memberships Committee. "Small donors are now given the
stature and respect they deserve" said Richie and "they are the backbone
and future of the party." The committees are:

Advisory
> Convention
> Finance
> Grass Roots
> Legislative
> Nominations & Legal
> Resolutions /Communications
> Rules
> Sustaining Memberships

Farrukh Shamsi was appointed to the Resolutions/Communications Committee
and I was appointed to Finance and Rules to represent SD 7.

At noon the Texas Democratic Trust held a briefing. This is a small group
of Texans who are investing in the future of the Texas Democratic Party by
helping us rebuild our infrastructure and deliver our message effectively.
Fred Baron, founder and powerhouse of the Trust, gave a synopsis of his
political interests and involvement - walking proof - "put your money where
your mouth is." Matt Angle, Director, gave a more detailed explanation of
Trust efforts. (You might be interested in checking out
www.lonestarproject.net to see another of Angle's efforts for Texans). We
now have databases, research and professional staff. The Trust is committed
to helping us start winning elections - but it is going to take every
single one of us to do it. We have the help. We are getting the tools we need. Now
let's all do our part.

PS-
It was GREAT to see the Cy-Fair Area Democratic Club doing their part. On
the way home from the SDEC Farrukh and I stopped at the Evening in the
Country Event. When I arrived they were all doing the Macarena - even some
toddlers were jumping up and down. When Chris Bell arrived he had to step
around some happily dancing 5 year olds to speak. There were lots of photo
opps with Chris to the delight of the crowd. As Chris was leaving Jim
Henley (CD 7) came and added his enthusiasm as only he can. Mark McDavid,
District 138 and Dorothy Bottos, District 28 also came and met everyone there.

Joy Demark, SDEC for SD 7

[muse]

2. what I heard

I got a very different report on the "closed door" meeting than what David heard. Here is the gist of the report I got:
a lot of TDP money was wasted in the past and we have to get back on track in order for the party to do training and grass roots support (which WILL happen).

there is $200,000 in the bank now

also, the party supported the DeLay legal challenge (some money went to that although my underdtanding was that the lawyers worked pro bono)

the deal is that the party is serious about not wasting money. they are doing things to get us back on track!