Democratic Party of Milton Townhip
Monthly Meeting
Thursday October 24, 2020
Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 pm by Jessica Hierbaum, Chair.
We convened as a Zoom meeting due to the Covid-19.
Other Officers on the call: James Rospond, Treasurer; Dennis Terdy, Operations Officer, Garry Tomlinson and Marian Tomlinson, Larry Pitts, and Nancy Hopkins, Secretary.
Quote: Jessica read this quote by Abraham Lincoln, “Elections belong to the people: It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."
Welcome: Jessica welcomed the group and welcomed first time participant Sarah Campagna, of Lombard who has been active in York Township and realized that she actually resides in Milton.
Approval of Minutes: Dennis Terdy moved and James Rospond seconded to dispense with the reading of the August minutes. The Minutes were approved by acclamation.
Treasurer’s Report: James Respond, Treasurer
There have been Receipts f $1,490 compared to expenses of $2,666. Among expenses, were flyers and stamps for post-cards. To date, in 2020, receipts equaled $4,895 and expenses $6,367. While the Covid-19 crises caused a deferral of a fundraiser, there have been savings on rental fees for a monthly meeting room. The September report is available on the Milton Township website. Currently there are 83 paid members with a goal of 87. Memberships are $25 per year or $45 for two years: www.democratsofmilton.com/donate
NEW Business:
Operations Updates; Dennis Terdy, Operations Officer
* Get-Out-The-Vote
Dennis gave a summary of efforts on distribution of the summer flyers as candidate-bio door hangers, and the “vote blue” bags of candidate information that PC’s have delivered. Many PC’s have completed or are in the midst of taking to each door on their walk list information early voting sites and reminders to get their vote by mail ballots in early. Jessica Hierbaum and Mike Nachman offered to run an updated walk-list showing who has not yet voted for any precinct. PCs can then send a final reminder to Democrats in each precinct.
Municipal Elections: Focus on these will begin November 4th. There are only three weeks to set up a caucus and choose candidates. Look for information in a newsletter on what positions are available.
Mental Health Referendum-Larry Pitts explained that funds are available to give grants to organizations providing sorely needed mental health services. To avail of these, there must be a question on the Municipal Election ballot as to whether to set up Milton Township Mental health Board. Therefore signatures are needed on a petition to get this issue on the April 6, 2021 ballot. Please read the special Newsletter with more details when it arrives in your email.
Jessica on Poll Watching–PC’s are encouraged to be Poll Watchers.
The DuPage County office of the Democratic Party has put together an excellent training on how to be a good Poll Watcher. Seasoned poll watchers can use it as a refresher. Jessica has sent out the email link. Call Jessica to get your Poll Watching Certificate which you will need to register at the precinct you plan to watch. You may just attend at important times such as at the opening of the polling place (6 am) and ending of the day (7:00 pm) if you do not wish to remain all day. Poll watchers will be on the lookout for voter intimidation or electioneering. They may take treats such as donuts to the election judges.
Program: Since the Presidential Debate was scheduled the meeting adjourned in time to watch it
Before adjourning, any candidate on the call was given the opportunity to say something;
Greg Schwarze, Candidate for County Board District-6: Expect a close vote.
Jeff Gahris –Candidate Forest Preserve Board, District 6: excited to be part of this historic year
Lynn LaPlante, Candidate County Board, District 4, treasures having the support of her home town
Azam Nizamudden, Candidate for Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit Court: Looking forward to a changing of the guard
Jill Otte, Candidate for Judge, 18th Judicial Circuit Court : Lawn signs for the judges are still available
Other New Business--None.
Adjournment: Judy Pitts moved and Jeff Gharis seconded to adjourn. The meeting ended at 7:50 pm.
Next meeting: The Next Milton Democrats Party Meeting will be a week early due to Thanksgiving: Thursday, November19 at 7:30pm. The format and Zoom link will be provided in the DPMT Newsletter.
Submitted by Nancy Hopkins, Secretary