DFA ACTION/STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
January 21, 2009
108 E. Main Street residence of Bill & Elaine Jones, Arendtsville
Elaine Jones, Chairperson
Present: Elaine Jones, Pat & Lou Hammann, Clodius Willis, Bob Knight, and Virginia Ciliotta.
Inauguration Celebration January 20th. Consensus was that the Gettysburg “Inaugural Ball” was very successful. Several guests completed the forms indicating interest in DFA. However, it was noted that we must continue to try to attract more active members to the organization. Clodius reiterated his willingness to make phone calls to encourage more attendance at Meetups (he would commit to about 20 calls).
Remarks on status and challenges of our DFA. Elaine Jones commented that DFA is needed more than ever; there is lots of work to be done. She noted we have figured out how to do citizen lobbying; it should be used when we think it can be effective. Depending on the situation/cause, we may use a small lobbying group or a large one. Obama wants all the help and support he can get. Elaine asked Pat Naugle to chair the Citizen Lobbying Committee. Though interested, Pat declined due to having just accepted the job of Land Conservancy of Adams County president. He did offer to help set up the committee however, which will meet briefly at 6:30 on February 4th.
Clodius thinks we should visit Todd Platts early on to pressure him to vote for the stimulus package and keep pressure on him regularly. Elaine wants the task forces to help us plan effective ways to influence the Republicans. For example, Platts’ recent favorable votes on environmental issues could be used to try to establish a relationship with him. Lou thinks we should approach him on specific issues and can’t simply expect him to become a liberal.
Report on Health Care Issues. Lou mentioned he attended a day long seminar in Washington, DC focused on universal health care. News from the meeting is that universal health care is not a top priority for the federal government at the moment, which is all the more reason for DFA to support the Pennsylvania Health Care For All program. Elaine harkened back to Wendy Mizenko’s suggestion that all committees and task forces develop an action plan. Lou said the funds for the Feasibility Study have not yet been released and that we ought to lobby Representatives Moul and Tallman and Senator Alloway to push for the release of the funds. Though a complete action plan can’t go forward until the Feasibility Study has been done, the task force could begin sketching out such a plan, gathering ideas for disseminating information, etc., so as to be ready to act when the time comes. Someone suggested dropping off leaflets at Laslow’s Pharmacy, for example, as well as other pharmacies; Wendy had suggested going door to door with door hangers, etc. These and other ideas could be explored. Lou announced that the ACTV film about PA Health Care 4 All with a presentation by Dr. Dwight Michael has been completed and will begin showing on Comcast Cable Channel 10. We will be getting copies for our use.
Program Planning. Elaine expressed her continuing frustration with ways for the Steering Committee to assume responsibility for this task and come up with good programming in advance. Clodius said good speakers are needed as well as good programs. He agreed to come up with a list of ideas for programs, but the issue of program responsibility is still unresolved.
Progress Reports on Standing Committees.
Candidate Development Committee. Maggie Abbott-Fowler (unable to attend this meeting) has agreed to chair the committee and is interested in recruiting progressive candidates. She has met with Roger Lund and together they are planning the Feb 4th Meetup. She also mentioned that Kristin Rice is running for Adams County’s fourth judgeship; she may be the only woman running.
Communications Committee. Bob Knight agreed to chair the committee, but said he has had difficulty in the past coming up with committee members. He said he can’t do all that needs to be done regarding communications without other volunteers. Elaine mentioned establishing what we want the committee to focus on, setting priorities, etc. We should set as a goal calling everyone on our contact list prior to the March meeting. Elaine also said she would like to be able to say we have a functioning Citizen Lobbying Committee by the March meeting.
Task Force on Energy, Environment, and Sustainability. Peter Boving (unable to attend this meeting) has agreed to chair this task force and has some program ideas. Its first meeting is February 11 at the Community Benefits building, 227 W. High St.
Nominating Committee. Lou Hammann agreed to chair this committee. Elaine and Lou will seek two others for the committee.
February 4th Meetup. Roger Lund to be special guest on the topic “How can we elect more progressives in Adams County?”
March Meetup. This is the Annual Meeting at which election of officers will take place. It was decided to show the ACTV health care film at this meeting as well.
February 18th Steering Committee Meeting to be held in the Coffee Shop of Valentine Hall. Ginny Ciliotta to bring refreshments.
Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Virginia Ciliotta
Recording Secretary