Minutes
Democratic Club of Northwest Volusia County
March 24, 2011

President Jeff Shepherd called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM.

Bill Whalen led the pledge of allegiance.

The minutes were approved with the following correcting change Sylvia Fisher to Sylvia Perkins in the last line of the minutes.

President Shepherd reported on the Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee workshop, which was held on Saturday, Feb. 26th. He noted that Paul Lachielier and Steve Oxier spoke at the meeting and represented us well.

Karen Zimmer who is involved in fair districts project stated that Governor Scott withdrew/ACLU-FLWV – delaying implementation. On 3/15 the fair district coalition demanded that he resubmit the bill. See website: fairdistrictnow.org. They are also in need of funds.

Vice-President Winchell presented his report. He first introduced members. He than gave an update of the strategic plan, which the leadership team has been developing. He shared that the web site was set up with PayPal for both membership and sustainers. He also shared that we have are hoping to have a presence on Facebook with a club page with a link on the web site.

President Shepherd presented the following Treasurers Report. The club currently has $1591.52 in the bank.

President Shepherd introduced Beth Beekman, an assistant for Representative Dwayne Taylor, who provided information on issues that the Florida legislature is currently debating including collective bargaining, FRS contributions, and deregulation. [Beekman previously worked for Joyce Cusack and she shared that Cusack’s mother had died and gave funeral information.]

President Shepherd introduced Bill Whalen, Secretary for the Volusia County Firefighters Association, who talked about the effects the latest rounds of budget cuts will have on firefighters and their services. He cited the cutting of services to the community of Pierson as well as no pay raises, and the actual reduction in force. He pointed out that the County Council voted a 6% cola raise was given to non-bargaining groups by the council.

A vigorous discussion followed including items such as the Governor Scott mandating random drug testing across the board for public sector employees and welfare recipients. It was pointed out that he majority stock in a business which has as a major function, drug testing. His stock has been put in a trust, which his wife manages. “Follow the money.”

Old Business:

The nominating committee Ann Thomas and Lewis Long presented a report with a slate of recommended officers. Elections were held for the following slate of officers:

President: Jeff Shepherd
Vice-President: Kevin Winchell
Secretary: Jewel Dickson
Treasurer: Chip Wilson – nominated by Kevin Winchell
Parliamentarian: Judy Craig
Board Members: Marshall Hoerl, Paul Lachielier, Steve Oxier, Ellen Smith

The officers were elected individually by unanimous vote.

A reminder was made to all of the Democratic Women’s Club of Volusia County, 3rd Annual Picnic and Politics. Judy Craig reminded all present of the cocktail party given during the recent election for the Democratic Club of NW Volusia County of help with our fund raising. A good attendance would be warmly received.

New Business:

A fundraiser will be held at the home of Sylvia and Bob Perkins on April 15th. It will be a wine and cheese party. The cost will be $20.00 per person, $30.00 per couple.

David Staples announced that the annual NAACP dinner will be May 21st at the Clarion Hotel. The cost is $40.00 per person. The speaker of the Dean of the FAMU law school.

A motion to adjourn was made at 8:45 PM by Sylvia Perkins and seconded by David Staples.


Respectfully submitted,


Jewel S. Dickson
Recording Secretary