Jones County Republican Central Committee Minutes for Feb 2nd 2012
Chr Curt Stewart called the meeting to order at 7 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance
Curt welcomed all in attendance and especially the new central committee members.
The following 19 members of the central committee were present: Randy Achenbach, Duaine & Josie Bollwitt, Mike Bradley, Dawn Burmahl, Max Dirks, Lori Dohrman, Ivan & Linda Eden, Sara Jane & Dick Frazier, Wm Hintz, Kathleen Hoagland, County Recorder Marie Krutzfield, Gerald Retzlaff, Anna Mary Riniker, Russ Smith, Curt Stewart, and David Stone.
Alternate delegates present were Rhonda Achenbach, Phil Andrews, Ron Berg, Don Ellis, Ivan Kurt, Bill Meyer, Michael Payton, Creighton Randolph, and LaDonna Retzlaff. Also attending were Dave Countryman, David Dohrman candidates Rod Blum and wife Karen, Brian Cook, and Dan Zumbach. Additionally Representative Lee Hein and Nat Republican Committee Steve Scheffler, and State Central Committee members David Chung of Cedar Rapids and Shelli Adkins of Cedar Falls were present. Total 38
In the absence of Treasurer Curt Stewart gave the treasurer’s report. Current balance is $5017.60
The following candidates for elected offices made comments regarding their qualifications and experience for their respective races.
Dan Zumbach, farmer in Ryan area candidate for new Senate District 48.
Brian Cook, former Anamosa newspaper managing-editor living in Manchester is candidate for new Senate District 48
Rob Blum, businessman from Dubuque, is candidate for the New Iowa First District against Bruce Braley.
Iowa House member Lee Hein reported the Republicans just released their State budget proposal of $6.059 billion and project spending at 97% of anticipated income.
They have $600 M in the rainy day fund (needed to operate), $250 M for taxpayer relief and $150 M as funds he’d like to see used for one time expenses (bridges, etc)
State Central Comm members introduced themselves. Shelli from Cedar Falls remains assigned to Jones Co and David Chung of Cedar Rapids replaces John Ortega from Davenport.
RNC committee member Steve Scheffler reported on a couple of issues of the national rules committee:
-They currently have a mandatory requirement for having a male and female as National Chr. and Vice Chr.
-The 5 territories and Washington DC each get 3 delegates to Nat convention. Steve hopes to reduce their representation in the future. They generally vote their 18 votes as a block which was sufficient to get Michael Steele elected 4 years ago.
-He alerted attendees of the National Popular Vote Compact and explained the dangers of that system. Former Gov Culver is Nat Popular Vote Chr.
-For the first time is several years the committee proposed resolutions regarding Agenda 21,Inside trading, and Fast & Furious.
Steve also called for all Republicans to rally behind whoever the final Presidential candidate is. The key is to beat President Obama.
Curt expressed his dismay that State Chr. Matt Strawn resigned and we were told that he did that on his own and no one called for him to resign. Curt announced that the District Convention will be April 21st in Grinnell, IA and the County Convention will be March 10th at the Motorcycle Museum. County Convention Committee reports followed:
- Platform has completed a portion of their work
- Organization is in process
- Constitution and By-laws are meeting next Monday
-Nominating has talked with potential candidates for supervisors and asked for recommendations from all present.
A speaker for our March 29th fund raiser at the Motorcycle Museum was discussed and a speaker regarding health care was well received so will be invited.
Randy and Curt then explained generically a couple of precincts that have more central committee members then allowed as a result of going from 17 precincts to 14. It was decided that the central committee should talk with members involved to see if agreement can be reached. Super-delegates were mentioned as an alternative but not allowed according the State committee representatives present. Also central committee is responsible to look for members from areas not represented on the central committee.
There being no other business, meeting adjoined at 8:10 PM.
Gerald Retzlaff
JCRCC-secretary
