The Libertarian Party of California Executive Committee Meeting Mailing Address: Meeting Location: 655 Lewelling Blvd. #362 San Jose, Calif. San Leandro, Calif. 94579 (800) 637-1776 The Executive Committee of The Libertarian Party of California met on Saturday January 8, 1994 in San Jose. The following are the minutes of that meeting. Chair Kim Goldsworthy opened the meeting by noting that there were sufficient members present to constitute a quorum. Kim noted that this meeting was a special meeting, or "called meeting", an extension of the last meeting. Consequently, there would be no officers' reports, or approval of the minutes. During the discussion on setting the agenda, there was disagreement on how the Ex-Com would proceed on two particular items on the proposed agenda. Proposed item #6 would remove Cullene Lang from the By-Laws Committee. Proposed item #7 would establish a committee to investigate alleged wrong doings by Cullene Lang. June objected to consideration of both items. Kim ruled that item 6 was out of order as a subcommittee would first have to be formed to investigate, and then make a recommendation to the Ex-Com. Bob asked that a new item #6 be placed on the agenda: that a subcommittee be formed to investigate and report to the Ex-Com. Bob further appealed the ruling of the Chair that removed item #6. Bob asked for debate on the appeal, but Kim ruled that appeal of the Chair's ruling was final and not debatable. Since June's objection came before Kim's ruling, Kim asked for a vote on June's objection to consideration on proposed item #6. There were 9 votes that objected to consideration, and 3 votes to keep the item on the agenda. The matter was removed from the agenda. Kim asked for a vote on June's objection to consideration on proposed item #7. There were 4 votes that objected to consideration, and 5 votes to keep the item on the agenda. The matter remained on the agenda. Bob requested a new item #6 be added to the agenda: That the Ex-Com rule on the legality of Cullene Lang voting in Region 66 while a member of Region 34. The motion failed by a vote of 5 to 6. Bob requested a recorded roll call vote; the vote was as follows: For Against Abstained ======= ========= ========= Bob L June Kim Ray Jon Wayne John Eric Bob W Cullene Gail George Mark Mark moved that agenda item #7 be considered before special orders. Bob offered a substitute motion, that agenda item #7 be the first item to be considered after lunch. The vote on Bob's motion was 5 ayes and 6 nays, so the motion failed. The vote on Mark's motion was 6 ayes and 1 nays. Gail asked for clarification on a By-Law issue: By-Law 9, Section 8 states that for the Executive Committee, "All other matters shall require a simple majority of the eligible positions on the Executive Committee." A simple majority of the 15 members Ex-Com is 8 aye votes. Therefore, it appears to Gail that all votes, even procedural votes, require 8 aye votes to pass. Kim said that that By-Law is in conflict with accepted parliamentary procedures, where procedural matters only require a simple majority of the votes; the Chair ruled that procedural matters only require a simple majority of the votes. Gail challenged the Chair's ruling. On the vote to up-hold the ruling of the Chair, there were 11 aye votes and 2 nay votes. Procedural matters will only require a simple majority of the votes cast, while action items will require 8 aye votes to pass. DISCUSSION CONCERNING CULLENE LANG Kim opened discussion on a request submitted by Neil Donner that the Ex-Com establish a committee to investigate Cullene Lang offenses, to be charged with presenting its report to the Judicial Committee within 30 days; its report should include a recommendation as to whether or not Cullene Lang should be put on trial before the Judicial Committee. Gail noted that the Judicial Committee is an appeals committee, so any report or trial would be before the Ex-Com. Kim said that the only action that this committee could take today would be to establish a subcommittee to investigate and report back. George said that the package that had been distributed by Neil contained many subjective and judgment call items that would not normally cause concern. Unless the package could be refined to specific "charges", this matter would dissolve into a popularity contest. Kim said that the question is, does this body wish to create a committee to investigate. Bob moved that the Ex-Com establish a committee to investigate whether or not Cullene Lang's vote in Region 66 was illegal. Cullene objected saying that Bob's motion was identical to the proposed new agenda item #6 that was rejected. George moved to amend the motion to read: that the Ex-Com establish a committee to investigate the legality of whether a Region may allow members of other Regions to vote. Kim divided that amendment, so that the first motion would replace Cullene Lang's name with the words 'any member'. The second amendment would replace the words 'Region 66' with the words 'any Region other than the one they belong too'. Cullene objected saying that the original purpose of the motion was to investigate a particular incident, but not to investigate the voting patterns of every Region meeting. The issue is: our By-Laws state that an individual may not be a member of more than one Region, but the By-Laws say nothing about who may or may not vote in Region meetings. Gail disagreed, saying that the term 'membership' implies voting privileges. Wayne disagreed, saying that the Regions are free to conduct themselves any way they wish. The By-Laws for counting delegates are clear, and any other procedures that Regions wish to adopt which do not conflict with delegate selection, ought to be acceptable. On the vote for the 'any member' amendment, the vote was 2 aye votes and the motion failed. The other portion of the amendment (any Region) was not voted upon. June said that we may be discussing the wrong issue, Cullene voted on an issue in Region 66, which does not appear to be in conflict with our By-Laws, but nobody has addressed the issue of whether or not Region 66's By-Laws, which permit non-members to vote, were adopted legally. Gail said that the By-Law define membership and non-voting membership. The implication is clear, an individual may only be a member and may only vote in one Region. Allotted debate time was exhausted, and a roll call vote was called for. The motion failed; the vote was 4 ayes and 7 nays; members voted as follows: For Against Abstained ======= ========= ========= June Wayne Ray Bob L Jon Kim Bob W Eric Gail John Cullene Mark George Cullene asked for a point of personal privilege, to read a personal statement into the record. "I deny Mr. Donner's charges that I am a government mole. I've worked for the success of the Libertarian movement since 1979. As with many activists, I've not always been successful in my endeavors. As a vocal Libertarian activist, I've sometimes been rash in my judgment, harsh in my criticism, and just plain wrong in my opinions. I do not regret voicing minority view points or questioning the powers that be in the Party structure. I do regret the zealous impetuosity of some of my early comments regarding other Libertarians. I've never just noted to myself that the Emperor wears no clothes. I have ridiculed the Emperor, berated the tailors, aroused the crowds into action, and tormented the silk worms. The Emperors, tailors, crowds and silk worms have all sometimes found me to be a real pain-in-the-ass. The LPC has a history of peer on peer attacks on various members of this Party. I can only believe that to some, when faced with the enormous task of dismantling this government, it is far easier to restructure the Party, attack the philosophical pureness of other members, and count these activities as small victories for liberty. My fate in this matter is unimportant; but it really is time to get down to business of the Libertarian Party." In addition, Cullene went on to say, "Mr. Donner has chosen to publish a letter that my husband wrote to him. In that letter, he has specifically not granted permission to reproduce or recirculate this letter. I find Mr. Donner's actions distasteful in regards to myself. I find them against the principals he claims to believe in, in reproducing this letter. In this letter that he has chosen to reproduce, my husband asks that Mr. Goldsworthy carefully consider whether this organization wishes to ratify the contents of Mr. Donner's document by distribution or further discussion. I would like to move, and I realize that a motion after all this is inappropriate, that all reference to my husband, his finances, and our marriage, and his job, and whether or not he is a "shadowy character" because he chooses not to be a Libertarian, be held in disfavor by this committee. And that Mr. Donner be directed to cease making any reference to my husband in his document." Wayne moved to suspend the rules to allow discussion on Cullene's motion. There was no objection. June motioned to amend by striking the last sentence from Cullene's motion. Cullene accepted the amendment as friendly, and asked to withdraw that portion of her motion. There was no objection to withdrawing the last sentence. Neil was given an opportunity to speak, and said that he was not accusing Cullene of being a government mole, but of constantly performing mole-like behavior. He questioned how a non-working housewife, working as a full time activist, had the money to engage in so many activities, such as producing two Statewide Conventions, unless she was receiving money from sources outside the Libertarian Party. The Ex-Com should consider his charges on Cullene are based on 25 documented incidents that have harmed the Party, not on one voting incident in Long Beach. George said the debate must be in references to Cullene's husband, not any actions Cullene may or may not have done. Cullene agreed, saying that it is customary for Libertarians to attack Libertarians, but for Libertarians to attack the family members of Libertarians hits a new low. She said that it is not her intention to accuse Neil of being an asshole, but said that he has been performing with asshole-like behavior. She asked the Ex-Com to distance itself from this sort of activity. John moved to amend that the following be added to Cullene's motion: We understand that we cannot legislate or codify "niceness". However, we believe that members attacking members, elevating personal complaints to issues of ideology or policy is harmful to the Party and to the cause of liberty. The amendment passed with 7 aye votes and 2 nay votes. Gail said that there is already a standing rule that says bringing personal attacks before the Ex-Com in the guise of official business is contrary to the general understanding of the libertarian principle of live and let live. This standing rule was passed in 1982. The resulting main motion was: That all reference to my husband, his finances, and our marriage, and his job, and whether or not he is a "shadowy character" because he chooses not to be a Libertarian, be held in disfavor by this committee. We understand that we cannot legislate or codify "niceness". However, we believe that members attacking members, elevating personal complaints to issues of ideology or policy is harmful to the Party and to the cause of liberty. This motion passed with 10 aye votes and 1 nay votes. Cullene requested that a copy of this motion be mailed to her husband. Ray agreed to do so. STANDING RULES Kim asked the committee to refer to the pink colored sheets. Kim proposed to delete the following standing resolutions. Kim believes that these resolutions where rescinded sometime in the past, but he can not find corroboration in the minutes. 67.8-83 The LPC shall delete from its computer files, after one year of inactivity, those individuals whose membership in the LPC has lapsed; who have moved out of state; or for whom there is no information beyond name. There was no objection to rescinding this resolution. 83.8-87 When two Counties combine, and their combined membership exceeds 5%, the new Region shall be entitled to one additional representative on the Ex-Com. This rule has been superseded by the By-Laws, and there was no objection to rescinding it. 88.2-88 The Officers of the LPC be appointed to serve on the PAC. We have other methods of choosing PAC officers. There was no objection to rescinding the resolution. 96.5-88 Mailing List. The LPC shall not participate in turning our mailing list over to any organization for the purpose of obtaining ZIP+4 decoding. There were 3 votes to delete this resolution and 6 votes against deleting. This will remain a standing rule. 97.5-88 All subcommittees are disbanded and those persons working to contribute towards the functions of these committees be encouraged to do so as individual Libertarians interested in the completion of projects; and to extend the full committee secession to one and half days. There was no objection to rescinding the resolution. 100.8-88 The 20% discount allowed by the Libertarian National Committee secured and processed by the LPC shall be earmarked for the LPC registration effort. This designation of funds shall not be abridged by less than three quarters of the entire Ex-Com. There was no objection to rescinding the resolution. 103.8-88 The LPC shall fund for an indefinite period, a full time staff member who reports to the Chair, who shall work in the LPC headquarters. There was no objection to rescinding the resolution. 102.8-88 Chair Executive Committee: Establish a Chair's discretionary fund of $500. This fund may be replenished at each Ex-Com meeting by the approval of the Ex-Com. The vote was 5 to delete and 4 to keep. The resolution was deleted. Kim recommended the deletion of 5 pages of standing rules labeled "Proposed Advisory Resolutions" dated February 20, 1989. Cullene asked that two of the Resolutions be removed from the proposed deletions, and that that they remain advisory rules. Gail objected, saying that all these resolutions have already been rescinded at previous Ex-Com meetings. Kim said he could find no record of this. Jon suggested that Gail and Kim met 'off-line' and resolve this. Kim objected saying that the entire purpose of this meeting was to clean up the standing rules. June moved that this entire deliberation be tabled, and that a mail ballot be used to determine which resolutions the Ex-Com wished to keep or delete. Kim objected, saying that the Ex-Com has had sufficient time to review the resolutions, and that the reason for this 'called' meeting was to finalize this issue. Cullene said that a mail ballot was a more efficient way of resolving the issue, and would allow the Ex-Com to proceed with the remaining business. Kim responded that the Ex-Com would not respond to a mail ballot, and the matter would remain unresolved. Cullene volunteered to visit each Ex-Com member who does not respond, and use her persuasive powers to get them to respond. Kim wished to engage in the debate, and so asked George to assume the position of Chair. June asked to refine her motion: To defer this entire discussion of Standing Resolutions and Advisory Resolutions to a mail ballot to be conducted as follows: Using the current working copy of obsolete resolutions (the salmon colored sheets), add to it two columns marked retain and delete. Each Ex-Com member will vote on each resolution either to retain or to delete. Any item which does not receive at least 8 votes for deletion, shall be placed on the agenda of the next meeting for reconsideration for retention or deletion. Bob asked to amend the motion to say that any item which does not receive at least 8 votes for retention will be considered deleted. There was no second. The vote was 9 aye votes and 2 nay vote, so the motion carried. Kim asked to amend the motion to add a deadline. Jon said that the By-Laws say that a mail ballot must be conducted within 15 days, that is, Ex-Com members must respond to their mail ballot within 15 days. George asked the Ex-Com to consider the next list of resolutions under consideration for rescinding (canary colored and goldenrod colored pages). There was an objection that the previous motion included all the resolutions, and that this matter was complete. Cullene moved that that all resolutions that would have been considered at this meeting, be considered with a mail ballot as outlined in the previous resolution. Kim asked to amend the motion; to omit from the mail ballot, all resolution passed in 1993. Cullene asked if it was Kim's intention that the Ex-Com debate all the 1993 resolutions at this meeting. Kim said it was, so Cullene would not accept Kim amendment as friendly. On a vote of the amendment there were 7 aye votes and 2 nay votes. On the vote on the main motion, as amended, there were 10 aye votes and 1 nay votes. June asked Ray to include a stamped addressed return envelop within the mail ballot. Ray said he would. Kim resumed the gavel to consider the 1993 standing resolutions (goldenrod colored pages). Gail noted that on page 1 item 2 concerns financial arrangements with Pat Wright. Gail suggested that the reference to the Op-Com be changed to 1993 Op-Com, or the resolution be deleted. There was no objection to deleting this resolution. Cullene asked for a modification of the rule (page 1 item 6) which says that the Convention Oversight Committee is to received a copy of the Convention Contract, with specifics in parentheses, Cullene asked for deletion of all items within the parentheses. There was no objection. Jon asked for a correction on last item on page 1. Carry-over debt is incorrectly defined as the difference between income and expenses. It was decided to strike all words beyond the semicolon. Bob asked that on page 1, the second to the last item, to add that it expire in February 1994. Cullene objected, saying Bob's request was out of order, we are either accepting or rejecting the items, not amending. Bob then asked that the resolution be deleted. Kim said he did not believe Bob's first request was out of order. The vote to amend was 2 aye votes and 9 nays votes. Cullene asked that the second item on page 2 delete the reference to Thea McLean and Lysander's. There was no objection. Cullene asked that reference to About the Libertarian Party in the new member kit, be removed. There was no objection. Cullene further recommended that we delete the resolution that we run candidates in all seven statewide offices. Our By-Laws state that the purpose of the Party is to run candidates, so the rule is redundant. Jon asked to amend Cullene's recommendation to remove only the portion in brackets, so it would read: That we recruit candidates for all seven statewide offices. There was no objection. Jon asked that the word 'seven' be replaced with the word 'partician'. There were no objections. Cullene asked for a change on the standing rule that regards organizations asking for membership in the Party. She suggested the following replacement: Organizations can not legitimately sign the pledge, i.e., become voting members; only individuals may legitimately sign. The Database personnel shall take the membership submission at face value. If there is a challenge, the challenge may be made to the Credential Committee at Convention, and will be acted on only if a successful challenge would effect the delegation count. Bob asked that the following be added to the end: or representation to the Ex-Com. There was no objection to Bob's addition. Cullene's recommendation, as amended, passed with a vote of 11 ayes, and 0 nays. Terry Savage gave the Ex-Com an update on his campaign for the 20th State Assembly District. The Secretary had not returned from lunch and so was not present to capture the details. NEW BUSINESS AB 814 June reported on the status of AB 814, which would allow small political parties (less than 1% of the registered voters) such as ours to nominate candidates by convention, in lieu of gathering signatures, or using the primary election. She noted that Kim had written a letter objecting to a clause that would make it mandatory that small parties use a convention. That mandatory clause has now been been modified so that a party may choose to nominate by convention, or use the primary election, but it may not use a combination of the two. Opposition to this bill is coming primarily from Democrats, who feel the measure will only encourage the proliferation of small parties, to the detriment of the Democratic Party. Support of the measure is coming from county registars, who hope parties using the convention method, will avoid using the primary method, and thereby save the county money on primary elections. Cullene moved that June Genis represent us in Sacramento before the Elections Committee. There was no objection. FUND RAISING REPORT A fundraising letter to LPC members in the in-active Regions was completed in September. A fundraising mailing to all LPC members was completed in November. It was the Steve Alexander letter. A fundraising mailing to 10,000 registered-libertarians is now being printed, and will be going out shortly. June moved that Gail, as Southern Vice Chair, in the absence of Ted Brown, Los Angeles County Chair, ensure that Santa Clara County receive a complete electronic copy of the list of Reg-Libs, as generated by the Secretary of State. There was no objection. Cullene said that Region 66 (Long Beach) has purchased a list of all the LA County Reg-Libs who voted in the November 1993 election. This information is available to any Libertarian candidate for $10 per district. Gail and June discussed how best to maintain an accurate list of Reg-Libs, but did not resolve the issue. Thea noted that the last time a mailing went out to the Reg-Libs, there were over 970 address corrections returned, and nothing was done with them. All Steve Alexander does with the tape is remove duplicate names, he does not make address corrections. Gail said it is her plan to build a database from the address corrections of the next fundraising letter that can be electronically used to correct our data. Cullene asked Gail if there was not a standing rule that mandated the use of volunteer labor before using contracted mail houses? Gail said the record showed that that motion did not pass. Mark asked how much the mail house is charging for this mailing. Gail said $2,200 for the printing of 10,000 envelops, 10,000 reply envelops, and 10,000 letters. Plus $890 for the preparation and mailing. Cullene moved that the Ex-Com save the cost of the mail house, and use volunteer labor, on the 10,000 Reg-Lib mailing. Gail said that she was committed to the mail house, and it was impractical to change now. The motion failed with only 1 aye vote. Jon moved that in future mailing, first preference be given to volunteer labor over contracted labor. The motion failed to obtain a sufficient majority of 8 votes, with 6 aye votes and 4 nay votes. Jon said he would get with Steve to determine how best to up-date and maintain a mailing list of Reg-Libs. Ed Moss spoke as a member of the fundraising committee, requesting consideration of an affinity fundraising program. The company is called Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., and is a plan where individuals sign up for legal services paid for on a monthly amount, similar to a health plan. The Libertarian Party would sign on as a provider, and would receive a commission from Pre-Paid for each Libertarian Party member who chooses to enroll. Pre-Paid is the oldest such organization in the field, having been in business since 1973, and in California since 1983. Currently there are 6,700 law firms associated with Pre-Paid, and at least one in California is knowledgeable with Election Code Law. Ed said that if 100 Libertarians sign up at $16 per month, the Party would get $5,000; if 100 Libertarians sign up at $25 per month, the Party would get $8,000. (The commission rate would be smaller for fewer enrollments, and higher for more enrollments.) The commission rates for renewals are considerably less. The Party would have to become a subscriber to the plan, and pay a yearly fee of $300 (or $25 per month). If the Party joins, Pre-Paid is willing to purchase a booth at the Party Convention to encourage Libertarians to subscribe. George asked if the Party would become liable in the event of a conflict between a Libertarian subscriber and Pre-Paid? Ed said no, the Libertarian Party is a sales agent for Pre-Paid, and any customer dispute is between the customer and Pre-Paid. Bob moved that the Libertarian Party enroll in Pre-Paid Legal Services as a provider as described by Ed Moss, but only after Ed confers with one of our current legal advisors to review our downside legal risk. George moved to amend that the initial fee required from the LPC come from funds already allocated for fundraising. Bob accepted the amendment as friendly. The amended motion passed with 9 aye votes and 0 nay votes. Ed said that the LPC now had to designate an individual to represent the Party to Pre-Paid. Ed suggested Kim as the Chair, or Ray as Secretary. As no one came forward and volunteered, Kim said that he would serve at the Party's representative. Bob asked that the record show that Kim would report back to the Ex-Com concerning the status of our involvement with Pre-Paid. CONVENTION OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Gail said that at the last meeting, she had prepared a job description for members of the Convention Oversight Committee (COC), and asked for comments or approval. June said that approval was insufficient, the description needs to be placed someplace where future Ex-Com members will find and use it. Gail suggested that all such job descriptions be treated as attachments to the By- Laws. June said our past treatment of Standing Rules has not been good, and she was concerned that these Job Descriptions would "get lost" in the archives. Cullene said it is the duty of the Party Secretary to provide each new member of the Ex-Com with a copy of the By-Laws and a copy of the Standing Rules, but that the Secretary has not been doing this. Cullene moved to amend Gail's Job Description to state that the COC should inform the Convention Contractor as to what agreement exists with the Sam Addams Society in regards to the luncheon on Monday of the Convention. Cullene said that she has arranged a luncheon and speaker, and the speaker has been informed by the Sam Addams Society that he may not speak without the Society's permission. Gail said her job description states that one of the duties of the COC is to provide guidelines to the Contractor of the basic criteria and expectations of convention proposals. Cullene said that currently there is confusion as to whether the luncheon is the Sam Addams Society luncheon, and it just by coincidence follows the Convention, or the luncheon is part of the Convention, and the Society is allowed to present their awards. Jon said that it was his opinion that the LPC Convention is concluded on Monday noon, so any Monday luncheon is strictly between the Convention Contractor and the Society. However, over the years, a tradition has developed whereby everyone believes that the last event of the Convention is the Sam Addams Society luncheon, a tradition that will be difficult to change without annoying some. Jon proposed a substitute amendment, that in Gail's job description, after job function #1, that the following words be added: "including outside contractors and traditional participants, such as the Sam Addams Society." Cullene asked to withdraw her amendment in favor of Jon's amendment. The amendment passed with 10 aye votes, and 0 nay votes. On the vote to adopt Gail's amended Job Description, the vote was 12 ayes and 0 nays. As a member of the COC, Gail asked to discuss whether our members received sufficient notification of the February Convention. The By-Laws require at least 60 days notice, yet Gail did not receive her notice until December 27th. Bob moved that Cullene Lang provide to Ray Acosta proof that the notice did in fact go out in time, and that such proof be available for review at the Convention. Cullene said that she had a receipt for postage dated December 21st, but objected that the LA contingent was harassing and disruptive. Bob asked to re-phrase his motion to read: That the Secretary be charged with having on file documentation showing that proper notice was sent out regarding the Convention. This motion carried with a vote of 11 ayes, and 1 nays. Cullene told Ray that she had such documentation, and would gladly furnish it. NEWSLETTER OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Dick Vernable presented a proposed Newsletter contract for review and approval. June asked that the contract first be reviewed by a legal counsel, such as David Bergland. Kim said he would run the contract by David. Dick next presented a publications Desk Manual for review and approval. The manual contains a job description, an editorial policy, publication credo, communications pledge, publications check list, publication schedule, and a suggestion of monthly themes. Cullene asked that since not all members had a complete or up-to-date copy, that copies of the manual be assembled at Party expense, and distributed to the members of the Ex-Com, prior to the next meeting. Dick suggested that he could assemble a single copy and get sufficient copies now, so that action could be completed today. Cullene asked it this matter could be tabled or postponed until Dick returned. Jon suggested that in Dick's absence, we consider his Newsletter Job Description for approval. Cullene moved to amend by changing "special qualifications" to "desired qualifications"; also, delete item 7 which states: "perform such tasks as may be required to fulfill the function of Publication Oversight Committee" because it is too vague. Kim asked for division of the question and a separate vote on each. On the vote to substitute "desired" over "special", the vote was 11 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 abstention. On the vote to delete item 7, the vote was 0 to delete, and 10 to keep the item. On the vote to accept the amended Job Description, the vote was 11 ayes and 0 nays. Cullene asked about the status of other bids to publish our newsletter. June said there were no other bids, that Bill Rocker had withdrawn his bid. Cullene said that Joe Dean was prepared to submit a bid and moved to suspend the rules to hear from Joe. Joe said he has recently moved from Colorado, where he edited the Colorado newsletter, the Clipboard, for two years. He said that it is not his intention to replace the current newsletter, or to submit a bid today, but he would like to make himself valuable to the State Party. If the Party finds itself without a newsletter, and needs him, he would consider editing as a volunteer rather than a contractor. However, his focus would be different, and he would only be interested in working on an internal newsletter, not a self supporting outreach newspaper. Joe said that he could produce an 8 page tabloid for about $500 per month plus postage and labels. Cullene suggested that Wayne, representing Contract Services, and Dick, representing Newsletter Oversight, meet with, and provide Joe with our Newsletter specifications. Then Joe may make an informed decision as to whether he wishes to submit a bid or proposal. Joe's phone number is (415) 858-1842. PUBLICATIONS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE PUBLICATIONS DESK MANUAL Dick returned with sufficient copies of the proposed Publications Desk Manual for review and approval. Jon suggested that on page 2, the list implies a priority, and asked for a change in wording. There was no consensus as to improved wording, so the matter was referred to Dick. George suggested that after hearing from Joe Dean, the emphasis on advertising on page 3 should be toned down. John suggested: "In a continuing effort to reduce the cost of publication." instead of "to make the newspaper self supporting and profitable if possible." There was no objection to the change. Cullene moved to discuss only the first three pages; as only these pages refer to editorial policy, the remaining pages are publication procedures, and should not be the concern of the Ex-Com. The motion passed with 8 aye votes and 2 nay votes. Jon moved to adopt pages 1, 2, and 3 as LPC editorial policy. Joe Dean suggested alternative wording on the paragraph concerning internal dissension; it has always been his policy to air internal dissension, but not to promote it. He suggested the following: The State Publication shall not be used to promote internal dissension within the LPC or to air disputes between individual members, to cast slurs on individual charters, or otherwise malign an individual. This is not to rule out legitimate satire or humor, or valid discussions, or disagreements concerning philosophical or methodological differences conducted in good taste. George volunteered to officially make this motion. The motion passed with a vote of 10 aye votes and 0 nay votes. Cullene suggested that a change was necessary on the first page concerning the Publications Oversight Committee, last sentence. George recommended that the word "shall" be replaced with the word "should". The motion passed with a vote of 8 ayes and 0 nays. Cullene moved to strike the second paragraph on page 2. The motion failed with a vote of 1 aye and 6 nays. The Publications editorial Policy of the Publications Desk Manual, as amended, was approved with 10 aye votes, and 0 nay votes. NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCEMENT OF CANDIDATES June expressed concern that the most recent issue of Liberty Bell had an article on Libertarian candidates running for Statewide offices, and that Cullene Lang's name was not included in the article. The implication is that Cullene is not endorsed by the Party. Cullene said that she was in contact with Ted Brown, and that he knew that it was her intention to run, but disapproved. Part of the problem, she said, is that there are personal differences between her and the members of LPLAC, and part of the problem is that LPLAC has given tacit support to Republican Tom McClintock. Gail objected, saying she has attended every LPLAC meeting, and nothing of the sort occurred. Bob said that it was LPLAC's intention to recruit candidates for all 7 races, but that if it were possible to work a deal with McClintock, to have the Libertarian candidate for State Controller drop out. June moved that the Ex-Com reaffirms its commitment to run a full slate of candidates for statewide offices, and recognizes Cullene Lang as a viable candidate for State Controller. Wayne spoke in favor of the motion, saying neither Ted Brown nor LPLAC have the authority to enter into deals with other Parties. Laura McFadden said that it is against our By-Laws to endorse non-Libertarian candidates, and it is against California Election Law to enter into such deals. Bob moved to amend to substitute the word "states" for the word "reaffirms". The amendment failed with a vote of 4 ayes and 4 nays. Bob moved to divide the question. The motion failed with 2 aye votes and 6 nay votes. The main motion failed with 6 aye votes, and 2 nay votes (action votes require 8 aye votes). EDUCATIONAL CHOICE George reported on the status of the Educational Choice Inititative. He recently attended a meeting of supporters, and said that the movement is not unified. On faction proposes a new inititative that would increase the regulation of private schools, and harm the those who now have children in private schools. The only agreement is to attempt to have a new inititative ready for the March 96 primary, when there will be little liberal interest, and much conservative interest. Bob moved that George be appointed as LPC liaison to the Educational Choice groups. There was no objection. CONVENTION CREDENTIALIZING Ray Acosta was on the agenda, but had left to catch a plane. It was moved that the Op-Com get in touch with Ray to see his concerns. Kim said he would talk to Ray. CONVENTION COMMITTEE REPORTS Kim provided samples of committee reports, and there was general agreement the both the Platform Committee and the By-Laws Committee should use this format for their reports. Bob suggested that line numbers be added to Kim's sample. INQUIRIES FROM JOE KNIGHT Kim said Joe Knight had been visiting California college campuses, giving the diamond quiz, and gathering names of students interested in libertarianism. The names have come to Kim, and he in turn has been forwarding the names to the appropriate county chairs. Kim said he had names from UC Davis, but did not know who to send them to. Cullene said that Yolo County had merged with Sacramento County, and that she was now the Yolo County contact. Mark said that Joe also provides the names to the local county Chair, at least that occurred when Joe was at Chico State; and that the names are graded from high potential, call right away, to some interest, low potential. Gail said the names are also going to Liberty Bell, and those names have been forwarded to the county chairs. Thea said that Neil Donner has asked her to enter the names he gathers from the Venice Beach Booth, into the Database. He requested this because he heard Lysander's 800 number would not be mailing out inquiry packets to his names. She now has 51 names and addresses. Cullene suggested that because of our lack of funds, there is nothing the State Party can do with the names, other than forward them to the county chairs. This led to the question, what should become of names residing in in-active counties. They should be forwarded to the appropriate vice-chair, George or Gail. BRIAN PAGE RESOLUTION George moved that the following be approved and submitted for publication in Liberty Bell, and forwarded to the Placer County LP: The Executive committee of the Libertarian Party of California is saddened by the death of Placer County Chair Brian Page. Brian's dedication and energy will be missed by all Libertarians, but his warmth and humor will be long remembered by those of us who considered him a friend. The statement was unanimously approved. 1994 BUDGET Cullene said that prior to Convention, we must approve a budget for 1994. She suggested that the Budget Committee prepare a 1994 budget, and distribute it by the mail ballot, and there by avoid an other meeting prior to Convention. The motion was approved with at least 8 aye votes. The meeting was adjourned about 8:00 p.m. There will be no meeting prior to the Convention. The next meeting will be on Monday February 21st at 1:00 p.m., immediately after the Convention. Ray Acosta