The Libertarian Party of California Executive Committee Meeting Mailing Address: Meeting Location: 655 Lewelling Blvd. #362 Los Angeles, Calif. San Leandro, Calif. 94579 (800) 637-1776 The Executive Committee of The Libertarian Party of California met on Monday February 21, 1994 in Los Angeles. 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, and only George O'Brian, Northern Vice-Chair, was not present. Kim asked Ray Acosta to circulate a sign-in sheet. Cullene Lang delivered a preliminary report on the 94 Convention: Attendance was low compared to prior years: the Grand Banquet only had 67 people in attendance, and brought in only $1,500 in contributions. $1,180 was raised for the PAC. It appears that after all the bills are paid, that the Convention will not generate any further profits, for either Cullene or the Party. Kim asked that the new members of the Ex-Com introduce themselves. New this year are: Richard (Dick) Halvorson, representing the return of Region 37, San Diego County. The new At-Large Representatives are: Don Meyer, Laura McFadden, and Lawrence Goldberg. Kim asked Ray to see that the four new Ex-Com members are provided with a set of last years minutes. Kim asked Ray for the results of the mail-ballot for approval of the Ex-Com Standing Rules. Ray said that he received 12 ballots, and has completed the count. However, he has not completed a report, but could comment on any Rule the Ex-Com wishes to discuss. Ray said that a final report would be ready by the end of the week. On the approval of the recommended budget, there were 10 votes supporting the recommendations of the 1993 Executive Committee. 1994 BUDGET Kim asked Treasurer Jon Petersen to present the proposed 1994 Budget, as recommended by the 1993 Executive Committee. Jon said that last year, we started with a $103,000 budget; in June it was trimmed to $54,000, to continue to re-pay the debt to the Regions. Eleven twelfths of the debt has been re-paid, and that last twelfth will be re-paid soon. Last year's cuts resulted in the Newsletter being printed only every other month. This year's budget puts back discretionary money in the Chair's and Vice-chair's budget; and allocates sufficient money to print a monthly newsletter. Based on Cullene's report, the Budget will have to be adjusted downward to reflect $1,000 less than anticipated from the Convention Grand Banquet. Jon also explained that we maintain two bank accounts: one with Wells Fargo which is used for normal daily business, and one with Bank of the West, which has no fees, pays interest, and collects our credit card pledges. No business checks are written against this account, and withdrawals are only to the Wells Fargo business account. The budget was approved without dissent. NEWSLETTER BIDS Kim announced that there are three bids to publish the Newsletter. Dick Venable said he has a bid from Mike Hodges to continue to publish Liberty Bell on a monthly basis, for the same price he charged last year. In addition, Joe Dehn and David Nolan have proposals they wish to submit. Joe Dehn proposed to publish an internal newsletter that would not focus on outreach. He distributed samples of newsletters that he published when he was in Colorado. Joe does not wish to take on this project as a contractor, but rather proposes to work as a volunteer within a budget. Any advertising within the newsletter would directly offset the Party's costs. David Nolan said he is coordinating a team to publish a Libertarian newspaper called California Liberty; he has been talking to various individuals in an attempt to get the strongest people together; he has talked to many individuals, including Mike Hodges and Joe Dehn. He apologized to Joe if his promotional material implied that Joe was a member of this team. His proposal is for a quality outreach newspaper, targeted for non-Libertarians, or soon to become Libertarians. David's proposal differs from Mike Hodges' Liberty Bell in that there will be many people involved in the production and distribution. David's proposal will not focus on internal news, and so is not in conflict with Joe Dehn's proposal; if Joe publishes an internal newsletter, both papers could use common distribution facilities. David would be the Editor-in-Chief, Joe Morandan would be the Managing Editor, Lawrence Goldberg would be the Business Manager. Vince Miller and Jim Elwood would coordinate Northern distribution. They are negotiating with an Advertising Manager. Mike Hodges would continue to be the publisher/printer. More than twelve people have indicated that they would like to be involved in this effort. David said that he proposes to have total control over the out-reach portion of the paper, which would be distributed statewide. This will happen whether the Party accepts the proposal or not. The proposal is for California Liberty to produce an insert, an internal newsletter, controlled by the Executive Committee, and the combination of the two would be mailed to the Party membership. The newspaper will obtain its own funding and operating funds; the Party will pay only for its internal insert, which should be comparable to Joe Dehn's and Mike Hodges' proposals, approximately $1,157 per month for 3,000 issues. Ted Brown moved that the Ex-Com accept the David Nolan proposal to have the Nolan group produce an internal newsletter, controlled by the Ex-Com, which would be inserted within the California Liberty, and mailed monthly to our members. John Webster asked that the Ex- Com discuss all three proposals as a committee-of-the-whole. Kim ruled that this was out-of-order, and that all three proposals could be discussed during the pro and con debate. Bob Weber proposed a substitute motion that the Ex-Com accept the Joe Dehn proposal immediately, and defer consideration of the Nolan proposal until the next Ex-Com meeting, by which time California Liberty will have published an issue. The substitute motion had 4 aye votes and 6 nays, so it failed. The original main motion had 8 aye votes and 4 nay votes, so it passed. Jon asked the record to show that several Ex-Com members who voted in support of the Nolan proposal are members of the Nolan team. Ted asked that the record also state that there is nothing un-ethical in this, as none of the Ex-Com members who are also in the Nolan team stands to gain financially. 1995 CONVENTION Wayne Nygren announced that the Alameda/Contra Costa Counties Region 01 proposes to produce the 1995 Convention in Oakland. The producer will be Terry Floyd, who produced the National Convention in 1985, and has produced Science Fiction Conventions in Texas. The Hotel would be the Oakland Airport Hilton, the same hotel that was used for the 1983 Convention. The Hotel is close to the Airport and close to BART. The Alameda Group proposes to pay the Party $10 for each person who purchases a Convention Package. Pat Wright announced that the San Diego Region proposes to produce the 1995 Convention in San Diego. Pat has produced three previous conventions. The Hotel would be the San Diego Hilton in Hotel Circle, and room rate would be about $60 per night. Pat proposes that the Convention be larger than the State Convention, that all National members be invited to attend, and that invitations go out to all small 'l' libertarians. Pat proposes to share 15% of the profits with the Party. Pat said that his previous Conventions have been well organized, well publicized, and profitable. Lawrence asked both bidders if they would be willing to submit to the Ex-Com, a list of proposed speakers and vendors, so that we might avoid the "Spotlight" incident that occurred at this Convention. Both Wayne and Pat said that they would be agreeable in principle, with details to be worked out. Bob asked Pat if he proposed to schedule speakers during Convention business. Pat said that he would. Lawrence moved that the Ex-Com award the 1995 Convention to the Alameda County "Libertine" Group, and that hopefully the group will find a more suitable name. Ray moved to amend that the Group be required to change their name. Kim ruled the motion frivolous. The vote was 12 aye votes and no nay votes. OVERSIGHT COMMITTEES Kim said that within the Ex-Com, there are various Oversight Committees. Now is the time to re-appoint these committees. Kim asked Dick Venable to continue as Newsletter Oversight Committee Chair at least until the Mike Hodges produces the March issue of Liberty Bell. With the new David Nolan proposal, in which Gail Lightfoot will be the Editor of the internal newsletter, Kim asked Dick if he felt comfortable 'Oversighting' Gail. Dick said he could be objective, and would like to continue; there was no objection from the Ex-Com, so Dick will continue in his position. Last year's Database Oversight Committee Chair was Cullene Lang. Lawrence nominated Don Meyer for the position. Don declined, citing travel difficulties to the San Jose area. Mark Hinkle and John Webster were appointed to the Database Oversight Committee without objections. Last year's 800 Number Oversight Committee Chair was Jon Petersen. Don Meyer was appointed the 800 Number Oversight Committee Chair without objections. Last year's Convention Oversight Committee consisted of Gail Lightfoot and Jerry Collette. Jerry has indicated that he is not interested in continuing. Gail Lightfoot and Laura McFadden were appointed to the Convention Oversight Committee without objection. Last year's Fundraising Committee Chair was Gail Lightfoot. Lawrence volunteered to Chair the Fundraising Committee; Ray said he would assist. Last year's Membership Committee Chair was Pat Wright. Ted Brown volunteered, and was accepted. Laura McFadden said she would assist. Last year's Legal Committee Chair was Ted Brown. Ted said he would be willing to continue. Last year there was no Publicity Committee. Mark Sweany was asked to develop a job description, but this was never completed. Kim asked for names of qualified individual(s), but no names were immediately obvious. Kim asked that we seriously consider who could fill this position, and to bring names to the next Ex-Com meeting. Kim asked the members of the New Member Kit Committee, Bob Weber and Brian Schar, to continue again this year. They both agreed. IDENTIFICATION PAPERS Wayne asked for a suspension of the rules to hear from Ted Hilton of Taxpayer's Reform. There was no objection. Ted and Taxpayer's Reform are seeking to place an initiative on the Ballot and are seeking our endorsement. The initiative would require that all persons seeking benefits from the State of California produce valid identification. Benefits would include: Social Services, MediCal, Unemployment, Disability, and Workers Comp. Taxpayer's Reform believes that current distribution of State benefits is racked with fraud because identification of the recipients is lax. The measure is not specifically aimed at illegal immigrants but is aimed at all who would cheat the system. Still 40% of the MediCal benefits are currently being paid to illegal immigrants. In order to avoid the fear of requiring everyone to carry "identification papers", Taxpayer's Reform suggest that the Driver's License be considered valid identification. John noted that the initiative requires that if undocumented individuals was given emergency treatment, that the health provider would be required to inform State Authorities. Don asked how this initiative fits with our platform which calls for the abolition of the welfare state, and the free movement of people across borders? Gail said that the Libertarian Party is opposed to anybody getting benefits from the State, whether they have a drivers license or not. Lawrence moved that because of the complexity of the issue, that the Taxpayers Reform of Illegal Immigration Act be tabled, to be considered at some unspecific time in the future. The motion carried with 8 aye votes. GUEST INTRODUCTION Kim introduced Mr. Israel Feuer, the former LA County Chair of the Peace and Freedom Party, and Peace and Freedom candidate for the Secretary of State. THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Kim reminded us that the Operations Committee is a 5 member panel consisting of the Chair and 4 others, who can act for the Party between meetings of the Ex-Com, or on matters that can not wait until the next Ex-Com meeting. They may not change the budget, nor may they overturn any Ex-Com resolutions. The nominees were Jon Petersen, Ted Brown, Lawrence Goldberg, and Dick Halvorson. Ray moved to accept all the nominees. The motion carried without dissent. CONVENTION MINUTES Kim asked Ray about the status of the Convention minutes. Ray said that he has completed the minutes of Saturday and Sunday, but of course has not had time to complete Monday's minutes. He will have the complete Convention minutes ready for the Ex-Com before the next Ex-Com meeting. REVISION OF THE PLATFORM, BY-LAWS, AND CONVENTION RULES Ray said that after he finishes the Convention minutes, he will update the Platform and the By-Laws to reflect the Convention changes. A new By-Law requires that the Secretary complete the changes within 60 days after the close of the Convention, and that the Secretary announce the availability to all interested members within that same 60 days. INITIATIVE ENDORSEMENT Kim said that other organizations have requested our endorsement of their initiatives. Among them are: Pesticide Regulation, The Californians, and The Natural Law Party. Gail moved to postpone consideration until the next meeting. The motion passed with a vote of 10 ayes to 1 nay. Kim asked for consideration of the California Civil Rights Initiative. It has been on the agenda for the last three meetings, but has continuously been postponed. Ted said that this initiative would prohibit the State of California from granting special preferences in hiring and other activities, on the basis of sex, color, ethnic background, or national origin. In other words, this initiative would prohibit 'set-a-sides' or quotas for certain racial groups. While it appears that the initiative is consistent with Libertarian thinking, we have postponed consideration until we learned who was behind the initiative. We have only learned that it was written by two Cal State Hayward professors. We have not been able to determine their politics or motivations. Passage of the initiative would have a minor impact, since most quotas are mandated by the Federal Government. Brian moved that we endorse the Initiative. Richard objected saying that the initiative language was incomplete to qualify for the ballot. Bob offered a substitute motion to endorse in principle, with official endorsement deferred pending final legal wording. This motion passed with 12 aye votes, and no nay votes. PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES Ed Moss spoke on the status of the Pre-Paid Legal program for fundraising. At the last meeting, the Ex-Com approved entry into the program, pending the approval of one of our pro-bono attorneys. Ed said he has made several attempts to contact Mr. Hendrixson, by letter and by phone, and even at the Convention. Mr. Hendrixson has not responded, but then he has not indicated any objections to the program. Ed gave Jon a check for $59, representating Ed's commission for signing up the Party. The new members of the Ex-Com asked for clarification on the workings of the program. Ed explained that Pre-Paid was the similar to the Execuline Long Distance Telephone service: For each person who joins the program, and no one has to join, the Party will receive a commission, based on a graduated scale, the more members sign up, the more the Party would earn. If 100 members join, at the $16 per month plan, the Party would earn $5,000. Richard and Brian objected that the plan was a pyramid scheme similar to Amway and Mary Kay, and that we should not be involved. Ted moved to rescind the decision of the last meeting, and to disassociate the Party from the program. Lawrence moved that, as the new Fundraising Chair, that we postpone consideration until the Fundraising Committee reviews the matter in greater detail. Gail objected, saying that Ed is only reporting, and no action is required, so there is nothing to postpone. Kim asked Ed to take back his check, he asked the Ex-Com members who were not present at the last meeting, to review Ed's plan, and to be prepared to accept or reject the plan at the next meeting. RELEASE OF THE MEMBERSHIP LIST Kim said that he has a request from a commercial interest to obtain a list of all the Orange County Libertarians. Per our By-Laws, this would require the consent of the Ex-Com. A Libertarian Certified Public Accountant, wants to rent the names and addresses of the Orange County members to promote his business. Kim asked if there were at least 8 members in favor of releasing the names; there were none. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Ex-Com will be on April 23, 1994, at the offices of the Long Beach Region. The meeting will start at 10 a.m. Ted asked Kim to set time limits on all agenda items. Don asked that the total time of all the agenda items not exceed three quarters of the total meeting time. Ray Acosta Secretary