Minutes of meeting of Democratic Women —
August 30, 2022
Paula facilitated our meeting. Jackie Brown led us in prayer.
- Kitty Butler, Democratic candidate for probate judge in McCormick, joined us. The following information details Kitty’s qualifications. This poster was emailed to all the Democrats by Marion.
The ladies suggested several ideas for getting her message out to McCormick.
For the town audience, visiting local churches was suggested but with the option that someone from the church would introduce her. Testimonials to Kitty’s help in the past was strongly recommended. Utilizing the church events, perhaps someone could tape the input from the audience so Kitty could use their testimonials.
For the SLV folk, concentrating on the testimonials of Republicans who have benefited from Kitty’s input in the past was seen as a good way to go. Emphasize her years of experience as probate judge and knowledge of the community as opposed to Grey’s law enforcement background. Mr. Grey is relatively new to McCormick.
SLV offers a clinic the first of the month for free provided by attorneys that are invited. It is not clear at this writing that any of these clinics have happened yet.
Put flyers in newspaper boxes.
Show up at Food Lion, Stroms, etc.
Jackie noted that her radio adds on WCLA Abbeille cost $10 a spot and $100 for an interview.
Jackie used the 7 to 11 Joy Bell Turman gospel hour time slot.
In Augusta cost for radio spots was $600 for 40 spots.
Suggestions that Kitty highlight the ways she worked with people before they appeared in probate court. She did seminars on will preparation.
“Joint right of survivor” in your will eliminates probate.
Kitty explained the “judicial codes of ethics” prohibits her from soliciting funds for the Democratic Party or selling tickets for Fish Fry or actively participating in Democratic party events. When asked if she could speak at our Fish Fry, Kitty said she would check on that.
Grey’s information was posted in the Post Office, but Kitty cannot do that.
Carol Williams noted that the SLV Public Affairs Committee will sponsor a Candidates Night — all candidates from school board on up. We encouraged Kitty to participate in that.
2) SPACE TO RENT FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY OFFICE
Cherry shared results of her efforts to find a place at a reasonable price. The Adult Day Care building on Highway 28 south the admn. bldg was suggested. Kitty will pursue whether Posillico owns it. (Jerry reports that Posillico does NOT own the building so we still need to find a place for our Democratic office.)
3) Discussion of sign postings. County regulations differ from SLV regulations. If you notice signs before or beyond the election time frame, contact Community Service to have them removed.
4) School Board members who are Democrats are: Joy Bell Turman, Ben White and Verteema Chiles. This is a non partisan post, but Republicans seem to be trying to stack every office with a Republican.
5) Matt Hardy is sponsoring Southern Soul Concert September 10 (Friday) at Matt Hardy Field (the old middle school football field). Mr. Hardy welcomes any booths, so Democrats want to be a presence. Volunteers: Paula, JoAnn, Connie, Marion Cherry, Jackie, Debbie volunteered to help with the project. Feel free to volunteer. Time approximately 3 to 5 and you can stay for the concert.
Recommended to have a sign-in sheet for those who wish to be on the Democratic Party mailing list.
6) Robin Oetgen reminded us that the Women in Business Lunch sponsored by the Chamber will be Sept. 27.
(FOLLOWING IS FULLER EXPLANTION FROM ROBIN —not discussed at the Women's meeting.)
Both awards are open to nominations from the broader community as well as members of the Chamber.
Charlotte collects the nominations, but has no role in the decision.
The women on the Chamber BOD look at the nominations and make the decisions (according to the criteria) about who will receive the award in each category.
The Shining Example Award is generally more focused on a woman’s contribution to the community (my word – contribution).
The Award of Excellence is more business-focused – a woman who owns a business or is supportive of the business community (again my word - supportive)
Past award winners included Jaime Pohlman – Clemson Extension, Ashley Brantley – owner of Ashalon’s, Linda Kidd – advocate for mental health, Crystal Barnes – County Adm. officer who holds it all together(my words).
7) Betty Rogge’s work to move ownership of our various sub committees to the Democratic Party itself so that movement of the committee’s work can pass from one person to his/her successor. E.g. website and HS banner is/was in Joan’s name, Zoom and mailing is in Marion’s name, Facebook was in Mary Ann Linsenmeyer’s name, Thanks to Betty, all of the ownership will be in the Democratic party’s name. It will be easier to pay subscription fees directly from the treasury rather than payback from invoices submitted.
Important to go through our treasurers: Angie Martin or Mary Shirley rather than individually pay and submit invoice for reimbursement.
8) FISH FRY October 8 — JoAnn
NEW LOCATION: American Legion Hall
Tickets will be available for sale next Tuesday (9-6) at the party meeting.
Cost has been increased from $10 to $12 due to the cost of the oil to fry the fish.
Sign up sheets were prepared by JoAnn and passed around during the meeting. They will be
taken to the party meeting
9) POLL WATCHING update at the monthly meeting.
Respectfully submitted
Joan Stockton
