Northwest Tarrant Progressives Minutes: General Meeting, Wednesday, April 17, 2019

The meeting was called to order by the president, Michael Stackhouse, at 7:03 PM. The secretary, treasurer, membership committee chair, and marketing committee chair were also present. Total attendance was 20.

Michael advised none of the invited speakers - local area candidates for the upcoming May election - were unable to attend, as their campaigns enter the final weeks before election day.

The secretary, Lee Traweek, provided minutes from the March 20th general meeting, and those minutes were approved as distributed.

The treasurer, Haley Stackhouse, reported a cash balance of $1386.40, and paid memberships at 39 for 2019. The treasurer’s report was accepted as distributed.

Michael discussed possible fundraising activities, which included club name badges and T-shirts. He is also looking for membership participation in fundraising and outreach activities.

Michael and Haley provided meeting participants with sample ballots for Northwest Tarrant County municipal and school board candidates, along with a sample ballot for the the Tarrant Regional Water District. Michael encouraged everyone to do their research on the candidates and VOTE! Information on candidates can be found online in various locations including the League of Women Voters at https://www.vote411.org/. Early voting runs from April 22 through 30, and election day will be May 4.

Cherie Traweek advised Tarrant County is proposing the establishment of voting centers that would function much like early voting on election days, allowing voters to vote at any convenient voting center. Town Hall meetings to solicit citizen input are planned with one scheduled at the Lake Worth Activity Center, 7005 Charbonneau Rd, Lake Worth, TX 76135 on April 24th at 5:30PM. Your voice is important! Our local Republican friends and neighbors oppose the establishment of voting center; fearing any effort to make it easier to vote will improve Democratic turnout.

Cherie Traweek also encouraged NWTP members to attend the Tarrant County Democratic Woman’s Club Spring fundraiser. Hope you didn’t miss it!

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Northwest Tarrant County Progressives Minutes: General Meeting, Wednesday, February 20, 2019

The meeting was called to order by the vice-president, Evan Hausenfluke, at 7:00 PM. The president, secretary, treasurer, and membership committee co-chairs were all present.

Evan introduced four democratic candidates for local office who each addressed the assembly. Those candidates were:

Mary Kelleher – candidate for Tarrant Regional Water District Board, the organization that oversees flood control and water supply across the area;

Michael Matos – candidate for Fort Worth City Council, District 7;

Dr. Carla Morton – candidate for Fort Worth Independent School District Board of Education, District 5; and

Deborah Peoples – candidate for Mayor of the City of Fort Worth.

All four candidates voiced a common concern – the need for citizen-centric, transparent local government and an end to secrecy and profiteering.

Deborah Peoples also spoke as the current Chairperson of the Tarrant County Democratic Party to share the news that the Democratic Party has identified five Tarrant County Texas House Districts as competitive in 2020, and will be focusing on turning Districts 92, 93, 94, 96, and 97 Blue.

The secretary, Lee Traweek, provided minutes from the January 16th general meeting, and those minutes were approved as distributed.

The treasurer, Haley Stackhouse, reported a cash balance of $1373.74, and paid memberships at 32 for 2019. The treasurer’s report was accepted as distributed.

Memberships renew in January and are now due in the amount of $25 per person or $40 for a couple. The club has a growth goal for 2019, to increase membership to 50 people.

The president, Michael Stackhouse, reported the club website is up and operational at https://www.nwtarrantprogressives.com/

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.

Northwest Tarrant Progressive's Minutes: General Meeting, Wednesday, January 16, 2019

The meeting was called to order by the president, Michael Stackhouse, at 7:00 PM. The vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and membership committee co-chairs for 2019 were introduced.

The vice-president, Evan Hausenfluke, led a discussion of upcoming local races in Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Saginaw, Azle, and River Oaks. Evan emphasized the value of our involvement in local races, that often have the most direct impact on citizens.

The secretary, Lee Traweek, reported minutes for the December 2018 potluck meeting were not recorded.

The treasurer, Haley Stackhouse, reported a cash balance of $877.18, and membership at 38 for the close of 2018. Memberships renew in January and are now due in the amount of $25 per person or $40 for a couple. The club has a growth goal for 2019, to increase membership to 50 people.

Michael discussed outreach opportunities to foster growth of the club and motivate the electorate. Block walking offers one of the best ways to meet like minded voters, encourage their participation in the political process, and attract new club members,

Michael discussed the recent filing with the Texas Ethics Committee registering NWTP as a General-Purpose Political Action Committee. This allows the club to collect and disburse funds in support of progressive Democratic candidates. This change in the club’s status and other updates were incorporated into a revision of the club bylaws. The proposed bylaws were distributed for review and accepted by voice vote.

Michael and Evan led a discussion of how we could help the club grow and improve. One direction is the establishment of committees and greater membership involvement. Brainstorming identified several good opportunities:

- Guest speaker committee – good speakers raise interest levels.

- Voter registration drives – pending state legislation may make it possible for designated registrars to register voters anywhere in the state.

- Outreach to other clubs to establish links that would allow unified efforts in support of the Democratic party.

- City Ambassadors from the club to interface with local municipalities.

- A fundraising committee to increase the club’s ability to support candidates and the local party.

Michael and others emphasized the Tarrant County Democratic Party really needs help. Our local party receives no funding from national or state Democratic organizations. They are in desperate need of our time, treasure, and talent. Money is great, but volunteers are really needed. Contact Vera A. Roberts at the party headquarters, phone number 817-335-8683, to volunteer. You can also attend the TCDP happy hour on the first Monday of each month from 5:00PM to 7:00PM, at 3130 Plumwood St. in Fort Worth.

Greg Noone discussed his use of outreach cards and invited follow Precinct Chairs to follow suit.

The meeting adjourned.