Call to Order: The first virtual general meeting of NWTP was called to order via Zoom by the club president, Greg Noone, at 7:00 PM. There were 20 total participants, including two candidate speakers. This was the first general meeting held since February 19, 2020, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minutes: The Secretary, Lee Traweek, presented the minutes from the February 2020 general meeting. The minutes were approved as presented.
Financial Report: The treasurer, Haley Stackhouse, presented the financial report, with a cash balance of $1,393.43. The club completed 2019 with 45 members, but currently has only 25 members. Membership fees for 2020 are $25 per individual or $40 per couple. Our membership goal for 2020 is 60 – we need renewals and we need new members! The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
Election Experiences: Members, particularly those who worked in the recent primary election and runoff, shared their experiences at the polls. Concerns regarding Covid-19 procedures and behaviors were expressed. The processing of mail-in ballots was also discussed.
Candidate Speakers: Vance Keys, candidate for Tarrant County Sheriff, and Shadi Zitoon, candidate for Texas State Senate District 12, each spoke to the club sharing their vision for the offices they are seeking and answered questions from the floor.
Voter Registration: Dean Payton provided an update on efforts to register voters, particularly young adults who will turn 18 prior to the November election.
Program Recommendations: Members were asked to recommend speakers and topics they would like to see in future meetings. Their recommendations included Chris Tackett (follows the money in Texas politics), Dr. James Riddlesperger (TCU Political Science professor), Lisa Turner (wife of Texas House Representative Chris Turner), and judicial candidates.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting: The next Tarrant County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting (county leaders and precinct chairs) is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be held over Zoom, and citizen attendance is welcome.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.