FLUVANNA REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE

AUGUST 21, 2004

Chairman Feda Kidd called the meeting to order at 8:35 am. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the Virginia Republican Creed was recited and the blessing of the meal was led by Luther White. Forty-seven persons were in attendance.

A breakfast prepared by Will Blackford was served. Will was assisted by Esther and Emil Killianski, Patricia and Luther White and DonMorton.

Minutes of the last meeting were not read due to the absence of Debbie Rittenhouse.

Bob Meyer reported that the current bank balance was $2,601.93.

Jeff Haislip, Commonwealth Attorney, made a presentation on the addition of a part time assistant for his office and progress in the cooperation of his staff and the Sheriff’s Department. He reported on successful efforts to get grants to add a much needed domestic unit to the Sheriff’s Department. Domestic violence is a significant problem in Fluvanna County and requires specially trained officers to respond. Jeff stated that he is endorsing Bob McDonald for Attorney General because of the leadership Bob has shown in the House of Delegates as Chairman of the Courts of Justice Committee. He has endorsed Jerry Kilgore for Governor. Jeff further stated that he is aware that the Democrats are focusing on Virginia to elect John Kerry and that Bush will not win unless grass roots efforts are successful in the normally Republican areas. Many of the voters in Northern Virginia and urban areas are likely to vote Democratic. Fluvanna Republicans must get out the vote.

Old Business
Precinct Captains reported on progress in identifying Republican voters. Rivanna is well organized and moving forward with a total of forty-seven callers at work. Chairman Kidd commended Luther and Patricia White and Jason Hull for their outstanding progress.
Fork Union and Palmyra are making progress. Cunningham needs leadership and a core Republican group is needed in Columbia.

Chairman Kidd reported that the Virgil Goode fund-raiser made $6,885.00.

Letters to the editor prepared by Bill Anderson were read by Chairman Kidd and members of the Committee agreed to send them to the local papers.

Plans for the BBQ on October 16th were announced. Shirley Rinehart will chair the event and Will Blackford will be the chef. Statewide candidates, local delegates and state senator will attend as well as Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Kate Griffin.
The Joy Makers and pony rides for the kids will be featured as in the past.

New Business
The floor was opened for nominations for First Vice Chair to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Baylor Rinehart. Jason Hull was nominated by Don Morton and seconded by Reece Belk. There were no other nominations and Jason was elected unanimously.

Ammendments to Article VI of the Fluvanna County Republican By-Laws were presented. The purpose was to change the assigned duties of the First Vice Chair and Treasurer to more accurately reflect their actual duties. A motion to adopt the changes was made by Jason Hull and seconded by Kevin Willis. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.

Sign day is September 4. A motion to spend $500.00 for signs was made by Doug Johnson and was seconded. The motion passed. Signs will be ordered and distributed through Precinct Captains upon arrival. It was noted by Chairman Kidd that the National Republican Party and the State Party are not furnishing signs in Virginia. Local units must purchase their own signs.

The Committee discussed options for a space at Old Farm Days in light of the new layout. A motion was made by Luther White to have a 20’x20’ space and seconded by Doug Johnson. The motion passed.

A motion was made by Reece Belk and seconded by Don Morton to send Virgil Goode $100.00 that was contributed to him through the Committee after his fund-raiser. The motion passed.

Janice Hamm volunteered to make a mailing to voters who register to vote by absentee ballot. Chairman Kidd will obtain the lists from the Registrars Office.

Chairman Kidd read a list of new membership applications that included Jim Parks, Vern Rathbone, Katie Rathbone, Isaac Shelley, Joel Shelley, Ryant Washington, George McKemmie, Kay McKimmie, and Jacob Shelley. Kevin Willis made a motion to accept the new members and Fritz Dietz seconded. The motion passed.

Jason Hull reported that he attended the 5th District Meeting on August 8 to represent Chairman Kidd who was on vacation. He stated that a recent poll conducted in the District showed that Virgil Goode was preferred by 60% of the voters over his opponent Al Weed. The poll also showed that President Bush was preferred by 47% of the voters.
This is another wake up call for grass roots Republicans to come alive and work for these candidates.

Submitted by: Don T Morton, Acting Secretary