PAA Meeting Minutes Nov. 10, 2005
PAA Minutes
Thursday Nov. 10, 2005
Convened at 7 p.m.
Attending: Bill Crosier, Cheryl Crosier, Don Cook, Brenda Fackler, Guest Tory, Jon Axford, Pokey Anderson, Rochelle Brackman, Ted Weisgal, Bob Carter, C. Lee Taylor, David Courtney, Don Serbutra, Ivan Espinosa, Kris Graham, Raul Espinosa, Ron Graham, Willy Simmons
Nov. Elections Results: Sue Lovell’s 5000 vote lead indicates to Don C that she’s assured of winning. If have time to work on campaign, he urges working on HISD candidate, Daisy, in District 9 (also Sue Lovell’s District). Ivan discussed District 143 race to replace late Rep. Joe Moreno; Laura Salinas and Anna Herrera in run-off. Salinas accepted money from Perry Homes.
Run off is Dec. 10th.
Election Reform and Verifiable:
Pokey Anderson: Kudos to Stan et al for staging the Rice Candidate Forum
In Texas, Madagorda County started using ES&S for first time on Nov. 10 (ES&S is largest voting machine company in US – out of Omaha, Nebraska) and at 7:30 p.m. that evening the machines broke down. None of the locals could fix the problem. Madagorda’s experience is indicative of just what happens with electronic equipment. 40% of precincts in Wisconsin have barriers for those with disability. HAVA does not require electronic voting. Discussed Ohio and Noe indictment. California and Arnold’s voting predicament. Note: This past election is the last one California will hold without a paper trail. Jan. 1, 2006 paper trail will be required. Sonomash County out of Washington (Seqouia equipment) reports of voting hopping. When voter queried precinct workers, s/he was told this occurred because of the machine being set to “automatic setting” (?>@#@@$???!!!)
Lowell Finley attorney out of California with the only winning track record against the electronic voting companies. He has filed suit in NM on behalf of 8 claimants from around the state who are asserting that the machines are not counting the votes properly. In precincts that are heavily Hispanic, higher rates of “under votes” in 2004 Presidential election. Electronic voting is not safe, secure or reliable. IRS requires “hard copies” so should our voting machines. Pokey proposes a Buck Naked Elections campaign.
Upcoming Elections: ask candidates if they will support voter verifiable paper trail.
Bill: start locally i.e. get Houston City Council to require VVPT. Houston contracts with Harris County to provide equipment for elections. City pays over a million dollars per election. State does not have referendum but city does. Need groups to pressure council members. Parallel election held in Austin. Like an exit poll, but enlist folk to vote again. Results not in yet.
Treasurer’s Report: Began month with $1021.07. Had donations of $12 and expenses of $35 for room; $43.30 for backbone award to Cindy Sheehan leaving balance of $955.27.
Co-Chair election: Announcement that Anjellea has stepped down as co-chair. Call for nominations. Motion to nominate Kris Graham. Motion seconded and passed.
David Courtney raised issue of the absence of written guidelines for resolving conflict. Proposes we get this issue resolved while every thing is amicable. Bylaw committee formed: David, Jon, Don, Kris, Ron and Bill.
Saturday, Nov. 19 Protest: Bill, Ivan, Kris and CLT (if in town)
Houston Social Forum: Sunday, Nov. 13 Potluck Dinner and Movie Funraiser at the Artery
PAA Movie at the Artery: Wal-Mart: the High Cost of Low Prices Sunday, Nov. 20
Houston Peace Justice Center (HPJC): CLT to contact Sherry and Margaret about joining HPJC board as PAA rep. Meet about once a month as executive committee and once a quarter with whole board to prepare HPJC activities and to coordinate activities between various groups.
Holiday Party: either at Tami’s party house or Bill and Cheryl’s New Year’s Eve Saturday, Dec. 31 Cheryl will call Tami
Announcements: Don C urges folks to come hear David Cobb in town Monday & Tuesday, Nov. 14& 15 th party at David Wagger.
Ivan urged support of Janette Sexton running against incumbent Robert Talton rabid right wing. Progressive, populist, member of Mother’s for Clean Air.
Ted urges we listen to morning news with Tucker Wilson and make commentary to station and her about her reports.
Palestinian Youth Dance troupe performance Friday, Nov. 11
HPJC Awards Dinner Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 with Robert Jensen, Garnet Coleman, Sissy Farenhold, Maria Jimenez and special appearance with Nobel Peace Laureate, Prof. Esquivel
DOP Walking Meditation 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 at Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale
Birthday party for Ted Weisgal on Dec. 3 chez lui.
Adjourned: 9:10