Special Election: Absentee Ballot and Voter Education:
Thanks were expressed to Pat Kriesel for her work in circulating Kathy’s letter to District 25 newspapers outside of Northfield. Suzie who drafted the information on the absentee ballot suggested that the LWV write a letter expressing thanks to the City and County staff who advised the LWV Absentee Ballot information. All agreed. Suzie who will draft a letter that she and KathyT will co-sign.
Eve Webster reported on the candidate presentations that were broadcast on MTV in late December. Ray Cox unfortunately backed out at the last minute.
Kathy Cooper raised her concern about a campaign truck that was parked near a local polling place. After describing her discussion with the election judge at the polling site and the confusion over the rules for campaigning within site of a polling site, the group discussed whether Voter Services should include attention to the training of election judges. Kathy proposed that the Board review the Voter Services Guidelines at its next meeting.
Feedlot:
The board agreed that LWV action re: the feedlot issue was a good template for future action on other issues, particularly through coordinated action by Hilary, the LWV fostered informed participation on this issue in a timely manner.
Proposed Letter by the Charter Commission:
The Charter Commission has drafted a letter encouraging Northfield residents to become familiar with the Northfield City Charter (the LWV Board has not seen that proposed letter). The Commission has asked that the letter be distributed through the City’s City Commons newsletter. As reported in the Northfield News, City staff has recommended that the City Council review the letter draft at their meeting on Monday, 1/8/08. The article in the Northfield News quoted City Administrator Al Roder saying that certain City Council members had concerns about the role of the LWV in this initiative. The letter will be reviewed by the City Council on Monday 1/8.
The Board agreed with Kathy’s proposal for her write a letter to the editor of the Northfield News to restate the intention of the purpose of the Board’s initiative to foster public education about the structure and processes of local government.
Judicial Concurrence Meetings:
The group discussed plans for publicizing the Judicial Concurrence meeting to be held on Tuesday, 1/22 at 7 p.m. at the Judy Covey’s home.
Marion Simmons of the State League will come to answer questions. Jane McWilliams will facilitate the discussion.
Hilary will get the text of the postcard and electronic text to Mieska for distribution to the membership. Shirley Workman (Cannon Fall Unit) spoke of plans to hold the same event in Cannon Falls on January 16.
Budget Update (Barb Wilson)
As of 12/31 the LWV checking balance is $1,144.36; Savings $3,295.16. We have not touched our savings account in sometime The Education Account $1,220.22. The total dues collected since the annual meeting is $1,700. Proposed projected income of $6,200 (the fiscal year ends in 4/1/08.) Barbara intends to send a postcard reminder about dues before the annual meeting.
LOTT Program
Kathy Cooper reported that the St. Olaf civics group will meet with Mary Carlsen. No Carleton students registered for the Lott program.
Cannon Falls Unit Update
Shirley Workman attended the meeting on behalf of Allene Moseler. After a brief hiatus from specific activity, the Cannon Falls unit will sponsor a discussion on Feb. 9 featuring two economists. They will also conduct their Judicial Concurrence meeting on January 16th.
Concern was raised regarding how information on the Board’s activities is distributed to the membership. Shirley was apprised of the availability of summaries provided on our newly devised web page. To facilitate future communications, Kathy asked Janet to develop a sub-list of individuals who do not have email, to determine who needs to receive information by mail.
