The meeting was called to order by Mike Laster.  He welcomed our candidate guests, Jolanda Jones, Neeta Sane and Robert Hinojosa.  Each spoke briefly.

The Minutes from August 25 were read and approved.  The Treasurer's report was given, our balance being $1,895.27.  There were 24 persons present.

Bert Anson was introduced.  He mentioned the need for more precinct chairs in our area.  He encouraged club members to attend the Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner on October 20.  He said they needed volunteers to help with the preparations and to contact him if interested.

Our guest speaker, Congressman Al Green, drew names for two tickets to the J-R-R Dinner.  The winners were Joe Rodriguez and Linda Smith.

Al Green gave a review of much of the legislation he has worked on this session.  It included, just to name a few:

• Minimum wage increase.
• Living American Wage Act, which would keep the minimum wage above poverty level.
• Stem Cell Research Bill.
• S-Chip for Children Insurance.
• Home for Heroes Act to help homeless vets.

The Congressman stressed the need for more Democrats in Congress and the urgency in getting more Democrats in the Judiciary and the State House.  "Diversity is our strength".

Joyce Atkins reported success in getting a Democrats Club started at Sharpstown High School, with a teacher sponsor.  An extra benefit for the students would be to gain more volunteer hours.

Mike presented the proposed amendment to the by-laws to change the election of officers from January to February.  This will be voted on in October by members present and voting.

Our refreshments were furnished by Joe Mumbach.  The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sylvie Adams for Mary Haper (absent)

The September monthly general meeting will be at Bayland Park Community Center from 10AM to Noon on Saturday, September 22.  Our special invited speaker will be the Honorable Al Green ,  US Congressman, Texas 9th CD.  Congressman Green is a terrific speaker and I'm sure he will fill us in on the behind the scenes action from the last congressional session.  This will be a great opportunity to meet your Congressman, hear his views and provide your feedback.  Due to Congressman Green's schedule, the meeting will start promplty at 10AM so don't be late for what is certain to be an interesting and stimulating discussion.  Come early at 9:30AM to visit with club members, share the latest political gossip and enjoy our usual snacks.

Rod Haper called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.  Mike Laster had another political responsibility to attend and was not present.  The pledges were recited by all.  There were 24 people present.

The Minutes of July 28, 2007 were read and approved.  The Treasurer's Report was read and approved.

Candidate guests included Shawna Regin, Robbie Sandoval, rep for Robert Shaefer, Z.Taheed, and Mekisha Murray.  Each candidate said a few words about their candidacy.

President's Report:

Special Projects:

Guest Speaker:  Scott Hochberg, Texas State Rep, District 137.

Scott talked about the legislature which meets 140 days (Jan-May) every two years plus special sessions.  Approximately 4500 pieces of legislation may be filed, with about 1500 passed.  The past session had several issues in particular--Texas Youth Commission scandal, the TXU coal plants, the Texas Tomorrow Fund (now shut down) and the Trans Texas Corridor.

Governor Perry's only initiative was the HPV vaccine and it was a dismal failure.

The TYC scandal was the best bi-partisan committee trying to help an agency in trouble.  New laws were passed but Governor Perry appointed an ombudsman who has a criminal record, breaking TYC's own rules.

TXU's plan to build 15 new coal plants and Perry's plan to fast track them resulted in only three to be built and TXU being purchased by a "group" with goals to make a profit and to get control of the electrical distribution grid for Broad Band internet and TV delivery to customers' homes.

Scott was instrumental in having two bills pass to help enforce nuisance laws, such as clubs allowing criminal activity.  The procedures to shut down a facility or not allow a liquor license renewal were very frustrating and took a long time.  These procedures have now been streamlined.

Questions followed for Scott and the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

Thank you to Emily and John  Walker  for substantial snacks for our meeting! 

Mike Laster called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.  There were approximately 30 persons present.

 Mike introduced guest candidates:  M. Eisenberg, M. Murray, H. Ritchie, F. Cook, S. Regan, J. Jones, S. Kirkland, and M. Barabin.

Our guest speaker was David Crossley , President of Gulf Coast Institute (www.gulfcoastinstitute.org).  Mr. Crossley spoke about a green cities/garden cities agenda that would allow population growth, which is expected to be 3.5 M more people by 2035 in the Houston area, and preserve green space.  The Houston area is the richest ecosystem in North America.  Citizen values are very clear:  they want green space, air quality, improved transportation, and sustainable prosperity.  Houston is very auto dependent and uses the most gasoline and puts out the most carbon of all other cities.  The greatest impact on land use is transportation.  We need to use the land well, making liveable centers, neighborhoods, like Houston's beginnings.  We already have multiple centers available to renew/build--downtown, Galleria, Westchase, Greenspoint, Greenway Plaza, etc., thus we can refine the space we already occupy, rather than expand into farmland.  Mr. Crossley emphasized that zoning is NOT the way to go.  Questions followed.

The minutes of June 23 were read and approved.  The treasurer's report was read and approved.

Emily and John Walker volunteered to be our August hosts and bring the donuts.  The same people on the July phone tree were asked to do the same for August.

 Mike took a poll of Sundays in August that would work to have a pot luck with the Alief Democrats.

Mike mentioned a proposed bylaw change--to change the Sharpstown Democrats Club elections to February or March.  This topic will be expanded as per the bylaws with a possible vote in September.

Joyce Akins told us about a National Night Out event on August 7 in Sharpstown area and distributed fliers.  Joyce also has contacted the government teachers at Sharpstown High School and did a voters registration at Lee High.  We anticipate helping with Democrat clubs at each school.

We signed petitions for the judicial candidates present and discussed club participation in a signing bee. Petitions are due by the end of December.

Mike adjourned the meeting at 11:15 a.m.  Thank you Matt for the donuts!

Mike Laster called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.  We recited the Pledges of Allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas.  We had 27 present at the meeting.

Mike introduced our guests:

Leslie Taylor, judicial candidate with no Primary opponent; she also is responsible for the auction details for the Johnson-Rayburn-Richards dinner this year.

David Malansky, 152nd judicial district candidate.

Gerry Birnberg, HCDP Chairman,  announced we have a full slate of judicial candidates for the county this year.  He is asking each club to pick a candidate or two and see that the candidate(s) secures enough signatures on petitions.  He also brought petitions for us to sign during the meeting.

Garnet Coleman, Texas House District 147 State Representative , was our honored guest speaker.  He mentioned that Scott Hochberg was named one of the 10 best Texas legislature members by Texas Monthly.  He discussed the issues in tthis last session's state legislature with Craddick, Dewhurst and Perry.  Coleman has a district that encompasses many neighborhoods of Houston from Montrose to Third Ward.  He spoke about problems in the legislature because of the denial of the fact that although Texas' population has grown, less money has been funded per capita.   He thinks the Republicans are starting to see the ineptness and corruption of the Craddick group.  He stated that we think the Texas Trans Corridor is dead, but it is only crippled and it includes rail, pipelines, roads and the  potential to turn our corridors into franchises being sold to private entities. The Republicans see government as a way for their friends to make money.  Many questions were asked of Coleman but due to time restrictions, we had to get on with the meeting.

The minutes of April 28, 2007 were read and accepted.  The Treasurer's report was given; our balance is about $2009.23 and July 16 is the next TEC filing. This report was approved.

We distributed envelopes and labels for members to assist in the next mailing.  In addition, Mike assigned phone tree responsibilities to four volunteers--Linda Smith, Matt Nickson, Ray Driskill, and Margaret Buckhorn.  These volunteers will make calls prior to the July 28 and August 25 meetings.

Matt Nickson volunteered to bring donuts to the next meeting.

A proposal to have a social committee was tabled for future discussion.

Mike discussed ideas for having a joint event with the Alief club in July or August, he will follow up with their president.  The group is ok with having a Sunday afternoon event and some Democrat reps will be invited to the event.

The high school clubs idea will be further developed at the next EC meeting and then will be presented to the entire group.

It was mentioned that the HCDP needs notaries to attend the Judicial Signing Bees being organized.  Also mentioned was the upcoming November election for city council and mayor.  We are considering collecting judicial petition signatures at Early Voting locations, especially Bayland Park.  In addition, teams to collect signatures at Sharpstown Mall was suggested.

Mike asked that we think creatively regarding voter registration and petition signatures and we will offer to help a particular candidate or two as requested by the HCDP.

Mike announced the next Sharpstown Civic Association meeting is Thursday, June 28 and the topics are gang activity in the neighborhood and the new Flood Control maps.

It was mentioned that there are 6 vacant precinct chairs in our area--335, 421, 433, 835, 836, and 869.  Linda Smith suggested that phone tree volunteers mention this in their calls to get some interest in filling these chairs.  (Note: precinct chairs must live in their precincts.)  Linda also suggested that these calls be used to update email and other addresses.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:38 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary D. Haper

The June monthly general meeting will be at Bayland Park Community Center from 10AM to Noon on Saturday, June 23.  Our special invited speaker will be Garnet Coleman,  Texas State Representative District 147.  Garnet will share his unique inside perspective on the victories and defeats of this last legislative session.  If you've heard Garnet speak at meetings before, you know we are in for a lively and informative treat.  Come early at 9:30AM to visit with club members, share the latest political gossip and enjoy our usual snacks.

Just a quick reminder that the Bayland Community Center is closed this Saturday, May 26th, for the Memorial Day holiday so the Sharpstown Democrats Club will not have it's usual general meeting this month.  Enjoy the Memorial Day holiday everyone and we will see you at the next regular SDC meeting on Saturday, June 23rd.

Don't forget to vote in the run-off election on Saturday, June 16th,  for Houston City Council At Large Position 3.

Mike Laster, president of the club, opened the meeting at 10:07am.  First order of business was announcements as follows:

Jane Vidales needs help with the Melissa Noriega campaign, putting out signs at Bayland for early voting; making phone calls between now and May 12. Volunteers are urged to check out mellissanoriega.com or 713Melissa or call Martha Griffin at 281-773-5863 to find out how to help.

Scott Hochberg, State Representative SR137, endorsed Melissa due to her work with him while her husband was in Afghanistan.  Scott also told us about the constitutional amendment to fix the Republican error on the senior citizens property tax--vote YES on this.  He also mentioned the voter registration ID bill that would depress Democrat voter turn out.  The bill is not necessary as there have not been any reports of voter fraud made to the secretary of state.

On Monday, April 30 at 6:30pm, M.J. Khan will have a parks presentation at the Sharpstown Community Center.

ROAD (River Oaks Democratic Women) is having an event on the role of women in Texas politics at the University of Houston.

On Sunday, June 10, Harris County Democrats Billy Carr Institute will have an Environmental Summit with Jim Blackburn, Sierra Club, GHASP, and other groups participating.  Mayor Bill White will be keynote speaker.  Time is 1 to 5 pm at the U of H Academic Center, Main Campus.

Check HCDP website for info on the May 19 Town Hall meeting.

The Minutes of the March 24 meeting were read and accepted.  Treasurer report was made and accepted, our balance is approx. $1939.23.

Bert Anson took the floor to discuss projects, plans, ideas and objectives of SD 17.

    Looking for 2010 candidates to replace state rep Kyle Janek in SD17.  SD17 now has 3 Democratic reps and is trying for more.

    Next primary in March 08--have over 75% precinct chairs, need more.  Judith Gatchell, a new chair, was congratulated.

    The VAN (voter access network) has listed the last 3 years of Democratic voters. This will assist in grass root efforts to get chairs, train, and build Democrat base by precinct calls, block walking, etc.  There are 10 vacancies in precinct chairs in Sharpstown.

    There are 5 Statuatory committees in HCDP, mandated in the bylaws.  They are: Finance; Resolutions (Bob Carter of our group is a member); Rules; Audit; and Primary (the way HCDP  groups precincts for primaries, etc.).  It is important to do voter registration mobilizations and training.  SD17 has 82 precincts and 8 clubs. SD17 projects include:

        Training--Sept 2007 for chairs and activists.

        High School Dem. clubs organized at Lee, Sharpstown and Westside.

        National training group brought in for training.

        Sharpstown Mall office as a 2008 headquarters location.

        Leadership development and training development.

        Club training--identify projects, problems, memberships.

Mike showed a map of the SD13  precincts of which we have selected those which will be our backbone of activity first (Tier 1).  Mike reminded us of our club's mission and objective.

We then worked on our schedule for the upcoming months:

2007:  April 30--early voting, May 12--election, Nov 6--city election.

2008--Feb--presidential primary, precinct conventions that night, June?--state convention, ??--national convention, Nov--election.

Training on how to be a convention delegate, TDP is reviewing procedures.

Club schedule: May, Nov, Dec--no club meetings; June--invite Scott Hochberg (Mike); July--get together with Alief club on 3rd Tuesday?.  Rod Haper will contact the Alief Club president to talk about this.  Other ideas for speakers included TIRZ, PID, MD (new Management District), city council member(s), grass roots training.  EC meetings will be held about every two months, with Mike coordinating via email.

Past and possible club projects were discussed as follows:

    Garage sale--table to 20008.

    Special firemen's event--table, maybe do simple cake or cookies at some point.

    Sharpstown voter registration--table for 2008.

    Support local candidates by signing petitions for judge contacts, etc.

    Help high school clubs organize--Joyce Atkins has already made contact and Judith Gatchell is a volunteer with access to the schools.  Clubs only need a teacher sponsor and the kids.

    Fundraiser--EC committe will work on this.

    Recruit members with the help of precinct chairs.

    Advertising meetings in the SCAN--Mike will follow up.

    Focus on local elections and have candidate events in 2007.

    Training--VIP.

    Project concentration--fill in chairs on Tier 1 then Tier 2; local candidate support; high school clubs; fundraising.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:39 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Haper, Secretary

Invited Presenters

Bert Anson
Chair Senate District 17
will advise us of Senate District 17's plans for 2007. 

Julie Jackson
Chair Harris County Democratic Party Clubs and Organizations
will advise us of the HCDP's plans for clubs and organizations.

Please make plans to join us for our April Meeting.  We need your input in making plans for 2007.  See you there!