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