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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: 1. Phone tree--Three volunteers for Sept and Oct calling: Margaret Buckhorn, Joan Harrington, and Joe Rodriguez. 2. September host volunteer: Joe Mumback. 3. Alief joint event update: It will be easier to do a joint meeting, so talks continue for a future event. 4. Bylaws Amendment update: We want to change the month of officer elections from January of a new year to February or March. The gap between the October meeting and January meeting makes it difficult to have an election. The amendment will be written by the EC and read at the September meeting, voted upon at the October meeting. 5. Johnson-Rayburn-Richardson Dinner: Date is October 27 at the J.W.Marriott. The EC wants to purchase two tickets and give one to an EC member and one to be a "door prize" for a member present at the September meeting. The club would like to buy a table or half a table; interested attendees will sign up at September. The tickets are $125.
Special Projects: 1. High School Clubs - no update at this time. 2. Candidiate Petition Signing Event/Bee: The EC would like the members to volunteer at the conclusion of the October 27th meeting to man a table outside the Bayland Early Voting building. Also, volunteers needed for Sunday, October 28th. A sign up sheet will be available at the September meeting. During this event, candidates would be invited to talk to voters and the Club would solicit memberships.
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!
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