The meeting was called to order at 10:15 a.m. by Rod Haper in Mike Laster's absence.  The minutes of October were read and approved.  The Treasurer's report was read and approved.

Candidates present included Fred Cook, M. Murray, Steven Kirkland, Michael Skelly, and several others.

Guest Speaker Bert Anson spoke in detail about the election process, in particular the precinct, state, and national conventions.  He spoke about training and workshops available and how the Texas Democratic Party is looking for new involvement/new people.  SD17 is looking for 30% new people and high school students also--in particular Bellaire and Sharpstown highs.  He recommended that precinct chairs give a flyer to every voter about the 7:15 precinct convention, that this has been very effective in getting people back for the meeting.  He also noted that voting in the Primary gets you in the "system".

The calendar is as follows:  March 4 Primary; March 29, Senate District Conventions; June 9 State convention in Austin; and the National Convention in Denver August 25-27.  If you want to go to the National, make a formal application to the State party between April 21 and May 21.

The Senate districts need help on various committees--a great way to get into the system.  Bert passed around a sign up sheet for volunteers for SD17.

A special guest at the meeting was Pat Powers, a founding member of the Sharpstown Democrats Club.

Volunteers for the call list were Joe Rodriguez, Aster Eyob, and Linda Smith.  Peter Rene offered to bring snacks. 

The meeting adjourned at 11:55 a.m. 

Respectfully submitted by Mary Haper.