General Membership meeting Minutes—February 18, 2023, 12:00 pm

Call to Order: Chair Tim Scott called the meeting to order at 12:00pm and welcomed members, and the Executive Committee introduced themselves.

Committee Updates

Finance—Donna Williams reported that at the end of January, we had $3,697 in our account. Report was distributed to attendees.

Area Leader—Carole DeWall mentioned that the State Democratic Committee has endorsed the following candidates:

·      Judge Daniel McCaffery for Pennsylvania Supreme Court

·      Judge Timika Lane and Jill Beck for Pennsylvania Superior Court

·      No endorsement was made for the one open position on Commonwealth Court.  Brian Neft and Matt Wolf are candidates

Carole also mentioned that there is a new Democratic candidate for County Commissioner (in addition to Jean Foschi who is the incumbent), named John Smith from Hampden Township.

Carole also noted that there are a lot of positions for school board and municipal officials across the county, so if you know anyone who might be willing to run, please ask them. 

Elections—Tim Scott introduced candidates running for office who were at the meeting.

Jean Foschi is running for reelection as County Commissioner. She reviewed the impact that she has had while in office and the improvements that have been made in the county in areas of mental health, social justice, and funding for social services.

Three candidates for Carlisle Borough Council were present. 

·      Cate Mellen is currently filling an unexpired on Council and is now running for election in her own right. She mentioned the progressive issues the council has worked on, including human rights, climate action, and the truth and justice program.

·      Jeff Stuby has served on Borough Council for past 4 years and is running for reelection. He mentioned many of the same Council initiatives, plus de-criminalization possession of small amounts of cannabis. He also mentioned the opportunities he has had work directly with people in the community to solve problems.

·      Jackie Roos is running for the first time. She grew up in the Carlisle area and went to school here. She has a Masters in Theology and works for a digital tech company. She is especially interested in climate issues (air quality), fighting discrimination and maintaining Carlisle as a progressive community. 

Sean Shultz, Borough Mayor (not up for re-election) was also in attendance and mentioned recent successes in the borough.

School Board candidates spoke. 

·      Bruce Clash, incumbent in his third term, spoke of his work on the CASD to date. He is chairman of the Finance Committee, participated in the recruitment/selection of a new superintendent, and has been involved with the “Reimagining Elementary Schools” project.

·      Jon Tarrant, incumbent in his first term, favors the collegial approach that the Board takes. He is a former high school teacher and mentioned his concern about Republican “Moms for Liberty” activity in the area. He opposes censorship.

·      Joe Shane is running for the first time. He mentioned his commitment to public education. He currently teaches chemistry and trains science teachers and career changers at Shippensburg University.

·      Donny Martinez is running for the first time. He discussed his concern that underserved communities need to be able to relate to the teachers and administrators and his experience as an immigrant will be useful in identifying ways these communities can be better supported and integrated.

·      Paula Bussard, current Chair of the School Board, is running for reelection. She mentioned the need for civility and respect within the board, the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all students and parents. She promotes a positive climate for all students, empowering teachers, parents and community to be engaged in the school district. She has worked to expand opportunities for all students with augmented curriculum and new educational opportunities.

Announcements

Tim Scott mentioned that a new fundraising committee has been formed. They are looking for” idea people” to join the committee. They are planning a social event in June and possible Barn Party event in the future.

Many CADC committees are looking for new members.

Tim Invited attendees to sign nominating petitions for candidates present as well as county wide and state wide candidates.

Adjournment—Tim adjourned the meeting at 12:45 pm