Minutes Of ACRP By Laws Committee Meeting

Meeting convened via telephone conference call on March 14th. at 8:01 p.m.

Participating in the call were Chairman Randy Bishop, Co-Vice Chair Jim Gurr, Secretary Priscilla Miller, Greg Valerio, Steve Grill and Brenda Ricksgers.  Excused Committee members; Laura Bogdan, Gerald Averill and Kim MacMaster.

Randy made a motion to ADD the following language to:  Article 1- Section 3. Membership; “Any elected official who was duly elected as a “Republican” during the most recently held primary or general election in Antrim County, shall be required to be a dues paying Member of the Antrim County Republican Party for the entire term of their said elected office.”

Said motion was friendly amended by Steve Grill, to add the following language;…”Any candidate who is running as a Republican in a primary or general election in Antrim County shall/must be a member of the Antrim County Republican Party.  If they chose not to be a member of the ACRP, the ACRP will not endorse or publicly certify them as a member in good standing of the ACRP.  They will not receive any support monetarily or manpower for their candidacy from ACRP.  Finally, any candidate must be a paid member in good standing for at least one year prior to any primary election.”

Amended motion was supported by Greg Valerio Discussion followed.

Calling the question: Jim Gurr – Passed with unanimous vote.

Article IV -Section 1; Officers:  Randy made a motion to remove the words; ”of the opposite sex of the Chairperson” from the by laws.
Supported by Priscilla Miller.  Calling the question: Jim Gurr  Passed with unanimous vote.

Motion by Randy Bishop to amend : Article VII – Section 2 to read; It shall be the policy of the Local Party not to endorse or support individual candidates in contested Republican Party primary election, UNLESS determined by a vote of 2/3 of the membership of the ACRP in attendance at a regularly monthly meeting prior to said primary election to make such an endorsement. Supported by Steve Grill: Discussion followed. Calling the question: Greg Valerio  Passed with unanimous vote.

In Addition: Priscilla Miller noted under duties of officers; ACRP By Laws state, “Treasurer shall render a statement of the revenues, disbursements, and outstanding obligation, and the cash balance of the Local Party at all regular meetings.”  All members voted unanimously to have the ACRP Treasurer adhere to this By Law.

Jim Gurr: made a motion to amend Article IX: Section 3 – Amendment to read: “These By Laws may only be amended by a vote of the membership after the January election of new board officers and executive committee members, via a By Law Committee determination at a vote of a future monthly meeting.  Supported by Priscilla Miller. Discussion followed. Randy: Discussion closed. Passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,

Priscilla Miller

ACRP Secretary

Antrim County Republican Party Meeting Minutes for Monday, February 20, 2017

Meeting convened at 7:30p.m. in the Forest Home Twp. Hall

Randy Bishop: Pledge:  Jim Gurr: Invocation

Treasurer’s Report: Laura Bogdan was absent. Randy gave report: Corporate Acct: $33.69 ($100. was donated toward the bus to state convention) $641.09 in State Acct.

Secretary’s Report: Priscilla Miller: Read January 26th minutes. Motion to approve: Greg Valerio  2nd. Sherry Comben: Motion approved.

Gerald Averill raised question as to why Stacy Cole was a Custer Twp. delegate, to state convention when she resides in Chestonia Township?  Triston Cole stated that they live near the Custer township border.  Apparently an error at the County Clerk’s Office. Randy will check with  Cheryl Guy.

Co-Vice Chair Kim Mc Master, gave a recap of the Mich. State Convention. 196 delegates crammed in a small room for four hours/ longest running caucus in the state.  Jesse Osmer won chairmanship of 1st. Dist. Committee with a 56-60 vote spread.  Kim and Jim Gurr also won election to the committee. Ron Weizer is the new chairman of the Michigan Republican Party.

Co-Vice Chair Jim Gurr, Democrats are vengeful and spoiling for a fight. We had better start working on the same page in order to be formable.

Randy: President Trump has just 60 days to undo Obama’s executive orders.

Discussion:  On dealing with Democrat’s concerted efforts to disrupt legislator’s town halls. Both Congressman Bergman and State Rep. Triston Cole have had a large group of loud, disruptive agitators interrupting their events.  Our members need to become active and attend these events. State Rep Cole cautioned, these militants are looking for a confrontation.  He advised remaining calm and not confronting them.

Discussion on ERN article and importance of ACRP becoming visible at parades and other county events.

Per a motion made by Co-Vice Chair Jim Gurr at the January County Convention: “to enter into the record that Antrim County Republican Party intends to amend its by-laws to become compliant with MRP by-laws by Monday April 17, 2017 in the following manner: Within 60 (sixty) days, subject to receiving updated the MRP and District by-laws, Antrim County GOP will, by subcommittee, revise the Antrim County Republican Party’s by-laws and will present the proposed by-laws to the membership for 30-day consideration for approval by the Monday, April 17 meeting.”  Volunteers to serve on the By-Laws Subcommittee are; Greg Valerio, Gerald Averill, Steve Grill, Brenda Ricksgers plus the five (5) officers of the Executive Board.
The meeting of this subcommittee will be held via; a conference call and they will have the new proposed by-laws ready for discussion at next meeting on March, 20th.

Randy: We need to have the discussion on officials running as Republicans are dues paying members and individual members of executive committee endorsing candidates.

Brenda Ricksgers: Special election on May 2nd. for renewal 911 millage.

Motion to adjourn: Triston Cole, 2nd.Kim MacMaster. Meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.

Antrim County Republican Party’s Winter County Convention convened at 7:00 p.m., January 26. 2017.

Officers present: Chairman Randy Bishop, Co-Vice chairs Jim Gurr and Kim MacMaster.

Officers absent: Priscilla Miller – Secretary and Laura Bogdan – Treasurer

Chairman Randy Bishop was elected Chairman of the Convention, who asked Jim Gurr to be the Convention’s Secretary (who prepared these minutes).

Sole purpose of Convention was to elect ACRP’s Voting Delegates & Alternates to the Michigan Republican Party’s State Convention.

The following individuals had expressed an interest in pursuing delegate status for the upcoming MRP’s State convention in Lansing on February 10th & 11th, 2017:

Randy Bishop

Tom Stillings

Cherie Hogan

Greg Valerio

Jim Gurr

Dr. Richard Hoadley

Robert Bargy

Kim MacMaster

Greg MacMaster

Stacy Cole

Before balloting began statements were read for candidates for First District Chairman;

Statement for Jason Allen read by Tom Stillings

Statement for Jesse Osmer read by Greg MacMaster

A statement in support of Denise Pallarito’s candidacy for MRP Grass Roots Vice Chair was made by Triston Cole.

Balloting using handwritten paper ballots began at 7:06 p.m.

Ballots were completed, collected, and submitted to Cherie Hogan and Mrs. Ronald Barwick.

While ballots were being counted, the County Convention broke out of convention at 7:16 p.m., and the January 2017 meeting of Antrim County GOP was convened.

Following are the minutes of the January Monthly meeting of the Antrim County Republican Party;

Officers in attendance as above. Officers not in attendance as above.

Treasurer’s report: Corporate Account $x,xxx.xx, State Account $x,xxx.xx

State Committee member Kim MacMaster reported very little actions and no subcommittee meetings were held at the last MRP State Committee in December, 2016.

Chairman – Bishop remarked most pressing business was issue of current Antrim County Republican Party’s by-laws not being compliant with MRP by-laws.

Co-Vice Chair Jim Gurr made the motion to have entered into the record that Antrim County Republican Party intends to amend its by-laws to become compliant with MRP by-laws by Monday April 17, 2017 in the following manner: Within 60 (sixty) days, subject to receiving updated the MRP and District by-laws, Antrim County GOP will, by subcommittee, revise the Antrim County Republican Party’s by-laws and will present the proposed by-laws to the membership for 30-day consideration for approval by the Monday, April 17 meeting.  Motion seconded by Tom Stillings. Following discussion, such process was approved by majority (unanimous) vote.

Chairman Randy Bishop initiated brief discussion of voting irregularities, recommending State Attorney General pursue charges. Kudos were made for Northern Michigan electoral successes.

January meeting was adjourned at 7:34 by motion by Tom Stillings, seconded by Mike Bertram.

Returned to Antrim County Winter County Convention at 7:35 to report results of election of voting delegates and alternates. List was reported by Cherie Hogan as follows:

VOTING DELEGATES

Jim Gurr

Tom Stillings

Randy Bishop

Kim MacMaster

Greg MacMaster

Stacy Cole

Cherie Hogan

Dr. Richard Hoadley

ALTERNATES

Greg Valerio

Rob Bargy

Jarrod Rubingh

Rebecca Rubingh

JoAnne Marcoux

2017 Winter County Convention adjourned at 7:39 p.m. after motion by Tom Stillings, seconded by Kim MacMaster.

Below is the link to the PDF file that is being mailed on Tuesday, Jan. 3rd, 2017 to all Precinct Delegates for the Antrim County Republican Party.

Please Share this link with anyone that you know has been appointed to be a Precinct Delegate but may have not notified the ACRP of their mailing street address;

call-to-winter-county-convention-1-26-17

Thank You!!!

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – President-elect Donald Trump has won Michigan’s 16 electoral votes.

Today, Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers certified Trump’s 10,704 – vote victory on Monday, nearly three weeks after the election. The two-tenths of a percentage point margin out of nearly 4.8 million votes is the closest presidential race in Michigan in more than 75 years.

Trump’s win in Michigan gives the Republican 306 electoral votes to Democrat Hillary Clinton’s 232.

Trump is the first Republican presidential nominee to win Michigan since 1988.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein is expected to ask for a recount. She has until Wednesday. Trump would have seven days to file objections to her request.

Source: Fox 2

Meeting convened at Monday, October 17th, 2016 7:35 p.m. at Forest Home Twp. Hall

Randy Bishop: Pledge:  Brenda Rickgers: Invocation : Welcoming of new members:

Treasurer’s Report: Laura Bogdan: State (Campaign) Acct. $x,xxx.xx: Corporate Acct. $x,xxx.xx  (These numbers are after 1000 Trump yard signs were paid for. Still have 250 signs to be distributed.) Cheri Hogan was recognized for her efforts in getting signs distributed and collecting donations for them.
Randy: ACRP leads other counties in number of signs put out.

Secretary’s Report: Read 9/19/16 meeting minutes: Motion to approve: Kim MacMaster, 2nd. Doctor Hoadley. Approved. Can be viewed at acrpmi.org.

Chairman’s Report: Trump signs are to go up after the Dems signs, on Saturday for a “last impression”.  “Volunteer Saturdays” will be held for the next three Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.  James Hoage will have campaign materials for all candidates available: Volunteers needed; at following locations in;

Elk Rapids, @ 127 Lake Street, Bass Lake Condos #5: Pam LeHoy.

Bellaire, 321 N. Bridge Street, Forest Home Twp. Hall: Jim Gurr.

Mancelona, North Country Cars & Credit (131 S. M88 next to Napa Auto Parts) Cherie Hogan.

Randy will post a link for training of poll watchers and pole challengers.

You have till Tuesday Nov. 1st. to apply by mail, for absentee ballots. Suggests you apply at Clerks office. A review of the ballot followed.  Each box is an office: To vote straight Republican, mark the Republican box at the top of the page. At county level all candidates are running unopposed with exception of 3rd. Dist. County Commissioner, who has an opponent. For MI Supreme Court: Viviano and Larsen are listed in two separate boxes. (Two witnesses along with the clerk are present when absentee ballots are counted.)

Discussed possible voter fraud. Vicki Bishop, who serves on the Antrim County, Board of Canvassers: offered assurance that the election process in Antrim County is secure. Jim Gurr: concurred. Randy: stated that we may not get the final election results for several weeks. Suggests wearing Red to the polls, to show visual support for Trump.

Important to get out and vote: If enough people get out and vote in the 1st District, we could offset the votes for Hillary in Wayne County.  In Antrim County, absentee ballots are being returned in record numbers.

Christian Marcus: Lon Johnson is using “crisscrossing” tactics (says he won’t be attending, then when Bergman schedules an event elsewhere, Johnson shows up and takes photos with an empty chair).

Motion to adjourn: Christian Markus,  2nd: Greg Valerio, Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

ACRP Meeting Minutes for 8/22/16

Meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. at Forest Home Twp. Hall

Randy Bishop: Pledge and invocation:

Welcomed new members.  Reviewed acrpmi.org web site information.

Treasurer’s Report: Laura Bogdan: State (Campaign) Acct. $x,xxx.xx Corporate Acct. $x,xxx.xx

Secretary’s Report: Priscilla Miller unable to read screen. Co-Chair Gurr read minutes. Mike Bertram moved to approve: 2nd. Greg Valerio : Motion carried.

Chairman’s Report: Next year’s ACRP golf outing will be held on July 15, 2017 at the Chief Golf. Course. Gave full Accounting Report of ACRP Golf Outing, held on July 9, 2016. Twenty nine golfers paid $75. for golf = $2,175. gross,  plus thirty three dinners @ $25 = $825  for a total of $3,000.  Chief Resort charge of $1640.  Rick Young of Village Market made a generous contribution to the outing.  Total Gross was $3,138.33  Total expenses were $422.66 leaving a Net Profit of $2721.77. Members agreed to keep report private. Report will go into a PDF file.

Randy Bishop gave an account of expenses paid by ACRP per motion by Maryanne Jorgensen and passed to pay up to $800. toward his trip to the Republican National Convention in amounts of $697.21 for hotel plus $100. for bus ride to Cleveland.  When one check  for $150. from a hole sponsor arrives, there will be a balance of  $1921.77  in Corporate Account.

Trump and Bergman campaigns are the two most important campaigns:  On a local level; Dawn LaVanway is only candidate running in County Commissioner race, that has a Democratic opponent. All others are running un opposed. Mike Bertram: We need to support Dawn. Jim Gurr: concurred, It’s going to be a tough race. Cherie Hogan: There’s a concerted effort to keep her out. Mike Bertram: Ask Dawn what she needs financially. Campaign account funds can be used to help Dawn. Sign’s allowed to go up 60 days prior to election. Get volunteers to help put her signs out.

Randy received an email from owner of 10 ft. x 30 ft. electronic billboard (digital, with eight spaces, displaying every fifteen seconds) on 31 going into Traverse City. Regular price is $1200. per month, per side. Randy negotiated a special price of $1800. for 30 days prior to the election, for both north and south sides of billboard. He has first right of refusal until after tonight’s meeting. The billboard would impact 72,000 cars per day; that equals two point one million contacts during that 30 day period.  Per state party bylaws:  Since ACRP Board has not endorsed Trump or Bergman, this can be considered an “issues” campaign.  Jim Gurr: inquired about judges running for MI Supreme Court. Randy: State party is spending a large amount of money to finance those campaigns.

Motion by Dr. Hoadley to spend $1800. from Corporate account to pay for  both sides of the electronic bill board; starting 30 days prior to the election. 2nd. by Myron Curtis. Chair opened up for discussion:  Steve Grill: Not opposed to it, just want people to think.  In the end, it all comes down to the Electro College. Randy: Don’t believe the Liberal media polls. Cherie Hogan: Union guys are constantly approaching her and asking about Trump.  Jim Gurr: pledged $100. toward the bill board. Mike Bertram suggested asking Grand Traverse GOP to split cost of  billboard. Randy: Once billboard is secured, will contact John Roth, of GTGOP on sharing expense. Discussion closed: vote on electronic billboard motion: passed unanimously.

First debate between Clinton and Trump will take place on September 26th. Discussion on possible voter fraud. Randy: if possible don’t use Absentee Ballots.  Poll watchers will be out on election day.  The big Electro Collage votes will be Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Randy: will hold a Precinct Delegate organizational meeting by regions to put out signs, door knocking. Walking lists of registered Republican voters are available.

Discussion on Michigan Board of Education candidates.  Gerald Averill: Suggests ACRP involvement in community events.

Jim Gurr: Petitions for the state party, will be circulated at convention to change the way Michigan allocates it’s electoral college “electors”.

Randy: Discussion on buying Trump yard signs. (Buying 2,000 signs reduces cost $1.77 a piece) Randy: Motion to buy 500 signs, providing three (Oakland, Berrian, Saginaw) county parties go in on the order, and order 500 signs each, that ACRP pay $875. from Campaign Account, and will offer them for a donation. 2nd. Greg Vallerio: Passed unanimously. (Steve Grill and Jim Gurr: offered $50. toward purchase)

Gerald Averill: Tom McMillen is endorsed by Liberty Caucus for MI Board of Education.

Randy: As of January 1st. All Republican elected officials will be sent letters to join the ACRP.

Motion to adjourn: Mike Bertram 2nd. Mary Barton

ACRP Meeting Minutes for 8/1/16

Meeting convened at 7:38 p.m. in the Antrim County Office building.

Randy Bishop: Pledge       Invocation: Jim Gurr

Treasurer Laura Bogdan absent.  Randy read Treasurer’s Report: Campaign Acct. $x,xxx.xx  Corporate Acct. $x,xxx.xx  Laura will have a financial breakdown on the golf outing at next month’s meeting.  Twenty nine golfers plus thirty three dinners participated in the ACRP Golf Outing / Fun Day event.

Mark your calendar for next year’s outing on July 15, 2017 at the Chief Golf Course.

Secretary’s Report: Priscilla Miller (unable to read the screen) –  Jim Gurr read the June 20th. meeting minutes.  Motion to approve: Mike Bertram, 2nd: Vicki Bishop.

Chairman’s Report: On attending the National Convention and the bus ride there. Gov. Chris Christie was the keynote speaker at the delegate’s Monday, July 18th breakfast. Cheri Hogan and Laura Bogdan attended the convention and found it “very interesting”.  They met several Fox News celebrities  along with Speaker Paul Ryan. Randy encourages members to seriously consider running as precinct delegates to be eligible to attend future conventions.

With State Representative Triston Cole in attendance, Chairman Bishop opened the floor to  discussion on matters pertaining to Tuesday’s primary election. Tom Stillings: encouraged a vote for Jack Bergman, in the 1st Congressional District race.  Jarris Rubingh:  “Bergman wasn’t in the race to make a career out of it”.

Marv Rubingh expressed lack of information on millage proposals. Discussion ensued regarding some of the upcoming county millages.

County Commissioner Christian Marcus: Spoke in favor of the “Stepping Up” program. (addresses mental health issues of people currently incarcerated for non violent crimes)

Next ACRP meeting will be on Monday August 22nd. 7:30 p.m. at Forest Home Twp. Hall.

Remember to get out and vote tomorrow!

Motion to adjourn: Tom Stillings  2nd Mike Bertram

Antrim County Republican Party Meeting Minutes for 6/20/16

Forest Home Twp. Hall

Meeting convened at 7:36 p.m. Chairman Randy Bishop: Pledge, Prayer: Christian Marcus

Treasurer’s Report: Laura Bogdan: $x,xxx.xx  State Acct. x,xxx,xx  Corporate Acct.

Secretary’s Report:  Approval of May meeting minutes. Motion to approve: Barbara Bradford,  2nd Cherie Hogan, approved.

Chairman’s Report: Charlevoix GOP holding 50th Annual Picnic on Sunday June 26. at Whiting County Park in Boyne City. $20. for dinner.

 Lt. Gov. Brian Calley will be the keynote speaker at the ACRP Golf Outing and Fun Day event being held on Saturday, July 9th. from 1:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Chief Golf Course, in Bellaire.  18 hole scramble begins at 1:00p.m. (golfers arrive at 12:30)  $75. for Golf Scramble and BBQ (after 6-30-16 $100.) BBQ only $25. ($50. after 6-30-16) Other candidates will also be speaking.

Randy was on a conference call for delegates and alternates to the national convention, last night:  Kendal Unruh is a State Party Chairperson from Colorado, on the Rules Committee for National Convention. She is going to introduce a motion to amend the rules, to allow bound delegates to be un bound, leaving them free to vote their conscience, rather than the candidate they were elected to represent.  It’s called the “Conscience Clause”. Rules Committee meets July 11th -15th.  According to a book by Curly Hogman, the RNC Corporate Bylaws say that “technically all delegates are un bound and this rule supersedes all others.” If the Conscience Clause passes out of committee, it must be approved by the main body of the RNC (168 members).  All candidates except Trump have “suspended” campaigns, they have not quit.  Trump needed 1237 delegates he has 1542.

Co-chair: Jim Gurr, suggested Antrim County Republican Party pass a motion urging Judi Schwabak, our rep. on the Rules Committee for Michigan, not to release delegates from their commitment on the first ballot.  Cheri Hogan made the motion; 2nd Dorance Amos. Discussion followed: Passed unanimously!  Randy will prepare a press release and send it out.  Weekly conference calls will continue.  Randy will keep members informed of any new developments   Judi’s phone # is 906-280-0090

Randy asked for input from members if ‘Conscience Clause’ is adopted.  Gurr: There would be “profound disappointment.” if they betray their commitment.  Bill Bailey:“Death of the party” Cherie Hogan: “They won’t care if we’re disappointed”

Three GOP candidates running for 1st Congressional District.  Casper son, Allan and Bergman. Demi have Jerry Cannon and Lon Johnson.  If Cannon drops out, Dems. could cross over and vote in primary. Signs go out 60 days from Aug. 2nd.Primary.  Signs must be picked up on Aug. 3rd. Road Commission will charge if they have to pick up.  (Same time frame in November.)

Antrim County Commissioners sponsoring Dr. Sarah Nickhols Associate Professor from MSU, speaking on importance of tourism, for N.W. Michigan, on June 23rd at 10:a.m. in Elk Rapids Government Center and at 3:p.m. at Kearney Twp. Hall.

On Tuesday, Networks Northwest, North West Economic Alliance, MI Economic Dev. Corp. MI Strategic Fund, are holding final meeting on the 131 Corridor Project (from Cadillac to Petoski) Mancelona and Kalkaska, are main focus points.  Any money allocated will come from donations and not tax dollars.  Discussion with Commissioner Christian Marcus on passerby tourism, agra tourism and need for recreational tourism.

Randy: Stressed need for Forensic accounting of Detroit Public Schools. Discussed candidates running for Congressman Benishek’s seat.  Next meeting will be held on Monday July 25th. Motion to adjourn: Mike Bertram, 2nd.Mary Barton. Adjourned 8:47p.m.