Coastal Bend Texas Democratic Women

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Monthly Meeting

Retama Room, Downtown Library, 805 Comanche

 

MINUTES

 

The meeting was called to order by President Linda Figueroa at 6:11 p.m. 

 

Attending:  Board Members Linda Figueroa, Lisa Hernandez, Glenda Turner, Ann Smith and Barbara Cline.  Committee Chairs Gloria Caceres, Esther Martinez, Coretta Graham were also in attendance along with members Anne Eiseman, Sylvia Cueva, Juanita Maddox, Flo Martinez, Vicki Garza, Sylvia Samaniego, Lydia Zamora, Gail Blanpied, Jesse Molina, new member Christy Stockman (18 members).  Peggy Banales and Judge Manuel Banales, Joan Veith, Rosa Solis attended as well as guest Carolyn Daniel making 23 persons attending. 

 

A special welcome was extended to visitor Carolyn Daniel by Linda Figueroa.

 

Treasurer's Report:  Glenda Turner went over the report of 4/21/09 stating that the total Cash on Hand as of today was $7,546.49.  The President accepted the Treasurer's Report for the record. 

 

Dues were paid just before the meeting and Linda Figueroa delivered some checks to Glenda that had been raised by her from "Friends of TDW" that will be a new support group for the organization.  These funds will be incorporated into the end of April Treasurer's Report and will be entered into the record at the Executive Board and Committee Meeting on May 18th at 5:30 at Linda's office. 

 

Vice-President's Report:  Lisa Hernandez reported on the Annie's List training for public office that she, Linda, Gloria, Esther, Ann, Kate, Coretta, Carolyn and Sylvia had taken along with 20 women activists from the area; the training and networking should prove invaluable to the chapter and the well being of the local community.  On the Tuesday before, six TDW members attended City Council and presented a resolution announcing that CBTDW is evaluating City and County Boards and Commissions and promoting the involvement of more women to serve on those boards recognizing the disparity of women to men involved in local government.  Six TDW member applicants are interested and five resumes and applications have been submitted with others in the works. She announced that after the new City Council is installed on May 19th, the applications will be reviewed and appointments will be made by the new Council.

 

Approval of past minutes:  Ann Smith discussed the February minutes that had not been approved, but were available online at www.tdw.org/CoastalBend.  It was moved and seconded and passed that the February Minutes be approved as posted. 

 

The March 31, 2009 Minutes were posted online and Ann Smith said that she was willing to read them to the group if requested.  Gloria Caceres moved that the March minutes be approved as posted, Glenda seconded and the motion was passed.

 

Program:  Lisa Hernandez introducing speaker Peggy Banales explained how her effort to secure the names of persons who serve on Nueces County Boards and Committees had been thwarted by local authorities.  After requesting a list of the County Boards and Commissions appointees and contact information, she had received a letter stating that this was not public information and that they would ask for a ruling from the Attorney General.  She went on to say how unlike her experience in getting the same information for the City's volunteer citizen boards and committees.  So she went to Commissioner Betty Jean Longoria and former Commissioner Peggy Banales who have served Nueces County for help in getting the information and requesting that today's program be presented on the "how tos" in getting accepted on one of these important boards or committees.  Peggy Banales surprised Lisa with the copies of the names of people who serve on the 25 boards and commissions that show the vacancies and gave some pointers to the group in how to better use the Nueces County website.  www.co.nueces.tx.us and stated the Court Administrator's office number 888-0878. 

 

Peggy Banales then presented a concise, informative talk on the local Commissioner's Court System, how to work with the system, the rules that apply, how to achieve transparency from the representatives and the County Judge, and how to be appointed and approved to serve as a citizen on the advisory groups.  For a short review of the presentation, we will try to get this on the website.  Peggy ended with the quote "Make a Difference" to those in the audience.  Linda and the board gave a hearty ovation and thank you to Peggy Banales for her perspective and the education that we need to make a difference. 

 

Meet and Greet on May 3rd:  President Linda discussed with the group the food and drink and what persons need to bring for the special TDW unity event at the home of Judge Nelda Rodriguez and her daughter Kate.  Linda expressed our appreciation for the hospitality offered by the Rodriguez family for this important social occasion for elected officials.  

 

Announcements:  The Fund Raising Committee comprised of Chair Coretta Graham, Gloria Caceres, Barbara Cline, Twila Moutett, Lisa Hernandez, Geraldine Woods and Mary Saenz will meet at President Linda Figuroa's office on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at 5:30 pm.  Gloria volunteered to be in charge of the Silent Auction at the October banquet.  Coretta gave handouts to those in attendance about fundraising plans for this year for GOTV 2010.  Also, she gave out Chili's certificates for May 19th where Chili's will donate proceeds to Metro Ministries and give you 10% off to give to your organization and announcement of a training on May 6-8 in Edinburg on African American children in the Child Protective Services system.  Please call Coretta if you are able to go. 

 

Sympathy was extended to Nueces County JP Bobby Balderas in the death of his wife Maria.  A motion was made, seconded and passed to send flowers from CBTDW to the family and Barbara Cline said she will order the flowers. 

 

Member Gail Blanpied announced that she is submitted her name to be appointed and to serve on the Del Mar Board of Regents, District to fill the midterm vacancy created by the departure of Chris Adler who was elected to the Corpus Christi City Council on April 14th.  The group resoundingly supported Gail with a round of hearty applause then congratulated her on her decision.

 

As there was no further business, the motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ann E. Smith, Secretary