District #18 Meeting Minutes for 11-20-03

 The meeting began at 7:19 p.m. in the Mesa Community College library meeting room.  Chairman Jeff Groscost began by recognizing elected officials present.  Then the special session’s length was discussed.  Prayer officially opened the meeting followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Joe Brown.  New faces were next welcomed.

 Rep. Karen Johnson took the podium and gave a House update.  She said she was very angry with Governor Napalitano for bringing them in and keeping them in session so long.  She spoke of the cost of $5000 to $6000 a week to hold it. 

 Then Rep. Johnson talked about the passage (from committee?) of the Child Protective Services bill that needs a lot of work.  She said it made it too easy and has lowered the requirements to take kids out of their homes.  The definition of the term “neglect” was broadened.  There will be more CPS meetings beginning Dec 2.       

 Next she discussed the 1/2-cent transportation tax that includes light rail.  There are two packages to vote from—one with light rail and one without.  The group asked questions and discussed the issue, then voted about it.

 The recent PAN press conference was said to have gone well.  It has mobilized the grass roots and is having the effect of getting media attention. 

 It was announced Tom Tancreedo will be coming to town to discuss border issues. 

 The Christmas party for several districts will be held December 2 in the Navajo Room in the student union which is under the clock tower.  There will be a free barbeque provided by Waldo’s.  Bring a dessert on a disposable plate.  Santa will arrive at 7 p.m.  At 6:30 Tom Horn will play the piano and our own Joe Brown will play at 6 p.m.

 The Lincoln Day dinner for the entire county will be held Feb 12 at the El Zeriba Shrine at 552 N. 40^th which is 40^th and south of the Freeway, the other side of the Marriott.  750 people are expected.  Tickets are $18.50 a person, $37 couple.  See Linda Ash for details.  

 United Families International will be hosting a conference Friday night and Saturday featuring Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter.  Names were drawn for ten free tickets.

 Dean Cooley of the Bylaws Committee spoke next about getting people involved in activities.  He mentioned the need for an official name, objectives of the district, and the reason for bylaws. 

 Keynote speaker Bill Mundell of the Corporation Commission spoke next.  He said four of the five Republicans are up for reelection.  There are no other state-wide elections except for John McCain, so Democratic Party will focus on the Corporation Commission election.  Mundell said he’s trying to get 6000 signatures early so he can focus on the campaign. 

Mundell said the commission oversees utilities, telecommunications, rate cases, railroad safety, pipeline safety, specific phone records details of citizens (to whom each call was to), the building of power plants, and examining the deregulation of power plants.

 Scott Stewart of the Republican National Committee helped with internet voter information.  Walking lists can be on home computers.  Get a log-in code from Chairman Groscost. 

 See Mesa 18.com for the 10^th’s county meeting information in the Navajo Room of MCC and for the 24^th’s state meeting at the Sheraton Centennial of Mesa.

Dawn Peltzer

Recording Secretary

District #18