MARCH 24^th  GPNJ 2007 CONVENTION MINUTES

(These Minutes are a compilation of Minutes taken by Mike and Pat Alessandrini)

The Convention was called to order by George at 9:16 A.M. 

Alvin Meyer moved to approve the Minutes of 2006 Convention. The motion was seconded and approved without objection.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

MEMBERSHIP: Ryan Reyes reported that we do not have a Chair.  We now have a CD from the state of all registered voters in NJ.

FINANCE:  Treasurer, Liz Arnone gave the report.  Earl Gray left $25K to the NJGP.  After discussions with Earl’s family and the GPUS, a decision was made to create a fund with GPUS CCC (campaign coordinating committee) for a Campaign School.  A trusteeship will be established.  GPNJ started 2006 with about $4500.  One successful mailing fundraiser was done and  the year ended with about $5500. Liz reviewed the national GPUS fundraising programs which states can piggyback onto.  There were some suggestions for fundraising. George displayed the donor form which is needed for political finance reporting.  He then reviewed our legal status as a CPC and not a political party according to the state which limits the amount an individual may donate.

COMMUNICATIONS:  Jane Hunter reported the committee needs members especially a layout person for the Green Gram.  Content material is also needed from locals.  She noted it would be helpful to have software to handle payments by credit cards for sustainer donors. 

CAMPAIGN AND PLATFORM:  George reviewed state ballot access laws and the 10% rule for ballot line and the party status.

LEGAL:  George reviewed our lawsuit vs. the state. The press release is on our web-site. 

BYLAWS:  George explained that this group could recommend bylaw changes.

GPUS COMMITTEES:

NATIONAL COMMITTEE:  Isabelle Buonocore, the national delegates coordinator and Hillary Eisenstein, Chair of the PA Greens, spoke about workshops to be held at the Convention in Reading July 12-15.  Information regarding submissions of topics for workshops, telephone numbers, and the web-site were given. Liz Arnone, GNC delegate, spoke briefly about delegate apportionment and took questions from the floor. She also spoke about the Green Pages, encouraging us to take a copy and subscribe.  Mike Spector, GNC delegate,  gave some relevant information to those present regarding the Tucson Convention.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE:

Lynn Surgalla, a member of the committee, distributed copies of the committee report. Lynn spoke about the progress made regarding space weapons disarmament.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Nick Mellis, a member of the committee suggested we consider having a fundraiser school or workshop.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

George De Carlo was nominated for Chair, and seconded.

Nick Mellis was nominated for Vice Chair and seconded.

Liz Arnone was nominated for Treasurer and seconded.

Liz Arnone and Mike Spector were nominated and seconded for NC delegates.

Jane Hunter and Gary Novosielski were nominated and seconded for alternate NC delegates.

The slate of candidates were elected unanimously.

COUNTY REPORTS:

Burlington:  Matt Thieke reported the group is inactive at present.

Camden:  Rich Giovanni reported there are 2 Assembly candidates and a candidate for Freeholder.  Outreach to environment groups has been undertaken and an Earth Day event is anticipated.

Mercer:  Nick Mellis reported there is continuous anti-Wallmart actions, and there are candidates for the 12^th, 14^th and 15^th Assembly districts.

Monmouth:  Rich Fuller reported 7 members marched in DC at an anti-war effort.  There are new members who are becoming active. Rich also reported the election of Brian Unger in Long Branch in 2006.

MORRIS:  Matt Norton reports they have been active in major issues.  They are tracking the Highlands Act and Mike Spector is a candidate for Assembly.

OCEAN:  Liz Arnone reported the group is not meeting regularly but there are 60 individuals who are interested in Green Party issues with whom she is in contact through mailings.  Liz is standing for Assembly in the 10^th district with a possible running-mate.

ESSEX: There are 10 members reported Ted Glick, who have been especially active in anti-war and Global Warming issues.  Cedric Hunter will be a candidate for the Irvington School Board in April.

BERGEN:  Alvin Meyer reported on a film relating to Depleted Uranium use, a film on Events in Venezuela, picketing at a Recruiting Center, and plans for upcoming Forums. 

SOMERSET:  Jane Hunter reported the group have not been meeting but may have found a venue for future meetings but has an e-mail list and is reaching out to the community.  Greenpeace is planning to send an organizer to the 7^th Congressional district.

UNION:  Ryan Reyes reported there have not been regular meetings but that he and George are planning to run for Assembly.  Toy Ling Washington is running for Hillside committee in the May elections and George explained Toy Ling’s continuing legal problems.

HUNTERDON:  Paula Ellentuch ran for county clerk in 2006 and received 6% of the vote with nearly no spending in her Campaign.

GUEST SPEAKER:  Camille Abate was invited by Alvin Meyer who heard her speak previously.  Ms. Abate is an attorney who spoke about the “Military Commissions Act of 2006:  Making War On The Constitution” Several GP members participated in an enactment of a possible trial.  The short drama was both enlightening and entertaining.  An activist attorney, Ms. Abate is founder of the Camille Abate Justice For All Institute. Her web-site is www.caja-institute.com A period of Q and A followed.

LUNCH BREAK: Reconvened at 12:58.

BYLAW AMMENDMENT:  George moved that;

     Section 12 of the bylaws be amended.  The motion  was seconded and passed.

2007 ELECTIONS:

Irwin Nack reminded all present of the Property Tax Resolution passed last year which should be our stand of property tax reform. George read the 2006 resolution which was followed by some discussion.

Ted Glick distributed a 9 point 2003 platform.

The discussion of the priority of issues for focus by candidates was engaged in by many present.  Some voiced concern about  issues such as; the war, college tuition, property taxes, universal health care, transgender rights, manipulation of gas prices, and the importance of many Green Party candidates.

Jane Hunter moved that;

     We put the maximum number of candidates on the ballot.

     George suggested a rewording as we cannot put people

     on the ballot as this has to be voluntary but we can

     encourage a maximum number.

     The motion was seconded and passed.

Irwin Nack moved;

     Be it resolved that the GPNJ calls of the state

     legislature of NJ and the Congress of the US to

     conduct formal investigations of the extreme

     fluctuations in the prices of gasoline and oil and

     Resolved that the investigating committees subpoena

     the heads of the oil companies to testify under oath. 

     The resolution was seconded and passed.

A motion was made to adjourn and seconded.  The Convention was adjourned at 3:55 PM.