New Officers elected by McPherson County Democrats.

On July 26, 2011, at 7PM in the Lindsborg Safety Center, the business meeting for the reorganization of the McPherson County Democrats, henceforth referred as McDEMS, commenced after minority leaders Representative Paul Davis and Senator Anthony Hensley finished their talks concerning upcoming redistricting issues.

While Randy Conyers was handing out the agenda he announced that a chairman would be required to run the meeting. Mr. Conyers made a motion to the assembly to nominate John Patterson as Chairman pro tem. The motion was second. No other nominations were made. Mr. Patterson was elected by a unanimous vote. Mr. Patterson took the chair.

Mr. Patterson stated the first order of business is the election of a secretary. Mr. Patterson made a motion to nominate Randy Conyers. The motion was second. No other nominations were made. Mr. Conyers was elected by unanimous vote. Mr. Conyers took his place beside Chairman pro tem Patterson.

Chairman Patterson stated a vice-president was required. Chairman Patterson made a motion to nominate Marla Patrick. The motion was second. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Patrick was elected by unanimous vote. Mrs. Patrick took her place beside Chairman pro tem Patterson.

Chairman Patterson stated a treasurer was required. Chairman Patterson made a motion to nominate Teresa Loffer. The motion was second. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Loffer was elected by unanimous vote. Mrs. Loffer took her place on the executive board.

Chairman Patterson made a motion to create an Honorary Lifetime Chairperson of McPherson County Democrats Award to be bestowed upon Carolyn Elmore. There was a second. Motion was approved by unanimous vote. There will be an award ceremony at the next meeting of the McDEMS.

Chairman Patterson made a motion to establish a Voter Registration Sub-Committee and described the mission of the sub-committee.

There was a second and the motion passed.

Chairman Patterson appointed Secretary Conyers as Chair and Carolyn Elmore as Vice-Chair. Chairman Patterson designated Mr. Conyers to research House Bill 2067 and the importance thereof. Kaelyn Seymour of the Kansas Democratic Party staff interjected stating it was not necessary for Chairman Patterson to appoint Mr. Conyers to the task as changes to the law do not go in to effect until 2012.

Mr. Conyers responded to Ms. Seymour stating he was familiar with House Bill 2067 and knew what was going in to Law on January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2013 respectfully.

Ms. Seymour stated the work in progress was not necessary and not to worry as the McDEMS ‘will be taken care of’ by the state party.

The officers agreed there were immediate questions that need to be answered before the first voter registration drive takes place in 2011. Secretary Conyers' meeting with the Secretary of State, now Kris Kobach, and his follow-up with deputy secretary Brad Bryant, were approved by the executive committee.

Chairman Patterson made a motion to establish a Voter Outreach Sub-Committee and described the mission of the sub-committee. There was a second and the motion passed.

Chairman Patterson will chair the committee with Vice-President Patrick as secretary.

Chairman Patterson made a motion to establish a Fund Raising Sub-Committee and described the mission of the sub-committee. There was a second and the motion passed.

Chairman Patterson appointed Treasurer Loffer as the Chair.

Secretary Conyers praised Chairman Patterson for his preparation and leadership skills demonstrated throughout the meeting. With the confidence shown by the assembly Mr. Conyers nominated Mr. Patterson as the permanent chairman of the McDEMS. There was a second. Mr. Patterson was elected by unanimous vote.

Chairman Patterson clarified the difference between being a temporary chairman for the purpose of conducting the reorganization business meeting and being the actual Chair for the McDEMS. To fill all offices permanently, a second vote was taken for Secretary, Vice-Chair and Treasurer. All pro tem positions were elected as permanent officers by unanimous vote of the assembly. The before mentioned names and positions remained the same.

Precinct committeeman and precinct committeewoman positions were appointed by Chairman Patterson.

Teresa Loffer is committeewoman for Lindsborg ward 3.

Geneva Turnquist is committeewoman for Lindsborg ward 2.

John Turnquist is committeeman for Lindsborg ward 2.

Marla Patrick is committeewoman for Smoky Hill.

Secretary Conyers will submit the before mentioned names to McPherson County Clerk, Susan Meng. Additional information requested by Ms. Meng will be sent to the committeeman and committeewoman for completion and remittance.