Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Nothing done as members are no shows

No business was conducted by the Nevada County Democratic Committee due to lack of a quorum,

In fact, only four members showed for a meeting Thursday, March 9, at the Nevada County Courthouse. Chairman John Miller went ahead with the agenda telling those members in attendance the local party needs to become more active and visible.

Without a quorum, the panel could not approve any appropriation. However, Miller said the Committee needs a new computer for correspondence. In addition, he said, a combination, printer/fax/scanner could be purchased to help with correspondence and save money. But, no purchases will be made until a quorum of the Committee approves the expenditure and the filing period ends. The Committee, according to Secretary/Treasurer Marcia Rhodes, has about $850 at this time.

Miller said there has been local interest in forming a Womens Democratic Committee. Members of the Hempstead County Womens Democratic Committee will be contacted and invited to attend the Nevada County Committees April meeting, scheduled for Monday, April 3, at 6 p.m., in the Nevada County Courthouse. They can tell what will be required to form and maintain such a group.

Those present were extolled to keep watch on candidates, making sure everyone follows Arkansas election laws. Under the law, no campaign materials are allowed in places such as the courthouse, sheriffs office or city hall, nor on or in any vehicle publicly owned. Violations are a Class A misdemeanor and could result in the candidate being removed from the ballot and not being eligible to seek public office again.

In order to make sure the Committee remains visible and viable, Miller set a regular meeting time as the first Monday in each month at 6 p.m. at the courthouse.

He also talked to the trio present about hosting a community coffee through the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce. Miller said candidates could be invited to bring their campaign materials and talk with voters. The coffee, he added, could either be held at the Chamber office or the community room at the Collom and Carney clinic. No date will be discussed until after the filing period ends. The filing period begins at noon March 21, and ends at noon April 4.

Miller also suggested setting term limits for the chairmans position. Until now those serving as chairman have remained in office until such a time they chose to step down. He suggested the office holder have a two-year term so as to experience the election process from start to finish. Should the Committee wish, and the chairman agree, he or she could serve more than one term.

He asked the trio on hand to work at recruiting new people into the Committee and think of ways it can become more visible in the community.

These items will be discussed at the April meeting.