EWIDA
Meeting Date: 2/15/18
Call to Order at 7:35 pm. Chairman Marc Stoff started the meeting by stating that the EWIDA would continue to work for the values it always has, supporting the rights of working people and the poor, and supporting Democrats.
Minutes of Previous Meeting were read by Marc Stoff,
Chairman. It was moved & seconded to approve the minutes, motion carried.
Committeeman Report:
Paul Fehler briefly thanked everyone who supported him during his
campaign, and stated that he plans to continue to be around for a long time. He
then had to leave (sick child).
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer
Barbara Beck was tied up accepting new memberships and signing people in to the
meeting, and asked for her report to be passed down the agenda
Guest Speaker: Nicole Hudson – Deputy Mayor for Racial
Equity and Priority Initiatives
Nicholas James, collective bargaining rep for the Service
Employees International Union spoke about the history of the Union movement in
the US, with its start around the Civil War, the passage of the 1935 National
Labor Relations Act, and the passage of the reactionary Taft-Hartley Act in
1948. He then spoke about the referendum that will be on the ballot this year
in Missouri to repeal the Missouri Right to Work law which was passed by the
Missouri legislature. Union supporters in Missouri collected over 300,000
signatures to put the repeal referendum on the ballot, which stopped the law
passed by the Missouri legislature from going into effect. It is still
unsettled whether the issue will be on the August 2018 or November 2018 ballot
in Missouri.
State Representative Peter Meredith, 80th
District, which includes much of the 8th Ward, was back from
Jefferson City and gave an update on activity in the Missouri legislature. As
usual, it is very difficult being in the extreme minority. Peter has a weekly
newsletter which he posts on Facebook and which is available by email as well,
and suggested that anyone who is interested sign up to receive it.
Ald. Elect Annie Rice was invited to say a few words, and
spoke about how both she and Paul Fehler had refrained from personal attacks on
each other during the campaign. She then gave an update on the Ash Borer
problem in the City and the City’s plan and efforts to fight it. Former Ald.
Conway set aside ward capital funds to replace all of the street trees that are
cut down by the City in the 8th.
Old Business: Nominating
Committee will give an update/report in March and in April, when we will elect
officers and the remainder of the board for new terms. The Audit Committee will
report its findings at our April 19th meeting.
New Business: None.
Announcement from Maggie Lalor re Young Democrats upcoming
event (fundraiser for the Missouri House Victory Committee chaired by Rep.
Peter Merideth).
Committeewoman Report:
None.
Open Discussion for the good of the organization: It was agreed to dispense with this item due
to the lateness of the hour.
