The Green Party of Virginia

I. Introduction

Tom Yager accepted as facilitator by consensus; John Curtis accepted as vibeswatcher; Chris Fink accepted as timekeeper.

List of participants:

Susan Dridi (Arlington Courthouse Greens)
Kirit Mookerjee (Arlington Courthouse Greens)
Tom Yager (Arlington Courthouse Greens)
Jana Cutlip (Central Virginia Greens)
Chris Fink (Fredericksburg Greens)
John Curtis (Fredericksburg Greens)
David Gaines (Loudoun Greens)
Jim Lowenstern (Northern Virginia Greens)
Carey Campbell (RAIL NOW! Greens)
Judith H'ormaycht (RAIL NOW! Greens)
Mark Gedulgig-Yatrofsky (Tidewater Greens)
Thom Farrell (Greens of Virginia)
Roger Hopper (Greens of Virginia)
Nikitah Imani (Greens of Virginia)
Charlie Jordan (Greens of Virginia)

The group decided by consensus to not make a formal decision on the proposal for the GPVA to move to observer status on the GPUS and GPUSA. The group decided to move discussion on the proposal to the open discussion section.

The proposal to change the GPVA logo was tabled because there was not a written proposal and the GPVA member who had requested to put the item on the agenda was not present.

The group decided by consensus to use the time previously alloted to the proposal to move to observer status on the GPUS and GPUSA for a new proposal. The new proposal was to seat GPVA delegates for the GPUSA.

II. Candidate Debriefings

Ann Robinson of the Loudoun Greens won an election for the Soil and Water Conservation Board, which was a nonpartisan race. The top three candidates out of the seven running won seats on the Board. Ann, who was formerly with the Democratic Party, won 25% of the vote in some precincts. Chris Simmons ran for the Soil and Water Conservation Board and came in fifth. In some precincts, Ann and Chris ran first and second. Ann and Chris made no secret of their party affiliation and focused on building credibility in the community. The Loudoun Greens plan to run candidates for Town Councils in 2002.

III. Open Discussion

1. We advocate an Afghanistan "Marshall Plan" for peace. The U.S. Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe after World War II creating enduring social, economic and political ties for peace. The same could be done in Afghanistan. $20 Billion dollars (a figure United Nations officials estimate is necessary) from the U.S. Defense budget should be spent building the necessary civil structures, peaceful democratic society and government. A new constitution must ensure women participation and leadership in government and society. Everyone 15 or older should be permitted to vote. Nonviolent conflict resolution should be taught in the public school systems. An internationally monitored weapons buy back program should purchase weapons and destroy them.
2. We advocate cutting wasteful Defense Spending. 1 of every 6 U.S. tax dollars goes to Defense Spending. That's $343 billion dollars a year. Or $303 Billion more than any other nation on earth spends on defense. Japan is number two at $40 billion. Followed by the United Kingdom and France in the $30 billion range. Germany at $21 billion. All are U.S. allies. As Green Party member, and 2000 candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Rick Herron and other Greens have advocated wasteful defense spending could be cut to reasonable levels, and the federal debt paid off in 5 years. This would save U.S. taxpayers almost $250 billion a year in interest costs. Such a responsible and fiscally conservative approach would provide funds for the largest real tax cut in the nation's history, and the funds for worthy projects like RAIL NOW! and universal health care.

IV. Discussion of Strategy for 2002 Elections

Mark Geduldig-Yatrofsky: Running for the Portsmouth City Council. Emphasized the importance of minority outreach. Not interested in running a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2002; running candidates for the House of Delegates or Soil and Water Conservation Boards was a better idea. Suggested working with local activists in 2002, and identifying potential candidates from their ranks for the House of Delegates in 2003.

Carey Campbell: Important to get candidates petitioning and increase the GPVA’s visibility. Argued that the GPVA should run candidates for federal offices in 2002; not doing so would give the two major parties "a free touchdown." In the last 4 years RAIL NOW! Greens have worked on some 24 campaigns. Among them: in 1999, ran candidates, green party members, for State Senate, House of delegates, County Board of Supervisors, Soil and Water Conservation Board. In 2000, campaigns for U.S. House of Representatives, Arlington Board of Supervisors, Arlington County Sheriff. RAIL NOW! Greens collected some 30,000 signatures.

Susan Dridi: Was not opposed to running statewide candidates; argued that they needed the support of the GPVA.

Kirit Mookerjee: Do we want to be active in finding the candidates or wait for them to come to us?

Nikitah Imani: We couldn’t run federal candidates if we didn’t have the resources. Discussed the importance of minoriy outreach; minority voters were not impressed with "Election Day candidates" who didn’t make themselves known in their communities.

Dave Gaines: Agreed with Nikitah; the Loudoun Greens were very interested in local issues.

V. Local Reports

Tidewater Greens: Adopted criteria for membership; have deciding and advising members. Now have 6 deciding members, who must be registered in Tidewater localities. Tidewater’s territory is defined to be within 20 miles of the zero mile marker in Norfolk. The Tidewater Greens would like to see a separate local on the peninsula, and other locals in independent cities in the area. The Tidewater Greens would like to act as a coordinating group for these locals.

Arlington Courthouse Greens: Larry Yates and Susan Axlerod are organizing a workshop called "In the Darkness of the Hour" about Martin Luther King’s legacy. Working on forming partnerships with the Virginia Organizing Project, churches, and unions.

Central Virginia: Want to run mayoral candidate; writing an article on clean water.

Northern Virginia: Working on by-laws to define membership. Jim Lowenstern did work on wetlands issues. Ron Garcia-Fogarty trying to do a survey about issues in minority neighborhoods; he will speak at "In the Darkness of the Hour."

VI. Co-Clerks Report

VII. Treasurer’s Report

Discussed fundraising letter.

VIII. Press Secretary's Report

IX. Web Committee Report

X. Affiliation of Fredericksburg Local

The Fredericksburg Greens are planning on bringing speakers to their meetings, having discussion groups, establishing a presence at city and county board meetings, creating and adopting bylaws, working on a membership committee, outreach, an anti-sprawl campaign, and running a local candidate.

The Fredericksburg Greens have 4 members at every meeting and 6 on their mailing list. They plan to have 10 regular members at the end of the year. The Mary Washington Greens are in contact with the Fredericksburg Greens. The two locals plan to have members attend each others' meetings.

Tom Yager verified that the Fredericksburg Greens had met the GPVA's requirements for affiliation.

The Fredericksburg Greens requested affiliation with the GPVA. The GPVA decided to affiliate the Fredericksburg Greens by consensus.

XI. Approval of Minutes

XII. Proposal to Ratify Bylaws Changes Approved at May 5th and August 26th Meetings

A. Promote throughout Virginia the Ten Key Values of the Greens; publicize purpose and issue position statements.

A. Promote throughout Virginia the Ten Key Values of the Greens.

Article III.F. of the bylaws was changed to:

F. Work to end the two-party duopoly in Virginia and the nation, seek to establish legal party status in Virginia, and to establish a multi-party system based on citizen participation.

F. Work to end the two-party duopoly in Virginia and the nation, and to establish a multi-party system based on citizen participation.

"No. This reflects confusion on my part. My fear was that official party status would deprive our candidates of the ability to seek the Green nomination by petitioning among the people. However, it appears that 24.2-521 of the Code of Virginia has been amended to allow that in most cases. (Previously, the state financed primary elections by making the candidates pay for them.) The one exception is where an incumbent Green chooses not to nominate by primary ( 24.2-509 of Code of Virginia). I don't know what to do to address that possibility. My own preference would be to disqualify any incumbent who dodges a primary, or any incumbent under any circumstances. That doesn't solve the problem, though. The failure of anyone to correct me at the meeting indicates that we lack expertise in election law. Unless a few of our members acquaint themselves with it, the other parties will take advantage of us. Had I known about that amendment of the law, my concern would have been somewhat less strong."

The group moved to a 3/4 vote in the absence of consensus. The proposal was passed, with 12 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 standing aside.

Article III.G. of the bylaws was added:

G. Practice respect and kindness (see Article V. B. and Article VI. C).

Article IV.E. of the bylaws was changed to:

E. As a requirement for affiliation, each local shall designate the following officers: a Treasurer, responsible for all financial transactions; and a Representative to the Interim Committee. Such designees may, but need not necessarily be the same person.

E. Each local should designate a treasurer, responsible for all financial transactions with the GPVA.

The group moved to a 3/4 vote in the absence of consensus. The proposal was ratified, with 13 in favor and 1 opposed.

Article VII.C. of the bylaws was changed to:

C. Major decisions include, but are not limited to organizational structure, platform ratification, candidate nomination or endorsement at the state level, formally joining coalitions, or financial matters of the GPVA. Major decisions may be reviewed by Green Locals and will stand unless opposed by 25% or more of Green Locals before the next meeting of the GPVA which occurs 31 or more days after receipt of the minutes concerning the decision.

C. Major decisions include, but are not limited to organizational structure, platform ratification, candidate nomination or endorsement at the state level, formally joining coalitions, or financial matters of the GPVA. Major decisions may be reviewed by Green Locals and will stand unless opposed by two or more Green Locals before the next meeting of the GPVA which occurs 31 or more days after receipt of the minutes concerning the decision.

The group moved to a 3/4 vote in the absence of consensus. The proposal was ratified, with 11 in favor and 3 opposed.

XIII. Proposals for New Changes to the Interim Committee Bylaws

A. The GPVA shall have an Interim Committee consisting of the co-clerks, treasurer, press secretary, and one representative from each affiliated local that wishes to be represented. Should any of the members of the Interim Committee resign or fail to participate, remaining members of the Interim Committee shall be enabled to act. The convenor of the Interim Committee (See Item C) shall make reasonable efforts to contact Interim Committee members by e-mail and telephone prior to establishment of a working Interim Committee quorum. It is highly encouraged that all members of the Interim Committee have daily access to email, as this is currently the most cost-efficient, accurate, and democratic medium of communication available, and will be the main avenue of communication and decision-making.

A. The GPVA shall have an Interim Committee consisting of the co-clerks, treasurer, press secretary, and one representative from each affiliated local that wishes to be represented. It is highly encouraged that all members of the Interim Committee have daily access to email as this is currently the most cost-efficient, accurate, and democratic medium of communication available and will be the main avenue of communication and decision-making.

Article XVIII.D. of the bylaws was changed to:

D. The Interim Committee shall strive for consensus in all of its decisions. If consensus is not achievable, then approval by 75% of Interim Committee members shall affirm a decision.

D. The Interim Committee shall strive for consensus in all of its decisions. If consensus is not achievable then approval by all members of the committee minus one shall affirm a decision.

The group moved to a 3/4 vote in the absence of consensus. The proposal was approved, with 12 in favor and 2 opposed.

XIV. Fundraising Proposal

XV. Proposal to Raise Campaign Contribution Limit

XVI. Candidate Standards Proposal

C. A nomination/endorsement may occur at any official business meeting of the GPVA. A candidate seeking the GPVA endorsement or nomination shall submit a signed, notarized statement saying that she/he has read the platform, and enumerating any points of disagreement with the platform. This shall include a description of any major issues/planks of the candidate's platform not included in the GPVA platform. This statement shall be submitted to the co-clerks at least 45 days in advance of the meeting at which such a nomination or endorsement will be considered. The co-clerks shall publicize these statements to the GPVA membership within 10 days of receipt.

Carey Campbell expressed concerns that the proposal would discourage candidates from running.

Nikitah Imani expressed concerns that the proposal would be too burdensome for some minority candidates.

They felt that these concerns were sufficient to block consensus. The group moved to a 3/4 vote in the absence of consensus. The proposal was defeated, with 6 in favor, 6 opposed, and 2 standing aside.

The group then voted to send the proposal back to the Structural Reform Committee, with 6 in favor, 4 opposed, and 4 standing aside.

XVII. Discussion of Decision Making

XVIII. Discussion of Newspaper

XIX. Proposal to Seat Representatives for the G/GPUSA

Other concerns expressed included the dysfunctional state of the GPUSA.

In the absence of consensus,the group moved to a ¾ vote. The proposal was defeated, with a vote of 8 in favor, 5 opposed, and 1 standing aside.

XX. Nomination of Kathy Orion for 12th District House of Delegates

The GPVA voted to not nominate Kathy Orion for 12th District House of Delegates. The vote was 3 in favor, 8 opposed, and 2 standing aside.

The meeting was subsequently adjourned.