TAL Minutes - May 2003

Tulsa Area Libertarians held their regular monthly meeting at Ryan's Steakhouse on May 15th at 7:00 P.M.  Chair, Angelia O'Dell called the meeting to order and introduced and welcomed guests.

Members and guests stood and introduced themselves and told in a sentence or two why they became libertarians.  This informal part of the program was humorous and informative.  Member and TAL treasurer, Michael English, told about his early disenchantment with taxes, the draft and the military's attitude of "join the military, travel, meet new people… and kill them."  He noted that all the other parties actually are totalitarian in nature.  Only the libertarians do not want to "pass a law" to solve the various issues that arise.

Michael English, Treasurer, reported a balance of $584.00 less a small payment of $8.36 to Michael Clem for postage, plus a donation to TAL from Billy Roberts.  Michael Clem read the minutes, which were approved as corrected.  The corrected version can also be accessed on the website as Webmaster, Jason Doll is now including that feature as well as additional links.

Billy Roberts reported on the legal defense situation with Ron Hertzog.

Belinda Silverstar, Green Party Secretary, and Lynn Atherton reported on the status of Ballot Access and emphasized the importance of steadily acquiring signatures.  A discussion followed on the desirability of favorable publicity for this effort..  Plans were made to write letters to the editor.  Mike Clem promised to work on a feature article dealing with ballot access.  Belinda Silverstar commented on the desirability of working together on legislation to lower the requirements.

Anglelia O'Dell gave Clint Gallatin's report on the progress with securing enough funds to have former Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, Harry Browne, as the featured speaker at the 2003 Oklahoma Convention in Tulsa.  Angelia said that TAL needs to raise $5000.00 for fees, airfare, hotel, publicity and mailings.  The plan is to sell raffle tickets for time with Harry Browne, long respected for his financial expertise.

Angelia O'Dell announced plans for a garage sale for fund raising and a discussion followed on the various dates for fairs, festivals and other events where signatures could be gathered.

Albro Daniel reported on the Owasso City Planning Meeting that he attended.  At that meeting, he discussed privatization with the group and later had a Letter to the Editor published in the paper dealing with that subject.

Discussion was held on raising the funds for mailing the newsletter. Lynn Atherton pledged $10.00 per month toward that effort.

Lynn Atherton, Recording Secretary