CHAPTER NEWS

December Meeting - Ken, Amy, and Santa Claus
December 15, 2010 by Jack Ott

Our Guest Speaker, State Representative KEN SUMMERS of Lakewood, provided insight regarding the upcoming 2011 Legislative Session that will begin in January. He pointed out that much of the legislative activity next year will be dealing with health care issues, especially implementation of the new national Healthcare Law. Other issues that the Legislature will be dealing with are voting methodologies and congressional redistricting. An extensive Q&A session followed, covering a wide range of issues. 

Also attending the meeting was Ken’s former campaign Manager and current GOP activist AMY ATWOOD. 

Following the discussion, the meeting turned to New Business. Jack gave a brief description of the chapter’s financial situation, which is quite good. He mentioned that at the next meeting we should discuss lowering the annual membership dues, by as much as one-half. 

BILL LECK and ROY CALDWELL then gave a report on last Saturday’s statewide Liberty Groups meeting that was held in Centennial. Bill and Roy represented CCM-Denver at the meeting. The meetings objective was to bring as many TeaParty/9.12/Liberty groups together as possible to review the November elections and determine what “the Movement” had done right and what it had done wrong. The major conclusion was that there was a need for a central group, apart from any of the member groups, to coordinate the many activities and efforts of all the groups to maximize our effectiveness. 

It was also reported that some of the groups were beginning to lose members and/or participation since the elections were held. The comments were that this type of “burnout” is not surprising, but a serious effort will be needed to keep the Movement going. 

The last business item was a discussion of next month’s meeting, which will be held on January 18. As our Bylaws require, elections will be held for Chapter Officer and Committee Chair positions. The eight positions that are called for will all require new people. The positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Communications, Membership, Membership, and Events Committee chairs.  

Serious doubts were expressed regarding our ability to fill these positions, based on the number of members that are actively involved in the Chapter. Because of this, a brief discussion took place regarding alternatives that we may have. The alternatives that were discussed were: 

• amend the Bylaws, either to change the term limit requirements or to reduce or combine the number of positions to be filled;

• merge CCM with another Liberty group in the Metro Area;

• assume inactive status until 2012;

• dissolve CCM-Denver.

These alternatives will be discussed in more detail at the January meeting.

The business part of the meeting came to a close on that somber note, after which the mood quickly changed as we held our annual “white elephant” Christmas gift exchange took place. As usual, everyone became a kid once more as surprise gifts were opened. Then, in some cases, they were taken away by someone who picked later. Christmas spirit abounded and, as we left, heartfelt wishes for the other members were expressed by all. 

All things considered, 2010 was a very good year for our organization. For our small size, we accomplished much and should be proud of our successes. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone the Merriest Christmas ever, and a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. 

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VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

Passing of the Speaker's Gavel in the House of Representatives

Watch this historic event as the new Congress gets sworn in.

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Keith OverBight Economics - PJTV's Allen Barton discusses a radically new concept from MSNBC's Keith Olbermann; that unemployment benefits create jobs. Don't give up your day job, Keith. On 2nd thought, it was your day job. Give it up!!

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POLITICAL CARTOONS OF THE WEEK

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