The Central Committee (precinct chairs & vice chairs) met today in what for me was one of the most productive meetings I have attended. Members were elected of two committee (audit and by-laws/constitution). There were the same number of candidates as positions for the audit committee so all were elected by acclimation. For the constitution and by-laws committee however there were several more candidates than positions so each candidate was given 90 seconds to introduce themselves and then we voted. The following people were elected to serve on this committee (in order of votes -- highest to lowest):
- Diane Christensen
- Kristen Chevrier (former member)
- Lisa Shepherd (former County Secretary)
- Kirby Glad (former member and chair)
- Dan Forward
- Paul Baltes
- Norman Jackson
In a close vote (88 to 85) we adopted a policy of selecting members of the state central committee by apportioning a number of positions (5 to 10 per district depending on size) to each senate district and then when at the country organizing convention when we divide into senate districts voting on them. The current process is to select on 20 members in on shot. There are typically 50 to 70 candidates who simply parade in front of the convention attendees and then we vote. By dividing into senate districts to select state committee members the thinking is that we will have more time to review a fewer number of candidates and can thus make more a more informed decision. I emphatically support this change.
We voted to allow on the precinct chairs to appoint replacements to state and county delegates within their precincts. Previously, leg district chairs were allowed to make the replacements as well in contradiction to the State GOP Constitution.
We also voted to allow a proposals to be discharged from the by-laws and constitution committee if a petition to do so is signed by 50 committee members. Previously proposals could only reach the Central Committee after review and approval by the Constitution and By-laws committee and the Executive Committee
The previous two proposal were approved by wide margins in voice votes.
We were also asked to fill out a detailed survey indicating our thoughts what if any positions should be eligible for ex-officio delegate state (e.g. precinct chairs are automatically state and county delegates). This is a contentious and the By-laws and Constitution Committee is trying to put an amendment together that best represents the position of those opposed to some ex-officio delegates. I am perfectly OK with the current policy as I believe that it provides an incentive for those who serve on county committees or hold leg district positions (elected and appointed) to take time out of their lives to fill these roles.
An editorial note here is that my feeling is that those who oppose ex-officio delegates will continue to adamantly fight against them even if we vote (as has been done previously) to maintain them. And this will continue to be a contentious and time-wasting issue. I hope I am wrong.
Becky Lockhart (Speaker of the House) and Kurt Bramble (State Senator) also spoke to us and let us know where redistricting stands. Here is a summary of their messages:
- Utah county will most likely have 5 Senate Districts (a couple of them will include portions of other counties
- Our leg district boundaries will be changed. Most likely it will consist of Highland and Alpine plus Cedar Hills.
