Greater Milwaukee Green Party 

"Be part of the solution"

Home

What's New

Meetings

Events

Issues

Candidates

Volunteer Opportunities

Links

Contacts

Photo Page

Membership

Reading list

GMGP Admin

Editorials

Meeting Minutes

Click here for minutes from the November 2005 General Meeting

Click here for a copy of the minutes from the October 2005 General Meeting.

Sat 7-30-05 minutes

16 people in attendance ( including late arrivals)

1:20pm Co chair Leon Todd called meeting to order

Sept 17 Stepping Stone Tavern benefit: fundraising committee (Ruth, Joan, and Leon) was formed to work with the communication committee to promote benefit & will meet at George Martin's apt. at 6pm Sept 7. Tommy King will email Leon details of prior agreement w/ Stone management.

Tabling Center St Days Sept 10 11am - 7pm: Bill, Vivian, Leon& Barb agreed to volunteer. Ruth will seek out more volunteers.

Tommy resigned from CC and as recording secretary. Bill Seidler  ( pronounced side-lur)  is elected to RS post and Leon agrees to coach Bill on computer use as needed

Brady St Bridge: Vivian will email Leon a proposal within 10 days, on the needed improvements for the pedestrian path on bridge as related to the 1990 Disabilities Act.

Tulsa report: George Martin and Ruth Weill spoke on the events at the Tulsa National GP conference. There was a brief discussion of the sectarian differences within the National GP.

Milw.City and County Resolutions for Peace: a committee to work on resolution/referendum to bring troops home was formed to pursue this (Leon, Claude, Ruth and George) and will meet at George's apt. Aug 11 6pm

Winston Sephus Jr was endorsed as the GMGP choice for WI Greens nominee for WI. State Treasurer.  The Election committee will meet to discuss campaign strategy on

Sun Aug 21st 7pm at Winston's apt 2630 n 60th St.

Tommy King resigned as Milwaukee Rep to the WI. Greens Coordinating Council.

Claude VanderVeen was endorsed by the Milwaukee membership to fill the vacant WGP CC position.

Communication Committee will meet with the fundraising committee at 6pm Sept 7 at George's apt.

Resolution for Relief Efforts for Niger: introduced by Jim Carpenter and was voted to be officially endorsed by the GMGP

Energy and Environment committee Report:

 A Discussion of ongoing goose slaughter in Milwaukee parks; contact Linda DeBruin, Milwaukee Co parks & energy.

Citizens for Sane Highways efforts to caution against plans to over develop highways between Milwaukee and Illinois discussed.

A Discussion of DNR De-listing of the protected Butlers Garter Snake due to lobbying pressure from Land Developers. Committee recommends contacting DNR to submit comments opposing the de-listing.

Washington Anti War Rally: George Martin spoke concerning the massive Peace Rally planned for Sept 24-26 and Green Party contingent participation in it. Bus and free lodging has been arranged. Bus is $98 but scholarships will be available for free rides, donations are accepted. We will urge all Greens and other friends of peace to attend this event.  Call Peace Action at 414-964-5158.

Announcements:

3rd Saturday of each month Education for the People meets at Cesar Chavez Center

 606 S 6th St 10 am.

Aug 19, Anti Belling Rally at Clear Channel e-mail rmirnada@wi.rr.com

Next Greater Milwaukee Green Party Meeting:

 Tuesday Sept 20 7pm Peace Action Center, 1001 e Keefe

3:20 Leon calls for adjournment 

Minutes general  meeting, 22 Jan,’05 Washington Park Library 1pm 9 people in attendance;

1)     discussion of “lobby day” Thursday Jan.27 Barb talked about planned lobbying, in Madison, against the “Wisconsin in Defense of Marriage” bill on Jan 27. Tommy read a Wi. Greens Press release supporting the Lobby Day opposition to such bills.

2)     Claude spoke about the USS DesMoines battleship hearings last week. Jenn agreed to see to it that Claude’s essay be rewritten in the form of a position paper and be made public.

3)     Damian spoke about WE Energies shutoff date, April 15, and proposed organizing community protests. He agreed to write a letter about the impact of the shutoffs on the poor.

4)     Discussion of the paper Robert wrote about the Mark Belling Show controversy, Monte agreed to suggest rewording to satisfy objections to the original language.

5)     Peter Blewett, president of the Milwaukee Public School board spoke of construction contractors meeting rigid standards the MPS board imposed on them after the board threatened to levy fines. He advocates more “green” maintenance and construction of school facilities. He mentioned his promotion of the rule banning toxic pesticides at our schools earning a MPS an award for Integrated Pest Management. He also spoke of his current efforts to implement a “no-sweatshops” purchase resolution for school uniforms, jerseys and other promotional items purchased by MPS. He spoke of his efforts to save Potter’s Forest from loggers and is advocating that students begin planting trees there again. He requested our endorsement, P.R., volunteers, and any other help. GMGP members present unanimously endorsed his campaign for re-election to the MPS board.     Email : Blewett_for_board@earthlink.net,

6)     Women’s caucus report was waived and people were referred to Kathy’s recent emails to the list-serve concerning Planned parenthood’s upcoming Roe v Wade  anniversary events.

7)     Silent auction date was announced : April 28 6:30-9pm at Gorden Park Pavilion

8)     State report : spring gathering will be April 15,16,17 at Stevens point

9)     Next meeting Feb. 26, 1pm, at Bay view Library when new coordinating council members will be nominated. GMGP annual convention will be at UWM April 2, new council will be elected.

10) United for Peace & Justice national convention ; Feb. 19-21 St. Louis. GMGP may send two delegates.

Minutes for the GMGP General Meeting November 20, 2004

Meeting opened at 1:15PM with our traditional pledge, followed by introductions all around.

Steve Bulik, Citizens for Responsible Power, spoke to us about the fight against the coal plants in Oak Creek. So far, the projects are about two years behind schedule and the Wetlands issue, Chapter 30 issue, has a pending hearing decision on November 22. PSC approved high Sulfer coal – not efficient or clean. Still pending is the permit for waste water.

In 1997, Milwaukee had the cheapest energy around, but WE has remedied that “problem” and now Milwaukee is among the most expensive. Since Doyle has become Governor, WE has given 17fold to his campaign chest, about $50,000.

Signup for alerts and information emails at www.ResetWisconsin.org . They need more ordinary citizens to go to the meetings. Tommy says we do have a link from our GMGP  website.

There are 82 publically owned utilities in Wisconsin. Some interesting websites to access: MEUW.org to compare services, APPA.org is the national power advocates site.

The next leg is in January, when they will do a budget adjust bill in our legislature. The “Focus on Energy” program was looted by $27M by Doyle and company. We need to apply pressure to our Reps and Assembly to restore that money and act responsibly.

Robert Miranda spoke to us, announcing a new Fair Trade coffee shop/collective opening on Farwell in approx. two weeks in the building that used to be “The Green Dragon”, but his main reason for coming to us is to report on the Belling incident and tto let us know what steps the Green Party can do to help.

October 27^th was the date of the original comment and the community, caught up in the throes of the election, apparently became the butt of more sarcasm and humiliation by Belling as days went by. The Mexican/Latino community organized directly after the election to protest. Belling was suspended and is indeed back on the air but we need to send a message to Clear Channel radio, located in San  Antonio, TX, with a nearly 70% Mexican/American population. That will be the national focus. There will be a boycott of Clear Channel and its sponsors. Check www.firebelling.com for a list of sponsors to write to and threaten never to patronize again. Go to the FCC Website and file a complaint against Belling and Clear Channel about bigotry cluttering up our airwaves. The GMGP will be invited to attend the next city meeting. They need the Green Party to issue a statement condemning Clear Channel. Tommy proposed that Robert draft the statement and it was seconded but Damien stood aside. It was then proposed that a joint effort draft the statement with Brian volunteering to be the second, and that motion carried with no objection. It was mentioned that they run it by our Communications Committee before issuing – Ruth had better call one of them and check on this, just to stay on top.

Energy and Environment Committee -

The committee is looking for sources to make rain barrels. Need 55 gallon drums, wooden or metal. It was suggested that the Greek Store has some available, wooden barrels formerly used for olives, and that the Weir Nature Center also has rain barrels available for sale.

Holiday Parties –

This holiday season, like last year, the GMGP will be holding holiday parties for two homeless shelters. The first will take place on December 19^th, at 6:30 PM at a shelter for Women and children. Santa will visit the kids and we will decorate holiday cookies. The second party will be on January 8^th at 10:00AM, for Repairers of the Breach, where we will serve breakfast. Please consider volunteering your time on money for these opportunities to give back to the community in this Holiday season. Contact Jenn at 264-1619 or mamachameleon@yahoo.com.

We still have LOTS of merchandise left over from the National Convention that must GO!!! White and Green T-shirts, tote bags, and coffee mugs are available. All merchandise has the GMGP logo and “Forward 2004! Milwaukee”. These items would make interesting Holiday gifts and they are available at good discount and volume prices. Call Jenn at 264-1619 to purchase merchandise. Remember that it does help fund our projects, like the parties.

Fundraising –

We need money. We are way short to fund anything for the rest of  this year OR next. Tommy has written a script for telefunding from the phone tree and asked for volunteers to do the telefunding so that the regular phone tree people would not have to do all this, but I didn’t hear any volunteers, so we need to do this, I guess. Mary will put out a notice in the Shepherd asking for donations. David Robick is possibly on deck for the Silent Auction. We do have a Green PayPal account and we can sell the Green merchandise on eBay.

Fall Gathering –

Winston and Paul went to the Fall Gathering. There were about 25 people attending. They talked a lot about the last election cycle and saving ballot status. Tommy King is now a member of the state Coordinating Council and Ruth Weill has been retained for another year. Winston is on the Diversity Caucus. We still need a State Co-Chair with Jill B. George Martin’s term is up and we need a man to take his place. GPUS is low on funds and needs us to fundraise for them, too.

SJR66 and AJR66, joint resolutions to put on the ballot as a referendum a state amendment banning same sex marriages, will be rearing their ugly heads soon. Go to www.centeradvocates.org to sign the petitions against.

Now is the time to press for voter reforms. It was started after 2000 but derailed with 9/11. To volunteer to help on this issue call Don Wescher at 762-0798 or donwescher@aol.com Education is key to elections.

Tommy King will be going over to Claude’s house after meeting. Claude has come up with the much sought after Milwaukee Greens by-laws and constitution!!!! He will copy and distribute.

Meeting closed at 2:45 PM

Respectfully submitted by Kathy Sommers. 

GMGP  General Meeting May 9, 2004

Energy and Environment Committee –-

Election Committee –-

- Possible runs for State Assembly and State Representative but no answer from possible candidates as yet       - Next meeting is May 27^th at Peace Action Center 7PM

Communications Committee --

- Sue has been working with WisCosh
- Indoor Air Quality Workshop was held. We need to support a total ban on asbestos.

     - One out of 7 people in US has risk of asbestosis or mesothelioma
     - One out of 3 janitors at high risk
     - Asbestos was banned for two years but it was quietly overturned
     - All asbestos is dangerous although the industry is trying to pretend some is good.
     - Call to Action for WisCosh – Create an Asbestos Danger Awareness Day – Sue will   keep us informed.

Fundraising –-

- June 11^th Fundraiser at Mac’s Red Eye, 3865 N. Richards, Milwaukee – Music.  Call Jennifer at 732-1332 for more information. Other announcements about event will be on www.milwaukeegreens.org
- At convention, we will be selling union-made merchandise and Labor donated soap
- Rummage Sale will be sometime in September and the Silent Action will be around the Holidays.

Women’s Caucus –-

- First meeting at Peace Action on Saturday May 15^th at 1:30 directly after the Peace Rally at Water and Wisconsin.
- March for Women’s Choice attended by Kathy was completely amazing. 1.15 Million people in attendance but no sign of National Greens Party who HAVE  an office in DC and could have had someone visible.
-Bush will be at Concordia University on May 14^th, giving the Commencement speech. Planned Parenthood in conjunction with Peace Action and other groups will be sponsoring a bus that leaves Brown Deer Park ‘n Ride – Brown Deer Rd. and I43 - at 11;30 for it’s first run and there will be a protest at Concordia from Noon to 1PM. Bush won’t get there until 3PM but the campus will be totally sealed off so we need to get in, do a media event and get out.

CONVENTION NEWS

Adam is trying to generate local energy and media attention. There is a .PDF poster/file (PDF files are accessed with Adobe Reader) out in the Greens website that we all should print off and distribute. Flyers need to be everywhere.

Thursday at the Hyatt is full for the Convention. We need alternative housing desperately.

Adam will need volunteers for making signs two weeks before the Convention. Offices at the Cesar Chavez Center.

He also needs volunteers to take tickets, sell tickets,

George is working on the Brew City Welcome Event for the Convention. He is trying to get 4^th St. closed for the evening. This will be a big fundraising event as well as a great ice breaker for the Delegates.

Fundraiser for Jason Paultz at the LBGT Center. More on that on the website event calendar.

Sue has lots of anti-war rally pics we could use.

Register for convention NOW. It is $5.00 more each month. Top Price is $75.00 and is in effect now.

We have the entire Midwest Center for this Convention. Speakers are fairly all set.

Flyers are on GP.org – forward2004 is the logo.

Look at all the convention stuff, get familiar with it all –we ARE the locals. – we need to know what’s happening.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

June 1^st is Coordinating Council Meeting at 7PM at the Peace Action. The Council would appreciate it if everyone on the Council would please show up to this meeting as this will be the important one for the Convention information and planning and we need EVERYONE.

Peace Action is sponsoring Stands for Peace at Wisconsin and Water Sts. Each Saturday from Noon until 1PM until June 5^th  and then they will be held around the town afterwards.

June 5^th,  which would usually our regular General Meeting, we will be Standing for Peace on Wisconsin and Water Sts. at Noon. We will march on down to the Sunburst Sculpture and rally there for Peace. Come all and support Peace.

We will be tabling at Locust Street Days on June 13^th, passing out the flyers for the Convention and soliciting memberships.

Riverwest Coop is having a fundraiser tonight, May 9^th, at the Fratney Bowl at 5PM – Fratney and Clark Sts. -$5.00 donation requested.

Don announced a Video Presentation on June 16^th at Peace Action at 7PM about successful non-violence. All welcome.

Tommy reported on the IWW picnic on May 1 – MayDay – getting harassed by the police and consequently kicked out of the park. Also he talked about the MayDay ceremony honoring those who died in the Labor dispute and how the alderman involved in calling the police in to harass the IWW picnic showed up like nothing had happened for the ceremony. About 300 people also attended the event.

Barb talked about the EarthDay River Cleanup and the Lit Drop on May 2. Both well attended.

Move to adjourn at 2:24PM by Tommy and seconded by Ruth.

Meeting minutes submitted by Kathy Sommers. If any omissions or corrections, contact me at katplaysgames1@yahoo.com  and I’ll fix it.

GMGP General Meeting 1-10-04 Committee Reports:

1.  Committee Reports:
  -  Social and Economic Justice -- In December, they held two holiday parties, the first at Repairers of the Breach, the second at a shelter for women and children. Both went very well, and much fun was had.

  -  Energy and Environment -- Barb Eisenberg worked on passing a piece of DNR legislation, which can be found at http://actionnetwork.org/populationconnection. State legislation proposed for the Contraceptive Equity Law, which would mean that any state that provides health coverage for things like Viagra must also provide coverage for contraceptives approved by the FDA. There will be more exploring this issue. Also, there is the possibility of buying into the WE Energies board by purchasing shares. This is something that is still being explored, as no one knows how feasible it is yet, and no one knows whether the greens should be “consorting with the enemy”.

2.  National Convention -- June 24^th-27^th, the order of business is beginning to firm up. Ruth Weill is working on the committee; she needs someone to be in charge of off-site housing.

Candidates:

             Judge Schudson worked as a public servant for 29 years. He spoke about the baseless charges of the “bored and unhappy” opponent from the Foley and Lardner. He wants our endorsement enough to wash our bumpers so that we can put his sticker on them.

              Annie Woodward is seeking office of Milwaukee County Supervisor in the 10^th district. She has worked for the county for 33 years. She opposes W-2, the privatization of county services. She works for livable-wage jobs, is pro-union, pro-ISTEA, wants taxes to come back to the state. She is a member of AFSCME emeritus and SEIU. She has the GMGP endorsement.

             Joe Klein has a fundraiser at the Lakefront Brewery. He has been excluded from a candidate’s forum, which means the GMGP will be protesting on January 20^th, noon, at the war memorial.

             Leon Todd wants to address problems, not symptoms. Health care costs are high-> businesses wont locate here -> fewer jobs -> poverty, crappy schools, crime. He wants to lower health costs by making an issue of high executives of health care companies. He wants to form energy cooperative under city control, for safer, cleaner, reliable energy.

             Damien Jones has two fundraisers –Jan 21^st, at Bremen Café, and Jan 28^th, at the Eight Note Café. The latter is still being planned. He also has two forums coming up- the 20^th, at Gordon Park, and the 27^th, at UWM. He stresses that there is a need for volunteers in his campaign and others.

             Bob Bauman wants support for lit drops on Saturdays. He opposes freeway expansion, wants to see light rail development.

             Rick Kissell suggests that the GMGP should have more people helping with his campaign. 

GMGP General Meeting 12-09-03

1.  Nicholas Bittner, of ECOTONE spoke to the membership about the group’s focus. ECOTONE is primarily a social action group, militating to have the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee be more Earth-friendly: a project to use a planting to take up lead from contaminated soil; wants to see the architecture school to begin a design-build studio to expose students to urban building projects from salvaged goods, a “green” focus on energy and space- to design and build a home for the homeless; to do an environmental audit at the University. Where does the food at UWM come from? (Mostly from Wisconsin? Half? 5 %?)Where does the waste go, where energy comes from, how it is used, and to reduce waste of energy; they want to start a community garden grown and eaten by University students.

2. Committee reports:

Energy and Environment -- A report about Wispark plans to develop 140 acres that had been power plant, substation, and fly ash dump for WE Energies. Places to contact the consultants: call Claude Vanderveen, or WE Energies at 481-9881. Nicholas Bittner brought up the idea of land trusts as an antidote for land speculation.

Communications -- Sue Ruggles will put out a brief newsletter in January – she wants committee heads to send reports to ruggless@matc.edu. Reports should be about activities and future plans.

Social and Economic Justice -- Two events for the holidays, Dec 20^th and 21^st. We want volunteers and donations.  For more info, call Jenn at 507-1876.

Fundraising -- Things are in the works, no dates yet, TBA

Election -- Things in the works.

Rick Kissell is running for city treasurer, he needs to collect 1500 signatures at least. He has our unanimous endorsement.

4. Wendell Harris is running for 7^th district State Assembly to fill Spencer Coggs’ seat. He needs no more signatures. He has our unanimous endorsement.

5. Open council seat- Mary Watkins wins in a close election.

6. Announcements- Union rally, December 10^th, at the city hall rotunda, 4pm. Asking that worker rights equal human rights and the right to organize be enforced.

Sue Ruggles reported on Miami anti-FTAA rally. She went with her Union group from Milwaukee. She was awestruck by the police presence-the number of police, the way they were heavily armed. She said that. Despite police intimidation, several unions marched, some 20,000 strong.

Tyson update -- County board passes support of Tyson workers resolution.

UWMilwaukee Regents will divest of Tyson stocks held by university. Rally, 1:30pm, at Jefferson plant gates Saturday December 13^th.