Minutes of June 24, 2009 meeting of the UVDC:

The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm by Katharine Cole, the incoming vice-president. She described the agenda for the evening’s meeting and introduced our two guest speakers, Jon Spitz and Susan Bradley.

In attendance at the meeting were

Estelle Clifton, Dr. Lynne Coen, Katharine Cole,  Robert Faulk, Gail Johnson, Valerie Keehy, Daphne Macneil, Deborah McGillivray, Terry McGillivray, Ginger Pohlson, Wendy Pollitz, Jennifer Poole, Katarzyna Rolzinski, Steve Scalmanini, Richard Shoemaker, Joelle Sumski,Dr. Steve Wirth

Jon and Susan gave a brief history of health insurance, including the fact that FDR had wanted a single-payer system. They then described the plight of millions of Americans who either have no health insurance or are underinsured.

During the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, a lively and animated discussion broke out between those favoring only single payer and those who advocate the public option that is part of President Obama’s plan. We were fortunate to have two physicians in the audience, Lynne Coen and Steve Wirth, who were able to give us their first-hand experiences with the medical care industry.

In the UVDC business portion of the meeting, Richard Shoemaker described the events his group SOLE would undertake to get out the vote against Measure A on the November ballot.

At our next meeting, we will discuss a resolution against Measure A.

Katharine reported on the Regional Meeting for District 2.

School board candidates will be on the agenda for the July meeting.

[Wendy: get Val ready to work on new candidates.]

Endorsement process: how to speed it up.

The Treasurer’s Report will be discussed at the next meeting because it will be complete due to reporting date to the federal government.

Election of UVDC officers took place. The slate consisted of Wendy Pollitz for president, Katharine Cole for vice-president, Joelle Sumski for secretary, and Gabrielle Johnson for treasurer. Ginger Pohlson moved that the officers be approved unanimously, Katharine Cole seconded, and the membership approved.

Labor Day Barbecue: Katharine and Estelle have met and are working on the location. Some locations they have considered are Jumper house, Grace Hudson Park, Parducci patio, and Todd Grove. They are planning live music to go along with the barbecue.

Membership: Ginger Pohlson will be in charge.

Website must be made up-to-date.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9 pm.

Submitted by:

Joelle Sumski, Secretary