-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [GPLAC-CC] 9/17/06 County Council agenda
Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2006 23:28:09 -0700
From: Mike Allen <ratiocn8@charter.net>
Reply-To: GP of Los Angeles County Council <gplac-cc@cagreens.org>
To: gplac-cc@cagreens.org

Green Party of Los Angeles County
Agenda for September meeting of the County Council
9/17/06, 5 - 8 p.m., 9743 Noble Ave.,
North Hills section of the city of Los Angeles
(this is where the San Fernando Valley Greens usually meets)

1. Welcome & Introductions (estimated time - 3 minutes)

2. Add to or change order/times on agenda (estimated time - 5 minutes) Relevant By-Law: 9.5.5: Once distributed, the Agenda may not be changed until the meeting. The time and order of already agendized items may be amended by a 3/5 vote. New agenda items may be added by a 2/3 vote. (in the interest of time, suggested amendments and their rationale should be offered on-line before the meeting)

3. Election of GPLAC Officers and Reconsideration of Election of Female Co-Co (estimated time - 20 minutes)
If no one is elected to fill the positions of Co-Coordinators and Treasurer, the Council must choose someone on an interim basis to fill
these roles until the next meeting. In the case of the Secretary, the County Council may choose to leave this position open until the next
meeting, or may appoint an interim representative.

4. Approve Minutes for August 13, 2006 meeting (estimated time - 5 minutes)

5. Choose date for October meeting (estimated time - 5 minutes)

6. Report from regional rep.'s to GPCA-CC and from delegates to GPCA general assembly (estimated time - 10 minutes)

7. Proposal - Donna Warren - Revisitation of policy that Mike Feinstein's conduct not be a subject and (if policy appropriately revised) review of documents and records. (estimated time - 30 minutes)
Background - On Wed, 19 Jul 2006, Councilmember Mike Feinstein emailed some "good news" letting us know that the GPCA resolved the money situation which plagued the GPLAC for several years. Report to the GPCA General Assembly regarding the Santa Monica Green office June 24th-25th, 2006 - "The Green Party of California Treasurer received documents and records related to the operation of the Green Party office in Santa Monica and found no reason to believe that the funds were used inappropriately or illegally. However, the paperwork does not meet the standards for FPPC filing. The Green Party of California CC and Treasurer received legal advice from an FPPC attorney. With this information GPCA Coordinating Committee concluded that there is no need for an amended FPPC filing." The GPLAC however was not privy to those documents. In order that we can be supportive of the decision in an informed manner, we request the Green Party of California Treasurer provide full disclosure to the GPLAC of what he saw to come to his decision of no impropriety, such as printed report(s) of amounts and access to copies of the checks and receipts. The review of these records at this time may close a critical omission and perhaps heal the ongoing schism in Los Angeles County.

8. Transition of information from 2004-2006 GPLAC to 2006-2008 GPLAC - Donna Warren (estimated time - 5 minutes)
The co-coordinators are requested to submit all information and data used to facilitate their duties. The information and data should
include but not be limited to: All contact lists including the official database for Los Angeles County, the discussion list, all email contacts, the GPLAC email lists and forums
as shown on http://cagreens.org/lacounty/ and www.cagreens.org/lacounty/email_lists.html such as: the Los Angeles County Green Party Email Forum; the County Council Email Forum; the Green Party of California Updates Email List; and Greensweek - Weekly Bulletin of the Green Party of the United States; and the names and contact information for all persons doing business on behalf of the GPLAC such as the webmaster.

9. Treasurer's report - Doug Barnett (estimated time - 5 minutes)

10. Proposal - Donna Warren - The Green Party of Los Angeles County Council rescind the actions taken by the previous Council at the June 11, 2006 meeting and subsequent online activity from June 11, 2006 through July 23, 2006 - and requests that these action items be reconsidered by the 2006-08 County Council. (estimated time - 15 minutes)
This rescinding includes but is not limited to an election of an Alternate Regional Representative, and rules and procedures changes. If
passed, this proposal also directs the co-coordinators to notify, in writing, with a copy to all Councilmembers, the Green Party of California
State Coordinating Committee in the change of their membership.
BACKGROUND: The 2006-08 County Council was not seated after the June 6, 2006 primary election and the first meeting held after the election on June 11, 2006 in accordance with the bylaws of the GPLAC, precedent with previous LA County Councils and the standard procedure with other county councils.
Action item: To rescind the actions, we must have a copy of the minutes for June 11, 2006 and a list of subsequent online activity from June 11,
2006 through July 23, 2006.

11. Proposal - Donna Warren - South Central Proposal (estimated time - 5 minutes)
The South Central Farmers were greatly aided by the Greens in Los Angeles County. We were able to do so through the efforts of some extraordinary people. Two of those persons were Linda Piera-Avila who brought Julia Butterfly Hill and celebrities to the South Central Farm Site and Dele Aileman who served as MC to many press conferences where the greens were afforded front and center positions. I therefore propose that the GPLAC present a certificate of appreciation to Linda Piera-Avila and to Dele Aileman for their extraordinary service to the South Central Farm and to the GP of Los Angeles County.

12. Request for all decisions during the 2004-2006 GPLAC period -
Donna Warren. (estimated time - 5 minutes)
The secretary of the GPLAC with the help of the 2004-2006 co-coordinators, is requested to submit a copy of all decisions (only) to the 2006-2008 GPLAC to ensure we are working on decisions made by the 2004-2006 GPLAC and to ensure we don't repeat proposing items proposed during 2004-2006.

13. Proposal - Michael Rochmes - Formation of committee to organize Town Hall forum on voting fraud and election monitoring (estimated time - 10 minutes)

14. Appointment of new County Council members (estimated time - 5 minutes)
Action: Consideration of Applicants for Vacant County Council Seats
Relevant By-Laws: Article 8 County Council Vacancies
All applicants are encouraged to submit their names for consideration including applicants who submitted their names to the prior county council. All applicants should submit their application to the co-cos for review prior to the meeting (are there previously submitted applications from Amanda Goeke and Craig Thorsen?).

15. Report by outgoing co-coordinators - Donna Warren. (estimated time - 15 minutes)
The outgoing co-coordinators presented a report during the retreat. The report was not presented during a business meeting and is neither an approved document nor an official report.
Proposed, the 2004-2006 co-coordinators not be allowed to present their "report" as an official report and should be banned from showing the report on websites, etc. as an official report of the GPLAC. The report however should be given to the new GPLAC to see what the outgoing co-co's reported during the 2004-2006 period and to vet the report for
inaccuracies.

16. Proposal - Limiting Time to speak in a GPLAC meeting - Patrick
McBride (estimated time - 15 minutes)

17. Proposal - Los Angeles County set up a list serve for general discussion of Greens related issues. (estimated time - 5 minutes)
Membership would not be restricted. Adopt a set of etiquette and invite all Greens for whom we have email addresses to join this list. Nobody should object to a one-time email inviting people to participate in a list. People can join this list by responding to the email. Part of the proposal should be to advertise the list prominently on the GPLAC website, including a link that will immediately facilitate joining the list. Also advertise the list on any literature produced by the county, as well as any official email announcements. Use this list to publish all reports from your county council, and, most importantly, for reports from GPCA Coordinating Committee members. (Orange County uses Yahoo, but RiseUp may be a better choice.)

18. Locals report (time permitting)
These should be always be written for posting on our website as recruiting information for new Greens. Any locals that are present and wish to report orally also may do so.

19. Proposal - Establish a Los Angeles Green Party County Council Bylaws
[Ad Hoc Committee] of at least three CC members to interpret Bylaws at all CC Meetings in addition to meeting (on-line [telephone and internet] and in-person) between CC Meetings to review, analyze, and offer Bylaw changes to the CC Meeting (time permitting)
The term of the committee shall coincide with the elected term of County Council Members (two years).
Per http://www.cagreens.org/lacounty/cc/gplac-bylaws.htm#ARTICLE10
Scope: Bylaw interpretation and analysis at County Council meetings likened to being a Vibes Watcher.
Purpose: Review, Analyze, and Offer Bylaw changes.
Mission Statement: Simplfy, Update, and Track By-Laws for adherence to Green values.
County Council member acting as liason: TBA (I'll volunteer)
Rules and Procedures of operation: Application of Ten Key green values. Build consensus for by-law changes (on-line [telephone and
internet] and in-person) between County Council Meetings. Brief and concise advice to the County Council during meetings as required.Proposal - Establish a Los Angeles Green Party County Council Bylaws Working Group - Jack Lindblad, Patrick McBride.
Proposal: Establish a Los Angeles Green Party County Council Bylaws
Working Group of at least three CC members to interpret Bylaws at all CC Meetings in addition to meeting (on-line and in-person) between CC Meetings to review, analyze, and offer Bylaw changes to the CC Meeting.

20. Proposal - Standing Committees - Donna Warren (time permitting)
I propose we validate the standing committees of GPLAC. All Committees shall have a scope, purpose and mission statement approved by the Council, and shall have a County Council member approved as a liaison by the County Council, as part of its formation and approval. (time permitting)
According to our bylaws, ARTICLE 10, COMMITTEES, The County Council may establish Standing Committees and Standing Committees.
Background: According to the co-co’s report for 2004-2006, there are 4 active GPLAC Committees - Media, Tabling, Locals Support, and Data Base. The Media Committee now consists of Sara Amir, Mike Feinstein, Dan Hicks, Joe Zefran and Cres Velluci, observer (GPCA Media Secretary) An email list has been established for this Committee and is open to any GPLAC member.
The Data Base Committee consists of Sara Amir, Mike Feinstein, Sasha Karlik, Genevieve Marcus, Michael Rochmes, Denise Robb and Lisa Taylor.
The Tabling Committee is charged with facilitating tabling on behalf of the GPLAC, including through working with Active Green Locals.
The Locals Support Committee is charged with helping develop new Green locals and helping support existing Green locals.
21. Proposal - Endorsement of Million Votes for Peace slate in November election (time permitting):
For Governor, Peter Camejo,
For Secretary of State, Forrest Hill,
For Insurance Commissioner, Larry Cafiero,
For Treasurer, Mehul Thakker,
For Attorney General, Mike Wyman
For U.S. Senate, Todd Chretien
For Lt. Governor, Donna
Warren

22. Proposal - Vibes Watch - Genevieve Marcus (time permitting)
I am proposing the expansion of the "Vibes" function into a committee that will create and enforce norms that follow the 10 Key Values, especially Respect for Diversity and Nonviolence. There is abundant literature on the harmful effect of verbal violence. Who wants to spearhead this committee? Anyone else sick from all the vitriol that pollutes our meetings? I know several have resigned because of it in the past. Let's not let that happen again. There are better ways to handle disagreements.

23. Proposal - Email to party members - [Proposer???] (time permitting)
Authorize the database committee to send an email in October to party members.

24. Proposal - Proposed endorsement of Ricardo Costa - [Roger Gray?] (time permitting)
Please submit brief position statement and refer to website.

25. Proposal - Fundraiser/GPLAC goals - Eugene Hernandez (time permitting)

26. Report from media committee - Mike Feinstein (time permitting)
This was ordered by council months ago for July/August

27. Proposal - Revisit of election for regional representatives &
election of regional representatives for the 2006-2008 GPLAC. (time permitting)
The 2004-2006 GPLAC elected Zack Beatty, Tracey Larkins and Tom Bolema as the 2006-2008 Regional Reps. Mike Feinstein was elected as the alternate. On June 11, 2006 (according to the GPLAC minutes http://www.cagreens.org/lacounty/2006-06/minutes_june11th.html) Mike Feinstein was elected as the alternate to Tom Bolema. RR Tom Bolema resigned his position as RR on 7/23/06 and Mike Feinstein assumed the position of RR. At the time of the election, Mike Feinstein was a co-coordinator to GPLAC. On July 23rd, Mike resigned his position as co-coordinator to become the regional representative.
a. Question: Did the 2004-2006 GPLAC have the authority to elect the 2006-2008 Regional Reps and alternate?
b. If the election is accepted by the 2006-2008 GPLAC, is Mike Feinstein eligible to ascend the position of regional rep?

28. Proposal - Election Protection - John Wenger (time permitting)
I would like to present an item on the agenda regarding Election Protection, and what the GP can do about it.

29. Proposal - Handling of Old Business - John Wenger (time permitting)
This council should discuss and decide how it wants to handle old business.

30. Proposal - Outreach work/committee - Jim Odling (time permitting)

31. Proposal - John Wenger - Bylaw Change- Section 12.3 [Eligibility for GPCA-CC] (time permitting)
Any GPLAC member is eligible to be a GPLAC representative to the GPCA Coordinating Committee. A Coordinating Committee member may not also be a County Co-Coordinator. However, a sitting Co-Coordinator may run for the Coordinating Committee and if elected, shall be considered to have immediately resigned their seat.

32. Proposal - John Wenger - Bylaw Change [Election of Co-Coordinators] (time permitting)
The voting procedure for the Co-Coordinators shall be by Proportional Representation through the Single Transferable Vote, or *PR-STV*, using the Droop threshold of votes for election (number of voters divided by the one more than the number of seats, and then rounded up to the nearest integer). For a 26 person council, this is 26 voters/(1 + 2 seats) 8 and 2/3, rounded up to nine votes to elect each seat. If gender balance is not achieved from this procedure, i.e., the first two vote getters are of the same gender, then, at this point, the STV procedure shall be modified to do eliminations from the bottom of the already elected gender. If this still does not elect the second gender tothe second seat, then STV eliminations will continue from the bottom of the yet-unelected gender.

33. Proposal - John Wenger - Bylaw Change - Section 12.4 [Election of Representatives] (time permitting)
The voting procedure *for all the seats* shall be by **Proportional Representation through the Single Transferable Vote* or *PR-STV* *using a simple majority threshold, and including the No Other Candidate option, as referenced in the GPCA Bylaws (Section 7). If gender balance is not achieved from this procedure, i.e., the first three vote getters are of the same gender, then the third-place votegetter shall step aside to allow the first person of the opposite gender with the highest number of votes to take the third seat. The step-asider remains as the first alternate for an open seat of his/her gender. In the event of incapacitations, resignations, etc., the rest of the vote-getters ascend in order of their placement in the election, subject to this paragraph's gender-balance rule *that both genders shall be seated.*