Attendance

Present

• ViAnn Beadle
• Colton Dean (Vice-Chair)
• Dan Fay (Treasurer)
• Patricia French (Chair)
• Jay Levine
• Roger McNew
• Nicole Olonovich (Political Director)
• Carol Trujuillo-Fay
• Jane Yee

Call to order and quorum check

The chair called the meeting to order at 6:41 pm and confirmed that a quorum of the caucus was present.

Approval of minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 5 October were reviewed and approved as submitted.

Resolution 2023-07

The chair reported that there was a challenge to Resolution 2023-07 which was to help provide transparency and more democratic rules for DPNM governing committees. (Originator was Cheryl Harris)

Since the Judicial Council has issued a gag order forbidding discussion of the case, it is not possible to go into details, but the chair noted that Jane Yee, Scotti Romberg, and Michael Sperberg-McQueen have done heroic work on the resolution and will be essential representatives during challenge.

There was discussion; some members of the caucus expressed concern over the behavior of our party organization, and committees in New Mexico and other states.

Upcoming change of caucus chair

PF reported that for personal reasons she will step down as chair, as soon as the issues relating to Resolution 2023-07 are resolved. CD will need to step up. CD confirmed that he is willing and able to do so.

2024 election year

PF noted that 2024 is an election year; we should make candidates work to earn the endorsement of the caucus. We may wish to coordinate with the Working Families Party.

There was some discussion of sitting Democrats whom people would like to displace with more progressive voices.

Treasurer’s report

DF reported that the caucus has about $4400 in the account; there have not been many expenses. A new debit card has been acquired; DF is trying to get the Zoom account transferred to DF from Cheryl Harris and to get the payment information on that account updated.

Since 2024 is an election year, the treasurer will be required to file more frequent reports with the Secretary of State.

NO asked whether the treasurer could send out year-end notices reminding annual members to pay their dues; he agreed that that would be a good idea.

PF said we need a serious membership drive in 2024. There is strength in numbers.

NO volunteered to write a newsletter piece reminding people to renew their membership.

Political director’s report

NO reported that she would like to start a report card on our legislators; she has been working with OLE, NM Vote, and New Energy Economy.

There was discussion of presidential primaries in 2024, and whether there should be a presidential primary in New Mexico.

JY noted that Cheryl Harris had been instrumental in getting a platform on accountability added to the state platform, including refusal to accept donations from organizations inconsistent with the values of DPNM. Kathy Moseley, who has been working hard on firearms issues and paid family leave, is also working on persuading people to issue report cards; JY suggested we should try to work together with others and make it a joint project.

NO noted that there would be no meeting of the political action committee until after the holidays.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.