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December 11th, 2013

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    7:09 pm meeting called to order
    Jim H, Ron B, Jason K, Peter M, Clinton W, Christina C, Kevin A, Lawrence J, and Joe H. present
    Guests Chris Dahlberg, Carol Rupar, Pamela Bernick, Bobby Benson
    Ron B led the invocation
    Chris Dahlberg spoke regarding his candidacy
    Minutes approved as submitted
    Total ending balance of treasury report accepted as $3427.66
    Dates and times discussed for upcoming caucuses
    Ron B mentioned husking black walnuts
    Ron B presented information regarding state central
    Bobby B. provided information regarding the Tom Emmer Christmas party
    Kevin A mentioned open seat at CD6 dinner fundraiser
    Christine C made motion to adjourn, Jim H seconded, motion passed
    Meeting Adjourned 8:55 pm
November 13th, 2013

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    Jim S, Peter M, Christine C, Kevin A, Jason K, Lawrence J, Clinton W, and Joe H present
    Rhonda Sivarajah, Tom Emmer, Pamela Bernick, Carol Rupar, and Jim Newberger present as guests
    Rhonda Sivarajah spoke regarding her candidacy
    Tom Emmer spoke regarding his candidacy
    Minutes accepted as presented
    Income from Oktoberfest estimated to be $2000.00
    Kevin A presented information regarding caucus and convention information
    Discussion pertaining to immediate reimbursement of board donations in lieu of PCR wait time
    Kevin A proposed that the board pay $30.00 per chair at a table to be sponsored in part by the Benton county republican BPOU, for a total of $240.00. Christina C seconded motion, motion passed.
    Discussion of electronic billboard placed on east side of river in St. Cloud discussed
    Meeting adjourned 9:06 p.m.
October 9th, 2013

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    7:02 Meeting called to order
    Peter M, Clinton W, Christina C, Jason K, Kevin A, Ron B, Jim H, Lawrence J, and Joe H present
    Guests: Carol Rupar, Jim Newberger, Alex Ricci, Sen. Jon Pederson
    Jon Pederson spoke regarding his candidacy
    Jim Newberger provided an update on state capital activities, committee hearings.
    Jim Newberger also provided update on organization by the name of Beyond Coal, a group receiving funding from Bloomberg and targeting local coal and nuclear power plants.
    Joe H. presented minutes
    Ron B. made motion to accept minutes as presented, Jim H seconded, motion passed
    Jim H presented treasurers report, total balance of $1789.71
    Jim Newberger suggested a pie auction, with all candidates being asked to sell an auction item.
    Christina C made motion to charge $20 for candidate’s staff, and $10 for candidates for Oktoberfest fundraiser. Jim H. seconded motion.
    Ron B. made amendment to motion to lower price of staff to $15, Kevin A seconded motion to amend amendment failed
    Joe H made motion to amend limiting discounts to no more than 2 people per candidate, amendment passed
Motion passed
    Clinton W. made motion to end discussion regarding different price points, Peter M seconded, motion passed
    Carol Rupar provided information regarding Caucasus’s at the Sauk Rapids high school
    Kevin A made motion to form committee to handle operations and organization of caucuses, Christina C seconded, motion passed
    Carol Rupar, Peter M, Lawrence J, and Kevin A formed committee to head up caucus organization and operation
    Jim Newberger offered suggestion on how to manage precincts
    Jim Newberger stressed importance of running strong candidate against Zach Dorholt, name of Nancy Gohman
    Kevin A mentioned that call from home feature should be functional this week
    Meeting Adjourned 9:13pm


September 11th/18th, 2013 Minutes

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               Meeting minutes of Benton County Republicans on September 11th, 2013

    Meeting called to order 7:04 pm
    Jim H, Christina C, Kevin A, Jason K, Clinton W, Peter M, Lawrence J, and Joe H in attendance
    Guests, Jim Newberger, Jim Abler, and Phil Krinkie
    Jim Abler spoke about his candidacy
    Phil Krinkie spoke about his candidacy
    Jim Newberger provided update on activities at the state level
    Lawrence J. made motion to accept minutes as presented
    Jim H presented treasury information. Total accounts balance of 1530.01 accepted
    Checks in previously agreed upon amounts to be paid.
    Oktoberfest, candidate search, and new business discussion tabled until next meeting.
    Jason K made motion to adjourn, Joe H seconded
    9:41 meeting adjourned

                Meeting minutes of Benton County Republicans on September 18th, 2013

    Meeting called to order 7:03pm
    Kevin A, Peter M, Clinton W, Jason K, Jim H, Christina C, Ron B, Lawrence J, and Joe H in attendance
    Oktoberfest discussed. Price paid per plate to be $11.95, meal will be chicken breast. Price includes tax and tip. Honey glazed carrots, cheesy potatoes and a tossed salad will be served with the meal. ( Due to motion being made and passed)
    Price for fundraiser will be set at $35 per person, with PCR donation of up to $50 per person.
    Entertainment prices for concertina player discussed, price of $70 mentioned to include price of travel and entertainment.
    Joe H. made motion to authorize payments of up to $70 for entertainment, motion passed.
    Motion made to adjourn, motion passed.
    Meeting adjourned at 8:37 pm


August 7th, 2013 Minutes

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   Meeting called to order 7:04pm
   Kevin A, Peter M, Clinton W, Jason K, Jim S, Lawrence J, and Joe H in attendance
   Senator Dave Brown and Pamela Bernick attending as guests
   Minutes accepted as presented
   Peter M presented treasurers’ information. Total balance of $1579.93 currently
   Fair expenses of $25.60 for Judy Sommers, and $121.78 to Kevin A
   Senator Brown provided update on anti-bullying measures being taken at the state capital. Stated that the bill will require a central authority in all schools to address bullying issues. Stated that it is suggested that private schools also participate with this program, although not currently required.
   Judy Sommers acknowledged by the board for her tremendous efforts in ensuring the success of the fair booth
   Pamela Bernick commended by the board for her effort and generous donation to ensure the success of the mid-summers night soiree fundraiser
   Lawrence J provided update on Oktoberfest fundraiser, date is set on Oct 24, at Westside learning center from 5-8pm
   Clinton W discussed possibility about CCW class in Brainerd
   Jim S provided update on wheelage tax vote from county commissioners
   Board discussed importance of endorsing candidates for county commissioner seats
   Ron B provided update on the speaker in Little Falls
   Ron B made motion to adjourn, Kevin A seconded, motion passed
   Meeting adjourned 8:45

July 10th, 2013 Minutes

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   Meeting called to order at 7:11 p.m.
   Board members in attendance were Kevin A. Lawrence J. Ron B. Jim H. Jim S. and Joe H.
   Guests attending: John Dvorak Jr., Christina Colen, Jason Kruger, and Judy Sommers
   Lawrence J. made motion to accept June minutes as presented, Kevin A seconded motion, motion passed
   Jim H presented treasurers report, with checks paid of $100.00 to state party, and $22.05 in fair related expenses paid to Judy Sommers, total remaining balance is $599.97
   Kevin A provided update from Jim Neuberger, and asked for volunteers to help with Foley ice cream social
   Discussion ensued pertaining to local candidates for CD6, and whether or not the BPOU would have to follow a state party endorsement
   Kevin A and Judy Sommers provided updates on the county fair. The solicitation of PCR classified donations was encouraged. Discussion was held regarding the solicitation of gift cards to be given away during the fair from local business. It was suggested that these cards should be sought on a donated basis
   Adding the ability to accept credit card payments was proposed
   Joe H. provided update on concealed carry permit classes fundraiser and the usage of the Sauk Rapids VFW for future fundraisers
   Kevin A provided update on fundraising activities pertaining to the usage of the Severson’s riverside property. The possibility of a joint fundraiser with SD 14 which may include payments made to the candidate speakers was discussed. Contact was planned for board members during the month to further investigate this possibility
   Kevin A asked for volunteers to act in the capacity of outreach liaison in assisting the search for candidates
   Two potential candidates to fill the board vacancy were questioned by members of the board.
   Motion made to temporarily suspend board rules stating that prospective board member appointees should be interviewed in one meeting and voted on in another meeting.
   Ron B. made motion to temporarily expand the board to 10 members, and fill both vacancies with the two potential candidates. Kevin A seconded, motion failed.
   Lawrence J made motion to appoint Christina C only to the board, Jim S seconded, motion failed.
   Joe H. made motion to temporarily expand the board to 10 members, and fill both vacancies with the two potential candidates, Jim H seconded, motion passed.
   Joe H. made motion to adjourn, Lawrence J seconded, motion passed
   Meeting ended 9:15

June 12th, 2013 Minutes

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   Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.
   Board members in attendance was Kevin A. Ron B. Peter M. Clinton W. Lawrence J. and Joe H.
   Guests attending: Senator Dave Brown, Christina Colen, Alex Kharam, and Kay Steiner
   Dave Brown provided update on senate activities and other state offices. Reported on the stoppage of gun control, and how final tax increases were lower than the DFL had hoped for
   Alex Kharam provided update on party activities and data utilization pertaining to the identification of high intensity voters. Explained how new data management techniques might offer increased odds of successful campaigns and how data can be used to help candidates.
   Minutes accepted with revisions
   Peter M presented information pertaining to treasury, final balance of $722.02
   Ron B provided update of CD6 activities
   Kevin A announced that Jon T resigned from the board
   Kevin A provided update on Benton County Fair activities
   Kevin A provided information on the opportunity provided by Cathy Jo Severson as it pertains to fundraising and the use of their property to provide entertainment
   Clinton W provided update on candidate search committee and updates on several local issues pertaining to the usage of four-wheelers within the city boundaries of Foley
   Clinton W and Kevin A suggested the concept of precinct ownership
   Ron B made motion to pay $100.00 over the course of three months to the state party in response to the benefits presented by new data management abilities. Joe H seconded with split decision motion carried
   Motion made to adjourn
   Meeting ended 9:07

May 8th, 2013 Minutes

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  Meeting called to order at 7:00 P.M.
  Ron B. led invocation and pledge.
  Kevin A., Lawrence J., Ron B., Peter M., Clinton W., Jon T., Jim H. and Joe H. present.
  Rosella Dambowy and Christina Collen present as guests from the Central Minnesota Republican Women. Jim Newberger present as guest speaker.
  Minutes accepted as printed.
  Treasurer’s report accepted as read. Total amount in checking; $593.64 Savings; $53.38 Total: $647.02.
Rosella Dambowy presented check in the amount of $75.00 for fair booth.
  Ron B. presented information regarding county fair. Christina C. suggested a prize wheel.
  Jim Newberger provided update on activities at the state capital.
  Rosella provided update on fundraising activities.
  Joe H. provided update on fundraising activities.
  Clinton W. discussed candidate search committee activities.
  Jim Newberger offered suggestions regarding candidate search operations: suggested that activity be directed towards county commission level, and that endorsements of candidates can provide name recognition and a boost over non-endorsed candidates on the city and school board levels
  Motion to adjourn meeting made by Lawrence J., seconded by Clinton W. motion carried
  Meeting adjourned 8:30 pm

April 12th, 2013 Minutes

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   Meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm
   In attendance was Kevin Arnold, Peter Minor, Jim Howe, Ron Baert, Clinton Wruck, Lawrence Johnson, Joe Henke, Judy Sommers, Shawna Minor, and Senator John Pederson was our guest speaker.
   Clinton W. made motion to skip reading of minutes, Joe H. seconded, motion passed.
   Jim H. read treasurers report. Total balance of $647.02 reflected interest gains of $0.04, and payments to Ron B. and Benton County Ag Society in the amounts of $67.50 and $375.00, respectively.
   Treasurers’ report accepted.
   Kevin A. requested research into area banks from members of committee.
   Clint W. reported on candidate search committee activity.
   Judy S. gave report on Benton County Fair.
   Peter M. made motion to approve expenses of up to $200.00 towards Benton County fair expenses, Kevin A. seconded, motion passed.
   Peter M. discussed website
   Discussion held pertaining to State central elections.
   Peter M. made motion to appoint Joe H. as Chairman of fundraising committee, Clint W seconded, motion passed.
   Kevin A. spoke about CD6, suggested that position be left open that was vacated by Carol Rupar, as she is already of executive committee, be used by members of BPOU executive committee.
   Motion to adjourn made by Lawrence J. seconded by Clint W. motion passed.
   Meeting Adjourned 8:35 pm.
March 13th, 2013 Minutes

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  Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.
  Present were Kevin Arnold, Lawrence Johnson, Jim Howe, Jon Theis, Clinton Wruck, Ron Baert, Jim Sutton, Peter Minor, and Joe Henke.
  The minutes were read, and approved with minor spelling corrections.
Jim Howe presented the Treasurers report. Our total Balance is $1089.41.
  Ron B presented bills totaling $67.58 related to convention expenses. Clinton W. made motion to approve payment in full of bill, and turn remaining unused supplies (21 forever stamps) over to current secretary. Jim S. seconded, motion passed.
  Discussed options for fundraising.
  Peter M. gave report on website.
  Ideas suggested to recruit legislators to write articles, accept articles from the board, build an email list for use with future email newsletters, and other ideas to expand website usage.
  Clinton W. reported on candidate search committee. Ron B. initiated discussion regarding use of executive board members to help search committee. Clinton W. appointed as chair of search committee, Ron B. and Peter M. also appointed as members of search committee.
  Jim H. initiated discussion over public usage of City fire truck equipment in political pictures.
  Jim H. mentioned local success over the day of resistance. Discussion ensured regarding possible shooting outings as venues to raise funds.
  CD6 report read by Ron B. additional commentary provided by Peter M.
  Ron B. gave report about state central. Emails regarding Keith Downey, Bill Paulson, and Bonn Clayton discussed. Cross seating at the convention discussed.
  Ron B. talked to Carol Rupar about continuing service as representative to CD6. Motion to elect her made by Lawrence J., seconded by Clinton W. motion passed.
  Benton County Fair booth will be shared with women’s group. They have agreed to contribute $75 towards booth cost. Total booth price is $375.00 motion made by Peter M. to pay for booth as soon as possible, Ron B. seconded, motion passed.
  Jon T. volunteered to co-chair Benton County Fair board.
  Motion made to request presence of John Pederson at next board meeting to explain his recent actions. Motion passed
  Ron B. will be conducting video conference at library March 14, 2013 at 7:00 pm
  Café Renaissance will be hosting a Central Minnesota Tea Party guest speaker on Tuesday March 19, 2013 at 7pm. Speaker will be president of the Taxpayers league of Minnesota, Phil Krinkie.
  Radio talk show host Jason Lewis will be at the Riversedge Convention Center on March 30 at 7pm Event cost is $5.
  Ron B. read an article from “New American” magazine
  Clinton W. initiated discussion regarding changing status of the BPOU to that of a 501(3)c. There was no consensus reached on benefit, or examples of other BPOU’s operating under same tax guidelines.
  Lawrence J. made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Jon T. Motion passed.
  Meeting adjourned at 9:10


Febuary 7th, 2013 Minutes

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The Feb. 7, 2013 Benton County Republican BPOU meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. at the St. Cloud Regional Airport.
Present were Lawrence Johnson, Jim Sutton, Jim Howe, Peter Minor, Clinton Wruck, and Judith Sommers. Guests were A. J. Kern, Mike Reinert, Kevin Arnold, and Steve Jansma.
The Pledge of Allegiance followed an invocation by Judy Sommers.
Lawrence J. chaired the meeting and introduced everyone.
The minutes were read and approved.
Jim Howe presented the treasurers report. Our total is 1021.31. His report was approved.
A.J. Kern met Clinton Wruck who will work with her on a "candidates committee". She also talked about issues presented to the Education committee at the State Capital.
Judy S. reported on the progress of the nominating committee.
We have 8 new interested candidates for the Board. We invited the guests to tell us about themselves.
Convention plans were covered, Tom Emmer will be the main speaker. Ron has Conv. calls to be mailed. He will be reimbursed for the stamps and ink. Carol R. will get the key and be at S. R. City Hall at 7:30. Registration starts at 8:00 A.M.
We received notice that we are allotted 2 State Central Delegates and 6 alternates.
Jim Howe shared information about the MN. Health Care Exchange, how it will cost Millions for the computer program The Gov. has full choice who will be on the board. He also said there are 5 bills in Committee aimed to limit gun rights- one even authorizing confiscation.
Feb. 19 at Michaels Rest. (Hwy 10) Dave Borgert , Gov't Relations expert, will give a presentation on "What will Obamacare do to your health?
March 2 is the CD6 Convention at Elk River H.School at 9:00 A.M.
March 7 there will be a Rally and Lobby Day for Marriage 2-5:00 at the Capital Steps.
On Feb 23 there will be a rally in St Cloud for the 2nd Amendment.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20.

January 14th, 2013 Minutes

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The Jan. 14, 2013 Benton County BPOU Republicans meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. at the St. Cloud Airport.
Present were Jim Howe, Peter Minor, Clinton Wruck, Ron Baert, Lawrence Johnson, and Judy Sommers. Jim Howe gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Rachel Horn from Michele Bachmann's office was a guest. She gave a brief summary of what is happening in the 6th District, including Michele remaining on two committees. John Pearson ,who is interested in running for the board, was also a guest.
The minutes for Dec. were approved after spelling corrections.
Ron Baert attended the Environmental Meeting held at Atwood, SCSU. He was able to get a clicker for commenting on items.
He said they blamed the Moose decline on Climate change.
The Treas.'s report showed $1019.92 plus .04 interest. Two checks ($26.65 and $7) were issued. Our balance is $986.31.
We received a check from Rosella Dombowy for $35. The report was approved.
We will hold off on a candidate search until after the convention.
Ron Baert gave a State Central meeting report. A resolution addressing the change of Rules (rules 12 and 16) at the Ntn'l Rep. Convention  passed. This change had prevented Ron Paul from addressing the convention. The Judicial Retention legislation addressing elimination of voting for Judges was also discussed.
Steve Gottwalt has resigned as Representative for District 14A. Tamma Theis received the endorsement at a special
convention for 14A.
Our County Convention will be at the S.R. City Hall on Feb. 16th at 9:00 A.M..We will elect a chair, vice-chair, sec., Treas.,
and 5 at-large members. We will vote for one State Central Delegate and 3 Alternates. We will also address any other business necessary. Convention calls will go out around the First of Feb. Cost is $5. We will serve coffee, rolls, juice and water (convention should be done around noon). Jim H will get doughnuts, Judy the beverages. Carol Rupar will provide 50 cup percolator. The Rules and Constitution will be on the web site. Discussion of possibly using post cards for the call will be looked at. Ron will get that together. Glenice Mehrwerth will be our Sec., Lawrence J. temp. chair, Ron B. - Parliamentarian, Judy S., Jim H and Clinton W. - registration and credentials, Judy S. Carol R. , and Teresa B.-Tellers, Rules - Clinton W., Ron will check on someone for the Invocation. Suggestions for Speakers were open. All the Reps. and Sen. will be invited and will be able to address the Convention, as well as past Reps. Dan Severson and King Banaian.
Our next meeting will be Feb. 7 at the Airport.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55.
Following the meeting, John Pearson told us about himself.
 

December 6th, 2012 Minutes

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The Dec. 6, 2012  of the Benton county Republican BPOU opened at 7:00 P.M. at the St Cloud Airport. Present were Peter Minor, Clinton Wruck, Jim Sutton, Lawrence Johnson, Ron Baert, Jim Howe, Teresa Baert, and Judy Sommers with Justin Kowski and Gary Gross absent. Teresa B. led the invocation followed by the Pledge.
The minutes were approved after correcting Mike Scovill's name.
Jim Howe presented the Treas.'s report, including specifics on the fundraiser.
We collected $1014 with expenses of $286.37. Net $726.63. Although Rosella Dombowy could not attend, she will be sending a check for $35. We had no expenses paid in Nov. Ron will get check to Carol Ruper for Victory Office expenses. Our Balance is $1019.92. The report was approved.
We are starting a candidate search for our Feb. convention. Teresa will talk to someone from Foley.  Teresa B., Ron B., Peter M. and Judy S. will call delegates and if necessary, Alternates to see if any are interested in running for the Board. Karen Miller from M. Bachmann's office is also interested.
Jim Newberger arrived and said he knew some people who are anxious to get involved. He will get us the information. We opened the floor to him. He informed us Sherburne County is having their Convention Feb. 2. State Central will be meeting Dec.8. Dec. 12 at 7:30 there is an environmental hearing which was moved to Atwood Center because of the increased interest shown. 
Peter M. obtained 200 business cards for our Web site for $7. Paid tonight. 
Jim S. will check out availability and cost for new Sauk Rapids' City Hall for the County Convention. We will try for Feb. 16 or 23. Lawrence J. will be the Temp. Chair. We will serve rolls, coffee, juice, and water. The convention cost will be determined by the cost of renting City Hall. Sen. Brown and Rep. Newberger will definitely be there. Invites will be sent to the other Reps. and Senators. Suggestions for speakers included Emmer and a local businessman affected by Gov't. spending, taxes, and regulations.
Jim S. will not be at Jan.'s meeting which will be Jan. 3 at the airport.
Meeting adjourned at 8:12P.M.

November 1st, 2012 Minutes

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The Nov. 1 Benton County BPOU meeting was called to order at the Bachmann Victory Office at 7:00 P.M. Present were Peter Minor, Clinton Wruck, Teresa Baert, Ron Baert, Lawrence Johnson, Judy Sommers with guests Carol Rupar and Mike Scoville. Invocation by Judy Sommers was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Sec. report was approved.
Although Jim Howe was not able to attend the meeting, he sent a Treasurer's report. $500 was returned from Sen. Peterson and Rep. Banaian. We sent an additional $500 to Kurt Bills' campaign. Our balance is $1019.92. The report was approved.
Carol Rupar gave a report on the Waite Park Victory office. She also submitted a bill for $26.65 to cover cost for our BPOU for food for the CD6 debate invite. The motion to approve paying Carol passed.
Peter Minor will check out cost of Business cards for our web-site and has been approved to spend up to $20. He will check out VISTAPrint where we may possibly get 200 free.
The "Octoberfest" was attended by 30 people including Legislators and candidates. We were not able to sell all the Auction items, however they did bring in $269, $65 going directly to King Banaian. We brought in over $700 after expenses. Len Zylla, the speaker, received a standing ovation. Jim Howe will give a more accurate report at the next meeting of the amount raised.
The Waite Park office took in at least $141 in donations. Motion was approved to let SD14, and SD13 keep the money since they did the majority of the work and covered most of the cost. There will be a reception at the Holiday Inn following the elections. Jim Newberger will host an appreciation party Nov. 19 in Becker.
Our BPOU Convention will be in March. We will elect a new board, officers, and State Central delegates.
A nominating committee will  include Ron Baert and Judy Sommers.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40.
Next months meeting will be Dec. 6.

October 4th, 2012 Minutes

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The Oct. 4 meeting came to order at 7:00 P.M. at the St. Cloud airport.
Present were Ron Baert, Jim Howe, Teresa Baert, Peter Minor, Gary Gross, Judy Sommers, Jim Sutton, and Clinton Wruck.  Excused was Lawrence Johnson.
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes were read and approved.
The Treasurer's report  showed a balance of $1454.67 after bills were paid. Report approved.
Next contributions for the candidates were discussed. King Banaian and John Peterson have been targeted. Kurt Bills should be prioritized. Dave Brown is doing pretty well. Carol Rupar's report from the 6CD meeting was read. They have donated $1000 to Kurt Bills. We decided to donate $1200- $250 each to King, Peterson, Newberger, and Bills. We will donate $200 to Senator Brown.
Clinton M. and Teresa B. have volunteered to work on a search committee with A. J. Kern. Teresa will be the chairwoman.
Jim Howe will check out PayPal for donations on our website. Peter has done a great job setting it up! Thank you from all of us on the board. Gary G. will check out the cost for business cards for the web site.
The fundraiser for Brown/Newberger was quite successful. Dave Brown gave a report on Agenda 21.
Special thanks to Carol Rupar for all her work on this fundraiser! 12-18 people attended and food and beverages were donated minimizing the expenses.
SD 14 is requesting help from us at the Waite Park office.
Ron Baert will be there Fri.
Jim Sutton will bring Jim Newberger signs to the Bachman office.
The final costs for the fair were taken care of.
New business:
Signs for Romney are now available .
There will be a fundraiser for John Pederson on the 16th.
The fundraiser (Octoberfest) was overviewed. We reconsidered the cost for candidates and their spouses. They will no longer be required to pay. Please let Teresa know what your items are for the silent auction. We will very likely have a meeting after the "Octoberfest" to finalize donations, evaluate the fundraiser, and discuss any new business. The next meeing will be Nov. 1 at the airport.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40.
A short meeting followed the fundraiser on Oct. 18.
King Banaian and John Pederson had to return their donations from
our BPOU because they had reached their maximum donation allowed by groups.
Judy announced the the cash from her auction items would go directly to King B. and not to the BPOU.
Teresa's item also went to King. He received $65 from them. We took in another $184 from the auction, $640 in tickets, and $150 in donations. The cost of the meals and use of facility was $226.37, and $60 for the music. The BPOU  made $647.63 if my math is correct. We decided to donate $500 to Kurt Bills (this is the $500 returned by King and Pederson).

September 6th, 2012 Minutes

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The Sept. 6th meeting of the Benton County BPOU was called to order at the St. Cloud Airport at 7:00 P.M.
Present were Peter Minor, Clinton Wruck, Jim Sutton, Ron Beart, Judy Sommers, Teresa Baert, and Lawrence Johnson.
Excused was Jim Howe. Absent were Gary Gross and Justin Kowski.
Jim Sutton gave the invocation followed by the Pledge.
The Sec.'s report for Aug. was approved after correcting spelling for Dombovy.
The Treas. was absent but we received an invoice from Jim Sutton for Fair Costs of $12.84.
Ron will ask candidates at forum on Sept. 11 about need for donations.
A J Kern as well as 2-3 more members are needed to serve on the search committee for candidates to run for boards and other positions.
We are asked to keep ourselves aware and suggest persons or inquire around. Teresa B. said she would be interested in helping.
Paige Duncan's name was mentioned.
The web site page and calendar are up.  (http:/bentoncountymnrepublicans.weebly.com) It includes candidate pictures and info, Board member info., a constitution page.
Peter is working on the donations aspect and also requests info from board members for calender activities and front page posts..
He has been able to do this at no cost to the Benton Co. BPOU.
After computing costs, Sd 14 will be billed $301 toward Fair costs.
The Octoberfest is moved to Oct. 18th due to a double booking. The cost to us is $7/person with beer and wine donated by Bernicks and Bob Fueling.
We will serve Lasagna with and without meat, breadsticks, and salad. Ron will print up tickets. Judy will invite legislators and candidates.
Candidates' cost will be $10, (free for M. Bachmann if she comes?), and $35 for others.
We will again have music, the Century Players, speaker Lynn Zylla, and a Silent Auction (each board member to supply 3 items).
We decided to give $225 to Sd14 toward cost of Victory office. We will deduct from their cost of Fair and request check for $76.
SD 14 is having a social Sept. 14 at Victory Office with Century Players.
Jim Sutton will be having a fundraiser for Sen. Brown  and Candidate Jim Newberger. Suggested cost is $25.
Verified Rosella Dombovy will share our Fair booth next year.
Karen Miller was suggested as becoming a new board member (reminder that Justin will not run again).
Meeting adjourned at 8:40.
Next meeting Oct. 4 at airport.

August 13th, 2012 Minutes

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The Aug. meeting of the Benton County BPOU was called to order at 7: P.M. at the Victory Office in Waite Park.
The Invocation by Ron Baert was followed by the Pledge of Allegience.
The July minutes were approved after correcting Tues. to Mon.
A preliminary Treas. report showed $1277.24 balance. Motion to approve $49.58 to Judy S. to pay for her Fair expenses.
Jim Sutton needs to submit his expenses. Once a total is reached, we will submit an invoice to
SD15 for up to $350 to share expences.
Ron B. will contact candidates to see where the greatest needs are for donations and will
inform us at Sept. meeting.
Ron read e-mail from A J Kern on candidates for school board elections, and we will invite her to be
on a committee to seek out candidates.
Peter M. is on vacation  in Yellowstone so we did not have a web-site report.
Jim Knobach showed up and gave a report on the Victory Office and the open house to be
held on the 30th of Aug. Bring your own food and drink.
Judy read the fair report which had been e-mailed to board. It was an overall success,
including a visit by Michele Bachmann on Sat.
Twice as many petitons were signed as last year. All area candidates spent time at the booth.
Many volunteers made this a success. Jim Knobach is storing the booth. Donations totaled $44.16.
Lawrence Johnson gave a preliminary report on the "Octoberfest".
It will be held at the Westside Learning  Center. Each board member is asked to bring 3 items for the silent auction.
Speaker is to be decided later. The Board approved to pay Jarod Schreifels $65 to play again.
Tickets will be $35 with candidates and spouse only charged $10.
Or next meeting will be Sept. 6 at the Airport.
We approved to pay no more than $200 towards the victory Office.
Ron B. gave a report on the Parades in the Area. The Parade on Aug. 19 has competition
with the Antique Auto show at the Fairgrounds.
Rosella Dambovy requested to share our booth in the future. She will man it every day of the Fair
 as well as contribute $75 for cost in exchange for advertising the  Republican Women.
Motion approved to accept her proposal.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35.
Present were Judy S., Ron Baert, Clinton W., Justin K (who informed us he will not seek
re-election next term, Jim H., Teresa B., Lawrence J.
Absent were Gary G., Jim S., and Peter M.

July 9th, 2012 Minutes

Download these Minutes in PDF

The July 9, 2012 meeting opened at 7:00 P.M. at the airport.
Present were Ron B., Jim H., Lawrence J., Gary G., Jim S., Judy S., Teresa B., Peter M., and Clinton W.
Absent was Justin K. Guests were Paige Duncan and Teresa's daughter.
An invocation by Judy S. was followed by the Pledge of Alleg..
The minutes from June 11 were read and approved.
The treasurers reports for June and July were read and approved.
We have a balance of $1545.51. We have not received a check from SD14 for fair booth.
We will continue to meet the 2nd Tues. of the month..
Peter will set up a web site at weebly.com. We would like a calendar, links to Benton county Representatives,
pay pal, board members, a link to g-mail accounts, and ability for board members to add items. 
It's name will be: Bentoncountymnrepublicans.weebly.com.
The Foley social had about 50 attendees and was well represented by our candidates.
The fair report included info on the drawings, voter surveys, skit performances, need for a place to store the booth next year,
petitions,and money needed for Flag, printing and drawing.
A motion to have daily drawing for $35 gas cards from First Fuel Bank passed. Jim S. will get them.
Our Fall fundraiser will be Oct. 4  at the same place as last year. We will again have a silent auction.
Judy S. will check on Jarod again for music.Food choices will be decided later.
Plans for a Victory office are pending.
There are still parades to walk in.
Teresa's name will be added to the list for invocations.
Dave Brown will be giving a presentation on Agenda 21 on July 10 at CMTP
 and plans to introduce legislation against Agenda 21.
There will be a fund raiser for King Banaian on July 17.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40.
The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13.
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