President Report: Jim Owles: Five pieces of literature were printed and distributed in 4 out of 5 boroughs. During the General Election, the Club also plans to send out mailing in support of Tom Suozzi, and participate in mailings for Dan Quart, Hillary Clinton, Caroline Maloney. During the last two months, the website has been upgraded and updated. Tom Suozzi, who the club endorsed, will speak at next fundraiser, as will actor Dennis O’Hare. Jeff Hurrant has been added to Board of Governors, as Officer of Social Media. The Club is moving forward on full state required compliance, which is likely to cost $10,000/year.

Members also discussed the success of the campaign for Doris Ling Cohen and the involvement of the Club in that effort. Specific appreciation was expressed for the efforts of Board member Dan Roskoff, who acted as the Campaign Manager for Doris Ling Cohen.

In addition to the above report, there was discussion on need to add new Board of Governor members and for increased participation on Fundraising.

Presenters

Democratic Nominee for the 65th Assembly District Yuh-Line Niou introduced herself to the club. Discussion focused on government transparency, campaign finance reform, resiliency for lower Manhattan, environmental justice and economic inequality.

District Leader, 66 Part A, Arthur Schwartz also spoke on his efforts to turn the activism and movement for Progressive causes fostered in Bernie Sanders campaign into a new statewide organization, likely named Progressive Action Network New York.

State Committee member Ben Yee discussed his recent election to the Executive Board of the State Committee, the merging of the Reform and Progressive Caucuses at the State Committee and the State Committee opposition to the Dakota Pipeline.

Judge Emily Jane Goodman Other Club Business

indicated that there were 9 spots on the ballot for the 2016 selection for Judiciary – 5 incumbents and 4 vacancies. She expressed concern that Doris Ling Cohan not being recommended by the panel as an incumbent violated important protocol that has been in place to ensure Judicial independence. She recommended outreach for organizations to join the Panel, training for Panel members and required disclosure of potential Conflicts of Interest by Panel members to remedy this problem. She also recommended incumbent right of appeal if not appointed and a required 75% vote by the Panel be required to not re-nominate incumbent.

Endorsements

The Club endorsed Yuh-Line Niou for 65th Assembly, 100% in favor

Other Club Business

The Club is proposing to do a report card on the City Council members based on votes and other factors. There is expected to be further discussion before the report card grading system is finalized.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm