Greater Houston Council
of
Federated Republican Women
Vol. 22 No. 2
NEWSLETTER
March, 2015
From the President’s Desk...
Talk about beginning 2015 with a bang!
GHC
MEMBER ROSTER
Angleton RW
Bay Area RW
Bayou RW
Braes RW
Brazosport RW
Chambers County RW
Clear Creek RW
Cy-Fair RW
Daughters of Liberty RW
Fort Bend RW
Friendswood RW
Galveston RW
Golden Triangle RW
Hardin County RW
Heritage RW
Houston Professional RW
Kingwood Area RW
Lake Conroe Area RW
Magic Circle RW
Memorial West RW
Montgomery County RW
North Shore RW
Northwest Forest RW
RW of Katy
RW of Waller Co.
San Jacinto RW
Spirit of Freedom RW
Texas Tea Party RW
The Woodlands RW
Tomball RW
Tri-County RW
Village RW
Walker County RW
West Pearland RW
Yellow Rose of Texas RW
We began our February meeting with GHC’s Annual President’s Recognition! Our clubs are
so fortunate to have such a dynamic group of women to lead their clubs. It was such a
pleasure to meet your Club Presidents; I look forward to working with each club throughout
this year. All the clubs had great representation at NUTS N’ BOLTS ®, they made the day a
resounding success! All the women turned out to enjoy a great day of networking and
education. Thank you to everyone who joined us at lunch and for the seminar. Thank you
to everyone who participated as a speaker and as volunteers! You made the day a success.
Thank you to Dr. Robin Armstrong, Texas National Committeeman for his phenomenal
update on what is happening throughout Texas and in Washington.
Everyone learned something new this year. Take the tools and information you received
and share this information with your club members. Let us spread the word that working
together, we are more powerful and knowledgeable. We will continue to multiply our
power, one-step at a time.
The Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women is planning many exciting,
events, including another summer workshop. GHC will work to enhance your leadership
skills and club activities through these events. It is time to get involved, step outside your
comfort zone and share your ideas with each other.
Greater Houston Council is here to work with you and for you. If you have specific issues
that you want Council to work with you and your club, then you must let us know what
those issues are. Communication is the key to all of our success. Communication goes two
ways, so let us keep the lines open at all times.
As the leaders at the grassroots level, you must hold all Republican elected officials in our
government accountable. The leaders of the GHC will do all in their power to provide the
support that you need, and strive to bring you up to date information and education to keep
you informed.
We, as Republican Women, must keep our eyes open, listen with a discerning ear and speak
up on the issues that affect what is happening in our state and in our country. We must
stand united to keep the pressure on the Texas Legislature and on Congress to represent us,
their constituents, and set their egos aside. When the elected officials said we need to
control both the House and the Senate to get the job done, we got them elected! Now we
have control of the House and the Senate, both in Texas and in Washington.
IT’S TIME TO DO THEIR JOB... NOW IT’S THEIR TURN TO STAND UP FOR US!
Thank you for your service to the Republican Party! We look forward to working with all of
you to KEEP TEXAS RED!
Sincerely,
Barbara Tague
GHCFRW President
GREATER HOUSTON COUNCIL OF FEDERATED REPUBLICAN WOMEN
2014-2015 Officers
President
1st VP - Programs
2nd VP - Membership
3rd VP- Special Events
4th VP - Finance
Recd. Secretary
Cor. Secretary
Treasurer
Past President
Barbara Tague
Toni Lawrence
Marie Maggio
Debbie Fancher
Lesley Bruemmer
Alice Melancon
Karen McCarter
Cindy Siegel
Sherry Peterson
(Tomball)
(Northwest Forest)
(Golden Triangle)
(Spirit of Freedom)
(Clear Creek)
(Montgomery County)
(Ft Bend Co.)
(Magic Circle)
(West Pearland)
713-851-0737
713-805-8466
409-866-8009
281-543-3195
832-632-2880
281-367-6368
281-341-5078
713-660-0284
281-485-7887
Standing Committee Chairmen (voting)
By-Laws
Campaign Activities
Legislation
Liaison County Chairs
Newsletter
Public Relations
Theresa Kosmoski
Debbie Guitian Roan
Cindy Bennett Smith
Millie Alford
Janis Holt
Chris Parker
(Village)
(Bay Area)
(Northwest Forest)
(Cy Fair)
(Hardin Co.)
(Kingwood)
713-461-4552
281-218-7350
832-515-9897
713-466-0731
409-781-2130
281-352-5959
Special Committee Chairman (non-voting)
Asst to President
Chaplain
GOTV
Historian
Hospitality
Asst.
Parliamentarian/Protocol
Speaker’s Bureau
TFRW Liaison
Website
Website/Email:
Jeannie Koenig
Sophia Mafrige
Sarah Von Dran
Susan Roshto
Edie Holland
Givvie Searcy
Pearl Maggio
Cheryl Dalton
Sherry Peterson
Rubye Brown
Clara Dannenmaier
(Galveston Area)
(Magic Circle)
(West Pearland)
(Chambers County )
(Bay Area)
(San Jacinto)
(Montgomery County)
(Daughters of Liberty)
(West Pearland)
(Clear Creek)
(Tomball )
713-829-9843
713-854-2972
281-797-5990
713-252-6876
713-941-2347
713-946-6625
936-273-5571
832-731-8767
281-485-7887
281-889-7544
409-370-7349
Honorary Ex Officio
TFRW VP-Bylaws
TFRW VP-Finance
TFRW Immediate Past Pres.
Theresa Kosmoski
Janis Holt
Carolyn Hodges
~ HOSPITALITY ~
Givvie Searcy and Edie Holland,
Hospitality Co-Chairmen
Thank you very much to Memorial West RW,
Northwest Forest RW and Daughters of Liberty
RW and to Sherry Peterson, TFRW Region V
Deputy President for providing the delicious
refreshments for the February 17 meeting and
Nuts N Bolts.
The clubs providing the refreshments for the
March 17 meeting will be Village RW, Chambers
County RW, and Bay Area RW.
Any club that would like to help with hospitality
in 2015, volunteers for the May, September and
November meetings are needed.
Please contact :
Edie at: [email protected]
or
Givvie at [email protected].
(Village)
(Hardin County)
(Village)
713-461-4552
409-781-2130
713-789-0077
Protocol When Having a Speaker
Pearl Maggio, Parliamentarian/Protocol
Invitations to speakers should be sent out at least
three weeks prior to the engagement. Spouses
may be invited.
Always have someone greet the guests when
they arrive. Make the speaker feel welcome and
never leave him/her alone. Prior to the meeting,
make sure to discuss if here are expenses and
how they will be handled. Discuss housing if
guests remain overnight. Be certain that guests
meet the President and other members of the
Local Club upon arrival.
Speaker and guest should be seated at the head
table along with all who will be taking part in the
program. Biographical material should be
received in advance and used to introduce the
speaker. Water pitcher and glass near the
podium would be a plus.
Remember to always greet speakers and guests
with a smile!
Legislative Report
By Cindy Bennett Smith, Legislative Chairman
Texas legislators are ready to decide on the expansion of gun rights. There are currently at least
two dozen bills filed in the Texas Legislature related to gun control. Most call for licensed open
carry similar to the concealed handgun law. Others advocate allowing the open carry of handguns by anyone pretty much anywhere. Two gun bills that would legalize the open carry of
handguns in Texas are on a fast-track in the state Senate.
Senate Bills 342 and 346, by Don Huffines of Dallas and Craig Estes of Wichita Falls, respectively,
would do away with the Lone Star State’s 125-year old ban on the open carry of handguns, a restriction first put in place after the Civil War so the Reconstruction government could disarm
Confederate sympathizers. Although Texas has more than 800,000 concealed handgun license
holders, it is one of only six states that don't allow open carry.
SB 342 allows for open and concealed carry of handguns without a license and SB 346 would allow someone who has a license for a handgun to openly carry it in a holster. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick
has requested that SB 342 and SB 346, as well as SB 11, the campus carry bill, be scheduled for
public hearing as soon as possible.
Another proposal, allowing students, faculty, and staff with proper licenses to carry firearms in
college classrooms and buildings, has 19 co-sponsors in the Senate, enough to bring it a full floor
vote. Patrick has already referred the bill to committee, likely clearing the way for its swift passage through the full chamber.
There has been a great deal of hubbub surrounding the proposals to allow open carry of handguns. The session had barely begun when skirmishes broke out among competing open carry
advocates. Several groups armed with assault rifles brought their weapons to a Capitol rally on
opening day, exercising a state law that allows the open carry of long rifles. One group, Come
and Take It Texas, also brought a machine that finishes out the lower receiver of an assault rifle
(A receiver that is 80% or less complete is not considered to be a receiver under US federal law,
which also defines the receiver as the actual firearm. An unfinished receiver may therefore be
bought or sold freely without transaction records). A confrontation occurred between gun owners and a state lawmaker who later was given a state security detail. Panic buttons were installed in legislative offices within days.
Governor Abbott, who has pledged to sign an open carry bill into law, shrugged off the earlysession messiness. "Open carry is the law in 44 states. ... [where] It hasn't been the outbreak of
the OK Corral," Abbott said Friday. "And I don't think
it will be in the state of Texas, either."
Proposed GHC Bylaws Amendments
Theresa Kosmoski, Bylaws Chair
The following amendments to the GHC Bylaws have been reviewed by the Board and will be voted on at
the March General meeting.
1.
Article V, Section 2.
Amend by inserting “or until their successors are elected” between “years” and “commencing”.
Current Bylaws:
Proposed Change:
If adopted, would read:
Section 2. The term of office shall be two
years commencing on January first of even
numbered years.
Section 2. The term of office shall be
two years, or until their successors are
elected, commencing on January first of
even numbered years.
Section 2. The term of office shall be
two years, or until their successors are
elected, commencing on January first
of even numbered years.
2.
Article V, Section G.1
Amend by striking “January” and inserting “February”
Current Bylaws:
Proposed Change:
If adopted, would read:
1.To prepare a handbook for distribution
at each January meeting to the newly…
1. To prepare a handbook for distribution
at each January February meeting to the
newly…
1. To prepare a handbook for distribution
at each February meeting to the newly…
3.
Article V, Section H.4
Amend by ending the first sentence after “Treasurer” and inserting the words “She shall be registered with
the TEC” at the beginning of the next sentence.
Current Bylaws:
Proposed Change:
If adopted, would read:
4. To serve as the club Political Action
Committee and perform the required
duties of making…..
4. To serve as the club Political Action
Committee. She shall be registered with
the TEC and perform the required duties
of making…..
4. To serve as the club Political Action
Committee. She shall be registered with
the TEC and perform the required duties
of making…..
4.
Article VII, Section 2
Amend by inserting “A minimum of 3 days notice will be given for all specially meetings, and no business
shall be considered that is not included in the call of the meeting.” to the end of the section.
Current Bylaws:
Proposed Amendment:
If adopted, would read:
2. ……Special meetings may be called by
the President or by two members of the
Executive Board.
2. ……Special meetings may be called by
the President or by two members of the
Executive Board. A minimum of 3 days
notice will be given for all specially called
meetings, and no business shall be considered that is not included in the call of the
meeting.
2. ……Special meetings may be called by
the President or by two members of the
Executive Board.
A minimum of 3 days notice will be given
for all specially called meetings, and no
business shall be considered that is not
included in the call of the meeting.
Proposed GHC Bylaws Amendments, cont’d
Theresa Kosmoski, Bylaws Chair
5.
Article VII
Amend by adding a new Section 6 as follows:
In the event of a time sensitive issue or exigent circumstance, a vote of the Board may occur by electronic
means. The President shall send to each voting Board member an email with the specific question. There will
be no “blind copies”; the email address of each person to whom the email is sent shall show. Board members
without email shall be contacted via fax or telephone. Each member shall have at least 12 hours to register
their vote, and they shall vote by replying to all on the email list. The Recording Secretary shall record the
vote and keep copies of the email votes in her permanent Minutes book. The President shall announce the formal outcome of the vote to all Board members as soon as it is available.
Current Bylaws:
Proposed Amendment:
If adopted, would read:
Section 6. In the event of a time sensitive issue or exigent circumstance, a vote
of the Board may occur by electronic
means. The President shall send to each
voting Board member an email with the
specific question. There will be no
“blind copies”; the email address of each
person to whom the email is sent shall
show. Board members without email
shall be contacted via fax or telephone.
Each member shall have at least 12
hours to register their vote, and they
shall vote by replying to all on the email
list. The Recording Secretary shall record the vote and keep copies of the email
votes in her permanent Minutes book.
The President shall announce the formal
outcome of the vote to all Board members as soon as it is available.
Section 6. In the event of a time sensitive
issue or exigent circumstance, a vote of the
Board may occur by electronic means.
The President shall send to each voting Board
member an email with the specific question.
There will be no “blind copies”; the email
address of each person to whom the email is
sent shall show. Board members without
email shall be contacted via fax or telephone.
Each member shall have at least 12 hours to
register their vote, and they shall vote by
replying to all on the email list.
The Recording Secretary shall record the vote
and keep copies of the email votes in her
permanent Minutes book. The President shall
announce the formal outcome of the vote to all
Board members as soon as it is available.
6.
Article X, Section 6
Amend by inserting: “A minimum of 7 days notice shall be given for any specially called meeting, and no
business shall be considered that is not included in the call of the meeting.” To the end of the section.
Current Bylaws:
Proposed Amendment:
If adopted, would read:
Section 2. Special meetings may be
called by the President or upon written
request of delegates representing six (6)
member clubs.
Section 2. Special meetings may be
called by the President or upon written
request of delegates representing six (6)
member clubs. A minimum of 7 days
notice shall be given for any specially
called meeting, and no business shall be
considered that is not included in the call
of the meeting.
Section 2. Special meetings may be called by
the President or upon written request of
delegates representing six (6) member clubs.
A minimum of 7 days notice shall be given
for any specially called meeting, and no
business shall be considered that is not
included in the call of the meeting.
General Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015
President Barbara Tague called the Feb 17, 2015 General Meeting of the Greater Houston Council of
Federated Republican Women to order at 9:20 AM. The meeting was held at the Sosa Center. The
start of the meeting was delayed due to weather and heavy traffic to allow attendees to arrive.
The invocation was given by Sophia Mafrige, GHC Chaplain. Debbie Fancher, GHC 3rd Vice President,
led the pledges to the American and Texas flags. She then led the group in the singing of the National
Anthem. Marie Maggio, GHC 2nd Vice President Membership, introduced guests and elected officials
Tina Gibson, Pearl Maggio, Janis Boulware, Karen Townsend, Cindy Bennett Smith, and Amy Clark.
Alice Melancon, Recording Secretary, called roll and announced that a quorum was present. She asked
if there were any additions or corrections to the November meeting minutes. Since there were none,
the minutes stand as written.
Treasurer Cindy Siegel presented the Treasurer’s Report and asked for questions or corrections.
Hearing none, the report was filed for financial review. Cindy Siegel then presented the proposed
2015 budget. Teresa Kosmoski made a motion to approve the budget. The motion was seconded by
Beth Henry. The motion was approved and the budget stands as presented.
President Tague welcomed all GHCFRW Member Club Presidents. The Presidents were announced by
Marie Maggio, GHC VP-Membership and presented a rose by President Tague. The Greater Houston
Council pins/earrings were presented by Jeannie Koenig and Lesley Bruemmer. Toni Lawrence and
Karen McCarter presented each president with a leadership bag.
President Tague called on Sherry Peterson, TFRW Deputy President, Region V to introduce the TFRW
Deputy Presidents, Judy Parada, Region IV, Jan Ott, Region II. Each Deputy President introduced their
District Directors.
The Nuts N’ Bolts Seminar was then begun. Sherry Peterson introduced Amy Clark, Vice Chair of the
Republican Party of Texas whose presentation focused on Leadership Development. Jo Konen, NFRW
Leadership Chair was introduced. Her talk focused on the A B Cs of Leadership.
The group then went into various breakout sessions:
The Role of the President led by Sherry Peterson
Parliamentary Procedure led by Teresa Kosmoski
Treasurer/PAC Treasurer led by Cindy Siegel
Membership/Programs led by Kim Chambers
Effective Communication/Legislative Role led by Michelle Samuelson.
Following a brief break to pick up lunches, Sophia Mafrige, GHC Chaplain led the Blessing. Toni Lawrence, GHC 1st Vice President Programs, introduced the luncheon speaker, Dr. Robin Armstrong, Texas
Republican National Committeeman. A brief wrap up of the day’s activities followed the presentation.
Announcement:
March 17, 2015 General Meeting with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett as speaker.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 PM
Alice Melancon, Recording Secretary
Toni Lawrence, 1st VP- Programs
Are you ready for the elections in November 2015? Are
you ready for the Presidential election November
2016?
The Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican
Women will have Harris County Judge, Ed Emmett as
our speaker on Tuesday, March 17th, at the Sosa Center, 1414 Wirt Road. Check in will be at 9:00 am and
program begins at 10:00 am.
Edward M. Emmett became Harris County Judge on March 6, 2007.
A member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1979 to 1987, Judge Emmett was chairman of the Committee on Energy, a member of the Transportation
Committee, and represented the state on numerous national committees relating to energy and transportation policy.
In 1989, President George H. W. Bush nominated Emmett as a Commissioner at
the Interstate Commerce Commission. After being confirmed unanimously by
the United States Senate, Judge Emmett served on the commission for three
years.
Prior to becoming county judge, he received international recognition for his
work in transportation and logistics policy.
Among his many other activities, Judge Emmett is director of Harris County’s
Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, chairman of the HGAC
Transportation Policy Council and chairman of the Harris County Juvenile Board.
Judge Emmett attended Bellaire High School. He graduated from Rice University
in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and from the University of
Texas at Austin in 1974 with a Master of Public Affairs degree.
Judge Emmett and his wife, Gwen, have been married for 39 years and have four
children and 11 grandchildren.
Judge Emmett will cover topics to get us fired up for the coming elections! Texas
needs to make a strong commitment and influence Ohio and Florida to become
red states again! Bring your Club Board and other club members to hear the
Judge and participate in a Q&A with him after his talk.
GREATER HOUSTON COUNCIL
Presents
Greater Houston Council
P O Box 20
Tomball, Texas 77377-0020
Harris County Judge, Ed Emmett
On
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
********************
Sign-In/Registration: 9:00 AM
Program: 10:00 AM
Sosa Center
1414 Wirt Road ~ Houston, Texas 77055
POLITICAL ADVERTISING PAID FOR BY GHCFRW PAC, Cindy Siegel, GHC PAC TREASURER
Solicitations made by Federal candidates and officeholders at any event of GHC are limited by Federal Law.
The Federal candidates and officeholders speaking or attending an event of GHC are soliciting only donations of up to $2400 from individuals and up to $500 from multi-candidate political committees. They are
not soliciting donations in any amount from corporations, labor organizations, national banks, Federal
contractors, or foreign nationals.
Greater Houston Council Mission Statement
The mission of the Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women is to promote
political education in order to increase the effectiveness of Republican Women in the cause of good
government. In addition, the Council strives to coordinate activities of the various clubs to achieve
the maximum efforts of Republican Women throughout the region to elect Republican candidates.
Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women Proxy Form
Only the president and the designated delegate of an affiliated federated Republican Women’s Club can
vote at Council meetings. There are provisions for proxies, however. Either the president or the delegate or
both may execute proxy statements designating another member of their club to vote in their stead for one
meeting only. Follow the form below:
Date:_________________________________
I, the undersigned President/Delegate of the ________________________________________________RW
Appoint _________________________________________of _______________, Texas, who is a member in
good standing of the same Republican Women’s Club as the undersigned, as my proxy to vote in my place at
the meeting of the Greater Houston Council of Federated Republican Women to be held on the _______day
of _____________________, 20______.
__________________ ______________________, President
______________________________________________ RW