TDW of Ellis County

August 18, 2026 Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Kathryn Mossom at 6:05 p.m. with 16 members and 5 guests in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Presentation:

Holly Taylor from Austin, a candidate for Judge on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, gave an excellent presentation entititled “Courts in Crisis: Talking with Texans about Justice”.  She explained how Texas (and Oklahoma) are unique in that they have 2 Supreme Courts. She explained how important the Court system is and how we must elect judges who are Independent, Impartial, and Qualified.

Highlights:

  • The Court of Criminal Appeals oversees cases that set precedence for law enforcement and other agencies and oversees cases about constitutional rights, due process, privacy
  • There are 4 women who are running for Supreme Court judges in the upcoming election. All are credentialed.
  • Texas has never had a majority women led Supreme Court
  • In the 15th Court of Appeals that was recently created, all judges were appointed by Greg Abbott. These judges are now having to run for the 1st
  • Holly has over 25 years practicing criminal law; 17 years as a prosecutor; She was a professor at UT; She is a defense attorney; She has worked on the Conviction Integrity Unit and Innocence Project to help find wrongful convictions. Highly qualified candidate.
  • She is travelling with her husband to visit all 254 counties
  • A donation jar was passed around to raise money for Holly’s campaign.

What can you do:

  • Go to hollyTforJudge.com to get more information
  • Vote!
  • Consider giving financial support
  • Tell your friends and family to vote for Holly

Guest Speakers:

Danny Minton, candidate for US House of Representatives District 6, spoke about his reasons for running and how he has a strong passion for Healthcare and Medicare for all since he works in the healthcare industry.  He also spoke about his opposition to the destruction taking place at Big Bend. He is also asking for financial support and asked everyone to help make the changes that we need happen by doing what you can to ensure Jake Ellzey is voted out.

Michael Myers, candidate for State Representative HD10, spoke about what he has been focusing on – attending community meetings, speaking at events, and advertising to reach as many voters as possible.

He also asked for financial support and doing what we can to make sure Brian Harrison is voted out.

Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:

The July meeting minutes are available online. Joanne Hunt made a motion to approve minutes.  Kathryn Mossom seconded.  All ayes.

Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $2,542.78 and a Scholarship balance of $5,135.92. Helen Brock made a motion to approve report. Carol Young seconded.  All ayes.

Committee Reports:

Community Outreach – Carol Young and Kathleen Bowen for Julie Mendenhall

TDW-EC is collecting items for the annual Hope Health Baby Shower now through September 15th. Items needed include baby diapers (sizes newborn and 1), onesies – white or patterned (sizes newborn – 3 mos), bibs, pacifiers, thermometers, blankets and wipes.  Bring  your items to the meetings or drop them off at Hope Health, 572 Coleman Street in Waxahachie.  Hope Health provides comprehensive healthcare services including adult and pediatric primary healthcare, women’s health, dental care and restoration and behavioral health, with fees based on income.

Membership – Deborah Hairston

Deborah is working on a new member packet.

Refreshments/Social – Carol Young

Thank you Ginger for August refreshements.  September will be Becky LeBreton.

Voter Registration – Mary Brooks

Lynda Begnaud created a new Voter Registration card box that can be placed at various locations.  Kathryn stated that the Elections Office is looking for more VDRs.

Communications/PR/Marketing – Ginger Cole

Ginger Cole stated that volunteers are needed to ensure the boxes stay full of voter registration cards.  Talk with Ginger if you’d like to help.

Ellis County Democratic Party Report – Kelly Blackburn

Kelly shared building progress – granite and gravel have been put in the back of the building.

Block walking will begin Labor Day weekend. Focus on Glenn Heights and Red Oak.

Candidate slate cards are in.

Sending out postcards to encourage people to register to vote. There are about 10,000 new Ellis County voters we are trying to reach.

Received information on Apartment complexes. Will try to reach as many as possible.

Phone Banking starts next week.

Please consider helping where and when you can: Block walking, stuffing bags, phone banking, staffing the office.  All help is needed and appreciated.

Other Business:

  • Red cards are available that help you know what to say and do if ICE knocks on your door.
  • Considering getting magnetic name tags for all members at a cost of $20.00 to be a small fundraiser.
  • TDW hats and caps are available at cost if you want one, see Kathryn to order
  • State TDW is having a virtual retreat on August 29th. Consider attending a few sessions.  They also are hosting a Blue Hour Social where funds can be given to the State chapter or can be kept at the individual chapter for candidates. The money raised at this meeting for Holly Taylor will be included as part of the Blue Hour Social.

Next Meeting:

September 15th

Upcoming Actions and Announcements:

Nancy Cannady’s son passed away. A $50.00 donation will be given to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in Austin in his name.  If you’d like to donate more, please do so.

Adjournment:

Helen Brock made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It was seconded by Carol Young.  All ayes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

Edit this text block