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TDW of Ellis County

August 19, 2025 Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Billye Summers promptly at 6:00 p.m. in order to rearrange the agenda to accommodate our speaker, Kelly Blackburn, the Ellis county Precinct Chair.

Kelly spoke of the important voting goals; although we registered 30% in 2024, our goal is at least 40%.  She emphasized:

  1. Coalition building in the five biggest cities in Ellis County
  2. Block walking success in Midlothian
  3. The first event in Ennis following Saturday at Red Oak Chocolate Factory
  4. The need to find a location where we all could meet
  5. The need for precinct chairs in all 59 precincts in Ellis County
  6. The goal in Midlothian to have 30 precincts
  7. Consolidation and recruitment of members to walk with “Blue Texas”
  8. Recruiting officers and getting people to run for office

Following Kelly’s presentation, we pledged our allegiance followed by signing in members and greeting visitors.  We had five guests, 28 total people present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  1. Advocacy, Mary Lou Shipley: stressed the importance of countering negativity we see and hear
  2. Membership, Mary Brooks: reported on voter registration project to get apartment managers to make/help change of addresses available to all renters so they are eligible to vote
  3. Programs, Lynda Begnaud: announced the speaker for the September meeting, Vicki Goodwin, who is running for Lt. Governor. She will speak to us either in person or via Zoom.
  4. Treasurer, Joanne Hunt: announced the PAC balance is $3,756.11 and the scholarship balance $7,095.42
  5. Fundraising, Nancy Post: No report
  6. Community Outreach – We are in the process of collecting and donating baby items such as diapers, clothes, food, etc.

Speech from Dan Minton

Mr. Minton visited us from Arlington, Texas.  He is running for Congress. He claims he is not a politician but an “unpaid protestor”. He has worked as a journalist and in women’s health care.  He plans on a grass roots and social media campaign and to rely on groups such as ECTDW.  He asks the question “Are we still a democracy?”  He can be reached at dannyminton.com

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. and was followed by refreshments provided by Carol Young.  Thank you Carol!

Minutes prepared by Billye Summers