TDW of Ellis County
July 21, 2026 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Kathryn Mossom at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 16 members and 4 guests were in attendance.
Special Presentation:
Michael Myers, Candidate for State Representative, introduced Jazmin Villegas and Lacey Hamel who started the group, SAVE OUR RED OAK, to protest the irresponsible development of data centers in Red Oak. Jazmin discussed the grassroots efforts their group has been doing and asked members to sign a petition to help bring much needed pause and regulations to data centers. Michael also stated that Jazmin was able to get Randy Bellamy (Ellis County Republican Chair) to sign the petition.
Highlights:
- Not against data centers but against the irresponsible development of data centers near residential areas
- The long term consequences of these massive data centers are not known
- Only 3% of the water in all the world is available for human consumption
- Main concerns are water, power and pollution
- The petition will be sent to the Texas State Finance Committee on July 27th. It is non-binding and more symbolic but represents how much people dislike data centers
- Asking to put a halt to more data center development until guardrails can be put in place
- Money seems to be the only driving factor
- The goal is to push back to hold off more centers until regulations are put in place
- There are 58 current, in progress or planned data centers just in Red Oak
- Google, Compass, Databank, Gigabit and Diode are some of the companies
What can you do:
- VOTE for candidates (like Michael Myers) who support the pause on data center development
- Brian Harrison (current State Rep) will not accept calls or meetings with the group
- Do not be fooled by Greg Abbott and other Republicans who are now asking for regulations on data centers. Republican leadership that allowed the “free for all” and no regulations is the reason we have so many centers now. After the elections in November, they will no longer care about regulations.
- Learn more by going to their website: saveourredoak.now
- Contact Jazmin Villegas to help: dizzy.usmc@gmail.com or 945.394.8345
- Spread the word about this group and their amazing work
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The June meeting minutes are available online. Linda Baker made a motion to approve minutes. Rebecca Cockerham seconded. All ayes.
Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $2688.27 and a Scholarship balance of $6635.92.
Committee Reports:
Audit – Linda Baker
No report
Advocacy – Mary Lou Shipley
Mary Lou stated that the committee will be looking at issues such as Data Centers which will then be reported out all members for action.
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
Julie stated the next outreach project will be a Baby Shower for Hope Health. The shower will start in August and finish in September. A list of items will be forthcoming. Julie also thanked Becky LeBreton for coordinating the America 250 event, which was a great outreach activity which we hope to do more of in the future.
Elections (Nominating) – Nancy Post
No report.
Finance – Linda Baker
No report.
Fundraising – Nancy Post
No report.
Membership – Deborah Hairston
No report.
Program – Nancy Post
August Speaker will be Judge Holly Taylor.
Refreshments – Carol Young
Thank you to Flo Miles who brought snacks. September will be Becky LeBreton.
Scholarship – Kathleen Bowen
No report.
Voter Registration – Mary Brooks
Mary has reached out to Waxahachie and Global High as well as Midlothian and Palmer. High School student must be registered by October 5th. She has also reached to Keenan Colbert to see if he would do a voting video.
Communications/PR/Marketing – Ginger Cole
No report
America 250 Lookback – Becky LeBreton
Great event. Well attended with over 100 people attending.
Building Bridges Lookback – Mary Brooks
Mary stated that the event was well attended with about 60 people. Great to hear from all other Democratic groups and candidates. Will look at doing another event in the future.
Old Business
Kathryn discussed T-shirts being available for purchase and also cards to hand out with “What it means to be a Democrat”. Be sure to get yours soon.
New Business
Kathryn stated that the Democratic Party is looking for volunteers. An immediate need is to help staff office hours between now and November. Contact Kelly or Terri if you can help.
Ellis County Democratic Party Chair Report – Kelly Blackburn
No Report.
Announcements
Kat welcomed new members and acknowledged July birthdays of members.
Joanne reminded members of the upcoming Republican Mid Term Convention in Dallas on September 9 – 10th.
Consider helping the Ellis County Democratic Party in any way you can.
Next Meeting
August 18th
Adjournment
Mary Lou Shipley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Becky LeBreton. All ayes. Meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.