Quorum on State Central Committee

Quorum requirements for decisions of the SCC will be 50% of membership of the body, on the day voting begins. Those who are members of the SCC at that time can vote on the issue. Anyone joining the SCC during the voting period can comment, but will not have voting rights for this issue. Anyone leaving the SCC during the voting period will not affect the quorum requirement for this issue.

Proposed by Art Myatt, Monday, Jan. 21, 2008
Discussion through Monday, Jan. 28, 2008
Blocking objection by Linda Cree prevented consensus
Voting Tuesday Jan 29 - Tuesday Feb. 5
RESULTS: 18 total votes
- Yes, 9 votes, 60 %%
- No, 6 votes, 40%
- Abstain, 3
The proposal failed, by not making the quorum requirement (19 when voting started).

Congressional District Committees

I propose that we amend the GPMI Bylaws to add that each organized
Congressional District committee shall be entitled to two gender-
balanced delegates to the SCC.

Proposed by Matthew Abel, Tuesday, Jan 22, 2008
Discussion through Tuesday, Jan 29, 2008
Withdrawn

MIgreens-national Group

"[GPMI] start a new Yahoo list called, say, MIgreens-national and
require anything from the National [Committee] to be posted *there*.
Then we could go back to having the MIgreensSCC list focused on
State of Michigan issues, while still preserving a forum for dealing
with national issues. ... [W]e [will] make the new list open to *all
Greens in Michigan*"...

Proposed by Aimee Smith, Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008
Discussion through Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008
Blocking objection by Art Myatt prevented consensus
Voting Wednesday Feb 6 through Wednesday Feb 13
RESULTS: 12 total votes
- Yes, 5 votes, 56%
- No, 4 votes, 44%
- Abstain, 3 votes
The proposal failed, by not making the quorum requirement (19 when voting started).

Michigan Energy Policy Statement

PROPOSAL: That the SCC promote the following statement to hold state
government accountable for moving to sustainable, earth-gentle energy
technologies and away from highly destructive coal and nuclear power
production.

GREENS PUSH FOR NEW, RESPONSIBLE ENERGY POLICY

Current plans for electricity production in Michigan include allowing more
coal and nuclear plants. This is unacceptable to Greens. Both nuclear
and coal power present extreme hazards to human health. Nuclear
produces radioactive wastes that place a toxic burden on many
generations to come, as well as posing high risks to present
populations near the areas of power generation, transport, and waste
disposal. Coal power produces carcinogenic lung particulates, as well
as greatly contributing to acid rain, global warming, and mercury
contamination.

In view of these critical concerns, the GPMI calls for an immediate
moratorium on the building of new coal and nuclear power plants in
Michigan, to be followed by a gradual phase-out of nuclear and
coal-fired power plants, and an all-out commitment to replacing such
plants with appropriately sited and appropriately scaled wind and
solar energy production.

Further, the GPMI urges state assistance in re-training and placement
of workers now stuck in Michigan's energy-intensive industries as part
of the transformation to wind and solar power production.

Greens also find Granholm's tepid goal of achieving 25% of Michigan's
energy consumption through renewable energies unacceptable
because "renewable," as defined by Granholm, is not even close to
sustainable. Fermenting even a portion of our food supply to make
ethanol fuel for cars creates more problems than it solves, not the
least of which is that ethanol production nationally has already
begun to increase food prices in the US and abroad. More ethanol
production here will increase food prices faster. Meanwhile, it is
debatable whether ethanol production even produces more energy than
goes into it.

Therefore, the GPMI calls for eliminating 25% of the unsustainable
demand for energy in Michigan by a combination of efficiency and
conservation. This means pushing programs to build "green buildings"
that have positive relations to the environment. It means advancing
public transportation and eliminating the nearly total dependence our
population now has on automotive transportation. Further, automotive
transportation must be made much more fuel efficient, with
considerably higher CAFE standards than those now imposed to
drastically reduce carbon and other emissions. These higher standards
are well within reach of American automakers, since they already make
such vehicles to market in other nations. Also, Michigan's
universities should take the lead to become centers of knowledge
about a whole range of practical energy-saving methods.

The Greens' call for a new, responsible energy policy is not only do-
able, it is plain common sense when the larger picture is taken into
account.

Proposed by Linda Cree, Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008
Above text is shown with accepted amendments incorporated.
Discussion through Wednesday, Feb 13
Passed by consensus, as amended during discussion.

- - - - - - - -

PROPOSAL to Finalize Procedure for
Polling Membership & Selecting
Convention Delegates (2/10/08)

Presented by John Anthony LaPietra

This multi-part proposal gets its own page on the Wiki:

http://migreens.wetpaint.com/page/Polling+Membership+-+2008+Convention

Passed, as amended, by consensus 2/17/08

- - - - - - - -

Recall NC Representative

Proposal: Remove Karen Shelly as GPMI Representative to GP national committee.

Proposed by Doug Campbell on Saturday, Feb 16
Discussion through Saturday, Feb 23
This proposal was shown in discussion to be contrary to the procedure for removal of a GPMI elected officer as spelled out in the bylaws, and was not passed.

Remove SCC Representatives

Proposal: All representatives currently serving on the SCC representing locals that no longer exist shall be removed.

Proposed by Aimee Smith, Saturday, Feb 16
Discussion through Saturday, Feb 23
Withdrawn by Aimee Smith Feb 23

Request for Resignations from SCC

Proposal: The SCC respectfully requests all SCC reps currently serving who are representing a local that has not managed to meet in the past 12 months to resign until such time as the local can meet and reaffirm their representation to the SCC.

Proposed by Aimee Smith Feb. 23, 2008
Not scheduled for discussion and voting by Art Myatt (SCC Whip) in a timely fashion.
Therefore, the proposal is (re)opened for discussion on March 18; discussion to run through March 26; and voting - since we already have some objections - to go from March 27 through April 3.
Results:
Yes, 6 votes, 37.50%
No, 9 votes, 56.25%
Abstain, 1 votes, 6.25%
The proposal failed, by not making the quorum requirement

Membership Secretary Proposal

Proposed by Chuck Loucks on Thursday, April 3, 2008
Discussion period April 4 through April 11

This is a formal proposal to the SCC:
In view of the 175 expired members still recorded as in good standing
and the 251 members lost since 2004, the following proposal is made:
1) that all members of the SCC designate a GPMI local he/she wishes
to identify with (Detroit, Flint, Hillsdale, Huron Valley, Kent,
Oakland, Traverse, Up North, Van Buren, West Oakland Watershed)
2) that the Membership Secretary prepare for each local (10) a list
of expired contacts from the 426 members list above which are nearest
each local in the fairest manner possible.
3) That SCC members through their assigned local contact the
members/former members in their respective list by May 31, 2008 for
the purpose of renewing their membership as well as designating a
local to identify with.
4) That all members listed as being in good standing as of March 31,
2008 shall remain in good standing at least through May 31, 2008.
5) That all expired memberships on or after January 1, 2008 but on or
before March 31, 2008 shall expire one year from the date of renewal
and all expired/terminated memberships prior to January 1, 2008 shall
expire one year from the date of renewal.
6) Any remaining members/former members not contacted by May 31, 2008
shall be contacted by contract worker(s) compensated at the rate of
$3.00 per renewal plus necessary dependent daycare costs. Membership
Secretary shall be responsible for hiring necessary contract
worker(s).

PROPOSAL: Third Thursday Dark Earth Hour

Whereas, Michigan citizens, as well as all Americans, are facing a daunting energy crisis brought on by diminishing natural resources and unwise policy decisions at every government level in the last century;

Whereas, Greens realize that our energy use and energy policy must undergo a profound transformation;

Whereas, the Green Party of Michigan recognizes that conservation must be the cornerstone of any responsible new energy policy;

And whereas, we believe individuals are more than ready to help in this crisis;

Therefore, the Green Party of Michigan proposes that:

1. all Greens in Michigan be asked to observe the hour of 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month as a "Dark Earth Hour" when all lights and non-essential electrical appliances be turned off;

2. that the Media Committee send out a press release about this monthly action and invite everyone in Michigan to participate;

3. that promotion of the Dark Earth Hour raise awareness of the need to cut back on our energy consumption, and of the need for a responsible new energy policy;

4. that the first Dark Earth Hour be the third Thursday of June (June 19th), which happens to fall just before the Summer Solstice.

Proposed by Linda Cree, Wednesday, Apr 30, 2008
Discussion through Wednesday, May 7
passed by consensus

PROPOSAL: Up to 12 at-large SCC delegates

In the bylaws, there are two places where the word "two" would be changed to the words "up to twelve" in order to allow up to twelve at-large delegates to be a part of the SCC. Those places are:

Article III, section 3, sub-section B) SCC delegates: Each local shall elect two delegates who are state party members to serve on the state central committee of GPMI. Two delegates shall also be elected and serve as representatives of all members of GPMI who are not members of any local. ...

Article V, Section 2, sub-section A) The State Central Committee shall be comprised of delegates from each recognized local in GPMI and the two non-local members’ delegates, as well as the elected officers and national representatives of GPMI. ...

[end excerpts from bylaws]

proposed by Art Myatt
discussion Sat May 3 through Sat May 10
Failed due to lack of quorum (11 votes)

PROPOSALS - convention delegates

Richard Wunsch shall be elected a GPMI delegate to the GPUS 2008 Convention, to fill a vacated position.

Paul O'Donnell shall be elected a GPMI delegate to the GPUS 2008 Convention, to fill a vacated position.

both proposed by Art Myatt, 5/10/08
Discussion through 5/18/08
Richard Wunsch elected by consensus
Objections raised to Paul O'Donnell, on grounds of no previous involvement with state party activities
Poll on O'Donnell opened May 30; closed June 7 - failed for lack of quorum.

John Porter shall be elected a GPMI delegate to the GPUS 2008 Convention, to fill a vacated position

Proposed by Art Myatt. 5/30/08
John Porter elected by consensus

PROPOSAL - 2 day "no-brainer"

The SCC authorizes John Anthony La Pietra to rent the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall as the site for GPMI's 2008 State Convention July 26-27.

proposed by John Anthony LaPietra
[sent 4:30pm EDT Fri 6/6/08 as a call for consensus; 2-day blocking-concerns period ends 4:30pm Sun 6/8]
passed by consensus

New members

Representing the Macomb County Local

Steve Weed & Richard Kuszmar invited to join SCC June 7

Proposal - Motion to support impeachment proceedings, some amendments proposed and accepted

proposed Thursday, June 12 by Richard Kusmar
discussion through Thursday, June 19
Passed by consensus. The proposal, as amended by discussion, reads:

GPMI fully supports and endorses the content of House Resolution 1258, Dennis Kucinich's list of grounds for Impeaching Dick Cheney and George W. Bush, and fully condemns Kucinich's and the Democratic Party's clumsy shenanigans in introducing this necessary and five-years-tardy effort to halt the high crimes & misdemeanors of the Bush administration, then immediately burying it in committee. We call on Michigan's Congressional delegation to make every effort to force H.R. 1278 out of the House Judiciary Committee and forward it to the US Senate.

It is further moved that the media committee issue a press release of this resolution and forward copies to our Congressional Delegation and that our GPMI National representatives introduce a similar resolution to the GPUS governing body.


Proposal - GPMI sign on to "No Radioactive Waste Dump in Heart of Great Lakes"

(To sign on as an individual, email kevin@beyondnuclear.org)
proposed Thursday, June 12 by Richard Kusmar
discussion through Thursday, June 19
Passed by consensus

Proposal - Mark Crandle to be GPUS Convention Delegate

proposed Friday, June 13 by John La Pietra
discussion through Friday, June 20
Passed by consensus, with numerous abstentions

PROPOSAL - Adopt rules for state convention

presented Monday, June 23 by John LaPietra
discussion through Tuesday, June 1
full text of rules posted on http://migreens.wetpaint.com/page/2008+State+Convention+Rules
blocking objections from Harley Mikkelson and Richard Kusmar
voting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MIGreensSCC/polls July 5-12
Passed by a vote of 18 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain

PROPOSAL - Send $200 to BANCO for Rev. Pinkney defense

presented Sunday June 29 by Richard Kusmar
discussion June 30 - July 7
passed, 20 votes: 14 yes, 2 no, 4 abstained

PROPOSAL :

To become a proposal formally considered by the SCC, the language of that proposal must be agreed on by three (3) or more SCC members, called originators of the proposal. One of the three should be recognized or designated by the originators as the presenter, who will accept or reject proposed amendments to the language.

A proposal will be discussed for one week unless the presenter has requested expedited consensus for a time-sensitive issue. If consensus has been reached by the end of the shorter or longer time period, the proposal is passed. If consensus has not been reached, the proposal will be decided by a vote, for which a 2/3 majority is required for passage.

There will be no quorum requirement for the conduct of SCC business.

[end proposal]

presented by Art Myatt, July 1, 2008
discussion July 2 - July 9
blocking objections from Ken Mathenia and Lou Novak
As presenter, Art has decided to move the general question of how SCC business might best be conducted to discussion at the upcoming State Membership Meeting,


PROPOSAL - Support State Senate Bill 1306 - moratorium on foreclosures

presented by Fred Vitale, July 3, 2008
discussion July 4 - July 11
Passed by consensus

New rules for conduct of business

The state convention/membership meeting in Marshall (July 26-27) made a recommendation on new rules for doing business on the SCC Yahoo group. The rules are:
a. to count for purposes of determining quorum only active members of the SCC, meaning those members who have voted in at least one of the previous four polls; and
b. to consider as a proposal (for consensus or a poll) only an idea which has the support of at least two other members of the SCC. Any SCC member can bring an idea (about some action the SCC should take, such as an endorsement, a statement, etc.) to the SCC for discussion. It becomes a proposal when at least two other SCC members express support.

These two rules were discussed by the whole SCC, and adopted by consensus.

Endorse "Fair of Shame" protest

On August 10, Chuck Loucks proposed that GPMI endorse the "Fair of Shame" protest. This is an organized protest of the "Fair to Remember," an event of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit (JFMD) using the state fairgrounds on Thursday, August 21, 2008, (including rides and attractions) the day before it opens to the general public.

This proposal was generally approved, with much discussion of the wording of the statement of support which should be issued. The agreed-upon wording was: "The Green Party of Michigan endorses the "Fair of Shame" protest being held in Detroit on August 21, 2008 as a show of political and moral support to people standing up to state-sponsored oppression and racism. We call upon the Jewish community to recognize the grievous wrongs committed in 1948 and 1967 by the Jewish state. We also call upon this Jewish community to
end their support for Jewish exclusivity on others' lands and to support the Palestinians in their struggle for Return and justice.

Proposal:

The sentence, "It should be made clear that membership in the Green Party of MI does not keep you from also being a member of any other political party." shall be stricken from the bylaws.

Presented by Doug Campbell, supported by Linda Myatt and Linda Cree; blocking objection Art Myatt; poll started August 20, 2008
Nominal SCC membership = 29
# of these voting in the previous 4 polls = 23
Quorum for this poll = 23*2/3 = 15.333 => 16
Results
- Yes, 4 votes, 28.57%
- No, 9 votes, 64.29%
- Abstain, 1 votes, 7.14%
Failed by not making quorum and would have also failed by voting if the quorum were 14 or less.
[Quorum was previously reported as 14, due to a clerical error by Art Myatt.]

Proposal

GPMI to donate $100 to the RNC8 defense fund.

Proposed on Monday, Oct 6, by Richard Kusmar. The RNC8 are 8 people now on trial as "terrorists" for protesting at the Republican National Convention. Additional information at http://rnc8.org/, The proposal was supported by Karen Shelly, John LaPietra and Aimee Smith. Matt Abel had a non-blocking objection. All responses were on the same day as the proposal.

Noted by SCC Whip on Saturday, Oct 18 as passed by consensus.

Proposal

GPMI to approve, as a member of the Third Party Coalition, for TPC to send out questionnaire.

Proposed on Sunday, Oct. 19, by John Anthony LaPietra, to be considered as time sensitive; i.e., to pass in 48 hours if there is no blocking objection. Supported by Richard Kusmar, Doug Campbell and Fred Vitale. No objections were raised. Passed by consensus.

Proposal

That what is left of the election money up to $400 be allotted to support Rev. Pinkney’s campaign. If there is no money left in our election fund then up to $400 new dollars be allocated. Purpose - printing election literature to be distributed in Benton Harbor and cover some expenses of distribution. Details in SCC message #26683.

Proposed by Fred Vitale on Oct. 24. Supported by John Anthony LaPietra and Richard Kusmar. non-blocking concern from Doug Campbell. Supported by Karen Shelley. Fred reported printing costs of $108 on 10/29.

Proposal

Buried in the text of Message #26719 (header: [Fwd: Re:]) was a hard to notice proposal "to appoint a list of GPMI members (list to be prepared and provided ASAP by Pat [Foster]) as election challengers for precincts designated in that list." Requested expedited decision by noon, Saturday Nov. 1 if possible.

Proposed by John Anthony La Pietra Thurs, Oct 30. Support from Richard Kusmar, Linda Myatt. OK from 5 other members; no objections. Declared passed Mon Nov 3.

Proposal

I propose that we hold an SMM in early December somewhere in southeast Michigan and we hold the SMM for the first quarter of 2009 in March midstate.

Proposed by Fred Vitale Nov 3. Friendly amendment to add a summer meeting in northern LP offered by Linda Cree. Support for friendly amendment from Tom Mair. However, in the flurry of election discussion, this proposal expired with no formal support. My comment is, the reason we have a meeting manager is to have a specific person to organize these meetings. The position is vacant and needs to be filled.

Proposal

Amend Article VII (Decision-Making of the Green Party of Michigan), Section 1 (no title), Subsection b [GPMI Bylaws] to say:

B. a consensus or a 2/3 vote of the State Central Committee.

Proposed by John Anthony LaPietra, Sunday November 16. Supported by Richard Kusmar and
Tom Mair. Blocking objection by Randym Jones, not resolved. Poll started 11/24/08. Results: Yes, 14; No, 1; Abstain, 1. Total voting, 16. Quorum for this poll was 16, based on 22 people in the eligible voting pool of 28 having voted in the previous four polls. Quorum was met and the proposal passed.

Notes: If Aimee Smith (who had taken a leave from her offices prior to the poll) had been counted for quorum, the number previously voting would have been 23, and the quorum would still be 16. One person reported voting by way of a note to the list in support of the proposal. This person's vote was not recorded by the Yahoo polling function. Counting this additional vote, the number voting was 17. Quorum was met in any case.

Quorum
Based on 23 (counting one additional vote by note) members voting in the previous four polls, quorum for the next poll is 16.

Informal proposal

On Mon. Nov. 17, Tom Mair suggests an "informal action group" to make the transition from one election to the next by bringing Green Party speakers to Michigan. Contact traversegreen@yahoo.com to follow up on this idea.

Time-sensitive Proposal (Passed by consensus)

On Wednesday, Nov. 26 Linda Cree proposed that GPMI sign on to a statement (to be issued by the Nuclear Information and Resource Service) opposing carbon credits for the nuclear power industry. They would need the reply by Sunday, Nov. 30. Supported by Ken Mathenia and Doug Campbell. There were another 6 supporters and no blocking objections.

Proposal (passed by consensus)

1. next SMM to be either Saturday March 21 or March 28, 2009 (it could include Sunday if there is a need)
2. Location in southeast Michigan (Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Ingham, Livingston, Monroe counties).
3. Need a volunteer to secure a location.
4. Membership secretary do a mailing to all current members about the meeting. I will draft something to be sent out around to the Steering Committee for approval no later than Feb 1.

Proposed by Fred Vitale, Tuesday, Dec 2; addressed in a confusing manner by Chuck Jordan; supported by Chuck Loucks and Richard Wunsch. See "Events in Michigan" page for details on the SMM to be held at the Upland Hills Ecological Center near Lansing.