by admin | Oct 21, 2020 | USC Democratic Committee
USC Democratic Committee Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2020
The meeting started at 6:35pm at the Upper St. Clair Recreation Center on McLaughlin Run Road. Mary McIntyre stated there were lawn signs available for anyone that needed them. Mary also had new members stand up and introduce themselves.
Peg Babnik submitted the treasurer’s report. The September 10th bank statement ending balance is $3,228.60. In our account today there is $2,760.80 which includes $492.80 in expenses (three checks) and 2nd Act Blue Donation of $25, minus a fee of $1.16.
Elections
Sharon Guidi spoke about her campaign. She said she had a successful Scavenger Hunt fund raiser last week. She also stated that her opponent is not a moderate. Sharon thanked everyone for being in attendance.
Tom Duerr is Pam Iovino’s campaign manager. Pam’s opponent is not a moderate. Tom then stated Pam’s accomplishments. He asked for volunteers to text, phone call, write postcards and literature dropping. Tom said that there are many volunteer opportunities. Tom is working closely with Pam. Tom will inform Mary about when and where to volunteer.
Tom Duerr is also on City Council. Tom said that there will be eight satellite offices. They will be operating on October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25. Citizens can a request a ballot or mail in their ballot at the satellite office on those days. If you want to vote in person, but received a ballot – take it to the polls. Don’t open it. If you do not bring your mailed ballot and have not voted, you may fill out a provisional ballot. Tom said that he does not know if they are going to count the ballots early. Tom stated that Allegheny County was the best in state for counting ballots.
Both Sharon Guidi and Tom Duerr emphasized the need to follow the ballot directions exactly as written. They also emphasized that only you can drop your ballot in the box.
Mary passed out Biden buttons and masks. Mary said that Upper St. Clair is part of Char Valley, where there are 36 Chair people. On October 13, there will be a rally starting in Moon Township continuing through Carnegie, Mt. Lebanon, Castle Shannon, Upper St. Clair (around 1:30pm), South Park, and Collier Township. Representatives Conor Lamb, Mike Doyle, and Pam Iovino will be at each stop. Everyone is invited to participate with car window posters.
There was further discussion about how to get the message out. Discussion was about phone banking, texting, Instagram, Facebook, pool watching, distributing literature, and poll workers for satellite places.
The meeting ended at 7:25pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Descutner
by admin | Sep 1, 2020 | USC Democratic Committee
USC Democratic Committee Meeting Minutes
Old Recreation Center
August 25, 2020
The meeting started at 7:00pm at the Upper St. Clair Recreation Center on McLaughlin Run Road. There were many new faces, so Mary McIntyre had everyone introduce themselves.
Mary stated that there are five wards and 18 districts in Upper St. Clair. She also said that the county is sent out applications for mail-in ballots to citizens today. Mary reviewed the proper procedures for mail-in voting, specifically that you cannot put someone else’s ballot in the mail or ballot drop-off box. Everyone must handle their own ballot. There was discussion about the lack of ballot boxes and Mary said that the legislature has to decide if there can be more drop-off boxes. The actual ballots will be mailed to recipients on September 15, 2020. Ballots can be tracked on the Allegheny County website. All polling locations will be open. Jason Fincke noted that if a school is closed due to coronavirus outbreak, the polling place may also be closed. Also, ballots may be counted early.
It was suggested that we could drive organize a caravan of residents into Pittsburgh to drop their ballot in the ballot drop-off box.
Peg Babnik submitted the treasurer’s report. The balance remained $3,179.76 through June, July and August. Outstanding checks are: $100, $300 (signs), $92.80 (postage), $100 Biden (Don W.) with a balance of $2,586.96
Elections
Mary McIntyre said that our Biden/Harris signs were ordered through CharValley. Delivery will be this Saturday, August 29, 2020. Sharon Guidi will also have signs delivered this Saturday. Mary and Deb Allen spoke about Sharon’s fund raiser which is a treasure hunt. Cost is $100/ per one person in a car or $200/car. Also, if anyone wants to attend the after treasure hunt get together, the cost is $25.
Jason Fincke drafted a letter which will be sent to all independents. He stated that there are about 2,000 independents in Upper St. Clair. He asked for help sending this letter out as soon as possible. If anyone needs money for stamps, please see Mary. New member Charlotte from Friendship Village said that she had five or six residents ready to help send out the Democratic letter to independent-registered voters. Jason’s letter will be available for mailing on Sunday; Mary McIntyre will send an email to everyone regarding time. There was a discussion about voting. Charlotte stated that she moved from Virginia and wants additional drop boxes in Allegheny County, and extended hours for residents to vote. She is thinking about a petition for drop boxes and asked if there are rules for drop boxes. Jason suggested if ballots are mailed early October, then no one will have to worry about drop boxes. New member Paulette stated that she has a 10 x 4 Biden/Harris sign in her yard. A new member volunteered to temporarily replace Katie Mazzocco as a Facebook administrator.
Sharon Guidi’s campaign manager Alex Franco suggested that we tie Natalie Mihalek to Donald Trump. Natalie (Republican) is running against Sharon. It was mentioned that in North Strabane there are weekly Republican rallies along Route 19. Alex said to take videos of the rally. It was also strongly mentioned that we need more visuals and should put an American flag next to Biden signs.
New Business
Mary McIntyre will organize an afternoon Zoom meeting at 2:00pm. She will send an email with specifics.
The meeting ended at 8:05pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Descutner
by admin | Sep 1, 2020 | USC Democratic Committee
USC Democratic Committee Meeting Minutes
Zoom Meeting – August 18, 2020
The zoom meeting started at 7:01pm. There were 22 participants. There was discussion about the Democratic convention speeches. The next meeting will be next Tuesday, August 25, 2020 outside of the rec center on McLaughlin Run Road.
Elections
Mary ordered 200 Biden/Harris yard signs, which were paid for by our committee. Tom Duerr will be getting additional signs for Upper St. Clair. Jason Fincke stated that Linda Serene, former Upper St. Clair school board member, asked for six signs. Alex Franco, Sharon Guidi’s campaign manager, will have yard signs for Sharon. Mary stated that one Democratic chair has a Trump sign in their yard.
Tom Duerr is running Pam Iovino’s campaign. He said that Pam lost her last election in Upper St. Clair by two points. She should win this time with a solid margin. They are having Text Thursday nights for Pam and phone banking on Wednesday and Saturday. Fran Campbell suggested sending postcards. Pam also has two new field organizers, Ali Chaudhry and Grace DuBoise. Ali reported that an application to vote by mail will be sent to everyone with a postage paid reply envelope. Ali also asked for help delivering signs to Upper St. Clair and surrounding areas. Ali and Grace report to Tom.
Deb Allen and Mary McIntyre spoke about Sharon Guidi’s fundraiser on September 13. She is having a safe scavenger hunt which will start and end at the Lion’s Club. Deb asked for one additional clue handler in Upper St. Clair for the scavenger hunt. Deb also said that they are sending postcards for Sharon, have put out a lot of signs this past weekend, and doing everything virtually.
Election. Jason Fincke said we need to send all independents a letter about our concerns regarding Trump as president and why they should vote Democratic. Jason wrote the letter. Bernadette Fincke will have a list of independents by Ward/District next Tuesday. Mary McIntyre stated that the Democrats need the independents’votes in this election. There was concern that enough poll workers would be available. Fran Campbell and Linda Descutner will be working at the polls. Participants agreed that there isn’t a need for poll watchers. Alicia Hawkins said that 17-year olds can work the polls. Alicia’s father has worked with teenagers at the polls. Peter Schnore also has volunteered to work the polls. Mary McIntyre suggested that calling Shirley McClory is another option. September 15 is the date the state will be mailing out ballots for those who applied for mail-in voting.
Alex Franco cautioned that handling someone else’s ballot is a crime. Everyone must mail their ballot in person, or take it in person. Alex said that for this election, Pennsylvania has the most resources he has ever seen. Alex also said that the Democratic Party has already started hiring attorneys and volunteer attorneys. Kristin Fiori, an attorney, volunteered.
New Business
Tom Duerr gave a county council update saying the council passed legislation in reference to the Pittsburgh police and also approved paid sick leave. Peter Schnore questioned the approved paid sick leave. Tom answered that the sick leave is the same as the city of Pittsburgh, three paid sick days accrued over a period of time. The city sick leave was already challenged and upheld in court.
Peter’s wife, Jen Schnore was appointed to the School Board; she is the only Democrat on the Board. Jen said that school will be delayed until the first Thursday in September. There will be an on-line start. After that, there will be a choice of hybrid or fully remote. All students in one family will have the same schedule. Wednesday will be a cleaning day. Desks will be six feet apart. There will be barrier Plexiglas and masks will be worn at all times except for eating and ten minute breaks. They will be following Governor Wolf’s plan. Jen said that the teachers’ union is mostly in support of what the school is doing. Elise Schuerle stated the superintendent said that Upper St. Clair is following the hybrid plan because of Governor Wolf’s mandate. If residents are not happy, they should let the governor know they are not happy.
Jen also stated that Mt. Lebanon will be starting school online for the first nine weeks
The meeting ended at 8:21pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Descutner
by admin | Jul 22, 2020 | USC Democratic Committee
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USC Democratic Committee Meeting Minutes
Zoom Meeting – June 23, 2020
Mary McIntyre welcomed Zoom participants to the on-line meeting at 7:03pm.
The group discussed the Senate race and the importance of electing a Democrat. They also discussed concern about the Supreme Court, in particular Ruth Ginsburg
Mary asked for approval for the May and June minutes. Approval for May minutes was made by Erin Urban, seconded by Peg Babnik. Approval for June minutes was made by Peg Babnik, seconded by Fran Campbell. All approved
Peg Babnik read the treasurers report. The Committee had a balance of $3,179.76, less postage of $92.80, leaving a new balance of $3,086.96. Mary stated that we are spending more on postage than ever before, but that it is worth it.
Peg Babnik said that sending postcards to high school students was valuable. Sidd Mulherjee wanted to know what was actually written on the postcards sent to graduating seniors. Mary said that she did attend a high school Democratic Club meeting. Deb Allen said the high school has a day that clubs showcase at the beginning of the school year. Deb suggested that Mary attend and show interest on that day.
Tom Doerr was in attendance. He attended the County Council meeting and gave updates. He stated that it was a low-key meeting. A bill was passed to ban the use of tear gas. Also paid sick leave was approved for council legislation. There was also a progressive move; they are trying to pass a Civilian Police Review Board.
Tom Doerr is also Pam Iovino’s campaign manager. He said that there was less than 50% participation in the primary and 80% voted by mail. The mail-in ballot really helped Democrats. The County mailed a request form to everyone in the county that did not request one – 1.2 million for the County (election expenses). Tom and his group are putting together a summer plan to reach out to voters. July 5 through September 5, they are going to1) text, 2) canvas / telephone, and 3) send a personalized letter. He will be working with Jason Fincke. Tom said that the Republicans have paid telephone and paid canvassing only. The Republicans do not have the infrastructure that the Democrats have. There will be a Zoom meeting next Tuesday (June 30) to discuss these activities. If anyone wants to attend the Zoom meeting, please send an email to Mary McIntyre. Jason said that there are 5,000 Upper St. Clair residents identified as Democrat and Independent. Jason asked for 20 to 30 helpers to 1) text, 2) canvas and telephone, and to send personalized letters.
Tom Durr said that Devlin Robinson (Republican) is a marine vet and a serious challenger to Pam. He has the infrastructure but no money. He said that Shaun Parnell is crazy and tying Devlin to Shaun will help the Democrats’ cause. Research on Devlin shows he is favorable towards rights of the NRA. November is not a special election, so Jason said we will have to work harder to help Pam.
Sidd Mulherjee questioned Tom Doerr about targeting Democrats and Independents. The Committee is targeting both, that is why the number 5,000 is high. Independents are 80% likely to vote Democratic; they are functionally Democratic per Tom.
Mary McIntyre asked anyone to send her an email if they would like to listen to the Board of Elections meeting with Rich Fitzgerald, Sam DeMarco, and Bethany Hallam. Mary said that 80% of the ballots sent out were returned. Rich, Sam and Bethany do not want any ballot extensions. They feel the voters have plenty of time to vote. Rich Fitzgerald also does not want a paper application because it is hard to read. Erin Urban said in mid-July voters could apply for a November ballot. Jodi McClelland questioned if the ballet request was for one year or always. There will be a video for poll training purposes. Every poll location will be open by law. D200 scanners will be used. The county would like to open mail-in ballots earlier than election day. Sam DeMarco requested a list of everyone working at each poll, Democrat or Republican.
Committee Reports
Data Mining
Bernadette Fincke stated that the Democrats did well with voting. Over 3,000 voted – 80% by mail. This was more votes than the Republicans – 37% voted total, and 21% voted by mail of that 37% total.
Elections
Jason Fincke said that Tom’s campaign is local. Jason would like to do something locally for the presidential election. Sidd Mulherjee stated that the United States needs to get rid of Trump for the world to see.
Communications
Erin Urban said that she has information to post on the Democratic Facebook group, Zoom, and the phone line.
Old Business
Jason Fincke asked if anyone heard from Katie Mazzocco.
New Business
Tyler Gellasch said that he has been working on politics for most of the last three months. He spent time working on the Federal bailout issue CARES Act to increase unemployment benefits. Tyler said that locally with the Upper St. Clair School Board they are making an effort to open things up in the fall. At the National level, no one thinks it will happen. The School Board has approved 1:1 chrome books for all students, part-time school or full-time online. Tyler also organized fundraiser for economic advisers of Biden’s campaign. It was a Zoom fundraiser in early July. Deb Allen suggested a community committee for planning the fall schedule. Peter Schnore said that the school district sent a questioner to school parents. School opening will be the decision of the school administrators, not the school board. Peter stated that everyone needs to be prepared not to go back to school this fall. Peter suggested that you let the school board know how you feel. Tyler Gellasch said that all states are different. Tyler said that maybe school will reopen two or three days per week, or one-half day for everyone. He also said that 80/20 parents are in favor of reopening without masks. Deb Allen stated that there is a lack of Department of Education guidance. Deb also said that a group is needed with different contingency plans. Tyler said that there is no money for pandemic response, only for Chrome books. Our school district does have a reserve budget. Peter Schnore said the school board can’t be too blunt, they are afraid of community backlash.
Mary McIntyre said that there were 45 new COVID19 cases reported on Monday. Peter Schnore said that 2/3 of people in stores are not wearing masks. Sidd Mulherjee said everyone should wear masks because it is putting his life and his kid’s life in danger. Jodi McClelland said the same as gun rights. Kristin Fiori said all Washington County courtrooms staff are wearing mask, however others were not wearing masks. Tyler Gellasch stated that in Virginia, the governor was concerned about forcing people to wear masks because fear of armed conflict. Tyler also stated that there is a legal liability to going back to the office. (Example: teachers union, state level employees) Basically, I sue you if I get sick. Fran Campell stated that there would be no way to prove sickness from work. Tyler said that there will be a lot of litigations.
Deb Allen asked about Elise Logan’s Commissioner seat opening. Erin Urban said that there were no specific timelines. Mary McIntyre said that she had not seen Elise recently. Deb Allen said there was nothing on the Commissioner’s website. Elise’s replacement must be someone in her district. Peter Schnore stated that we need to find the right candidate.
The meeting ended at 8:35pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Descutner
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by admin | Jun 23, 2020 | USC Democratic Committee
1. Welcome
2. Approval of April and May’s Minutes (see below)
Zoom Meeting – May 19, 2020
Mary McIntyre welcomed Zoom participants to the on-line meeting at 7:03pm.
Mary stated that approval of prior minutes will be at the next meeting.
Peg Babnik read the treasurer’s report. The Committee had a balance of $3,807.44, with two
check deductions, leaving a balance of $3,179.76.
Mary learned that three council members will be on the committee (Rich Fitzgerald, Sam
DeMarco, and Bethany Hallam) along with three people that work for the city.
Elections
Mary McIntyre spoke about the tracker system for mail-in ballots. It begins with the date the
application was received and then the date the ballot was sent. The sent-out ballot date is really
not the correct ballot date. There were also duplicate ballots printed with the same address and
name. Then the ballot is verified. The information then goes to another area to get stuffed and
then the ballot is mailed. Maria Miller said that the applications must be returned by May 26.
However Maria stated that not everyone received their ballot. If voters did not get a ballot, they
will need to fill out a provisional ballot. There were 148,000 ballots. Donna Kavo said that she
went online to request a ballot. If there are ballot questions call Rich Fitzgerald’s office 412-
350-6500. Rich’s office is also resourcing some of the ballot work because there are too many
ballots. The SURE System did go down in Allegheny County. Bring a black or blue pen to fill
out the ballot. The ballot will be placed in a locked box to be counted the next day. Erin Urban
said we should only use black ink for the ballots. Mary stated that if the voter did not enclose the
ballot in the security envelope, their ballot will not count. They will not let you fix your ballot.
There were 225,000 applications requested which is about 25%. The ballots will be stored in a
warehouse overnight with security. Mary said that Sam DeMarco R wanted to know who gets
picked to work. He wanted a list of workers. If three Democrats are working, Sam wants three
Republicans working. A motion passed for all workers to receive $200 for working the polls.
Mary also stated that there are many Democrats running for Auditor General.Data Mining
Bernadette Fincke said that 2,300 (41%) USC Democrats applied to vote by mail. 1250
Republicans applied to vote by mail.
Old Business
A motion passed to send $200 to Katie Mazzocco to help with COVID expenses. Mary
McIntyre said that when she contacted Manor Care (to donate a lunch) they said there are 15
employees and we need to handle the lunch ourselves.New Business
Ellen Simon stated that she took it upon herself to send a postcard to every graduating high
school senior reminding them to register to vote. She incurred $130 in postage. Peg Babnik
made a motion to reimburse Ellen for her postage of $130. The motion passed. Ellen stated that
she also posted our Zoom meeting dates on USC Progressive site.
Deb Allen talked about having our meetings at the USC Rec Center picnic pavilion. Deb also
questioned about how to get Biden signs. Jason Fincke said that he got his sign from Steve
Nance. Terry Aiken will contact ASCEND to get signs.
The meeting ended at 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Descutner
___________________________________
by admin | May 3, 2020 | USC Democratic Committee
USC Democratic Committee Meeting Minutes
Zoom Meeting – April 28, 2020
Mary McIntyre welcomed Zoom participants to the on-line meeting at 7:03pm.
Mary asked for approval of the minutes. Fran Campbell moved to approve, Maria Miller seconded. Minutes were approved.
Peg Babnik read the treasurers report. The Committee had a balance of $3,807.44, with two outstanding checks, which leaves a balance of $3,587.00 in the account.
Committee Reports
Communications
Mary said that because of social distancing, there will be no fundraiser. Peg Babnick said that perhaps in the fall we can have an activity. Mary said that the USC Democratic Committee high school scholarship is not going to happen this year.
Elections
Mary gave an update on the Department of Elections online meeting which ran one hour, fifteen minutes. Jason Fincke and Deb Allen also viewed this meeting. There were 90,000 requested mail-in forms, and 35,000 votes were processed as of last Thursday. Rich Fitzgerald would like to limit the number of polling places to one per township. They are currently waiting for the state to approve this request. There are 800,000 voters in Allegheny County. They are going to mail out applications for mail-in votes to everyone. Bernadette Fincke reported that 13% of Democrats in Upper St. Clair applied for the main-in ballot; very few Republicans applied.
Mary also spoke about the Zoom meeting for Joe Biden’s campaign, which was also viewed by George Bockosk, Deb, Allen, and Jason Fincke. Jason said that it was suggested that posters should be posted in windows thanking workers. George also commented about the posters, saying that Joe Biden’s name (at the bottom of the poster) was hard to read from the street.
Erin Urban reported that she attended a Zoom meting for Southwest Pennsylvania. They are going to have a letter writing campaign.
Mary reminded everyone that Sharon Guidi is organizing a calling campaign for her election.
There are few campaign signs because employees are not working. Mary does have Mike Lamb signs for distribution.
Jason Fincke named individuals that sent letters to all wards/districts. He thanked them and reported that there was terrific response.
Mary said that she receives calls to the Allegheny County Democrat Committee phones. She then sends out requested information.
Data Mining
Bernadette Fincke reported that Vote Builder is updated daily
New Business
Mary McIntyre reported that Don Williams 4-4 sent in his resignation at committeeman. Alex Cashman will be the new committeeman for 4-4.
Katie Mazzocco phoned in and said that she is on day 49 of COVID. She does not know if she is still contagious. She has had fevers, headache, nausea, stomach problems, cough, lung pain, and has been in the ER three times. Her first test was negative, but two weeks ago she tested positive. She thanked her husband Jesse for doing “everything.” The group asked if she needed anything, or could help in any way.
Mary would like to have Zoom meetings every two weeks on Tuesday at 7pm.
Deb Allen suggested that the Committee do some outreach within the community to show appreciation. She suggested pizza and drinks to say thank you to workers and get some positive PR. Bethel Park Manor Care was suggested. Blaine Aiken said that Terry’s father is residing at that location.
The meeting ended abruptly with Zoom closing at 7:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Descutner