Constitution Party of Montana
State Convention—Helena
April 4, 2009

Jorgenson’s Inn of Helena hosted the Constitution Party of Montana State Convention held April 4, 2009.  Rick Jore, presiding chairman, called the convention to order with prayer.  Ella Anderson held up the colors of the united States as conventioneers pledged the flag and sang all four verses of “America” accompanied by Nancy Jore and directed by Eric Creel.  Rick welcomed members, visitors and guests. 

Changes to the bylaws were introduced by Diane Rotering.  Discussion and revisions were made to define functioning county committees.  Kandi moved to accept the amended bylaws.  The motion carried.

Clarence Rotering introduced a Resolution to refine the Party Platform from the heading of “Gun Control” to now read “Gun Rights.”  The motion to thus amend the party platform was accepted with a unanimous vote.

Election of officers to serve two year terms placed the following persons in office:

Chairman:  Rick Jore
Vice Chairman:  Kandi Matthew-Jenkins
Secretary:  Diane Rotering
Treasurer:  Gilbert Turner
Public Relations Director:  Kandi Matthew-Jenkins
Parliamentarian:  David Anderson

Rick asked delegates to the National Constitution Party convention in Tampa, FL to give a summary of the action taken in regard to disaffiliation of the Nevada Party.   Rick, Jore, Bob Peck of Washington, and Diane Rotering gave their impressions.

Rick called on legislators to address those assembled.  Bob Wagner, Greg Hinkle, Joel Boniek gave reports of the 2009 session.  Gary Marbut, president of Montana Shooting Sports Association spoke about the progress of bills he had introduced.  Schaeffer Cox of Fairbanks spoke to us about the current trends in political activity in Alaska.

Due to time constraints, the keynote address on “Sovereignty” by Rick Jore was suspended until the next meeting.  Rick asked Diane to inspire those assembled with a recitation of Paul Revere’s Ride by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which she did.  Rick gave the parting invocation and the meeting adjourned.

Diane Rotering, Secretary
Attached:

Constitution Party of Montana State Convention (Attachments to minutes)

1)  By law revisions accepted April 4, 2009:

Article 2.2.1 The State Committee shall consist of a Chairman, Vice chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian, Public Relations Director, and two Committeemen from each functioning County Committee.  A functioning County Committee is one having a slate of officers, a least one meeting semiannually, and a charter.  A County Committee may, but is not required to file its name and charter with the County.  A functioning County Committee must keep minutes of its meetings, and keep a public record of its financial activities.

If possible, and except for Chairman and Vice Chairman, each officer shall have a qualified elected alternate to fill vacancies, either temporary or permanent, should such arise.  An officer may fill more than one office upon election at the State Convention; however, any person holding multiple offices shall have only one vote.

The State Committee shall consist of the officers and any active or honorary member of the Constitution Party of Montana who is present.  A quorum shall consist of 2/3 of the officers plus any active or honorary members at a regularly scheduled assembly.  If there is anyone holding multiple offices, those offices shall be considered one office in respect to counting for a quorum.  A quorum shall consist of a majority of all officers and committeemen.  Only the officers and committeemen shall vote in the conduct of business.

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2)  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Constitution Party of Montana amends the Constitution Party Platform heading from “Gun Control” to “Gun Rights.”