I want to thank all the precinct chairs that attended the County Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. I would also like to thank the members of Texas Democratic Party for coming down and presenting an overview of 2018. As we move into the Legislative Session we will be working closely with our state party and Bexar County Legislative Delegation to assist them in pushing forward our collective agenda.
After the numerous phone calls I have received throughout the week, I believe it is important that I address some of the incidents that occurred at Tuesday’s CEC meeting.
The Party Secretary, Garrett Mormando, tried introducing an agenda that was not approved by our Steering Committee. A vote was taken at the CEC meeting and the Steering Committee agenda was moved forward.
During the CEC meeting, the Secretary and Treasurer, Stephanie Carrillo, walked out of the meeting as we were preparing to swear-in incoming precinct chairs. I would like to thank Jack Guerra for stepping in as Acting Secretary for the remainder of the meeting.
We welcomed 15 precinct chairs and six precinct coordinators into the party. The Recruitment Committee has several precinct chair applications that are currently being reviewed.
During the meeting, I did have an individual removed for being extremely disruptive and aggressive to our fellow members. It is imperative that during our meetings we maintain a sense of decorum and respect towards one another, even when we disagree. We cannot and will not tolerate acts of physical aggression or verbal abuse in our party.
During our CEC meeting, members of the Executive Committee passed around a draft resolution that had been discussed at an Executive Council meeting, which was held on Monday, December 10, 2018. The only officers present at that meeting were the Secretary and Deputy Chair Norma Witherspoon. Because there was no quorum at this meeting, any action taken there—including the resolution—is null and void.
During Tuesday’s meeting, I did inform the CEC that I have yet to receive access to pertinent documents such as financial records, meeting minutes and passwords for party platforms, etc. I have formally requested these documents and received notice in response to this request that the Secretary and Treasurer have retained legal counsel to contest my right to access these documents.
As such, I have been forced to retain my own counsel. History has shown us the importance of transparency and fiscal integrity within our party, which is why I am insisting that these documents be made available.
In the interest of moving our party forward, I am announcing the formation of an ad hoc committee, which will be called the Bexar County Democratic Party Transparency and Financial Integrity Commission.
This Commission will review procedures, financial documents, and other records of the various activities that are taking place within the Bexar County Democratic Party. This Commission will periodically report back to our County Executive Committee as they begin their work.
I am also announcing an ad hoc committee called the Special Projects Committee. This group will help with put together fundraisers for the party and develop other special projects.
I would like to thank you all for your patience and your support of both myself and our party. We are stronger when we work together.
Respectfully,
Chairwoman Monica Alcantara Bexar County Democratic Party
