Republican Party Organizational Meeting

On July 21, Cass County Republican Party Organizational Meeting was called to order at the Cass County Historical Courthouse, in Linden, TX at 6:00 p.m. by County Chair Carolyn Lance. Executive Committee members in attendance were Tony Cates, Margaret Parker, Mike Lee, Jean Cothren, Jude Schexnyder, Kay Burton, Bob Vernon, Allen Wylie, and Diane Schexnyder.

Guests in attendance were Travis Ransom, Lonnie Neff, Kay Neff, David Cothren, Carole West, Robert West, Charles Riley, Sharon Riley, Latricia Kennedy, John McIntyre, Earl Kubin, Louella Vernon, Phil Parker, Christina Elliott, Anna Barber, and David Boucher.

Welcome remarks to guests were made by County chair, Carolyn Lance. Mike Lee gave the invocation. Jude Schexnyder led the pledges to U.S. and Texas Flags.

The first order of business was the appointment of Margaret Parker as temporary secretary by Carolyn Lance. Then, Travis Ransom, Cass County Judge was introduced by Lance.

Judge Ransom welcomed the attendees to the Historical Courthouse and spoke about the history of the Courthouse, the importance of precinct chairs, and the part they played in electing the U.S. Congressman for District 4 in 2020. He also spoke of the upcoming meeting to fill the vacancy in nomination for the 6th Court of Appeals on August 6th at 1:00 pm.

In his welcome message, Ransom said that the County Courthouse is a cornerstone of our community. It is where we come to air grievances, seek justice, sort out our differences, and find help when we are in need. It is where we document and keep the records of our lives and those that came before us. Cass County has a rich history and a bright future. He then quoted Jimmy Doolittle of Doolittle’s raiders who said, “There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” It is the volunteer who loves their community and country enough to contribute time, money, and resources to make a place better for the next generation. It’s serving a cause bigger than oneself. He then spoke from Mathew

22:34-40 and exhorted those in attendance to “love your neighbor as thyself.”

“So much so that you have chosen to volunteer your precious time, talent, and treasure in the work of providing the critical infrastructure to our republic form of democracy. I’ve often said that democracy doesn’t work, you have to work it. It takes participation from voters, it takes people willing to volunteer, and it takes people who love their community and want to have a meaningful impact on the world around them and preserve our liberties for the next generation. The call to public service is a fulfilling one. The ability to help others is a feeling like no other. It is often a thankless job. In today’s polarizing environment it is refreshing to see folks get involved, grab the bull by the horns, and lead.”

Travis Ransom proceeded with the investiture of Lance as the duly elected County Chair and the investiture of duly elected County Precinct Chairs in attendance.

Thereafter Lance discussed the adoption of the By-Laws and asked for the vote. All in favor of adopting the By-Laws as written say Yes and all opposed to adopting the By-Laws as written say No. The By-Laws were adopted unanimously.

Lance discussed the duties of a permanent Secretary as the person who would be responsible to accept candidate applications and fees and be a signer on the Red River Bank account to be able to perform the banking duties. She asked for a nomination for permanent Secretary

Margaret Parker was nominated by Tony Cates, and seconded by Mike Lee.

Carolyn Lance asked for any additional nominations and there being none, called for a vote.

The nomination was then accepted by unanimous vote.

Margaret Parker accepted the position along with the duties and will replace Rena Schaeffer as a signer on the bank account with Red River Credit Union.

Lance then appointed Mike Lee as Resolution Chair,

Allen Wylie as Parliamentarian, Jude Schexnyder as Vice Chair and Diane Schexnyder as Treasurer.

Lance discussed the need for filling precinct chairs vacancies for the following precincts: 13T – Atlanta; 16 - Bloomburg; 11 - Douglasville; and 19 - McLeod.

Jean Cothren nominated David Boucher for Precinct 11 Chair and Second by Jude Schexnyder. The nomination was accepted by unanimous vote. Ramson then administered the Oath of Office to David Boucher.

The Financial Report was distributed and Carolyn Lance discussed the reasons for the two different bank accounts. There being no further questions or corrections to the Financial Report it will be filed for audit.

Carolyn Lance discussed the need for recruitment and training of Poll Watchers and suggested that anyone with questions should speak with Jude Schexnyder who has been through the training.

Mike Lee, Resolution Chair, presented an example of a resolution to Censure of U.S. Senator John Cornyn III”. Speaking to proceed with a censure were Mike Lee, Jude Schexnyder, Paul Hale, Charles Riley, and Kay Burton. Carolyn Lance asked if anyone wanted to speak against the resolution. With no one speaking against a censure, a vote was called for those in support to proceed with the censure process to stand.

All Precinct Chairs stood. Carolyn Lance abstained from the vote.

Lance spoke again about the importance of the 6th Court of Appeals District Executive Committee meeting to fill the vacancy in nomination on August 6th at 1:00 in Pittsburg, TX at the Region 8 Education Service Center.

Lance also announced that there was a “Lite Snack” available in the next room after adjournment. Two door prizes were awarded to Mike Lee and Charles Riley. There being no further announcements or business the Organizational Meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm. Margaret Parker, Secretary took notes of the meeting that were used in this story.