Two Advisory Resolutions will appear on Milwaukee County ballots for the election on November 8, 2022.

ADVISORY REFERENDUM
Should the Wisconsin Legislature prohibit the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semi-automatic “military-style” firearms whose prohibition is allowed under the Wisconsin and United States Constitutions?

ADVISORY REFERENDUM
Do you favor allowing adults 21 years of age and older to engage in the personal use of marijuana, while also regulating commercial marijuana-related activities, and imposing a tax on the sale of marijuana?

1. What are the current responsibilities of this office?
   
   Doug La Follette:
        The SoS office currently oversees a handful of duties regarding the maintenance of state records, stewardship of the state seal, and the issuance of apostilles. The Secretary also serves as one of the three members of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, where they help manage the normal school fund.
   
   Alexia Sabor:
        Currently, this office has three important responsibilities. One is serving on the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, which oversees 77,000 acres of natural areas in Wisconsin and manages $1.1B in trust funds. Protecting and managing those lands is critical because they provide funds for Wisconsin’s school libraries and because climate change is a real threat to every species, including us.
        The second important function is issuing apostilles, which are frequently required to conduct business overseas or complete overseas adoptions.
        Lastly, the office is responsible for filing and keeping records of official actions of the governor and legislature.
   
   
2. What is the importance of the office – why is it valuable to keep it an elected office rather than an appointment by the Governor?
   
   Doug La Follette:
        The position of the Secretary was created with the ideal of being an independent keeper of records that could answer specifically to the voters. While these duties have decayed since the beginning, the Secretary’s position as an independent administrator gives the office a strong, independent advocate and spokesperson.
   
   Alexia Sabor:
        This statewide office performs vital functions for businesses and individuals and should be answerable to the people. The governor still has the power to appoint someone to fill a vacancy in this seat, but voters get to choose at election time. To have this position appointed rather than elected would also concentrate power in our constitutional offices, which we should avoid given current right-wing trends toward authoritarianism. As a statewide office it’s also immune to partisan gerrymandering, which means people still have the power to hold the Secretary of State accountable.
   
   
3. What responsibilities that were stripped from the office would you try to restore, and how? Are there other responsibilities that could be incorporated into this job?
   
   Doug La Follette:
        The most important duties to restore would be oversight over the corporations, notaries, and trademarks. These duties were removed without much thought and have created multiple areas of inefficiency and overlap between the SoS office and the Department of Financial institutions. This would need to be done through an act of the legislature, which makes for an incredibly difficult task with our current Republican majority.
        If we were to create a wishlist, I would like to eventually see the reintegration and expansion of record-keeping authority to the office, as that was the initial thought behind its creation.
   
   Alexia Sabor:
        I plan to review the responsibilities that have been removed from the office over the last 40 years and examine to whom those responsibilities have been moved and how much more that costs taxpayers in additional salaries or reduced capacities for other services. I think it’s a fine idea to grow the office and restore some of its past responsibilities but that’s going to happen in conversation with voters, who should have a voice in reshaping the office, and not because right-wing extremists want to manipulate the office to their advantage.
        I’m running for fairness and transparency for all the people of Wisconsin, so I oppose partisan oversight of our elections and would not want the Secretary of State to be the only person to certify election results, as the Republicans are seeking. It would be a dangerous concentration of power to have elections certified by a single person. Instead, we should bring back the Government Accountability Board, which was a national model for nonpartisan election oversight.
   
   
4. Why are you the best choice to fill this role?
   
   Doug La Follette:
        I am the best choice because I will win against any Republican this November. The office is being seriously threatened by Republicans who would see the reintroduction of elections powers into the office, thereby creating a system that would shift this state into full Republican control. I have a proven track record of winning this office even in years where the Republicans win the governorship and every other constitutional office.
   
   Alexia Sabor:
        I will bring a fresh perspective and new energy to this office. I’ll elevate the importance of the Secretary of State by using it as a loudspeaker for democracy to educate voters and push back on attempts to undermine our elections.
        I have a Masters degree in Conservation Biology & Sustainable Development and a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology & Management. I’m also currently Chair of the Democratic Party of Dane County, and as such I have successfully worked to increase voter turnout, help voters understand how governments and political parties work, and protect our elections. For more info visit SaborForWI.com.

1. What issues concern you the most in this newly created district, considering its wide-ranging needs and priorities?
   
   Bryan Kennedy:
        The state imposes mandates and restrictions on local governments. The end result of the state’s “big brother” tactics to deal with cities, villages and school districts creates the funding and equity issues we see in a district like the 10th. Some municipalities are equipped to deal with the lack of shared aid, while others struggle to comply with state mandates and to deal with the needs of their residents.
        Restoring the state shared revenue percentages and lifting restrictions on cities, villages and school boards will allow local elected officials to do their jobs and to better meet local needs.
   
   Darrin Madison:
        First, and foremost, this district needs a state representative that has personal and professional experience with working across silos and communities. My work with Urban Underground and Rep. David Bowen has spanned Glendale, Shorewood, and Milwaukee to increase youth leadership, community engagement, and equity. The policy issues that I have experience with, and am passionate about, are relevant to diverse groups of voters and stakeholders. The solutions to those issues rely on diverse groups working together.
        Once elected, I think District 10 will be an example of cross-sector collaboration and policy development that will be known across the state. It's what I've been doing since age 13, based on my values and vision for healthy intergenerational communities. Specifically, better policy to support youth, seniors, sustainability, education, municipal shared revenue and County services are opportunities I will look for in Madison.
   
   
2. Milwaukee County has experienced severe health inequality in many ways; how has it impacted this particular area and how do you think we should mitigate disparity in health outcomes?
   
   Bryan Kennedy:
        As a Mayor, I have worked with County Executive Crowley in his efforts to make Milwaukee County the healthiest county in Wisconsin by achieving racial equity. When we work to dismantle institutional and structural racism, foster greater inclusion, and fund health programming that provides for those who have the greatest need, we can close the disparity gap in health outcomes. This program is making great strides in the county. A model like what we are doing in Milwaukee County taken to a state level is the prototype to mitigate disparities among other populations in the state—African American, Latino, Tribal, et al.
   
   Darrin Madison:
        I am a stronger candidate in this area. We can't always look for more money- first we have to leverage the available resources by increasing diversity in representation and community leadership. All residents can see the issues from their perspectives, the people most impacted have the most insight to offer. I am experienced in this type of policy and budget development. While I plan to fight for equitable policy in Madison with my colleagues, I will be an accountability partner locally to ensure that ongoing education and action leads to better outcomes.
        I was 12 votes short of being elected as County Board Supervisor- the years I spent preparing for that role will allow me to work strategically with counties to leverage all available resources for health, equity, and safety in our district, and across the state.  My focus on social determinants of health will inform policy that I introduce and support so that all communities have access to affordable health care and a clean environment.
   
   
3. What can the legislature do to aid economic and small business development in this district?
   
   Bryan Kennedy:
        I serve on the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Commission. MMSD policy prioritizes small, women-owned and minority-owned business enterprises (SWMBE) in its contracting. Creating state policies that encourage the same prioritization will assist the growth of small businesses. In addition, the state should utilize the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation as a type of state-run Small Business Association. Instead of handouts to large corporations, WEDC should prioritize SWMBE, as well.
   
   Darrin Madison:
        Wisconsin has some strong policy in this area, TIF law, in particular. Local resistance to change, and unproductive partnerships or lack of coordination can prevent districts from taking advantage of these opportunities. It's obviously the Legislature's job to pass policy, however, it's my job to make sure that my district knows how to access the allocated funds or tools to support the local economy.  I have seen state electeds be effective in advocating at both levels and that is what I will do. I have relationships throughout the region to support non-traditional partnerships to address some of the barriers for small businesses, workforce development, and equitable and sustainable economic development. I have collaborated with every type of elected official on advancing equitable communities. I have been part of very diverse teams without feeling the need to call attention to that. It's natural for me. 
   
   
4. It is very likely that anyone elected to represent this district will vote in a similar manner to other candidates. What can you particularly do to make an impact in the legislature and the state, given that Democrats are in a rather powerless minority?
   
   Bryan Kennedy:
        I have built relationships with Republicans in the legislature in order to get things for the City of Glendale. As an active member of the League of Municipalities, I have worked with Mayors in both parties. I plan to engage other local elected officials (mayors, alders, county supervisors, school board members, et al) serving in the Assembly and work with members of both parties to pursue issues of local impact. I believe I can build coalitions to make bipartisan changes in those areas.
   
   Darrin Madison:
        It's not only about how we vote, it's about how we work and share leadership to arrive at the best outcome. I actually would argue that my particular experience doing policy advocacy at the local, state, and national levels of government provides a niche in the assembly to introduce legislation that brings innovation to the state of Wisconsin. I’ve worked with Legislators throughout the country that have passed legislation with bipartisan support that have been effective in equitably impacting their municipalities, states, and our country.
        This is possible in our state because there is bi-partisan support for climate action in our state as it relates to community solar, the conversion of greenhouse gasses into renewable energy, and building a realistic green career pipeline in our state. What’s missing is a racial equity lens.
        What I’ll bring to the state capital that no one else in this race can bring is a bold progressive strategy to build diverse bi-partisan coalitions to take action that will benefit all Wisconsinites and ensure the working-class and other marginalized communities are protected. Lastly when actions that attack our most marginalized communities are being taken whether that is on the legislative floor or directly in our District, I will be there as stakeholder and effective consensus builder. This is the kind of leader I am.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Website | Facebook

Denita Ball
Website | email

Anna Maria Hodges
email

1. What role does the Lieutenant Governor have in promoting the state – what new areas do we need to explore in promotion of business, residency, and tourism?
   
   Peng Her:
   As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a strong partner to Governor Evers and his administration. I would look forward to hearing from the Governor regarding the areas on which he’d like me to focus my skills and experience. As an immigrant, and as a member of Wisconsin’s growing Hmong Community, I would advocate for a role in helpful in ensuring Wisconsin is a welcoming place to immigrants. Our policies – for example on driver’s licenses – should be a signal to immigrants that we value their contributions and potential to help enrich the culture and energize the economy of our State.
   
   Sara Rodriguez:
   As Lieutenant Governor two areas I want to focus on are entrepreneurship and the environment. Wisconsin has one of the lowest rates for startup businesses/entrepreneurs in the country. Increasing business mentorship programs, access to startup funding in the form of grants and investment capital, and supporting and expanding existing regional economic development programs will enable more Wisconsinites to launch and grow successful businesses.
   
   Addressing health care costs - one of the biggest concerns identified by those thinking of starting a business – will help remove barriers to new business development. Working together with public and private entities, we can capitalize on federal, state and private funding and programs to create an environment that not only allows current residents to remain in Wisconsin earning family supporting wages, but attracts new residents to our state.
   
   
2. How can you build on the advances made in Mandela Barnes’ administration in the areas of sustainability and green infrastructure?
   
   Peng Her:
   My background and experience will enable me to build on that legacy. As an avid outdoors person, I know firsthand what happens if we do not take action to protect the environment. As a scientist I understand the science of global warming and I know it is an existential threat to our world. We must reduce our CO2 emissions.
   
   I have worked with communities, and communities of color, on issues including PCBs and PFAS. I led an initiative to help address PCB’s in the drinking water in Madison. I also successfully advocated for the Madison Water Utility to create a comprehensive plan to address well contamination. I oversaw the operations of a building that was constructed to Platinum LEED standards and that included solar, geothermal heat to heat concrete floor, and the capture of rainwater from the roof of the building into 20,000-gallon underground tank.
   
   We need to continue to ignite the green economy including job creation through manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels in Wisconsin. Wisconsin, and the US, should be a leader in fighting climate change. I look forward to working with Governor Evers to build Wisconsin’s sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
   
   Sara Rodriguez:
   Our current Lt. Governor, Mandela Barnes, has championed Wisconsin’s environment, and I would like to continue to build upon his work. My family and I are avid hikers, bikers and campers. We love Wisconsin’s environment and I want to make sure that we protect our state’s valuable natural resources. As Lieutenant Governor I will to work to safeguard our state’s unique ecosystems, upon which so much of our economy, health, recreation, and general quality of life depend.
   
   As Wisconsin begins to implement and allocate infrastructure funds, I believe it is critical that we do so in a way that doesn’t just repair the infrastructure from our past, but anticipates 21st century infrastructure needs. I personally drive an electric vehicle and know that in order for Wisconsin to make this a realistic option for residents, we need to expand Wisconsin’s EV infrastructure network, and prepare our workforce for electrification jobs and career pathways.
   
   Additionally, we need to address critical water infrastructure needs and drinking water improvements, and storm and wastewater improvements; invest in mass transit and mobility solutions; improve state and local parks and trails to enhance tourism and boost the outdoor recreation industry; eliminate inequities in access to broadband for households, farmers and other small businesses; and focus on housing in underserved rural and urban areas of our state.
   
   
3. In what additional policy areas can the Lieutenant Governor lead and have an impact of value to Wisconsin voters, recognizing that the needs in rural and urban areas sometimes but not always overlap?
   
   In addition we must protect our democracy. It is our responsibility to advocate for policies and strategy that expand access to voting rights, including, expanded early voting and highlighting inequities and inequalities of re-entry restoration. Wisconsin deserves leadership who will center building relationships with our communities. Creating collective strategies developed and executed by the impacted.
   
   Peng Her:
   There is one very important issue affecting both rural and urban areas and on which the Lieutenant Governor can have an impact. Access to broadband is no longer something just “nice” to have: it is a necessity for businesses, students, and employers throughout Wisconsin. Estimates are that about 1.3 million Wisconsin households either don’t have access to or cannot afford high speed internet. The problem exists in both rural and urban areas.
   
   Both Republicans and Democrats in the legislature recognize the need for the State to invest in this area and to create public-private partnerships do so. My background and career have shown I can bring people together to find common ground, to develop collaborative solutions, and to solve tough problems. I would make broadband a public utility.
   
   Additionally, there is a childcare shortage throughout Wisconsin. Research shows that for every dollar invested in high-quality early childhood education, society gains up to $7.30 in economic returns over the long term. Because of my expertise and passion in early education, Governor Evers appointed me to his Early Childhood Advisory Committee and his transition team on What’s Best for Kids Advisory Council focused on policy related to children and family.
   
   Sara Rodriguez:
   With my strong background in healthcare, ranging from direct patient care to executive level healthcare management, I know we must address the caregiver shortage that is affecting Wisconsin and our nation. As a nurse, I believe that no one should have to go into debt just to get the medical care they need. In the Assembly, I led the fight to expand BadgerCare, and as Lieutenant Governor I will continue to fight for affordable, quality health care access for all. As a public health professional, I view many issues through the lens of public health, including gun violence and community safety, mental health and substance abuse, and climate change. The pandemic once again exposed the disparities in access to care and the inequities that exist within our healthcare system. As Lieutenant Governor I will work every day to address the unique challenges residents of our state face in accessing the health care they need, and will fight every day to improve the quality of life for every person in Wisconsin.
   
   
4. What in your background and value system makes you the Lieutenant Governor that Wisconsin needs now?
   
   Peng Her:
   I will lift up the voices of all Wisconsinites to make our State stronger, fairer, and more welcoming. I am a first generation American. I was born in Laos in 1971 during the Vietnam War. My father was a schoolteacher before having to join the army and my mother took care of the family farm while raising my five siblings and me. Because of the Hmong’s alliance with the United States during the war, we were targeted for genocide. My family fled our home.
   
   After living in a refugee camp in Thailand, we emigrated to America. On December 12, 1976, we landed in Des Moines, Iowa and 10 years later became United States citizens. I put myself through college and graduate school, earning my master’s in Physics at DePaul University. My wife and I have three children, two in college and one in high school.
   
   My children are living proof that the American dream endures. My values are Wisconsin values: hard work, respect for your neighbors, faith, and a commitment to fair play and equal opportunity. Those are the values, and that is the life experience, that makes me the Lt. Governor Wisconsin needs now.
   
   Sara Rodriguez:
   I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I love Wisconsin. My roots run deep with grandparents who operated a small dairy farm in Richland County where my mom went to school in a one room school house through 8th grade. I still have family in Wisconsin and Minnesota that operate family farms, and I want to ensure our rural and farm communities have access to resource to continue the generations long legacy of sustainable farming. I moved away for college, but returned to help care for my father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in his 60’s. He was a Vietnam veteran, and even with my healthcare background it was challenging to get him the care he needed. I want to make sure no other family in Wisconsin has to face those same barriers to accessing the care they or their loved ones have earned and deserve. I feel fortunate to have been raised in a union values family and know that family-supporting wages are the foundation for a vibrant middle class in Wisconsin. As Lieutenant Governor, I will support investments in technical assistance, and workforce and talent development to foster entrepreneur and small business growth and success in Wisconsin. My husband and I knew we wanted to raise our family in Wisconsin, to have our children experience all that Wisconsin has to offer. I feel fortunate to have our children in a public education system where they can grow and succeed. A fully funded public education system is critical to creating thriving communities. As Lieutenant Governor, I will advocate for birth through college opportunities so that all students and families have equitable access to education throughout their life, and ensure that every child has access to the social support and mental health resources they need to live healthy lives. I believe that my values and experience enable me to be a strong voice for all Wisconsinites.
   
   
5. Why do you feel that you would be Governor Evers most effective partner in winning the 2022 election?
   
   Peng Her:
   Many people urged me to run for Lt. Governor because the combination of my leadership experience, lived experience, and ability to organize and energize voters make me the strongest candidate. As an executive, I’ve led diverse teams and created public-private partnerships. As a small business owner, I met a payroll and learned firsthand about what it takes to make a business succeed. I’ve made change happen at the national, state, and local level. My career has been about making communities stronger.
   
   Currently, I am the CEO of the Hmong Institute, a non-profit that provides training and education to improve health care and educational achievements for communities of color throughout Wisconsin.
   
   My background also includes leading community development and promise zone initiatives as well as overseeing outreach for a cutting-edge program at UW Madison designed to help eliminate poverty. Voters are excited by my candidacy. Our campaign is strong and inclusive. I know how to work with people to get things done and solve tough problems. I am a tenacious fighter who will stand up for our shared values. I want to put these skills to work for the people of Wisconsin and to ensure we re-elect Governor Evers.
   
   Sara Rodriguez:
   Voters across Wisconsin consistently identify education and healthcare as two primary issues facing residents. Governor Evers’ strong education background and my broad experience in healthcare is a strong combination. I will not only be a strong partner on the campaign trail, but also in the Executive office to help lead our state alongside Governor Evers. Additionally, I was one of the few state candidates in the country to flip a seat in 2020. I know how to reach voters and win in a purple district, and I know the work it’s going to take to win in a purple state this year. We’ve been building a strong statewide campaign infrastructure since November 2021, and have earned the endorsement of more than 60 state and local elected officials, including 13 of my colleagues in the Assembly and Senate, representing 2/3 of Wisconsin. We have a full-time organizing staff talking with voters across the state, making sure they are ready to vote. I have already traveled to or met with voters in the majority of Wisconsin counties, and our campaign will continue to engage and organize in all 72 counties to turnout voters for Democrats up and down the ballot in August and November.

Mandela Barnes
Website | Facebook
Twitter | YouTube

We are excited to announce Grassroots North Shore's endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes for US Senate.  He has spent the last decade fighting for working people as a community organizer, state legislator, and as Lt. Governor. Mandela Barnes will be an authentic champion for all the people of Wisconsin in the US Senate.

Mandela’s priorities include:

• rebuilding the middle class,
• tackling climate change,
• supporting public education,
• ensuring access to health care,
• defending reproductive rights,
• and strengthening unions.

He is committed to fighting inflation by creating good jobs here in Wisconsin, making sure corporations and billionaires are paying their fair share, while lowering taxes on the middle class; empowering family farmers; strengthening manufacturing, and ensuring the endurance of our democracy. Mandela's work as Chair of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change brought together a coalition of farmers, environmental advocates, Indigenous leaders, and business executives to produce 55 concrete strategies on how Wisconsin can begin to address the climate crisis.

We know that Mandela will fight for our values, and we commend his dedication to community service and the public good.

Aaron Richardson
Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Attorney General Josh Kaul

Website 

Douglas J. LaFollette
Website

Governor Tony Evers

and running mate Sara Rodriguez

Website

The Administration Team has been discussing how, when and if to return to our office at 5600 W. Brown Deer Road.  Please fill out this questionnaire at your earliest convenience to give us your opinion about office use.  Once we receive everyone’s input (no later than April 18) we will convene a meeting to discuss the results and determine a plan of action.

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Early Voting Information for the November 8 General Election

Preliminary Information as of August 17

The deadline to request a ballot by mail is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022. However, please make your request ASAP to ensure timely delivery.

Voter Registration: Last day for voters to register by mail or online is on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2022. The last day to register during early in-person voting is Friday, November 4.

Generally, early voting takes place in the city, town or village hall. Each city, village, or town has its own COVID-19 policies. Please call ahead to find out what is required to vote early in person.

*On the Friday before Election Day (11/4/22), all early in-person offices are open until 5 pm.

Election Dates: 

Candidates

• Governor & Lieutenant Governor
• Secretary of State
• Attorney General
• Treasurer
• US Senate
• Assembly Districts 10, 23, 24, & 60
• 4th Congressional District
  
  
• Milwaukee County Clerk
• Milwaukee County Sheriff
• Milwaukee County Referendums

Voting in every election is vital to the health of our democracy and to good government in our communities. On myvote.wi.gov, you can 

• check your registration status;
• request absentee ballots — we suggest asking for the whole year's worth;
• review your ballot;
• find contact information for your municipal clerk;
• find your polling place.

WILL DEMOCRACY SURVIVE IN WISCONSIN? We hear from respected legal analyst, Jill Wine-Banks:

• Author of The Watergate Girl 
• Co-host, #SistersInLaw and iGenPolitics Podcasts
• Former Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutor
• General Counsel of US Army in Carter Administration

Democracy is once again in peril, and Wisconsin is a prime example.

We explore the statewide and national implications of the erosion of democracy with Ms. Wine-Banks, Representative Evan Goyke (moderator) and Wisconsin Representatives Deb Andraca and Jonathan Brostoff.

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RSVP Sunday, December 5th, 7-8:30 pm. You will receive a link to join the webinar when you sign up.

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Any donation is welcome. After you rsvp, you will be taken directly to the donation page!  Or, if you prefer, send a check to:

Grassroots North Shore
5600 W Brown Deer Rd, #116
Brown Deer, WI 53223

Please write "fundraiser" on the memo line.

For those of you (1st 15 people) who donate at the level of $200 or more, we have a special thank you gift, a sampler of four beers from The Minocqua Brewing Company.  

  

What we do and why you should support us . . .

ARTICLE I. NAME OF ORGANIZATION

The name of the organization shall be Grassroots North Shore (GRNS).

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

SECTION 1.

GRNS is registered as an Unincorporated Association with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

SECTION 2.

GRNS is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that works to advocate, educate and inform for progressive change and solutions.  Contributions to Grassroots North Shore are not tax deductible.

SECTION 3.

No monies from dues or donations to the organization shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual, other organization, or political candidate.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1.   Eligibility

1. The single requirement for membership eligibility is that the individual favor a progressive ideology.
2. GRNS serves Milwaukee’s North Shore and Ozaukee County residents. Individuals from any geographic location may join.

SECTION 2.  Dues

Membership in GRNS is based on the annual payment of dues.  For the dues structure and amounts, refer to GRNS’ Policies and Procedures.

SECTION 3.  Categories of Involvement

1. Individuals/households that pay membership dues.
2. Advisory Members, who receive Steering Committee minutes.
3. Members of the Steering Committee.
4. Members of the Administrative Committee.
5. Supporters, who are non-dues paying individuals, that may participate in all activities except Voting.

SECTION 4.  Members must be in good standing to avail themselves of the benefits of membership.                                       

SECTION 5.  Resignations

1. Resignations shall be tendered to the Co-Chair(s) in writing.
2. Officer resignations shall be submitted to the Steering Committee in writing.
3. If a Member is being terminated for cause or disciplinary action, it shall be handled by a majority vote of the Steering Committee at a special meeting called for that purpose.

ARTICLE IV.  STEERING COMMITTEE

SECTION 1.

1. The Steering Committee shall be an elected group of individuals, comprised of 9 – 15 active members.
2. Their terms shall be for two years staggered, and have no limits.
3. This committee operates similarly to a Board of Directors.

SECTION 2.

The Steering Committee is responsible for overall policy and direction of the organization.  Authority will be delegated to Standing and Ad Hoc committees as appropriate. 

SECTION 3.

1. A Slate of Candidates is prepared by the Nominating Committee in November. The Slate is presented to the Steering Committee at the December meeting for suggested changes or approval.  If changes are recommended, they will be made and the slate re-presented to the Steering Committee at the January meeting.
2. Final approval shall be made by majority vote of Active Members at the Annual Meeting.

ARTICLE V.  ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1.  Purpose

The management of business shall be vested in an Administrative Committee, which shall be   comprised of the Co-Chair(s), Treasurer, Secretary and one (1) Active Member.

SECTION 2.  Membership

The Active Member shall be appointed by the Co-Chairs with notice to the Steering Committee.  The term of office shall be annual.

SECTION 3.  Responsibilities

Duties of the Administrative Committee shall be to assist the Co-Chairs with conducting the business of the association:  approval of expenditures over the amount stated in GRNS’ Policies and Procedures, and administrative matters that come before it.

ARTICLE VI.  ADVISORY MEMBERS

SECTION 1.

A group of indeterminate size shall comprise the Advisory Members.  In general, they are former officers and members of the Steering Committee.  Other persons with specific expertise may also be included.

SECTION 2. 

They shall have no specific term of office and no term limits.

SECTION 3.

Advisory members are appointed during the annual nominating process, but are not included in the slate of elected candidates.

SECTION 4.

Advisory members may attend Steering Committee meetings; however, they do not vote.

ARTICLE VII. OFFICERS 

SECTION 1.

The officers of this association shall be the Chair/Co-Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer. All officers must be Active Members of the association.

1. The association may be led by either two (2) Co-Chairs or one (1) Chair.
2. Co-Chair terms are staggered.
3. The incumbent Co-Chair has the final say over who shall become their Co-Chair
4. Co-Chairs decide how they will divide responsibilities. They shall, however, provide back-up for each other.

SECTION 2.  Terms of Office

1. The term of office for Chair/Co-chairs shall be two (2) years. Other Officers are appointed.
2. The election of Officers shall be conducted annually, for those positions whose terms have ended.
3. Vacancies shall be filled by the Chair/Co-Chairs. Interim appointments shall be effective until the next regular election.

SECTION 3.  Duties - Chair/Co-Chairs

The Chair/Co-Chairs shall preside at Steering and Administrative Committee meetings. They shall appoint committees, name chairpersons of Standing or Ad Hoc committees, and be an ex-officio member of all committees.

SECTION 4.  Duties - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive and maintain custody of all funds, pay all bills, collect monies due, keep full and accurate accounts, and present a Treasurer’s Report to the Steering Committee at each regular meeting.  Refer to GRNS’ Policies and Procedures to determine who shall sign checks.

SECTION 5.  Duties - Secretary

The Secretary shall attend and record Steering and Administrative Committee meetings.  All other committees are responsible for their own administrative functions. The Secretary shall send a copy of the Bylaws to all new Steering Committee members.

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE

SECTION 1.  Regular Meetings

1. Regular meetings of the Steering Committee shall be held monthly. The date, time, and place shall be as specified in the GRNS’ Policies and Procedures.
2. The Quorum for a regular meeting shall be five (5) of the Active Members. A simple majority of those present and voting shall be sufficient.
3. Meetings may be in-person or virtual.

SECTION 2.  Special Meetings

1. Special meetings may be called by the Chair/Co-Chairs, the Administrative Committee, or by request of two-thirds (2/3) of the Active Members of the Steering Committee.
2. Notification to those invited shall be given electronically seven (7) days before the meeting.
3. The Quorum shall be five (5) Active Members of the Steering Committee in attendance. A simple majority of those present and voting shall be sufficient.
4. Meetings may be in-person or virtual.

SECTION 3.  Annual Meeting

1. An annual meeting of members and supporters shall be called by the Steering Committee during the first quarter of the year.
2. This shall be a combination business/informational meeting, to include the approval of the slate of officers and Steering Committee candidates.
3. Only Active Members may vote.

SECTION 4.  Record of Proceedings

1. A record of all regular and special meetings of the Steering Committee shall be kept by the Secretary.
2. This record shall include a Treasurer’s Report and Committee Reports. All decisions, matters of a financial nature, and Motions/Seconds/Votes shall be documented.  It is not required that the full extent of discussions be included. 
3. This record shall be approved by the Steering Committee at their next regular meeting.
4. Once approved (and corrected, if applicable) the record shall be archived electronically.

ARTICLE IX. STANDING AND AD HOC COMMITTEES

SECTION 1.  Formation
The Chair/Co-Chairs may create or disband standing or ad hoc committees as needed.

SECTION 2.  Standing Committees  

 A detailed description of each committee is provided in the GRNS’ Policies and Procedures.

1. Communications
2. Endorsements
3. Events
4. Finance
5. Fund Raising
6. Issues
7. Membership
8. Nominating
9. PEC (Politics, Elections, Campaigns).

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1.

These articles may be amended, or new ones added, by a majority vote of the Steering Committee members present at any regular meeting of the association, or any special meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 2.

Proposed amended articles or additions to the Bylaws must be introduced to the Steering Committee membership for review at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting at which they will be discussed and approved.  Distribution of this material will be electronic.

ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION

Grassroots North Shore may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the Steering Committee. If the Association is dissolved, after all bills have been paid and all receivables collected, all monies remaining at that time shall be donated to a nonprofit organization selected by the Administrative Committee.

ARTICLE XII.  PARLIAMENTARY

When information regarding a specific situation has not been included in these Bylaws, reference to Roberts’ Rules of Order as a guideline is recommended.  A less formal, pared down system of rules may be used.

We, the undersigned, are Co-Chairs of the Grassroots North Shore Steering Committee at this time, and we consent to, and hereby do, adopt the foregoing Bylaws, consisting of the five (5) preceding pages, as the Bylaws of this Unincorporated Association.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Steering Committee on this 19th day of August, 2021.

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