GOP BREAKFAST MEETING MINUTES
January 4, 2020
The Steuben County Republicans gathered on Saturday, January 4th at Timbers Seafood & Steakhouse for their first meeting of 2020. Vice Chair Mary Martin welcomed the guests; Ken Shelton opened with a prayer, followed by the Pledge to our Flag led by State Representative Denny Zent.
Following a delicious buffet breakfast, Dr. Todd C. Rumsey, Chief Medical Officer at Cameron Memorial Hospital was introduced as guest speaker. Dr. Rumsey graciously agreed to speak after scheduled speaker, Shelley Yoder of the Down Syndrome Association of NE Indiana (DSANI) had to cancel due to illness. Thank you, Dr. Rumsey.
Dr. Rumsey shared with the group that he had deep Steuben County roots as his grandfather grew up in the Orland area. His family has been coming to the Clear Lake area for several years and became residents in 2002. His family loves being a part of Steuben County. Dr. Rumsey spent 23 years in practice in Ft. Wayne; was one of the six founders of DuPont Hospital and served on their board for 16 years.
He shared his strong feelings about the need for independent hospitals such as Cameron Memorial Community Hospital. The only other independent hospital in our area is in Adams County. Cameron provides 600+ jobs to our area in a variety of pay scales. He feels strongly also regarding the collaboration that is needed with our community entities and our school systems. A program is in the works now to access students who become ill at school to determine if they can remain at school or should go home. Keeping students in school helps the school programs and assists businesses and industry in keeping their employees on the job.
He is very adamant about keeping Cameron independent, although the hospital interacts with various area facilities for specialized needs, including Parkview, Lutheran and Mayo Clinic. Questions were asked about the possibility of Indiana University building a new hospital in Fort Wayne. Dr. Rumsey’s thoughts were that he feels this is a possibility in the distant future. He noted that Cameron utilizes the EPIC Medical Record System from Parkview, which enables our medical records to be available to any medical facility in our area that we might visit. He also addresses the Cancer Center which the “shell” belongs to Parkview, but the staff and doctors are Cameron’s.
Veterans Affairs Director Alex Dobson asked about plans to enhance the services between his office and Cameron. Dr. Rumsey directed him to Kelly Kerns, on the Cameron staff to assist with gaps in our current system.
When asked about his political affiliations, Dr. Rumsey shared that he attended the very first Boy’s State and was on several campuses during his medical school tenure. A strong Republican, he currently sits on Senator Mike Braun’s Health Care Advisory Board to keep the senator abreast of local needs.
In closing, he thanked the GOP for having him and welcoming him to Steuben County. He noted that the Snow Village Display at Cameron will be available until January 17th for anyone who would like to view it.
County Commissioner Ron Smith addressed the group briefly to publicly thank Congressman Jim Banks for his remarks regarding the recent developments abroad. He commented on a Trump book and hat that were Christmas gifts. The book, written by Donald Trump Jr. (“Triggered”), is excellent and he recommends it highly. He stated that we are at a major crossroad in our country and will continue to be harassed and threatened for our support of our President. He also wanted to thank Alex Dobson, our Veterans Affairs Officer, and ask for a round of applause for his outstanding service to our area.
State Representative Denny Zent took the floor to talk about the upcoming legislative session that starts on Monday, January 6th. It will be a short session and any request over $50,000 will not be considered until the 2021 Budget Session. He also thanked Alex Dobson for his work with our Veterans. January 27th is Veteran’s Appreciation Day. Zent referred to Dr. Rumsey as a “rock star” in our area, stating he is a leader in community health focusing on good quality care at a reasonable cost. We have a big year ahead of us with our primary and general elections. Rep. Zent stated in closing that he and Wendy have truly enjoyed their time as our State Representatives and that he is always available to any of us who need to talk with him.
Vice Chair Martin stated that she plans to have speakers lined up for upcoming months soon and will advise via email and local media outlets.
Adjourned at 9:05am.
Karen Shelton, Secretary
February 8, 2020
Chairman Rick Michael called the meeting to order followed by the prayer led by Ken Shelton and the Pledge to our Flag led by State Representative Denny Zent. The Chairman welcomed everyone and gave a brief overview of the upcoming 2020 local election candidates. Several have filed for positions including County Council, Commissioner, Precinct Committees, and Steuben County offices. We have a record number of folks who have registered to be Delegates for the State Convention in June. There are 12 Delegates for Steuben County and we have 21 who have signed up. All these folks will be on the May Primary Ballot.
Following a delicious buffet breakfast prepared by Timbers, Vice Chair Mary Martin introduced our guest speaker, Shelley Yoder, Executive Director of DSANI (Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana). Ms. Yoder gave a very inspiring presentation about her work with down syndrome children and their families in our area. The group has been in existence for twenty years and she has been with them for give years and is their only paid employee. DSANI serves an eleven-county area. It was organized by a set of parents with a child born with Down Syndrome and who participated in the Annual Buddy Walk program. The Buddy Walk is held the 2nd Saturday in September to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of those living with Down Syndrome. Today, they serve over 300 people and provide resources, educational and enrichment opportunities for children with Down Syndrome. Ms. Yoder travels around the area visiting hospitals, especially those with NIC units to provide information to be available when they have a child born with Down Syndrome. She also volunteers with the Tim Tebow “Night to Shine”, which had been held the night before her presentative. It is a wonderful program and is an excellent way to give back to the community and make a difference. Ms. Yoder shared that working in this field and volunteering has changed her life. Down Syndrome is found in 1 in 700 births and there are 212,000 children/adults with Downs and only 71 clinics. The closest specialty clinics to our area are either Chicago, Indianapolis or Cincinnati. One of her goals is to bring a Downs doctor to the Ft. Wayne area as there is currently no doctor in our immediate area. A new program is being developed “DSC2U” – to bring clinics closer. New slogan “Don’t Exclude – Include”.
State Representative Denny Zent updated the group regarding the Legislative Session now in progress. This week it “turnover week” – the week that the bills move from the House to the Senate. They are about one-third of the way through the session currently. He thanked the local candidates for stepping up to the plate and shared that he also has signed up for two more years. Although this is a short session and they are very busy – things are going well.
The Century Club invitations are in the mail and are available on our website and everyone is encouraged to sign up and join to support the local GOP this year.
The 2020 Lincoln Day Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at Glendarin Country Club. Guest speaker will be Congressman Jim Banks. Anyone interested in helping with the preparations for this event should see Chairman Michael. LaGrange County Lincoln Day is April 16 with the same speaker.
Our 2nd Annual Hog Roast is being planned for early October and details will be forthcoming.
Thanks to everyone who came out and don’t forget to join the Century Club and make your plans to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner, as these are our two major fundraising events each year.
Karen Shelton, Secretary
March 7, 2020
Rick Michael, Party Chair, welcomed the large crowd to the monthly breakfast. IN Senator Sue Glick gave the prayer and IN Representative Ben Smaltz the pledge.
The buffet breakfast was offered and hosted by an anonymous donor.
Vice Chair Mary Martin welcomed all again and introduced our keynote speakers. John Hammond III and Anne Hathaway Indiana’s National GOP Committee Members. John and Anne spoke on what their job are/require and how they were elected. They spoke on what the National GOP Committee does and what their jobs/committee and sub-committees are. There was a question and answer time at the end of their presentation.
During the presentation John Hammond told Ben Smaltz that he would give his tie to Ben if he could tell the group the year and location that the GOP was organized. Ben was successful. (Ben returned the tie)
Adam Krupp, Candidate for Attorney General, spoke on his candidacy. The Attorney General candidate will be elected at the State Convention this summer for the November election.
Dr. Todd Rumsey recognized Steuben County Veterans’ Affairs Officer Alex Dobson. At a prior breakfast he asked Todd why the Urgent Center had problems with veteran’s insurance needs being easily used and covered at the facility. Since that breakfast the problem has been resolved to the benefit of our veterans seeking medical help.
Senator Sue Glick just stated a welcome and that the Session was almost done. Representative Denny Zent stated reiterated that fact and that it is “crunch time” for both the House and Senate. Representative Ben Smaltz also reiterated that fact.
Chair Michael announced that the Lincoln Day Dinner would be April 15, 2020 at Glendarin Golf Course. The event will honor Representative Dick Dodge who recently passed.
The party will host its Hog Roast on October 4, 2020 at the Selman Pavilion. Also, there will be a “Handgun Bingo” in the future and he is working on those details and will update us when more information is available. There will be a precinct chair/vice chair training session in either April or May after the breakfast, more information will be available soon.
The breakfast was adjourned.
Wendy Zent (Secretary Karen Shelton was out of town)
August 1, 2020
Steuben County Republicans met on Saturday, August 1, 2020 to resume their monthly breakfast gatherings after the past several months being cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation. Vice Chair Mary Martin called the meeting to order. County Councilman/Commissioner-Elect Wil Howard led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by County Councilman/Commissioner-Elect Ken Shelton offering a prayer. An optional buffet breakfast was offered.
Martin introduced special guests, Ashlee Martin, representing the Allen County Teenage Republican Party and Conner Ordman, representing Indiana State Republican Party.
Guests speakers for the morning were State Senator Sue Glick and State Representative Denny Zent. Glick took the floor first stating it has been 144 days since leaving the Statehouse and much that happened has been forgotten and will have to be refreshed. New laws have gone into effect, especially the usage of phones/texting while driving. She is not sure if the Governor is going to have to call them back into session or not. Many critical items are on the table including teachers asking for more money. Legislatures need to know how much is available and how much more is needed. The Governor does have limits that he can allocate without calling for an in-person session. The state did have a two-billion-dollar rainy day fund and there is about one-billion left. Fiscal year ended 6/30/20. NE Indiana is coming back strong, but hospitality industry is hurting as are many small local businesses. She discussed the seed packets folks are receiving from China. They have been analyzed and stated they should not be planted here. In the next session, focus will be on paying bills and balancing the budget. She was very complimentary of the good people that have been elected to various officers. There are many concerns about education and quality of education, including teacher issues and the quality of E-Learning.
Representative Zent followed up on the Senator’s comments by reinforcing the 28-day deadline to call the legislators back into session. Indiana is much better off by being Republican controlled than others who are Democrat controlled. He compliments local government stating they actually run the show. Statehouse will reopen on August 17th. Lt. Governor Crouch recently made a trip to NE Indiana for her first outing since the COVID-19 Pandemic struck. Regarding the pandemic, there are more cases being reported, but deaths are down. 60% of positives and deaths are in nursing homes. He encouraged everyone to just wear the mask when required to do so.
Ashley Martin of the Teen Allen County Republicans addressed the group regarding the scheduled Trump Boat Parade on August 2 at 11am. Encouraged anyone who was available to come and join in the fun.
Conner Ordman, Field Representative for Indiana Republican Party shared his work in the reelection campaign; encouraged folks to speak with elected officials. Volunteers for the party are always needed and welcomed.
Announcements followed: Caucus to fill At-Large County Council Position will be held on Thursday, August 6th in the Community Center Multi-Purpose Room. Candidates are: Rick Shipe and Lisa Aldrich. Hog Roast is being planned for September 26 from 3-7pm at the Selman Timber Frame. More details to follow. CARES Act – many changes coming yet and PPP funds are still available.
Trump logo items are available for sale at the breakfast and will be available at the GOP Headquarters after it opens on August 15th. We will have Trump/Pence signs available soon at a nominal fee. Headquarters is in the former Herald Republican building next door to the Courthouse. Volunteers will be needed for all shifts in September and October. For more information or to volunteer, contact Seirra Bowman at 260-667-7876.
The breakfast was adjourned.
Secretary. Karen Shelton