S T R A W

The STRAW Core Members have been working very hard over the past several months to complete the PAC charter.  We have received several request to publish the current charter, which you will find posted below.  Please keep in mind at this time this is the DRAFT VERSION and the final version will be published once it is complete.

STRAW Charter

 (Draft Version)

SHORES TAXPAYERS and RESIDENTS AGAINST WASTE

POLITICAL ACTION COMMIITTEE (STRAW-PAC)

(Original) April 29, 2009

ARTICLE I
Committee and Charter

Section 1.         Name of Committee

The name of the group shall be “STRAW” (SHORES TAXPAYER and RESIDENTS AGAINST WASTE - POLITICAL ACTION COMMIITTEE) hereinafter as STRAW-PAC.

Section 2.         Charter

The purpose of this charter is to assist in the definition of roles and duties of everyone involved with STRAW-PAC; Officers, Core Group, membership, and committee. Any perceived conflict between this charter, the organization, and with any business should be brought to the attention of the Treasurer and/or core group members as soon as possible. This charter cannot override federal, state, and local laws.

ARTICLE II
Purposes and Objectives

Section 1.         Purpose

The STRAW-PAC was created by the Core Group of STRAW (Shores Taxpayer and Residents Against Waste) to further the goals said within the mission statement:

“Straw is a non-partisan advocate for the families and businesses of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan guided by the principles of transparency and accountability of city government and to support opposition to any and all efforts to increase taxes” Original Mission Statement (02/25/2009).

It is also to further the goal to provide the means to private citizens and taxpayers of Saint Clair Shores to be an effective agent towards their own city. A goal in which to make their city and surroundings of Saint Clair Shores a viable, safe, a prosperous place where everyone can enjoy the beauty of the city and to maintain a better living environment.

STRAW-PAC does this by a constant up keep on past-present-future issues in and the surroundings of the city of Saint Clair Shores, having issue-based initiatives, and by helping to support the candidates and/or incumbents for Mayor and city council and referenda issues which are in line with a strong, effective, transparent and accountable city government and any and all issues that pertain to the viability of Saint Clair Shores.   

Section 2.         Objectives

The primary objectives of STRAW-PAC are as follows:

1. To further the legislative interests of active members by supporting issue-based initiatives, representatives, and referenda issues which:

a. favor legislation providing adequate resources for everyone to communicate in a system that requires transparency and accountability throughout the city and by strengthening both the government and the residence to make the decisions.

b. have expressed concern for the careers and the quality of life of the residents, taxpayers, and their families.

2. Gather information and serve as a communication link between the residents, business owners and government officials; keep residents, business owners and government officials informed of the various elements included or to be included in the goals of STRAW-PAC; and transmit the concerns and suggestions of the residents, business owners and government officials to the STRAW-PAC;

3. Identify community deficits in the areas of infrastructure, parks, schools, police and fire, ordinances, and develop a coordinated plan to address community needs. Review and comment on the plans of the City of Saint Clair Shores, school districts and other units of government to meet these, except those prohibited by law;

4. To accept and receive monetary contributions voluntarily donated by any person or persons, group or groups, except those prohibited by law from making such contributions;

5. To disburse monetary contributions to issue-based initiatives, referenda issues, and to the campaign committees of those incumbent city officials seeking reelection and/or to new candidates who have expressed support for the STRAW committee and/or our ideology that is represented in the goals of STRAW;

6. To carry on such other activities as may be deemed practicable relating to legislation and issues before and after elections in and around the city in order to further serve the interests of the members of STRAW-PAC, except those prohibited by law from making such contributions.

ARTICLE III
Governing Body

Section 1.         Officers

The PAC shall have three officers: the Chairman (if needed), the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. The STRAW core group shall elect all three officers by majority vote for a term of one year starting on set date of 03/31/2009. These appointments shall occur once a year after each new officer takes their position. The STRAW core group is empowered to fill any vacancies in the officer positions occurring during the one year term. The STRAW core group may replace these officers as it sees fit at any time with a majority vote. The Treasurer must be registered with the county for the STRAW-PAC.

The PAC Chairman, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer, must be in good standing and part of the core group.  

The Treasurer (or assistant treasurer) is responsible for:

1. Ensuring compliance with all PAC regulations regarding solicitations, and receipt and disbursement of funds;

2. Filing the required reports and documentation with the county in a timely manner;

3. Signing and approving all official PAC communications with the county, IRS, contributors and candidates;

4. Signing and approving all checks or other disbursements of PAC funds.

In the absence of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer of the PAC may perform the duties assigned to the Treasurer except for stated responsibilities 2, 3, and 4 above and as specified in PAC committee rules.

Section 2.         Core Group

The PAC shall be governed by the core group (refer to the STRAW Organization) consisting of thirteen (11) original members in good standing which includes the PAC Treasurer, Chairman (if needed), and Assistant Treasurer. The core group will elect each of its members on a voluntary basis by majority vote for each individual position (refer to the STRAW organization) for a term of one year starting on set date of 03/31/2009. The appointment of core group members shall occur once a year after each new core group member takes the position. The core group will elect its own chairman (if needed), treasurer, and assistant treasurer.

The core group is empowered to take actions necessary to pursue the objectives of the STRAW-PAC. The core group will work in consultation with the membership. The responsibilities of the core group include:

1. Adopting rules and policies for the conduct of STRAW-PAC (subject to overall guidance established by this charter in compliance with federal, state, and local laws);

2. Reviewing the legislative records of incumbents and/or new candidates, issue-based initiatives, and referenda issues as it relates to the STRAW-PAC in order to determine to whom the PAC should make contributions;

3. Using PAC contributions to reflect and advance STRAW-PAC objectives and legislative priorities as established by the core group;

4. Determining the amount of money the PAC contributes to each incumbent and/or candidates, issue-based initiatives, and referenda issues while maintaining the bipartisan nature of the PAC and charter.

5. Reviewing and approving all communication to the core group regarding the business of the STRAW-PAC;

6. Making regular reports on PAC activities to the membership.

The core group may, by majority vote, overrule any action taken by the PAC membership.

Section 3.         Additional Duties

The officers of the PAC shall perform such other duties and functions as may from time to time be required by the PAC, the charter or other rules and regulations, or which duties and functions are incidental to the office held by such officers.

Section 4.         Filling of Vacancies

In the event any vacancy occurs in the core group prior to the annual election, the core group is empowered to fill any vacancies within the core group occurring during the one year term. Such vacancy shall be filled by appointment first by remaining core members and then if no remaining core members are able and/or available then the core group may ask a member to fill the position. A majority vote by the core group members will determine the member who volunteers to fill the open position.

Persons elected to fill vacancies shall serve out the remainder of the term of the previous held position.

ARTICLE IV
Subcommittees

Section 1.         Establishment

The core group of the PAC shall have the authority to, and may, establish subcommittees as necessary to accomplish the purposes set forth in Section 1 and 2 of Article II of this charter.

Section 2.         Purpose and Objective

The purpose of these committees is to carry the function of the PAC. The objective is to study, find facts, and report on the subject put forth by the subcommittee goal(s). Later action will be taken to complete the goal only by approval of the core group.

Section 3.         Subcommittee Reports

From time to time, the subcommittee may submit written reports to the PAC, which reports summarize the subcommittee's activities, findings and/or recommendations on matters for which the subcommittee was established.

Section 4.         Appointment of Members

Members on a subcommittee shall be appointed voluntarily by the core group of the PAC with the subsequent approval of the leader of the subcommittee.

Section 5.         Leaders and Members 

The leader(s) of the subcommittee are chosen by the core group. Members are encouraged to volunteer to use their talents and skills to help out on the task at hand. Members who volunteer to have a position in the subcommittee will have to abide by all rules set forth in this charter and have set approval from the leader of the group before any action is to be taken. 

ARTICLE V
Rules of Order

Section 1.         Rules of Order

Except as provided in this charter, all business and matters before the PAC shall be transacted in conformance with Robert's Rules of Order (Newly Revised).

ARTICLE VI
Membership

Section 1.         Membership

A. Composition

The PAC shall consist of officers, core group, and members each having a responsibility for themselves and to the STRAW-PAC as a whole.

B. Qualifications

Residence, business owners, and taxpayers of Saint Clair Shores, with a purpose stated in Article II Section I of this charter. All members must be in good standing with the committee.

Section 2.         Attendance

All members should attend each meeting that is designated for them. It is always stipulated that family is first along with helping out in the community. However, your presence is valued and the skills and talents you posses are always a vital part of the STRAW-PAC. In the event that a member shall be absent without the prior knowledge of the PAC from three (3) consecutive meetings, whether open and/or special, or from three (3) meetings within six (6) calendar months consecutively, such absence shall effect the termination of the membership of the absenting member. A member's absence may be excused if, prior to the meeting from which said member will be absent, said member notifies the officers or STRAW core group of his/her intent to be absent and the reasons therefore. At each meeting, after the roll has been called, the Chairperson shall report to the PAC the name of any member who has so notified him of his intent to be absent and the reason of such absence. The PAC shall approve or reject such reasons for excused absences.

Section 3.         Representatives

Personal representation as a resident, taxpayer, and business owner is always encouraged, what a member does on his/her time is their own responsibility. There will be no reference to the STRAW-PAC as members will use their own name to identify themselves as well as to their own actions. Also put forth under this article in section 5.3.  

Section 4.         Terms of Membership

Membership is completely voluntary, although, there are guidelines to adhere to specified in the charter.

1. Sign and date a contact card provided by the governing body which indicates name, address, phone number, email (if available), and a specified time frame to call.

2. Attend three (3) meetings in a four (4) consecutive month period. Signing attendance sheet is crucial in the determination of attending first said meeting. Thereafter time is calculated and after such time has been met, sign and date a procedural and representative form with STRAW-PAC. 

3. Maintain all rules and procedures set forth within the charter of the STRAW-PAC.

4. Payment of dues; a fee for the payment of dues shall be strictly voluntary upon the entrance of the STRAW-PAC good for one year. It is a fee that helps the committee function properly as expenses accrue for the communication between members, the community, and city government. It also used to show the members at large that each member shares a financial as well as personal commitment to the committee.

Dues are set appropriately and are adjusted accordingly by the governing body in Article III of this charter by a majority vote once a year. The determination of said dues is the date a member is officially entered into the STRAW-PAC.     

Section 5.         Removal of Members

A member may be removed by a majority vote by the core group. It is in the interest of and in the upmost importance to STRAW-PAC that all the charter, goals, and what STRAW-PAC stands for to be maintained to achieve the goals set forth by the STRAW-PAC and to follow all regulations to be compliant to all federal, state, and local laws. In addition to, if any of the following are violated, it will be found and determined that it will be grounds for an action up to termination:

1. Talking on the behalf of the STRAW-PAC and acting in an irresponsible manner followed by what is stated in Article VIII in this charter.

2. Not following the rules and policies for the conduct of STRAW-PAC (subject to overall guidance established by this charter in compliance with federal, state, and local laws);

3. Representation; personal representation is always encouraged, what a member does on his/her time is their own responsibility. There will be no reference to the STRAW-PAC as members will use their own name to identify themselves as well as to their own actions unless approved by the core group.  

Section 6.         Resignation

Any PAC member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairperson and the core group. Any such resignation will take effect upon receipt or upon any date specified therein. The acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

ARTICLE VII
Meetings

Section 1.         Open Meetings

The PAC shall hold open meetings at a predetermined time and place. In the event that the regular meeting date shall be a legal holiday, then any such regular meeting shall be held the following Wednesday thereafter ensuing that is not a legal holiday. All persons shall be permitted to attend any such meetings except as otherwise provided by law. Nothing contained in this charter shall be construed to prevent the PAC from holding closed sessions during a meeting concerning any matter permitted by law to be considered in closed session provided the PAC complies with the conditions and procedures provided by law for closed sessions.

Section 2.         Special Meetings

Special meetings may be held upon call of the core group along with the majority of the membership of the PAC, for the purpose of transacting any business designated by in the call, after notification of all members of the PAC by email or phone call personally delivered with the time specified for the special meeting.

At such special meeting, no business other than that designated in the call shall be considered.

Section 3.         Meetings for Officers and Core Group

For the purpose of conducting the PAC's business, to take actions necessary to pursue the objectives of the STRAW-PAC, exercising its powers, and for all other purposes Officers and Core Group will have meetings to carry on such other activities as may be deemed practicable relating to legislation and issues before and after elections in and around the city in order to further serve the interests of the members of STRAW-PAC.

Section 4.         Order of Business

The following shall be an example of the order of business at open meetings of the PAC:

1) Introduction

    - Hello and welcome new and present members.

    - Welcome cards and newsletter, include contact information.

    - Next Meeting Date

    - Our mission statement and what we are about.

    - What we are governed by and the membership.

    - Rules of the meeting and the group itself.

    - Reason for attending, we all have a common goal no matter if you have one issue or many. We are all here to help each other and make this city better for all of us.

    - Organizational chart and new and old action items  

2) Open meeting

3) Other Business

4) Adjourned

Section 5.         Resolutions

Resolutions of the PAC shall be in writing and shall be designated by number,

reference to which shall be inserted in the minutes of the meetings at which they are

approved. Approved resolutions shall be filed in the official book of the

PAC.

Section 6.         Minutes

Minutes of the PAC shall be in writing. Copies of the minutes of each PAC open

meeting shall be made available to each member of the PAC on the web with a brief summary. Approved minutes shall be filed in the official book of the PAC.

Section 7.         Committee Reports

Oral and written reports of the PAC, including resolutions adopted by the PAC,

shall include a report of the position of the minority of the PAC as well as the majority. When applicable, an indication of the relative size of the majority and the minority for each such report shall be included within the report.

ARTICLE VIII
Representation before Public Bodies

Any official representations on behalf of the STRAW-PAC before the City

Council or any other public body shall be made by the Officers, Core Group, or a member(s) of the PAC specifically so designated by the PAC and approved by the core group.

ARTICLE IX
Solicitations

Section 1.         PAC Members

The PAC has the right to solicit contributions from STRAW members at any time. The PAC will not knowingly solicit contributions from an active duty member at his or her place of business.

Section 2.         Non-Members

The PAC shall not solicit non-members using any method of solicitation prohibited by federal, state, and local election laws and ordinances.

Section 3.         All Materials

The PAC must label “Paid for by STRAW-PAC” on all pertinent information and material that is for and by the STRAW-PAC before release to public.

ARTICLE X
Contributions

100 percent of the funds disbursed by the PAC shall come from voluntary contributions made to the PAC.

Section 1.         Contributions Received

The PAC may not knowingly accept contributions from foreign nationals, or other contributions prohibited by law. The PAC may not knowingly accept contributions in excess of the limits established by federal and local election laws.

Section 2.         Contributions Made

The PAC shall not make contributions or disbursements related to candidates in the county and state elections. The PAC shall not make contributions or disbursements related to candidates in the Senators and Representatives in the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives elections. The PAC shall not make contributions or disbursements related to presidential elections. The PAC shall not make any contributions or disbursements to a political party's national, state, or district committees.

The PAC shall only contribute and disburse to the campaign committees of the candidates running in municipal/local, related referenda issues.  

Contributions made by the PAC shall be divided between candidates and/or referenda issues during each calendar year. This balance will be confirmed on a semi-annual basis, with additional contributions made if needed. This equal division of funds shall be verifiable in public records of PAC transactions released by the county and state. The maintenance of equality is measured in dollars, not in the number of candidates receiving money from the PAC.

The PAC will not make disbursements to candidates that exceed the limits established by federal, state, and local election laws.

ARTICLE XI
Other Expenditures

The direct and administrative costs of PAC activities may be paid for either from the PAC treasury funds as budgeted or from money received in contributions to the PAC. The PAC will not make expenditures that exceed or violate the limits established by federal, state, and local election laws.

Section 1.         Purchases

All purchases need approval from the core group and finalized with the Committee Officers. All purchases are subject to concerted attempts to shop in the Shores unless the product cannot be found within the city limits.

Section 2.         Fundraisers

All fundraisers need approval from the core group and finalized with the Committee Officers. All fundraisers are subject to concerted attempts to shop in the Shores unless the product cannot be found within the city limits.

Section 3.         Employees

If the Governing Body shall allocate funds or equivalent resources to the PAC,

the PAC may use such funds or equivalent resources for a PAC office, equipment, and supplies, legal counsel, and adequate staff for the purposes of the PAC. No funds

allocated under this section shall be used for any litigation, other than litigation to enforce or defend the rights of the PAC under this part. The PAC may employ such other officers and agents as it deems appropriate, subject to the availability of funds. Employees of the PAC shall assist the PAC in the conduct of their duties and perform such other duties as determined by the PAC.

ARTICLE XII
Amendments

The charter of the PAC may be amended by majority vote of the STRAW core group at a regular or special meeting, but no such amendment shall be adopted unless at least seven days written notice thereof has previously been given to all members of the PAC. Notice of amendment shall identify the section or sections or the charter proposed to be amended.