Joyce Akins called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. Approximately 30 persons were in attendance.

Joyce introduced special guest Scott Hochberg who discussed the upcoming election and in particular the Texas constitutional amendments on the ballot. Those of particular concern included ones on open beaches, VA hospital expansions, eminent domain, property taxes, and establishing a fund to build research facilities in Texas universities to compete with other states.

Several candidates were present and introduced themselves: Steve Herskowitz, Jo Ellen Snow, Ray Reiner, Mary Acosta, Bob Thomas, Paul Simon, Herman Litt, Diane Trautman, Gene Locke, and Jay Burnett.

The September minutes were read and approved. The Treasurer's report was given and accepted.

Joyce recapped the JRR dinner where she did hand-deliver our club's health care resolution to our federal representatives.

Joyce discussed club membership dues which are only $10/annually and encouraged paying up and/or joining the club.

This meeting is the last meeting in 2009. January is our health care panel meeting. David Lopez and others have been invited and Mike Laster will moderate.

In February we will elect officers and any interested in running should contact Joyce or another board member.

Other ideas for 2010 discussed were: March primary, Census 2010, Credit Recovery, Candidate visits, and the Innocence projects.

In order to save the postage and copying expenditures, it was asked that each member let a board member know if they want the monthly flyer by email or by regular mail.

We thanked Joe Mumbach for the snacks and Sylvie for the coffee set up. The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

The next meeting is January 23, 2010.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Mary Haper.