January 23, 2010 Following the Pledge of Allegance, nine candidates gave short campaign presentations. These included John Fleming (Bexar County Court #1), Jaime Martinez (U.S. 20th Congressional District), Carlo Key (Bexar County Court #11), Alan Strack (20th U.S. Congressional District), Scott Roberts (Bexar County Court #12), Steven Shoppe (candidate for 21st Congressional District), Walden Sheldon (Bexar County Court #9), Clayton Trotter (20th U.S.Congressional District), and Lisa Jarrett (District Court #436).

Susan Reed (District Attorney), then spoke to the club about her job and re-election campaign. She is excited about the upcoming primary and general elections. She is concerned about the possibility of liberal defense attorneys taking over the county court house. Democrats are more concerned for defendants than for crime victims. District Attorney Reed has collected over 100 million dollars in restitution for crime victims including businesses who have been victims of hot check artists. She has also established the only Elder Fraud Unit in Texas to fight the myriad of scams perpetrated on the elderly and the Bexar County Justice Center to help victims of domestic violence. She also noted the role of District Attorney as the county representative in civil matters. District Attorney Reed also addressed questions about the problems at the Bexar County Jail and the light sentences given to perpetrators of property crimes.

Dominick Dina finally announced our next highway clean up is scheduled for the morning of Saturday March 13 between 8 am and noon.

November 21, 2009 Following the Pledge of Allegance, eight candidates or campaign representatives gave short presentations. These included John Fleming (Bexar County Court #1), Quico Canseco (candidate for 23rd Congressional District), Taylor Spalla for Kay Bailey Hutchinson ( Texas Governor), Jason Pulliam (Bexar County Court #5), Walden Sheldon (Bexar County Court #9), Alan Strack (candidate for 20th Congressional District), Mike Kueber (candidate for 23rd Congressional District), Scott Roberts (Bexar County Court #12) and Jerry McGraw for Bill Donovan (Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2). Councilman Reed Williams, the gave an excellent presentation concerning the issues of nuclear power and CPS, toll roads, Camp Bullis and mass transportation issues in San Antonio. The inaugural Adopt-A-Highway clean-up on 11-14-2009 was discussed. Ideas were offered for the next clean up in 2010. The SREC representatives for SD 26, Marion Stanko and Johnny Lovejoy also provided updates regdarding recent changes in the RPT. Finally, club officer elections were held. The results were: President – Dominick Dina, Vice President – Mike Schill, Secretary – Jack Hoyle and Treasurer – Stan Fisher.

October 26, 2009 Following the Pledge of Allegance, judicial candidates Jason Pulliam, candidate for County Court at Law and Lisa Jarrett, Judge, 436th Judicial District Court introduced themselves. The inaugral -adopt-a-highway clean up was planned for November 14. Club elections were announced for the November 21 meeting.

September 26, 2009 We always start with the Pledge of Allegance. After opening announcements concerning the adopt-a-highway clean up day, four candidates and incumbent for local offices gave presentations to the club. They were: Rob Rodriguez, candidate for the San Antonio River Authority Dist 3, Walden Shelton, candidate for County Court at Law, Jason Pulliam, candidate for County Court at Law, Judge Bill Donovan, JP, Pl 2 (incumbent), and Alan Strack, candidate for the US House of Representatives, Dist 20. An interesting discussion concerning campaign strategy followed. At the end of the meeting, everyone was allowed the option to speak.

August 22, 2009 The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegance. Attendees then introduced themselves. Dominick Dina discussed the role of civility when attempting to communicate with people of liberal persuasion. He also discussed the steps that need to be taken to start cleaning the club's adopted stretch of highway. Each person was then given an opportunity to speak and discuss. Topics ranged from toll-roads to Alinsky. It was very interesting.

July 25, 2009 As is custom, the meeting started with the Pledge of Allegance. Representative Corte took the floor and a gave the group a summary of Texas legislation during the past year. Of particular importance was bringing a constitutional amendment to counter the Kelo decision of the Supreme Court to the vote in November. If the amendment is passed, any government entity that uses the power of eminient domain to seize private property must be the final owner of the same property. This would prevent giving property taken using eminient domain to third parties. Other issues such as Voter ID, raising the cap on business tax, health care and keeping Texas friendly to business were discussed. Time for questions followed. It was announded that our Adopt-A-Highway Signs are now up on Culebra Road.

June 27, 2009 As is custom, the meeting started with the Pledge of Allegance and then everyone briefly introduced themselves. Our speaker this month, Richard Langlois, Chairman, Republican Party of Bexar County took the floor. He cited various media articles regarding the long term consequences of the current democrat legislative agenda in Washington, D.C. including cap-and-trade energy taxes, government healthcare control, power accrual tactics, and the destruction of America's sovereignty. He also discussed strategies to counter the democrats. Time constraints limited the topics discussed to those occurring at the national level. Questions regarding the registration of school children and gun control were discuused. Dominick Dina then announced the Club had been approved to adopt a section of Tezel Road and that we are awaiting having signs placed to mark the roadway. The meeting was then adjourned.

May 23, 2009 The meeting started with the traditional Pledge of Allegance. Everyone briefly introduced themselves including new visitors. The Club continues to draw existing members and new visitors. Anne Forbes, President of the Young Republicans of Bexar County, was introduced and spoke about the unifying factor of the GOP, "Give A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out". This will take getting involved in community events with our Republican identity proudly in the forefront. This involves more communication between all GOP groups and clubs, and the use of technology. Afterwards, she answered questions, and invited everyone to attend YRBC meetings held on the second Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30 p.m at the Picante Grille. Jack Hoyle updated the adopt-a-highway application and mentioned a similar program for bus stops. There is also the Graffiti Wipe Out program. Trey Peters, who is considering running for City Council in 2011 addressed the club.

April 25, 2009 The Pledge of Allegance, as always, started the meeting. Everyone then briefly introduced themselves. Jack Hoyle updated the club on applying for the Adopt-A-Highway program. The application has been sumbitted and members suggested possible streets to adopt. The floor was then opened for general discussion. The topics ranged from strategies in writing letters to elected officials to the role of prayer in the schools. Members discussed and elucidated one another about the storm of legislation and threats to our freedom emanating from Washington. At times the discussion was spirited.

March 28, 2009
Our numbers are growing. This was the largest group we have had since our founding.

We started with the Pledge of Allegance. and then everyone briefly introduced themselves. Ken Mercer, Texas State School Board was then introduced. He mentioned three matters concerning textbooks and education of our children, First, ihas the effort to teach English using phonics. Second, teaching math requiring the learning of the multiplication table rather than just the use of calculators. Third was the recent decision to regarding the "strengths and weaknesses" rule in science teaching. He then took questions. Johnny Lovejoy, SREC for SD 26 then briefly addressed the battle to require voters to present a picture ID at the polls. Pepper Berlanga then addressed the audience about the "We Surround Them" and 9/12 movement. Finally, Dominick Dina provided an update regarding the adopt-a-highway program. Discussions again continued after adjournment. It was exciting.

February 28, 2009
We continue with good attendance! A big THANK YOU! to everybody for turning out in strong numbers. We are encouraged by your continued strength of interest and support. Conservatives are very concerned about the current political environment and your attendance is proof.

As always, we started with the Pledge of Allegance. Everyone briefly introduced themselves. James Barnes then took the floor and discussed his efforts and plans in breaking new ground for the GOP in Bexar County. He is reaching out to conservatives in Bexar County that have been ignored in the past. He is getting an amazing response. Following his talk, everyone was allowed to talk. Finally, Dominick Dina proposed joining the adopt-a-highway program. Discussions continued after adjournment. It was a great meeting.

January 24, 2009
Attendance by members and visitors was quite encouraging, The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegance and was followed by welcoming and quick introductions by those attending. Given the numbers, this took some time. The club financial report followed. Our finances have imroved since changing our bank account and the influx of new members.

Following introductions and financial report, Lyle Larson, candiate for the 23rd Congressional District in 2008 was introduced. His message was simple and direct. The Republican Party of Bexar County needs to change. One issue is the importance of local elections. Other key issues were also dentified and were discussed in a question-and-answer format after Mr. Larson's presentation. Everyone was given an opportunity to speak before officer election.

The following individual's were nominated for the listed offices:

Dominick Dina: President
Mike Schill: Vice President
Wayne Perry: Secretary
Stan Fisher: Treasurer

The nominations were approved by the members.

November 22, 2008
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegance. followed by Dominick Dina welcoming the audience to the first meeting at Grady's Barbeque. There was renewed interest in the club among existing members and several newcomers.

Following introductions and financial report, Johnny Lovejoy, SREC reprentative for SD 26 was introduced. Dr. Lovejoy first said to forget the 2008 election. It is over and we need to rebuild the local party in the context of Bexar County precinct lines. A plan is being developed to examine leadership and organize our precinct chairs to better utilize their strengths. He also emphasized the need for the Republican party to recruit and support new candidates for all public offices in Bexar County. To re-establish, we need to grow outside of our current strongholds. He concluded by reminding the audience that we need to communicate our wishes to elected officeials and alawys apply logic to our voting decisions based on candidates' similarity to our own.

After questions and discussion, everyone was given an opportunity to speak.

Dominick Dina then started by requesting nominations for officers. A motion was made to postpone the election until the January meeting so that newcomers could evaluate the roles they might wish to fill. The motion was passed. The election of officers will take place on January 24, 2009

August 23, 2008
Johnny Lovejoy presented energy and education initiatives recommended to the state of Texas.

July 24, 2008
The club discussed the upcoming fall election and possible strategies to recruit fellow conservatives.

June 28, 2008
Johnny Lovejoy summarized the major events at the Republican Party Of Texas Convention.

May 24, 2008
Blood Drive.

April 26, 2008
This was the first time the Northwest Republican Club met at the Texas Star Grill. The atmosphere and food is terrific and new and old members were in attendance. The meeting was called to order and began with the pledge of allegiance. Tom Marks of the Texas Victory 2008 introduced himself and handed out volunteer forms. He emphasized that any contribution of time would help. Then Kevin Wolff, candidate for Bexar County Commissioners Court, Precinct 3 was then introduced. He summarized his military and business experience and explained how he became involved in politics. He also emphasized the political differences between himself and his father. Included in his record are his successes on city council such as increasing city funding for street repair and increasing the number of police ranks by 100 officers. His goals on Commissioners Court include consolidation of overlapping and redundant county and city services, budgetary control, rein the growing county bureaucracy, and advocacy for citizens by bridging between the county and higher state elected officials. He finally discussed the upcoming visitor tax ballot and supported keeping the visitors tax for San Antonio river improvements, youth sports facilities and performing arts. He was undecided on the prosed funding formthe AT&T Center because of lack of detail regarding the expenditures.

March 22, 2008
The meeting was then called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The guest speaker was State Representative Frank Corte, Jr. (Dist. 122). Rep. Corte started by discussing how he entered politics by becoming a precinct chairman. He then discussed the unusual nature of the recent primary election. The democrats had a large number of first-time primary voters because of the uncivil war between their presidential candidates. However, there were more Republican primary voters compared to the GOP turnout in previous primary elections. He also emphasized the importance of targeting base voters and the importance of campaign volunteers. Rep. Corte then spoke of the role of the Republican majority in Texas in encouraging business and jobs in our state. Republican policies have created an economy in Texas is faring better than other locations in the United States. Rep. Corte believes that the surplus revenue of Texas should be directly returned to the taxpayers and not used to fund additional government programs. He then answered questions regarding the consolidation of redundant government agenices in Texas, efforts to oversee TXDOT, and the unforeseen consequences of a provision regarding the licencing of vehicles used in traffic control situtations.

The club then approved funds be spent on targeted mailings to attract new members.

February 23, 2008
The meeting was then called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. The guest speaker was Marcia Weiner, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2, Place 1. Judge Weiner, explained the wide variety case from evictions, small claims (up to $10,000), traffic cases, trunancy and juvenile misdemeanors. Very few lawyers are involved in many cases, so the presiding judge must know the law. She placed emphasis on her use of counseling and meaningful community service sentences for juveniles. She also spent time explaining the various levels of graffiti crimes, only which the mostg minor is seen in her court. She will be running against a democrat opponent in the fall and needs all Republicans to vote for her at that time. The Northwest Replican Club wants to remind all consrvative voters to vote in the fall for the sake of candidates far down the list. Members then reviewed and discussed the precinct conventions, that take place after the primary election on March 4, 2008. Situations and instructions were given to members in precincts where a preceinct chairman is, or is not present. The 26th District Senatorial Convention was also explained and discussed. Chris Pugh reported his attendance at a local rally for Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee.

January 26, 2008
New officers were elected for the current year. President: Dominick Dina, Treasurer: Stan Fisher. The next meeting was announced for February 23, 2008. The meeting time was changed to 11:30 AM on the 4th Saturday of each month. The presidental race was discussed. Johnny Lovejoy, SREC member for SD 26, explained the upcoming primary election and the convention process from the precinct to national levels.

February 17, 2007
The meet and greet period was devoted to learning about new visitors and opinions regarding the problems in the last Texas Congressional District 23 election.. The meeting was then called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Jim McGrody was then introduced. Mr. McGrody first reviewed his history in Republican politics and how his past has influenced his decision to run for the Congressional District 23 seat in Washington DC. His main approaches to winning the seat are through grassroots and internet activities. He emphasized his Compact 23 and virtual voting record that can be found at mcgrodyforcongress.com. Users can view how he would have voted on the recent congressional issues driven by democrats. His rational and considerable analysis for each virtual vote is presented on his web site. Of the 8 votes that have occurred to date in the 110th congressional session, Jim would have voted differently on 7 issues as compared to the incumbent democrat, Ciro Rodriguez. His presentation was followed by questions regarding our need to be victorious in Iraq, the state of education in the United States and the relationship between constitutional law and national security. The meeting was then adjourned and next meeting was announced for March 17, 2007.

January 20, 2007
After the holiday break, the Northwest Republican Club had good attendance. The meet and greet period was lively as is the custom. The meeting was then called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ken Mercer, State Board Of Education (SBOE) Member Elect, was then introduced. Mr. Mercer introduced himself and provided the group an overview of his political activity and service. He then discussed the makeup, committees and current focus of the SBOE. Of particular interest was the endowment for textbooks and the effort to keep the fund strictly dedicated to schoolbooks for Texas children. The future of the TEKS test was discussed. Hopefully, it will be replaced by traditional end-of-course exams that will eliminate "teaching-the-test". Following a prolonged question and answer session, new officers were elected for the current year. President: Dominick Dina, Vice-President for membership: Chris Pugh, Vice-President for Communication and Secretary: Robert Flaugher, Treasurer: Stan Fisher. The next meeting was announced for February, 17 and all were reminded to invite at least one new visitor to the next meeting.

November 18, 2006
The Northwest Republican Club had a good meeting with returning and new members and visitors. Of course, the midterm election was discussed. The meeting was then called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Representative Frank Corte Jr. was introduced. He first discussed his recent tour of duty in Iraq where he was stationed in Ramadi in the Anbar province. He noted the level of commitment that young Americans have to Iraq and the positive effect we are having on that country. He reiterated the utmost importance of completing the mission and that we are close to success. Abandoning Iraq at this point in time would result in returning to a worse situation in afew years. He reminded us of the importance of effective communication from the Republican leadership and grassroots efforts to effectively contact and communicate with voters. We need to properly disseminate and defend our message and refute the misinformation disseminated by the opposition. Tax reduction, job creation, property tax reform, tax increase limits, the viability of gambling revenue and prison reform issues were discussed.

The floor was then opened for questions and discussion. Of particular importance is the upcoming runoff election for Congessman Henry Bonilla. Damaris Barton of the Bonilla Campaign urged everyone to help GOTV for this important election. This effort will begin in earnest to overcome the wave of liberalism entering our area.

The next meeting was announced for January 20, 2007.

October 21, 2006
Members discussed upcoming election.

September 16, 2006

The Northwest Republican Club had a wonderful meeting with guest speaker, James Bernsen. James works as Press Secretary for the Kay Bailey Hutchinson re-election campaign. The meeting started out with a great "meet and greet" session. Everything from college football rivalries to success in being found through the search engines on the internet were discussed. The meeting was then called to order and stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dominick Dina announced the club financial balance. In addition he announed that a total of 17 volunteers appeared to give blood at the August Blood Drive and a total of 14 pints were accepted.

Mr. Bernsen then presented the success of Senator Hutchinson's campaign. (Visit her web site) He reminded us of both Senator Hutchinson's and Cornyn's backing the effort to secure our borders prior to establishing any type of guest-worker program. Just in Texas, illegal immigrants cost the state $3.5 billion per year. This amount is after the benefits of that such immigrants provide are considered. Much of the expense is a result of educational expenses we incur from approximately 500,000 children of people who have entered our country illegally. As our war with Islamic extremists continues, our border with Mexico is currently a potential gateway for the enemy to enter our country and wield devasting results. A member of the club reminded the group of the vulnerability of our schools to terrorist attacks and the need to take steps to stem the flow of potential enemy into the United States.

Mr. Bernsen also discussed the Democratic opponent in the Senatorial race and gave the NWC good reason to support Senator Hutchinson. This included policy differences and the need to support and vote for GOP candidates in local elections.

Following the presentation, the floor was opened to questions and comments. Members discussed concerns over RINOs in the Senate, politicians' tendency to curry favor from the voters before elections and their assumption that traditional voting blocks will never change. We also discussed the media's lack of coverage of all the positive news from Iraq, the desire among liberals to provide terrorists with lawyers and national security information.. We discussed our observation that Democrats are full of confidence, but seem oblivious to the possibility that many Americans trust them less than the GOP. The NWR Club meetings usually end promptly at 10 a.m., but on this occasion the lively discussion continued until 10:30.

August 19, 2006

Prior to the meeting we had a lively discussion regarding the upcoming gubernatorial election in the Fall. The club was reminded of the blood drive that followed the meeting. The meeting was then called to order and stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dominick Dina announced the club financial balance.

Speaker Lyle Larson, Republican County Commissioner, then spoke to the club regarding the effort to keep the Bexar County property tax rate as low as possible. Mr Larson presented data from the past several years with documents the decline of the tax rate for the county that has coincided with increases in property value. He also discussed GOP strategy in the upcoming elections. The implications of toll roads/lanes to ease traffic congestion in Bexar County was also discussed. When implimented, users of the toll lanes would be paying two taxes to support Texas transportation. Mr. Larson ended with the pros and cons of consolidating Bexar County and the City of San Antonio.

Member James Hutmacher then discussed his qualiifcations for his intended bid for the Office of Bexar County Sheriff in 2008. Other members reminded the club to contact our Senators regarding upcoming legislation and reported local liberal antics.

BLOOD DRIVE co-sponsored by Fire Mountain Restaurant and the Northwest Republican Club. August 19th, 10 am to 12 noon The South Texas Blood and Tissue Center sent one of their mobile stations to Fire Mountain Restaurant, 7200 Bandera Rd. The event was a great success.

July 18, 2006
Prior to the meeting, the group discussed the idea of CPS providing internet broadband to areas where it is currently unavailable. There was also a discussion of AT&T's recent cutback in services provided to cellular-on-patrol groups.

The meeting was then called to order and stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dominick Dina announced the club financial balance, the planned blood drive co-sponsored by the Northwest Republican Club and Fire Mountain Grille, and a planned email campaign to receive feedback concerning the time and place of the club's regular meetings.

Marialyn Barnard, Republican Candidate for the 225th District Court in Bexar County was then introduced. She gave a concise, yet informative presentation of the entire court system of Texas and informed the group that cases that start in District Court may eventually be heard in Federal Court and may involve international law.

Mrs. Barnard then informed the group about being recruited to run for the 225th Court, her many endorsements and supporters from both parties, and her upcoming campaign initiatives. She continued by detailing her background and breadth of experience that is superior to that of her opponent. She concluded by asking for the club members support in the November election, followed by questions from the club.

June 17, 2006
A lively conversation regarding toll roads, city council districts, and Ann Coulter's recent book took place during the meet and greet time preceding the meeting.

The meeting was then called to order, all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and new and returning members were welcomed.

Steve Hilbig, candidate for the 4th Court of Appeals was introduced. Mr Hilbig, explained the role of the Court Of Appeals in Texas as appeal of any case in the jurisdiction of Texas courts. Of all the cases heard at the Appeals Court level, 97% are ruled upon and go not further. The remaining 3% are sent to either the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas Supreme Court. He discussed relevant example and possible outcomes of appeals.

Mr. Hilbig then explain the need for expertise in criminal law on the 4th Court of Appeals and reviewed his extensive background in criminal law and his service as Bexar County District Attorney in the 1990's. His goal is to maintain honesty on the Court and help reverse the assault on our criminal justice system. Mr. Hilbig answered questions concerning his early background, the exclusionary rule of evidence, and the death penalty. He also emphasized that his opponent has a background in personal-injury law, a specialty already represented on the 4th Court of Appeals.

Finally members were asked to report other relevent news. Stan Fisher, reported the major highlights of the RPT Convention held in San Antonio on June 2-3, including SD 26 SREC committee chairwoman and chairman elections, term limits for Texas representatives to the national RNC and other platform issues.

The meeting was then adjourned.

May 20, 2006
The meeting was called to order and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. A welcome was offered to members and visitors by Dominick Dina. Several new guests and returning members were present.

Judge Richard Price of the 408th District Court reviewed his background, education, credentials and the types of cases on the docket of the 408th District Court. He reviewed his extensive experience in civil litigation and his experience on the bench since he was appointed to his current office.

Diane Rivera, candidate for the 45th District Court presented her experience in 11 years of practice in juvenile, family, and criminal law. She also discussed her pro bono work performed for the Visitation Access Program for divorced fathers and the Community Justice Program.

The floor was then opened for comments and other topics of interest. Chris Pugh discussed his recent attendance at a convention of Americans For Prosperity and their continued efforts to keep a ceiling on taxes. For more information, visit AmericansForProsperity.org. The possibility of sponsoring a blood drive was also addressed.

April 15, 2006
The meeting was called to order all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. A welcome was offered to members and visitors by Dominick Dina. Introductions were made to new attendees and guests.

Judge Rene Dias of the 224 th District Court was then introduced. Judge Diaz explained the importance of district court to the audience. To summarize, the most serious and life affecting decisions are made in district court, including criminal charges, property issues, personal injuries, divorce, and child custody. Besides demonstrating his expertise and experience, Judge Diaz explained why District Court is the most efficient in all of Texas. Besides providing a great lesson regarding our court system, Judge Diaz explained his philosophy and background, and urged the audience to support him in the upcoming Fall 2006 election.

The floor was then opened to questions and comments. A brief club financial report was given and the meeting, followed by a more general question session and adjournment.

March 18, 2006
We had spirited discussions this morning.  Thanks to those who attended and for those absent, know you were missed.

We focused on the upcoming Senatorial Convention, Saturday March 25th.  We discussed the Precinct Conventions held following the closing of the polls on Primary Election night.  We are concerned many are not aware of the Precinct Conventions and their importance to the overall process.  We all need to do a better job educating our neighbors.