Introduction
Jen Murphy started the meeting with the results of the survey we sent to our members in Jan. We received 113 responses. In the portion of the survey dealing with which local issues PfC should make a priority in the next year, SEPTA funding, and reducing crime and gun violence came out on top, followed by access to health care, education, and environmental issues.

Sadly, Jen announced that she will be is stepping down as chair of PfC after a three year tenure. Jen will remain active in the organization through the primary season. This summer she will be moving to California to become a professor of sociology at the University of California, Sacramento. Both Jen and her leadership will be greatly missed. Thanks Jen!

New Chair
Jen announced that David Sternberg had been nominated by the steering committee to serve as the new chair. David was approved as the new chair by a voice vote of those in attendance.

PFC Committees
Jen introduced David who announced the formation of five new working groups and the group chairs.

Endorsements and Elections - Sam Durso
Membership Recruitment/Participation - Josh Richard 
Fundraising - Jen Murphy
Communications - Ray Murphy
Legislative Action - Keith Campbell

The working group chairs gave brief reports:

Endorsement Committee
Sam explained our endorsement process which consists of several steps.

• The Endorsement and Election working group identifies races to consider.
• All candidates in those races are invited to speak to a meetup and sent a questionnaire.
• Candidates (who choose to) address meetup.
• Completed questionnaires are posted online.
• We vote on endorsement at a meeting after the candidates have spoken and the questionnaires posted.
• In order to vote, you have to have attended at least 2 meetups in the past year.
• A candidate must receive 60% of the votes to be endorsed.

If you are interested in working on the election/endorsement working group contact Sam Durso samuel.durso AT gmail.com.

Fundraising Committee
Jen announced our Presidents' Day Happy Hour fundraiser to support our get-out-the-vote efforts on President's Day, February 18 at the Mad River Bar and Grill 126 Chestnut Street, Phila. The cost is $60.00 to be on the Host Committee, $20.00 to attend, $10 student/low income.

Communications Committee
Ray discussed communications and increasing our online presence. He asked for volunteers to help write for our web site and newsletter. If you are interested, you can contact Ray at raym AT localnet.com

Legislative Action Committee
Keith discussed the need to contact U.S Congressman and Senators about the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, a bill that would improve access to higher education to low and moderate income students. The bill has since passed the house but is still pending in the Senate.

Keith also requested a volunteer to assume the role of coordinating the legislative action committee as he gets more  involved in electoral work. If you are interested in helping with the Legislative Action working group, contact Kieth at Kieth.J.Campbell@gmail.com

Membership Committee
Josh spoke about the work we need to do build membership and get them more involved by making it fun. He mentioned that some ideas which had been suggested were bowling nights, dances, and progressive dating. Josh also suggested setting up a PfC group on Facebook, which is now up and running.

Candidate Speeches
Anne Dicker was the only candidate for Pennsylvania 1st Senatorial to address the group. Others were invited.

David Dix spoke representing State Representative Tony Payton. Tony is up for reelection in the 179th PA house district. David is Tony's Campaign Manager.

Presidential Straw Poll
Finally, we took a straw poll on the presidential race. Over 90% of the participants supported Barack Obama for President.

The meeting adjourned to more informal discussions at the bar.