FC GOP Rules

RULES OF THE FAYETTE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
2011-2013

ADOPTED IN CONVENTION MARCH 12, 2011

1. MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

1.1 QUALIFICATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN PARTY ACTIONS

All electors who are in accord with the principles of the Republican Party, believe in its declaration of policy and are in sympathy with its aims and purposes may participate as members of the Fayette County Republican Party (hereinafter "FCRP"), in its conventions and mass meetings. All chairmen and members of committees, delegates to conventions and voters in mass meetings, provided for in these Rules, shall be members of the FCRP and must be electors of the respective units which they represent as chairmen, members, delegates, or voters in mass meetings, except as provided in the Rules of the Georgia Republican Party (hereinafter "State Rules").

1.2 PUBLICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications for participation in the FCRP shall be published in all official calls for mass meetings and conventions called pursuant to the State Rules and the Call of the Republican National Convention.

2. ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY COMMITTEE

2.1 COUNTY COMMITTEE

The County Committee shall be the governing body (except while the County Convention of the FCRP is in session) of the FCRP, which is a political organization and political party as defined by Georgia law. The County Committee exercises countywide control and jurisdiction over party affairs. The County Committee shall, in the interim between County Conventions, be vested with all the duties, powers, responsibility, and privileges possessed by the County Convention and shall act for the FCRP during such periods. The County Committee shall consist of those persons enumerated in Rule 2.2 below, provided, however, that each such person must be both a current dues-paid member of the FCRP and a qualified elector in Fayette County.

2.2 MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COMMITTEE

The County Committee shall be composed of the following members who shall be

voting members unless otherwise specified:

County Chairman, who shall be the Chairman of the County Committee
First Vice Chairman
Vice Chairman of Administration
Vice Chairman of Communications and Public Relations

Assistant Vice Chairman of Communications and Public Relations
Vice Chairman of Operations
Assistant Vice Chairman of Operations-East
Assistant Vice Chairman of Operations-West
Vice Chairman of Events
Vice Chairman of Finance
Vice Chairman of Membership
Vice Chairman of Rules and Procedures
Vice Chairman of Education and Training
Vice Chairman of Outreach
Vice Chairman of Hospitality
Secretary
Treasurer

All Precinct Chairmen, elected at the respective Precinct mass meeting or appointed by the County Committee

A former County Chairman appointed by the current County Chairman, the General Counsel, the President of the Greater Fayette Republican Women or her designee, the President of the Conservative Republican Women of Fayette County or her designee, the Chairman of the South Metro Young Republicans or his/her designee, and the current duly elected chief executive officer, or their designee, of any duly chartered Republican auxiliary in the county. The Chairman of the Third District Republican Party, if a qualified resident elector of Fayette County, shall serve as a voting ex officio member of the County Committee during his/her term of office. The Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant General Counsel shall have voting rights at any meeting at which the principal officer they assist is not present.

Non-voting members of the County Committee appointed by the County Chairman:

Assistant Secretary
Assistant Treasurer
Assistant General Counsel
Finance Director
Parliamentarian
Sergeant-at-Arms
Webmaster

All Republican elected officials in the county and all active and known Republicans elected to non-partisan public office shall be voting ex-officio members of the County Committee. They shall not be counted for a quorum or have the right to proxy their vote.

All County Committee officers having the authority to draw checks on FCRP bank accounts shall be covered by a fidelity bond in an amount deemed appropriate by the Executive Board. All checks shall require the signatures of two authorizedofficers.

2.3 DUTIES OF THE COUNTY CHAIRMAN

The County Chairman shall be the chief executive officer and spokesman of the FCRP and shall perform the duties required by these Rules, the County Convention, the County Committee, and the Executive Board. The County Chairman shall convene the County Committee on a quarterly basis and shall preside at all County Conventions, County Committee meetings, Executive Board meetings, and other Party functions. The County Chairman shall appoint officers and committees as he/she deems desirable and may remove such officers and dissolve such committees when he/she deems desirable, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. He/She shall serve as an ex officio member of all standing committees of the FCRP and shall appoint all pre-convention committees with the approval of the County Committee. The County Chairman shall be responsible for the general direction of the FCRP.

2.4 DUTIES OF THE FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN

The First Vice Chairman shall act in the absence of the County Chairman, shall serve as the chief assistant to the County Chairman, and shall perform other duties assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

2.5 DUTIES OF THE VICE CHAIRMEN

A) The Vice Chairman of Administration shall be responsible for maintaining the Party's database, and with his/her appointed committee, will handle all the administrative functions of the FCRP. He/She shall work with the Vice Chairman of Communications and Public Relations in the area of internal and external communications, such as press releases, announcements, meeting notices, mass mailings, and newsletters and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

B) The Vice Chairman of Communications and Public Relations, along with the Assistant Vice Chairman of Communications and Public Relations, with their appointed committee, shall be responsible for designing and implementing a public relations/publicity program for the FCRP. The purpose of the program will be to generate interest in the FCRP and its activities. He/She shall work closely with the Vice Chairman of Administration and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

C) The Vice Chairman of Operations, along with the two Assistant Vice Chairmen of Operations (East and West) shall be responsible for the management of the precinct organizations within the FCRP. They shall work with the Precinct Chairmen to strengthen the precinct organizations and serve as liaisons between the Precinct Chairmen and the County and Executive Committees. Along with their appointed committee, they shall also be responsible for the coordination of all campaign activities. They shall also perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

D) The Vice Chairman of Events, with his/her appointed committee, shall be responsible for the planning of the Party's monthly breakfast meetings, including securing a location and planning a program for each breakfast. He/She shall also perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

E) The Vice Chairman of Finance, with his/her appointed committee, shall be responsible for raising the funds of the FCRP and for obtaining adequate financing for the FCRP. The expenditure of said funds shall be the responsibility of the County Committee and the Executive Board.

F) The Vice Chairman of Membership shall be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive membership recruitment program for the FCRP. He/She, with his/her appointed committee, will administer the program. He/She shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

G) The Vice Chairman of Rules and Procedures shall be responsible for Party programs dealing with voter registration, candidate qualification and registration, and poll worker and watcher training and shall work with the General Counsel of the FCRP to ensure Party compliance with applicable state and federal election laws and campaign finance and disclosure laws. He/She shall also ensure Party compliance with state, district, and county Party rules. He/She shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

H) The Vice Chairman of Education and Training shall be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive political education and training program for the FCRP. He/She, with his/her appointed committee, shall administer the program and include training for candidates, campaign managers and workers, Party leaders, and Party activists. He/She shall develop and distribute training manuals and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, County Committee, and/or the Executive Board.

I) The Vice Chairman of Outreach shall, with his/her appointed committee, be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive outreach program for the FCRP, that will insure that the Party is working to reach out to all segments of the Fayette County community and bringing them into the FCRP. He/She will coordinate efforts with the Vice Chairman of Membership and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, County Committee, and/or the Executive Board. 

J) The Vice Chairman of Hospitality shall, with his/her appointed committee, be responsible for providing hospitality and welcoming all attendees at County Conventions, monthly FCRP breakfast meetings and all other Party functions. He/She shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, the County Committee and/or the Executive Board.

2.6 DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY

The Secretary shall keep minutes of the County Committee and Executive Board meetings and shall be the custodian of those minutes. He/She shall serve as Secretary to all County Conventions until temporary organization of the Convention is completed. The Secretary shall give all notices required for meetings under these Rules and shall furnish copies of minutes required. Said meeting minutes shall be furnished within fourteen (14) days of the conclusion of the meeting. In addition, a minute book, containing an up to date record of all meeting minutes, shall be kept at the FCRP Headquarters to be open to inspection by any current dues-paid member of the FCRP. He/She shall keep a roster of the names and addresses of all County Committee and Executive Board members and shall perform such other duties prescribed by the County Chairman, County Committee, and/or Executive Board. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary, shall perform the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence, and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, County Committee, and/or Executive Board.


2.7 DUTIES OF THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURER

The Treasurer shall have the custody and responsibility of the funds and property of the FCRP and shall deposit said funds in a bank or banks selected by the Executive  Board, which funds may be drawn as prescribed by the County Committee or Executive Board. The Executive Board shall annually secure an audit and it shall be presented to the County Committee at the first meeting following the audit's completion. The Treasurer shall present at each County Committee and Executive Board meeting a budget status and financial report summarizing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities of the FCRP. The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer in his/her absence, and shall perform such other duties as assigned by the County Chairman, County Committee, and/or Executive Board.

2.8 DUTIES OF THE FORMER COUNTY CHAIRMAN

The former County Chairman shall be appointed by the current County Chairman and shall serve on the County Committee and Executive Board. He/She shall provide experienced advice and counsel, as well as an historical perspective for the current leadership of the FCRP

2.9 DUTIES OF OTHER OFFICERS

The other officers shall have the normal duties attendant to such offices not inconsistent with these Rules, and such other duties as may be prescribed by the County Chairman, County Committee, and/or Executive Board.


2.10 ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF COUNTY COMMITTEE

The County Chairman, the First Vice Chairman, the ten (10) Vice Chairmen, the three (3) Assistant Vice Chairmen, the Secretary and the Treasurer shall be elected bi-annually by the County Convention. The County Chairman shall, with the approval of a majority of the Executive Board, appoint such other members, as he/she deems necessary, who shall be non-voting ex-officio members of the County Committee. The terms of the members of the County Committee who are elected at a convention shall begin immediately following the adjournment of the convention at which each was elected. The terms of other members of the County Committee shall begin upon the occurrence of the respective event, which qualifies each for membership on the County Committee.

2.11 REMOVAL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF COUNTY COMMITTEE

A) Any officer of the County Committee who is elected by the County Convention or by the County Committee may be removed from office for cause by a 2/3 majority of a quorum present at any duly called meeting of the County Committee; provided, however, such individual must be given written notice of said meeting mailed at least 32 days in advance thereof, setting forth the grounds for removal, and be given an opportunity to be heard in person or by his/her representative. "Cause" as used herein shall include continued failure to perform his/her duties or conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Party, all as may be determined by the vote of the County Committee. The County Chairman, subject to the approval of the Executive Board may remove any member appointed by the County Chairman.

B) If any member of the County Committee or the Executive Board qualifies as a candidate for an elected public office and at least one other Republican has also qualified, then the member shall be deemed to have resigned. If any member qualifies as a candidate for an elected public office that no party affiliation is required and at least one other person who is a current dues-paid member of the FCRP as of the date that person also qualified, then the member shall be deemed to have resigned. Any member who qualifies as a candidate for an elected public office for which no other Republican has also qualified or no person who is a current dues-paid member of the FCRP has qualified shall be deemed to have resigned immediately upon being elected to that office. As soon as an individual qualifies as a candidate for elected public office as a member of a political party other than the Republican Party, he/she shall be deemed to have resigned all committee positions and membership in the FCRP.

C) Any member of the County Committee or Executive Board who is not a current dues-paid member of the FCRP shall be deemed to have resigned from such office, if he/she fails to become current in the payment of his/her dues within thirty (30) days after election thereto, or, within thirty (30) days after written notice thereto is mailed or emailed to him/her by the County Party Secretary. To remain current dues-paid members, members shall renew their FCRP membership each year no later than the last day in February. Officers renewing after February will be considered current dues-paid members only from and after the date of their renewal.

2.12 FILLING VACANCIES IN OFFICES ON COUNTY COMMITTEE

In the event of the death, resignation, or removal from office of any officer of the County Committee elected by the County Convention or the County Committee, the County Committee shall elect a successor by a majority vote of a quorum present, provided proper notice has been given in the call for the meeting sent pursuant to Rule 2.13 of these Rules. In the event of a vacancy in the position of County Chairman, the First Vice Chairman shall automatically serve as Acting County Chairman until the County Committee elects a new County Chairman.


2.13 MEETINGS OF THE COUNTY COMMITTEE AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

Legally constituted meetings of the County Committee and Executive Board shall be held on notice sent via U.S. mail, fax, or email not less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting on the call of the County Chairman or the call of one-third (1/3) of the voting members. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the voting members of the County Committee present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of the voting members of the Executive Board present in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Members of the County Committee and Executive Board who are absent for three (3) meetings during their term of office without submitting a written proxy shall be deemed to have resigned their office. Their resignation shall be deemed effective at the adjournment of the third (3rd) missed meeting. The County Chairman, in his/her sole discretion and as of a date determined by the County Chairman, may reinstate that person to office, provided, however, that no person may be reinstated more than one time during any single term in office. Each member of the County Committee and Executive Board may request the type of notice he/she desires for meeting notification purposes. The County Chairman may call special called meetings of either committee. If he/she elects to do so, he/she must use the best notice practicable under the circumstances. In the event of such a meeting, the first order of business must be to determine, by majority vote, whether or not: (a) there is a quorum, and (b) the best notice practicable was used, and (c) there is a valid need to hold a special called meeting.

Official meetings of the County Committee and the Executive Board may be attended in person, or by audio, video or electronic conference call.

A. At least one official meeting of the County Committee and the Executive Board shall be conducted with a majority of the voting members present in person or by proxy.

B. Except as to votes requiring a secret ballot, for issues requiring a vote by the County Committee or the Executive Board either in favor or opposed to a certain proposition, the vote may be cast and taken by e-mail or other electronic means.

a. All votes cast by electronic means shall be cast within three (3) business days of submission to members of the committee.

b. A tally of all votes cast by electronic means shall be circulated to all   members within five (5) business days of submission to members of the committee.

c. A vote cast by electronic means shall have the same force and effect as a vote cast by a member casting a vote in person.

C. Votes cast and taken by audio or video conference call shall be taken pursuant to roll call vote.

D. Votes cast and taken requiring a secret ballot shall only be taken at an official meeting of the County Committee or the Executive Board in which all members casting a vote are present in person or by proxy.

2.14 PROXIES FOR COUNTY COMMITTEE AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

Members may be represented by proxies, subject to the following conditions:
(a)Any member may direct his/her proxy only to another member
(b) no proxy may be directed to or voted by the County Chairman and
(c) no member may vote more than five (5) proxies. 2.15 ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF COUNTY COMMITTEE

The County Committee shall call and make arrangements for the County Convention and Precinct Mass meetings and fix the basis of representation by delegates to the County Convention and the time and place for holding the County Convention consistent with the State Rules and the State Call. Any and all resolutions to be considered at a County Convention shall have been forwarded to the Chairman of the Convention’s Resolutions Committee no later than seven (7) days prior to the date of the County Convention. No resolution shall be in order at the County Convention unless it has first been considered and reported out by the Convention’s Resolutions Committee. It shall cooperate with the State Committee and the District Committee in conducting all elections within its boundaries. Any and all contests regarding the credentialing of delegates to a County Convention shall have been forwarded to the County Chairman and the Chairman of the Convention’s Credentials Committee no later than seven (7) days prior to the date of the County Convention. No contest shall be considered in order at the County Convention unless it has first been considered and reported out by the Convention’s Credentials Committee. The County Committee shall decide all controversies and contests arising within its jurisdiction, with the right of appeal to the District Committee. If an appeal is made, it must be taken to the District Committee within thirty (30) days after the decision appealed from, by petitions signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified Republican voters. In the event of a vacancy in a precinct chairmanship, the County Committee, by majority vote, shall fill the vacancy.


3. ORGANIZATION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD

3.1 EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board of the County Committee shall be composed of the County Chairman, the First Vice Chairman, the ten (10) Vice Chairmen, the three (3) Assistant Vice Chairmen, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the former County Chairman, the General Counsel, the President of the Greater Fayette Republican Women or her designee, the President of the Conservative Republican Women of Fayette County or her designee, the Chairman of the South Metro Young Republicans or his/her designee, and any other auxiliary chairmen or presidents, or their designee, as recognized by the State Republican Party and properly chartered by their respective Federations. The Chairman of the Third District Republican Party, if a qualified resident elector of Fayette County, shall serve as a voting member of the Executive Board during his/her term of office. The Assistant Secretary, the Assistant Treasurer, the Assistant General Counsel, and all other appointed officers of the FCRP shall be non-voting members of the Executive Board, however, the Assistant Secretary, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant General Counsel shall have voting rights at any meeting at which the principal officer they assist is not present. The Executive Board shall have the authority, duty, responsibility, and power to conduct the affairs of the FCRP between meetings of the County Committee and between County Conventions. The Executive Board shall consist of those persons enumerated above, provided, however, that each such person must be both a current dues-paid member of the FCRP and a qualified elector of Fayette County.

3.2 MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

All rules and requirements for the conduct of meetings of the County Committee shall apply to the Executive Board.

3.3 CUSTODY OF RECORDS

Outgoing officers and holders of records and property shall deliver all records and documents in their possession to the new officers within ten (10) days of their election or appointment.

4. ELECTIONS AND CAMPAIGNS

4.1 ENDORSEMENT

Neither the County Committee nor the Executive Board as a whole nor any of the members of either committee acting in their official capacities shall officially support or oppose any candidate in a contested Republican primary. Involvement in a campaign as an individual, however, shall not constitute an endorsement.  Violation of this Rule shall be grounds for removal from office under the provisions of Rule 2.11.

4.2 SUPPORT OF OPPOSITION CANDIDATES

Neither the County Committee nor the Executive Board as a whole nor any of the members of either committee acting in their official capacities shall publicly advocate a split Party ticket or an opposition candidate in any election, Primary or General.

4.3 AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION TO CANDIDATES

Any and all information and resources the FCRP has which is of interest to Republican candidates for public or party office shall be made available to any and all such candidates on a fair, equitable, and timely basis, provided, however, that said candidate has been a dues-paid member in good standing of the FCRP for a minimum of six (6) months prior to requesting access to any information and/or resources.

5. RULES

5.1 APPOINTMENT OF PERMANENT RULES COMMITTEE

The County Chairman shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Board, a Permanent Rules Committee consisting of not less than five (5) members. The committee shall make a report concerning the Rules at each meeting of the County Committee upon request.

5.2 COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND DISTRICT RULES

These Rules are intended to be consistent with the Rules of the Third Congressional District and Georgia Republican Party. Proceedings of the County Committee and Executive Board shall automatically be governed by the District and State Rules if not specifically addressed within these Rules. These Rules are subject and subordinate to the laws of the State of Georgia and the State Rules. Any part of these Rules found to be in conflict with said laws or State Rules shall be deemed void and invalid. However, if any parts of these Rules are found to be in conflict, such conflict shall not affect the validity of the remainder of these Rules.

5.3 RULES FILING

A certified copy of these Rules shall be filed with the Board of Elections of Fayette County. In addition, certified copies of these Rules shall be filed with the Chairman of the Third District Republican Party and with the Chairman and Secretary of the State Committee. Any amendments to these Rules shall be similarly filed. All such filing shall be done within thirty (30) days after the adoption of the Rules or the amendments as the case may be.

5.4 RULES OF ORDER

All meetings and conventions of the FCRP shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, except
to the extent modified by the State Committee or by a majority vote of the County Convention or the County Committee in session.

5.5 AMENDMENTS TO RULES

These Rules may be amended at any County Convention of the FCRP by a majority vote of a quorum present or by the County Committee by a three-fourths (¾) vote of a quorum present. Any and all changes to these Rules to be considered by the County Convention shall have been forwarded to the Chairman of the Convention’s Rules Committee no later than seven (7) days prior to the date of the County Convention. No rules change shall be in order at the County Convention unless it has first been considered and reported out by the Convention Rules Committee. If the Rules are amended at a County Committee meeting, the meeting must be duly held after written notice mailed, faxed, or emailed at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting to all members of the County Committee setting forth in detail the proposed amendments. The amended Rules shall become effective when adopted unless otherwise provided.

5.6 EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULES

These Rules and any amendments thereto, shall become effective immediately upon their adoption.