Meeting Minutes 2/19/26

From the meeting on February, 19, 2026.

Meeting called to order: By Steve Birmingham at 6:00PM.

Invocation: Led by Cora Lee Schingnitz.

Pledge: Led by Aaron Salyi.

Announcement: Steve Birmingham announced that Ruth Milne has resigned as Chairman. Steve, CRTP Vice Chairman, will be Acting Chairman, according to bylaws. CRTP will be having special elections to elect a new chairman.

Officials Present: Mark Martinez, Yuma City Council; David Ibarra, Yuma Elementary School District One Governing Board member.

Candidates Present: Art Gradillas, re-election for Constable JP 1; Ron Van Why, candidate for Yuma City Council; Melissa Wallace, candidate for AZ Senate LD23.

Secretary’s Report: Meeting minutes are posted on the CRTP website for members to review. Motion to approve made by Teresa Robinson, seconded by Bob Robinson.

Treasurer’s Report: This report is done quarterly. The next report will be given in April.

Ways and Means: Cindy thanked Aaron and Nicole, and Bill and Ute for bringing refreshments for tonight’s meeting.

She also thanked Bob, Teresa, Patty, and Greg for volunteering at the AG Fest on January 24th. We had 4 new voter registrations and did $1105 in donations.

Thank you to Patty, Greg, and Cora Lee for helping at the farmer’s market on February 7th. We had 3 new voter registrations and did $237 in donations.

BBQ & Brew’s event is on February 28th from 12-9PM. Our booth is in front of Lute’s Casino.

March 7th will be our last farmer’s market from 9-2PM. Our spot has moved - we are now closer to Five Below.

CRTP will be at the Yuma County Fair. Dates are Tuesday, March 31 - Sunday, April 5.

There are sign-up sheets for all of these events.

Announcement: Steve added that everyone on the Executive Board is pulling double duty as we figure out this unexpected news. Special shout out to Cindy, Patty, and Greg for all that they do for our club. They are usually at every event for the entire time! Steve encouraged everyone to find a time to volunteer at one of our upcoming events. It’s fun!

Guest Speaker 1: Ron Van Why, candidate for Yuma City Council.

Ron has been in Yuma for 53 years. Some of his previous experience includes: working for 35 years in law enforcement as a customs agent, as an educator for AWC, and currently, as a government employee. Ron is dependable and loyal. He believes being a team is important whether you live in the city or county as we all traverse through both areas. Ron has extensive experience in public works, managing budgets, and serving on various county boards. Ron is ready to take Yuma to the next level. He wants to be the voice for the people. Ron also touched on the fact that in 1980, Yuma was put on a spending limit, but now inflation exceeds the budget. Ron is running to be part of the solution; he doesn’t want to just complain, but instead make a difference.

Guest Speaker 2: Art Gradillas, running for re-election as Constable Justice Court Precinct 1

Art started off by mentioning that four years ago when he spoke at CRTP, our club was a huge help at getting the word out for his campaign.

Art worked for the Yuma police department for 20 years, then with the constable’s office for 19 years. He retired as Chief Deputy Constable and then was elected as Constable. Art is grateful for the support from the community, his family and friends. He noted how many people speak about community - which he likes to refer to as “common-unity”, but few people are actually a part of their community. Art explained how Precinct 1 goes from the checkpoint on I-8 to the borders of Somerton and stops in the Foothills. (Precinct 2 is south county, and Precinct 3 is east county.) This means his precinct encompasses both city and county, so Art works with Yuma Police Department, Yuma Sheriff Department, DPS, and Cocopah Police Department. Art also clarified that the Constable is basically the executive arm of the judicial court - they handle summons, subpoenas, small claims, evictions, etc. He has a staff of four employees.

Both speakers are still seeking signatures for their nomination petitions.

A question was asked about what happens if they don't get enough signatures: Because Art is the incumbent, he only needs one write-in to be re-elected. On the other hand, Ron has five other opponents, so it is imperative he gets enough signatures to have his name on the ballot.

Old Business: None.

New Business: We will be establishing a Nominations Committee to elect a new chairman. Contact Steve if you are interested in being on this committee.

Good of the Order: Aaron Salyi - Paperwork to be an Elected Precinct Committeeman (PC) is due by March 23. Being an elected PC is important because it gives our county more representation at the state level. Most precincts only need 10 signatures. Paperwork is to be turned into the Elections Department at the new building; 197 S Main St. Petitions must be signed by registered Republicans in your precinct.

The Primary Election date has been changed to July 21.

Gilbert Hernandez - A group of PC’s in the Foothills are meeting at Izzie’s Diner on Saturday, February 21 at 8AM.

Melissa Wallace - Running for Arizona Senate LD23. She is also asking for signatures on her Nomination Petition. She encouraged members to make sure you know whose petitions you're signing and make sure they're local to Yuma.

Motion to Adjourn: Made by Teresa Robinson, seconded by Gilbert Hernandez. Steve adjourned the meeting at 6:49PM.

- - End - -

Submitted by Nicole Baggerly.

02192026 - Minutes of the Colorado River Tea Party Meeting.pdf

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