Yesterday I had an opportunity to sit down with Stan and Elaine Meckler, Nevada County Tea Party Patriot organizers for chat about the Nevada County TPP, it’s history and future goals. It was a pleasant hour and a half on the outside deck at the Trolly Junction. What a pleasant place to meet, over looking the creek and lawn below. The service was excellent. Highly recommended.
Back to the discussion. I was familiar with some of the Tea Party Patriot history, having participated in several of their events, including the first rally at the Fair Grounds and and one at the Elks Hall in Grass Valley. We also followed our friends George and JoAnn Rebane when they attended the big rally at the State Capitol, plus observed huge turn out the 4th of July Parade in Grass Valley last year. This year we decided to participate in the 4th of July Parade in Nevada City. So, where was not a lot of history to catch up on.
The early idea that the Tea Party movement would remain leaderless created chaos and uncertainty, with multiple groups and individuals trying to benefit from citizens anger. Two groups the the Tea Parry Patriots are not involved with are the Tea Party Nation and Tea Party Express. Publicity about the antics of these two groups have blurred the Tea Party Patriots mission of fiscal responsibility, limited government, free markets, and respect for the Constitution and Bill of Rights. According to Stan, “the TPP will support government organizations, regardless of party that respects and answers to the people.” Full mission statement is here.
To overcome the initial early confusion the Nevada County TPP is seeking non-profit status with a Board of Directors and the transparency that comes with being a public sanctioned organization. All Board meeting are open to the public and according to Stan, “more than willing to answer questions about the TPP organization, finances, and goals.” Critics can find meeting announcements here.
To complement the Nation Tea Party Patriot’s leadership training program (details here) the NCTPP would like to hold local classes on the Constitution and key amendments. They are looking for expert volunteers to teach these classes. This program would be modeled after one in Redding, that is proving to be quite successful, with 200 people meeting monthly.
The Nevada County TPP supports the Suspension of AB32 and has been working with Assemblyman Dan Logue to promote Prop 23. I will be lending a hand in getting our local community leaders on board. I have asked our BOS, City Councils and Chambers and other economic development organizations for their position. I will be making regular updates on our progress, which so far has been a tepid response by the BOS and City Councils. I will be working with NCTPP to get resolutions supporting Prop 23 passed by the these organizations to protect existing jobs and create new jobs in California, by supporting the passage of Prop 23.

