Section 1 - Purpose
The purpose of the ARCC is to promote the principles of the Republican Party of Virginia, as set forth by the State Central Committee, namely: "That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice; that fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government; that all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society; that the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing constitutional limitations; that peace is best preserved through a strong national defense; that faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers, is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation," and to encourage those who uphold these principles to seek nomination, and to nominate, support and elect Republican candidates to public office, and to inform and assist elected Republican Officials.
Section 2 - Membership
A. Regular Members
The composition of the ARCC shall be as set forth below:
1. A Chairperson.
2. Precinct Members - The specific number of members from each precinct shall be determined by the ARCC based on Republican candidates' votes in a recent past election or past elections, but not be less than one (1) member from each precinct. [Amended 10/02/03]
3. At-Large Members - Additional at-large members may be created by the ARCC which shall not exceed in number 30% of the total members of the ARCC.
4. Elected Public Officials - All publicly elected Republican Officials elected in whole or in part by the voters of the City of Alexandria shall be members of the ARCC.
5. Elected members of the Alexandria School Board who state in writing that they are in accord with the principles set forth in Article III, Section 1, and who request membership from the Chairperson, shall be members of the ARCC.
6. The First Vice Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer who shall be elected by the ARCC. They shall be elected from the membership of the ARCC.
7. Ex-Officio Members - The President of the Commonwealth Republican Women's Club, the President of the Alexandria Young Republican Club, all precinct captains, the Republican member(s) of the Alexandria Electoral Board, the immediate past chairperson of the ARCC, and the principal officer of any other official party organization in Alexandria that requests ex-officio status from the ARCC and the request is granted, and who otherwise are not members of the ARCC, shall be ex-officio members. Such members shall have the privileges of the floor and of docketing agenda items but shall not vote.
B. Associate Members
By resolution the ARCC may establish one or more classes of Associate Members, who shall be entitled to such benefits, in accordance with such terms and fees, as the resolution may specify; provided, however, that only regular members ofthe ARCC, elected and serving in accordance with Article III of these By-Laws, shall have the privileges of the floor, of docketing agenda items and of voting as members of the ARCC. Except as otherwise expressly provided, use of the term "members" in these By-Laws refers solely to the regular members specified in Section 2A of this Article.
Section 3 - Qualifications
Members of the ARCC shall meet the qualifications set out in Article I of these
By-Laws. The Credentials Committee (Sec. 4, C.) shall assure that candidates for the
ARCC have agreed to support the principles of the Republican Party of Virginia as set
forth in Article III, Section 1 of these By-Laws. Members representing a precinct shall
reside within the precinct, subject to the following exceptions:
1. If after election a representative elected from one precinct should move to another precinct within the City of Alexandria, a vacancy shall automatically exist in the precinct in which he or she previously resided, which vacancy the ARCC shall attempt to fill as soon as possible, whether or not there is a vacancy in the new precinct. If there is no vacancy in his or her new precinct, he or she shall retain his or her seat from his or her former precinct until that vacancy is filled by the ARCC.
2. If after election the boundary lines of a precinct are changed so as to create new precincts, the representatives elected from the original precinct shall continue to serve temporarily as representatives of both the new and old precincts until the next ARCC election.
3. In the event that there is a vacancy in a precinct in which an At-Large member resides, such At-Large member may fill the vacancy and occupy the precinct seat upon written notice to the Chairperson. In this event, the filing of a petition and fees shall be waived.
Section 4 - Election and Term
1. The chairperson and other members of the ARCC shall be elected in even years by the Mass Meeting, Party Canvass, Convention, or Primary called for the purpose of electing delegates to the Biennial Eighth District Convention for a term of two (2) years or until their successors are elected, unless sooner removed. [Amended 10/02/03; amended 02/02/12]
2. A Rules Committee, including a chairperson thereof, shall be appointed by the current ARCC, to draft rules for the election of the Chairperson and members of the successor ARCC. These rules shall include filing requirements for candidates, allocation of seats on the successor ARCC, date and time of balloting, qualification of candidates, and
eligibility of voters. Election rules shall take effect if adopted by a majority of the current ARCC. Republican Members of the General Assembly elected in whole or in part by the voters of the City of Alexandria and residing therein may serve as Republican delegates to State and District Conventions and filing requirements (other than the requirement to pay fees) shall be waived.
3. A Credentials Committee, including a chairperson thereof, shall be appointed by the current ARCC Chairperson subject to approval by the current ARCC. The duties of the Credentials Committee shall include preparation of an official ballot, selection of voting places, and assuring compliance of candidates with qualification and filing requirements. Further, the Credentials Committee shall supervise the election procedure, assuring compliance with ballot and voter eligibility requirements and providing for accurate tabulation of ballots cast and certification of the election results.
Section 5 - Vacancies
Any vacancy on the ARCC shall be filled by the ARCC from candidates who have properly filed and are otherwise qualified under these By-Laws and the State Party Plan. Notice of the meeting at which the election shall occur shall include specific notice of the intent to fill the vacancy and the name(s) of the candidate(s) who filed with the Chairperson.
Section 6 - Absences
Members of the ARCC automatically shall lose their seats if they are absent from three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings, as described in Section 9B of this Article, without representation by a person holding a proxy. Special meetings of the ARCC shall not be considered in measuring a member's compliance with these attendance requirements. Upon receipt of a written request of a member, and upon good cause shown, the Executive Committee may, in its discretion, waive the foregoing attendance requirements for such period as it deems appropriate but not to exceed the remaining term of the ARCC. An elected member who has, pursuant to this Section, automatically lost his or her seat because of absences, may apply to fill the vacancy thereby created; provided, however, that he or she shall be subject to all requirements as expressed in Section 5 of this Article or otherwise which would be imposed upon a new candidate for the same vacancy including those with respect to petitions, filing fees and filing deadline. The Secretary of the ARCC shall keep a record of attendance which will be attached as an appendix to the minutes of the ARCC meetings.
Section 7 - Removal
Removal of any officer and any member of the ARCC shall be in accordance with Article VII, Section C, of the State Party Plan.
Section 8 - Duties
A. Duties of the ARCC
The duties of the ARCC shall be to:
1. Establish and maintain an effective organization to enlist a broad spectrum of support for Republican candidates;
2. Plan ahead to mobilize volunteers effectively to secure victory for Republican candidates;3. Call all Republican Mass Meetings, Conventions, Party Canvasses or Primaries in the City of Alexandria;4. Decide all controversies and contests arising within the City of Alexandria concerning Republican Party Affairs, with a right of appeal to the Republican District Committee. Complaints lodged by members of the ARCC regarding party affairs, the election of members, the conduct of specific duties of the ARCC, or any matter which affects the ability of the ARCC to promote the principles of the Republican Party of Virginia as set forth in Article III, Section 1, shall be made in writing to the Chairperson who shall refer them to the Executive Committee for disposition of referral to a Standing or Ad Hoc Committee for resolution. Where the circumstances require, the referral shall be prompt;5. Decide, by a two-thirds vote after due notice as required herein, whether to select a candidate or candidates for public office where it has been impractical to nominate by Party Canvass, Mass Meeting, Convention, or Primary; and, if the decision is to select such candidate or candidates, then to decide whether to nominate such candidate or candidates. Any person seeking the nomination of the ARCC shall first certify in writing that he or she is in accord with the principles of the Republican Party of Virginia as set forth in Article III, Section 1 and will support whosoever receives the Republican nomination;
6. Approve in advance, either upon specific request or by adoption of a budget, all expenditures of money, subject to the provisions of Section 3 of Article IV;
7. Decide, by a two-thirds vote after due notice as required herein, whether to endorse or oppose any ballot measure or referendum;
8. Otherwise act and do those things necessary and appropriate for the success of the Republican Party, including those duties and responsibilities set forth in the State Party Plan.
B. Duties of Members
The duties of Members of the ARCC shall include the duty to:
1. Attend regularly the monthly meetings of the ARCC;
2. Strive to serve on at least one standing committee of the ARCC;
3. Support loyally and energetically all Republican nominees;
4. Support party and campaign events;
5. Recruit and mobilize volunteers, and work energetically to get out the vote on election day for Republican candidates;
6. Cooperate energetically with the Chairperson, Officers of the ARCC, and the District, State and National Republican organizations.
Section 9 - Meetings
A. Place. The meetings of the ARCC shall be held within the city limits of Alexandria at a place specified in the notice of the meeting. The meeting place shall be in a building appropriate for public use. While the meeting shall be open to the public, only members of the ARCC or their proxies shall have the privilege of addressing the ARCC from the floor without express invitation of the Chairperson.
B. Time. Regular meetings of the ARCC shall be held monthly, except in July and August, within the first week of each month, and shall begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified in the notice of the meeting. Upon proper notice, a regular monthly meeting may be rescheduled to another date in the same calendar month either by the ARCC Chairperson, or by a majority vote of the ARCC, or may be cancelled by the ARCC or the Executive Committee.
C. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the ARCC may be called by the Chairperson or by one-third of the members of the ARCC.
D. Notice. Notice of any regular or special meeting of the ARCC shall be valid if deposited in the mail at least seven days in advance of the meeting or if transmitted by facsimile or other electronic means at least seven days in advance of the meeting and provided that a record of transmission is maintained. Meetings may be held with less notice as allowed in the State Party Plan. In the event of inclement weather or similar emergency determined by the Chairperson, the Chairperson may cancel a regular meeting or special meeting without providing the required notice of cancellation provided regular or special meeting is rescheduled and adequate notice of such rescheduled meeting is provided as required herein. The Chairperson may change the in-person meeting to an electronic meeting in accord with the State Party Plan.
E. Agenda. The notice of the meeting shall include an agenda for the meeting. The agenda shall include all items of business which the Chairperson anticipates will be transacted at the meeting. Any member of reporting committee of the ARCC shall notify the Chairperson or in his or her absence to the Secretary, at least 7 days in advance of the meeting, of items, including motions of substance, that the member or reporting committee desires to include on the agenda for that meeting, setting forth in writing the precise wording of the motion or a concise statement which clearly outlines thesubstance of the proposed motion. Motions on matters of substance, as determined by the Chairperson, which are not on the agenda shall be deferred to a subsequent meeting unless the deferral is waived by a majority vote of the ARCC. Businesstransacted in any special meeting shall be confined to the purposes state in the notice thereof.F. Quorum. One-third of the incumbent voting members of the ARCC shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. However, a duly called meeting shall be valid in other respects, and a record of attendance and proceedings of the meeting shall be kept by the Secretary.G. Proxies.1. No voting member of the ARCC may represent any other member by proxy, nor may any person vote more than one proxy.2. The proxy holder shall be a Republican who is a registered voter of the City of Alexandria3. All proxies shall be in writing and shall be signed by the maker of the proxy and shall be substantially in the following form:4. A proxy in proper form shall be presented to the Chairperson before the individual holding the proxy is permitted to vote. The proxy may provide for power of substitution.
Section 1
The elected officers of the ARCC shall consist of a Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 2 - Election
The Chairperson shall be elected by the Republican voters of Alexandria pursuant to Section 4 of Article III of these By-Laws. The elected officers of the ARCC, other than the Chairperson shall be nominated by the Chairperson and elected by a
majority vote of the members of the ARCC present and voting, (either in person or by proxy) at its first regular meeting following the election of the ARCC. The nominations of these officers shall be stated in the notice and agenda of the first regular meeting.
Section 3 - Chairperson
The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the ARCC and shall implement all actions adopted by the ARCC. The Chairperson shall be responsible for sending written notice of the call for ARCC meetings to all members of the ARCC which shall include the agenda for the meeting as provided for herein. The Chairperson shall issue calls for all Mass Meetings, Party Canvasses or Conventions for the City of Alexandria in accordance with the State Party Plan. He or she shall direct the Treasurer to disburse the funds of the ARCC, subject to the allocations and limitations contained in and imposed by the Annual Budget of the Alexandria Republican City Committee pursuant to Article III, Section 8.A(6); except that he or she shall have the discretionary authority to exceed line-item allocations up to and including the amount of $500.00; and to
disburse ARCC funds for discretionary non-budgeted official requirements up to an including the amount of $500.00, or such higher amount as the ARCC shall set by resolution. In the case of extraordinary circumstanced where expenditures in excess of these amounts are necessary the Chairperson may exceed these limitations only with the advice and prior consent of the Executive Committee.
Section 4 - First Vice Chairperson
The First Vice Chairperson shall, in the absence or disability of the Chairperson, preside at meetings of the ARCC and exercise the powers of the Chairperson. At the discretion of the Chairperson or Executive Committee, he or she shall be responsible for any special projects undertaken by the ARCC.
Section 5 - Second Vice Chairperson
The Second Vice Chairperson shall, in the absence or disability of the Chairperson and the First Vice Chairperson, preside at meetings of the ARCC and exercise the powers of the Chairperson and shall otherwise assist the Chairperson and
First Vice Chairperson in the performance of their duties. At the direction of the Chairperson or Executive Committee, he or she shall be responsible for any special projects undertaken by the ARCC.
Section 6 – Secretary
The Secretary, which may also be referred to as the Director of Operations, shall keep a record of all proceedings of the meetings of the ARCC and of the Executive Committee in a book kept for that purpose. The minutes of the last meeting of the City Committee shall be made available to the members prior to approval of those minutes by the ARCC. The minutes shall include an attachment showing the attendance record of each member of the ARCC, indicating whether attendance was in person or by proxy and the name of the proxy. He or she shall sign, together with the Chairperson, all official documents and shall otherwise assist the other officers of the ARCC in the performance of their duties. The Secretary shall perform executive and administrative duties as shall be delegated to him or her by the Chairperson.
Section 7 - Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have custody of the ARCC funds and shall keep a full and accurate account of all receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the ARCC, and shall deposit all monies in the name and to the credit of the ARCC in accounts approved by the Executive Committee in federally insured deposit institutions with offices in the City of Alexandria. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the ARCC as may be ordered by the Chairperson, making proper vouchers for such disbursements. At each regular monthly meeting of the ARCC, the Treasurer shall submit a written
report to the ARCC designating all receipts and expenditures by budget items, which report shall be attached to the minutes of each meeting. In addition, the Treasurer shall give an oral report at each regular monthly meeting of the ARCC as to the current financial position of the ARCC. The Treasurer shall file all reports required by state or federal law.
Section 1
The Chairperson is authorized to create officer positions as needed and appoint ARCC members to fill those roles. Standing appointed officer positions include a Parliamentarian and a Legal Counsel. Such officers shall be appointed by the Chairperson at the first regular meeting of the ARCC following its election and shall serve at the pleasure of the Chairperson.
Section 2 - Parliamentarian
The Parliamentarian shall advise the Chairperson on matters of parliamentary procedure.
Section 3 - Legal Counsel
The Legal Counsel shall be a lawyer who shall advise the Chairperson and the ARCC on legal questions relating to ARCC business.
Section 1 - Standing Committees
The ARCC may establish standing committees, the chairs and members of which shall be appointed by the ARCC Chairperson.
Section 2 - Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall be chaired by the ARCC Chairperson. The Committee shall include all the elected and appointed officers of the ARCC, the chairperson of each standing committee, and other ARCC members the ARCC Chairperson appoints to the Committee.
The Executive Committee shall convene at the call of the Chairperson. The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility of frankly discussing problems, reviewing overall plans for the ARCC, compromising difference within the ARCC by affording a voice and participation to all elements within the Republican Party of Virginia ranks, and formulating
recommendations for the ARCC. Except as expressly provided by these By-Laws, the Executive Committee has no authority to act on its own or to act in the name of the ARCC but shall make appropriate recommendations to the ARCC. Additionally, the ARCC may delegate to the Executive Committee the authority to act on its behalf.
Section 1. - Liability of Officers or Executive Committee Members
No Officer or Executive Committee Member of the Alexandria Republican City Committee shall be liable to the Alexandria Republican City Committee, its members or constituents, for monetary damages for any act or omission in the Officer's or the Executive Committee Member's capacity as an official of the Alexandria Republican City Committee occurring from and after the adoption hereof, except in the following instances: (1) for any breach of the Officer's or Executive Committee Member's duty of loyalty to the Alexandria Republican City Committee, its members or constituents; (2) for any act or omission not in good faith or which involves intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law; (3) for any transaction from which the Officer or Executive Committee Member received an improper benefit, whether or not the benefit resulted
from the action taken within the scope of the Officer's or Executive Committee Member's office; or (4) for any act or omission for which the liability of the Officer or Executive Committee Member is expressly provided by statute.
These By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the ARCC by a two-thirds vote. A proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing to the Chairperson and shall be distributed by the Chairperson to all the members of the ARCC at least 28 days in advance of the vote thereon. The agenda shall include notice of any proposed amendments.
