| Framingham Democratic Town Committee
Framingham Green136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701
MINUTES — Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
1. Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney at 7:00 p.m.
2. Attendance: Members: Elsa Avisa, Nancy Coville Wallace, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Pat Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Stephan Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Caraline Levy, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Betty Muto, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, John Stefanini, Cheryl Tully Stoll, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw, Lifetime Members: None. Associate Members: Jeff Cox, Pam Roberts, and Chris Slammer. Guests: Dennis Cardiff, Robert Cassidy, Kate Donaghue, Howard Hager, Barbara LeDuc, Marlene Marsh, Ana McDonnell, Ryanne Olsen, Heather Panic, Jane Parker, Tom Sannicandro, Dhruba Sen, Donna Smith, and Sheri L. Thomas.
3. Minutes of September 9, 2012: Secretary Jack Duffy Approved unanimously, as amended
4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw Approved unanimously, as amended Initial balance of $3,076.38, increased by $40. in added dues, $120. in added Cookbook donations, $163. in income from auction, and $.22 in dividends, and decreased by $506.25 for Obama signs & buttons, and $663. for Committee to Elect Tom Sannicandro—yielding a $2,230.35 balance. 19 (of 35) Members, and 5 Associate Members, have paid 2012-13 dues.
5. Charter Commission: Dennis Cardiff and John Stefanini made a presentation and led a discussion of the purposes of a proposed Charter Commission to discuss changes in the government of Framingham, and of the process—which would involve outreach beyond the organizing group, collecting signatures, and a town-wide vote on members.
6. National and local elections: Norma Shulman and Kate Donaghue led a discussion of the successful elections of President Obama, U.S. Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren (8 point margin), and other Democratic additions in the U.S. Senate and House, state legislature, etc. Our volunteers and contributions helped engineer an amazing turnout in Framingham of over 27,000, with landslide margins for Elizabeth Warren and our Rep. Tom Sannicandro. We need to raise money for a coordinated campaign for a new Senator should John Kerry join the Obama cabinet. Kate said that it is anticipated that the caucuses window will be 2/8 to 3/3/13 [Democrats must register by 12/31/12], that the Democratic Party is considering targeting early voting and same day registration, and that people could advocate for issues through the platform process and Platform Committee hearings.
7. Victory Party: The group discussed and agreed with a suggestion by Cheryl Tully Stoll that on 12/9/12, the date we had set for our traditional holiday party, we have a business meeting to plan a Victory Party on 1/12, at which we can charge $20 to replenish our coffers for coming campaigns (including maybe another battle against Scott Brown for Kerry’s seat).
8. Policy Subcommittee: The formation of the subcommittee, which will discuss and recommend legislative proposals and positions on issues, was approved unanimously. The following volunteered for the subcommittee: Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Joan Rastani, John Stefanini, and Mel Warshaw.
9. Report from the Hill: Rep. Tom Sannicandro thanked the FDTC for its financial and volunteers support, resulting in much higher turnout here, only 20% voting Republican (compared to 35% usually), and in Precinct 17, 81% of registered voters voted (almost all for Tom). He said we made a big difference, and can move legislation (and reach the legislature in a day).
10. Announcements: Joan Rastani: A card is being passed around concerning the passing away of the mother of Terene, and the grandmother of Sarah, Micchiche. Tom Mahoney: next regular meeting: Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road.
11. Adjourn: Chair: Tom Mahoney at 9:00 p.m.
—Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC
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