Coordinated Campaign Office, 303 Worcester Rd. Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 9 AM Special Meeting

1.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Tom Mahoney, Stephanie Mercandetti, Farooq Mirza, Ram Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none. Associate Members: none. Guests: none.

2. Chairman Desilets asked Treasurer Mel Warshaw for the status of our FDTC funds.  Mel replied that we had almost $4,000 in our checking account.

3. Chairman Desilets asked Norma Shulman to describe her recent conversations at the Sudbury and Wayland DTC meetings, and to report their efforts toward assisting Democratic candidates for the   Nov. 4 election.

Norma replied that the Coakley gubernatorial campaign was in urgent need of funds. The Sudbury DTC has made a donation. The Wayland DTC has made a donation to Dylan Hayre, candidate for State Senate, and has sent an additional contribution to the Coakley campaign.  In addition, it is planning to purchase advertising in the MetroWest Daily News and the Town Crier.  Also, the Ashland DTC has contributed funds to cover the cost of WiFi and telephone hookups for the Coordinated Campaign office.

Norma reported that, in Framingham, there had been interest in purchasing additional Coakleylawn signs, but she did not know if this would be possible.

Chairman Desilets suggested we leave the language of any expenditure motion as flexible as possible, in order to allow himself and Mel to keep the contributions in accord with state laws.

Norma made a motion that we authorize Mel and Jerry to allocate up to $2,000 toward the election as follows: up to $1,000 to the Coakley / Kerrigan campaign or to MassDems, and up to $1,000 to the MetroWest Coordinated Campaign.

Mike Hugo offered a friendly amendment to the motion to donate directly up to $1500 to the Coakley / Kerrigan campaign, since several other campaigns were unopposed. Mel and Jerry will oversee accordance with any legal restrictions. The remaining up to $500 will be held for additional campaign-related expenses such as hosting a rally / fundraiser, or donations to other candidates. Donated amounts should be adjusted so that our FDTC funds should not drop below $2,000.

Jack Duffy asked that such potential expenses be further discussed at our regular FDTC meeting next Sunday, Oct. 19.  Bev Hugo asked that we consider hiring someone to keep the campaign office open for additional hours.  Mel Warshaw volunteered to keep the office open at some additional times on Mondays and Fridays.

A vote was held on the amended expenditure motion, which passed unanimously.

4.  Announcements: 

There will be a rally with Martha Coakley and Katherine Clark at 11AM on Sunday Oct. 19 on the steps of Framingham’s Memorial Building.  Visibility will begin at 10 AM. Bring your friends!!!

This will be followed by the Kate Donaghue Birthday canvass.

·         Bev Hugo announced that President Clinton will appear on Thursday with Martha Coakleyat 2PM at Clark University in Worcester. Tickets may be still available.

·         Parwez announced that there will be a fund-raiser for Martha Coakley next Saturday in Newton.

·         Jerry announced there will be a fundraiser for Rep. Carolyn Dykema of Holliston on this Friday (17th) at 8 AM at the Bowditch & Dewey Office, 175 Crossing Blvd., Framingham 01702.

·         There will be a fundraiser for Sen. Richard Moore on Wed. Oct. 22 at 8 AM at Bowditch & Dewey.

·         Canvassing will be held today at 1PM and tomorrow at 11 AM from the Framingham office.

·         Hub Dialer is available Monday and Thursday at 6 to 9 PM, and Sundays from 4 to 7 PM. 

·         The campaign office is open from 11 to 8 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, plus additional times as needed.

·         Additional Coakley lawn signs are becoming available for well-travelled roadways.

Thanks to Parwez for today’s bagels & cream cheese!

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 AM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary