Author Archives: Framingham Democrats

FDTC Minutes of April 21, 2013

Framingham Democratic Town Committee

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

 

MINUTES — Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

1.      Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and asked for a moment of silence out of respect and concern for victims impacted by, or related to, the Boston Marathon bombings.

2.      Attendance:  Members: Carmen Chico, Jeff Cox, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw.  Lifetime Members: None. Associate Members: Jeanne I. Bullock, Chris Lorant and Pam Roberts.  Guests: Will Brownsberger, Deborah Butler, Barbara LeDuc, Eric Slusher, and Adrian Velázquez.

3.    3/17/2013 Minutes: Secretary Jack Duffy   Approved unanimously (as previously corrected)

4.      Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw                                      Approved unanimously

The report shows income since 3/17 of 253.32 (mostly $108. dues received and $140. for 3/17 breakfast), less $44.40 in 3/17 breakfast expenditures—increasing our balance to $3,378.74.

5.      Massachusetts Democratic Party Affirmative Action & Outreach Program: Norma Shulman introduced Adrian Velázquez, who works with the Party to promote involvement by Hispanics and other minorities, and who explained the purposes—basically, increasing interest and participation in politics, voting, and the Democratic Party by target groups.  Adrian mentioned that they are looking for places to open 12 offices, and that Governor Deval Patrick is holding a fundraiser (Friday, 5/3, 6 p.m.) in Boston to help with funding.  A meeting for local underserved populations is this Saturday (4/27, 4-9 p.m., Woodrow Wilson School) called the ”Farm Festival” that will attract hundreds of residents of Precinct 17—a targeted section of town, for this endeavor, due to its high population of minorities.  A discussion ensued of potential target groups in Framingham, and of members and others who can help (several members exchanged contact information or business cards with Adrian).

6.      Candidates’ Forum: Will Brownsberger, a state Senator from Watertown who is planning to run for Ed Markey’s Congressional seat if Ed is elected to the U.S. Senate, discussed his qualifications, a few issues positions, and the kind of Congressman he would be, and answered some questions.  Mel Warshaw and Jack Duffy asked why he seemed to feel that spending reduction (austerity) is a better strategy for debt reduction than the Keynesian expansionary job creation that worked so well, for FDR and others during depressions and recessions, by raising tax receipts.

Wade Blackman, representing Cong. Ed Markey, candidate for the U.S. Senate, mentioned that there are only nine (9) days left until the Primary that will select the Democratic nominee, who will be favored to join Elizabeth Warren in representing our state.  He urged us to volunteer at the Framingham Markey headquarters, 303 Worcester Road, open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

7.      Unfinished Business: Beverly Hugo recommended, and the Committee unanimously passed a motion, to donate water, other beverages, and other leftovers from the January FDTC Pre-Inaugural Celebration & Democratic Victory Party, to the winner of the U.S. Senate Democratic Primary being held in Massachusetts on April 30th.

Committee Vacancy:  In the vacancy caused by the resignation of longtime FDTC Member Terene Micciche, Jeanne Bulloch withdrew her name, and Jeff Cox won over Chris Lorant.

Committee Secretary: Tom Mahoney announced that Secretary Jack Duffy has agreed to withdraw his resignation as Secretary, and will continue to serve.

Alternate to the MNW Alliance: Tom Mahoney explained that this post, from which Parwez Wahid has resigned, represents the FDTC Chair, in his (or her) absence, as one of the three FDTC voting members at Alliance monthly meetings—and should be a full FDTC Member.  It was decided that one of the two Vice-Chairs should serve in this capacity if the Chair is unable to attend.

8.      New Business:  The Committee, by unanimous votes, passed motions to:

·         form a Congressional Primary Debate Subcommittee should Ed Markey win the U.S. Senate election—debate may be in August (Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Kathie McCarthy, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw volunteered)

·         form a subcommittee to review the bylaws, and propose possible changes to the Committee (Jeff Cox, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, and Mel Warshaw volunteered) [Note: Bylaws are available on the FDTC website: ]

·         form a subcommittee to conduct a barbecue on Sunday, 8/25, 4-7 p.m. (Jerry Desilets, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, and Parwez Wahid volunteered)

·         make a $100 donation to the Framingham Green Tenants Association (in appreciation of their allowing us to use their facility during the year)

·         set annual FDTC dues at $20. for Members, and $15. for Associate Members—for the period from May, 2013 through April, 2014.

9.      Announcements:  Tom Mahoney announced that there will be no Saturday morning coffee at Panache on 4/27, and that, because the annual Democratic State Convention has been postponed to 7/13, the FDTC will meet on Sunday, 6/9—which, if he wins the Primary, will be held at Ed Markey’s Framingham campaign office (303 Worcester Road).  This will give us an opportunity to make phone calls before the meeting.  Mel Warshaw argued how important it is for members who have not volunteered to fulfill their responsibilities to be involved and work.

Jeff Cox urged the committee to consider Town Meeting issues and issues discussions.

Norma Shulman announced that the Friday night Summer Concerts, on Village Green (Centre Common) on Edgell Road, will begin 6/21, and run through 8/9.

Chris Lorant pointed out that there will be a moment of silence tomorrow (4/22) at 2:50 p.m. to commemorate the one week anniversary of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

10.  Next meeting’s Charity:  The Committee agreed that next meeting’s charity will be onefundboston.org—established by Boston and the Commonwealth to help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.  Individuals can contribute via the website.  (Beverly Hugo thanked those who contributed books to Hoops & Homework—this month’s charity.)

11.  Next regular meeting:  Tom Mahoney set the next FDTC meeting for Sunday, 5/19/2013 at 7 p.m. at this same location.

12.  Adjourn:  In spite of so many accomplishments, the FDTC adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

—Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC

FDTC Minutes of March 17, 2013

Framingham Democratic Town Committee

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

 

MINUTES — Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

 

1.    Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.—proceeded by the annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast meeting at 10:00 a.m., which included a local candidate forum and roast.  Candidates making presentations included: Charles Sisitsky and Mike Bower (candidates for Selectman), Victor Ortiz (Planning Board), Chris Walsh and Parwez Wahid(Library Trustee), Janice Rogers (Housing Authority), Chris Lorant and Kathie McCarthy (Town Meeting Member, Precinct 1 and 10 respectively), Joe Avelone (Governor), and Karen Spilka(State Senator).  State Representative Alice Peisch (Wellesley) spoke in support of Joe Avelone.  Tom Mahoney, Mel Warshaw, Beverly Hugo, Joan Rastani, and Jack Duffy shared St. Patrick’s Day comments and tales.

 

2.    Attendance:  Members: Elsa Avisa, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Adam Freudberg, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Caraline Levy, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Farooq Mirza, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, John Stefanini, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, and Mel Warshaw.  Lifetime Members: Ruth Litter and Mary Murphy.  Associate Members: Christopher Broyles, Jeff Cox, Chris Lorant, and Pam Roberts.  Guests: Sue Bernstein, Michael Bower, Lewis Colten, Bob Juberville, Janice Rogers, Karen Spilka, and Sheri Thomas.

 

3.    Minutes of March 3, 2013: Secretary Jack Duffy

                                                                             Approved unanimously (as previously corrected)

 

4.    Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw                                      Approved unanimously

The report shows that the January FDTC Pre-Inaugural Celebration & Democratic Victory Galaindeed amazingly ran a $1,015.90 surplus ($6,949. revenues exceeding $5,932.42 expenditures)—increasing our balance to $3,168.82.

 

5.    Report on Pre-Inaugural Celebration & Democratic Victory Gala: Beverly Hugo presented a report on the Gala, including the amazing fact that the sub-committee working to put on the wonderful event, faced with only 29 who had indicated they would attend as of one week before the event, managed to get over 220 attendees—averting a financial disaster, given that the expenses were just under $6,000.  A motion to commend those who worked so hard to put on this highly successful event was approved unanimously.  Norma Shulman, who was honored at the Gala for her volunteer efforts, presented a well-deserved “grassroots superstar” commendation to Elsa Avisa and to Mel Warshaw.

 

6.    By-Law Amendment: Parwez Wahid explained the proposed Amendment to the By-Laws that would retain the requirement of twenty (20) years of service, as a member of the Framingham Democratic Town Committee, to attain Lifetime Member status—but would eliminate the requirement that the service needs to be continuous.  The change to the By-Laws passed unanimously, 19-0.

 

7.    Committee Vacancy: Tom Mahoney announced that the vacancies for FDTC Member and for Secretary will be filled at the next meeting (4/21/13).

 

8.    Announcements: Tom Mahoney reminded us that the deadline for paying the Democratic State Convention (DSC) delegate or alternate fee [without paying a $25 late fee] is Friday, 4/12/2013 [Note: On 4/11/13 evening, the Democratic State Committee voted to extend the deadline to 4/30/13—because the Convention was rescheduled to 7/13/13].  Parwez Wahidrecommended that there be an additional meeting in June, since the DSC has been moved to 7/13/13 (because of the June election to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by new Secretary of State John Kerry); Chair Tom Mahoney agreed, and said he would check with the Framingham Green concerning availability.

 

9.    Next meeting’s Charity: Beverly Hugo requested (based on discussion with Pat Dunne, who is involved with the planning) that we provide new and used books for the “Hoops and Homework” program in Precinct 17 for Early Readers through Young Adult (approximately Kindergarten through Grade 5).

 

10.  Next regular meeting: Tom Mahoney set the next FDTC meeting for Sunday, 4/21/2013 at 7 p.m. at the same location.

 

11.  Adjourn: The FDTC adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

 

                                                             —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC

 

 

 

FDTC Minutes of March 3, 2013

 
Framingham Democratic Town Committee

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

 

MINUTES — Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

 

1.    Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney at 3:00 p.m. (after the annual Framingham Democratic Caucus to elect delegates and alternates for the 2013 Democratic State Convention on 7/13).

 

2.    Attendance:  Members: Elsa Avisa, Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Pat Dunne, Beverly Hugo, Stephan Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Caraline Levy, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Sarah Micciche, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw.  Lifetime Members: None.  Associate Members: Christopher Broyles, Jeff Cox, and Chris Lorant. Guests: John Aviza, Michael Bower, Jeanne I. Bullock, Jorge Costa, Ludovino Gardini, Michele Gardini, Tammy Laverty, Barbara LeDuc, Patrick Lyons, and Karen Spilka.

 

3.    Minutes of November 11, 2012 and December 9, 2012: Secretary Jack Duffy

                              Both approved unanimously (as previously corrected and twice disseminated)

 

4.    Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw                                   Tabled until next meeting

Mel mentioned that he believes the report will show that the January FDTC Pre-Inaugural Celebration & Democratic Victory Party amazingly ran a surplus (revenues exceeding expenditures).  Beverly Hugo said she will report on the event at the next meeting.  A motion to commend those who worked so hard to put on this highly successful event was approved unanimously.  Appreciation was expressed for the presence of DTC members from Sudbury, Wayland, Ashland, Natick, and other towns—and Ed Markey and many other officials.

 

5.    Breakfast Meeting: Everyone is invited to the “Wearin’ of the Green” at the Green (here), from 10 a.m. until noon on Sunday, 3/17/13 (which happens to be St. Patrick’s Day).  The event will feature a candidates’ forum for local Democratic candidates (for the roast portion of the morning, please bring a joke or a funny story about the Democrats, or a particular Democrat, to share),  Food will be prepared and served—attendees are encouraged to bring food (please communicate with Betty Muto), which need not be Irish.  Suggested contribution is $5. Contact Tom if interested in helping the committee.

 

6.    Announcements: Norma Shulman announced that she had left on the back table a brochure from Steve Grossman, an important letter on the budget from Governor Deval Patrick that all should take and read, and information from the Amazing Things Art Center (including the program book and a card with details about Godspell the Musical being performed at the Arts Center for the next two weeks)—and urged that the FraminghamDems @YahooGroups list serve be used for announcements and substantive issues discussions—that trivial responses like “Thanks you Joe for writing that” have annoyed some people as a waste of time that clog their inboxes and have even led to leaving the list serve.  On the U.S. Senate campaign, a voter registration campaign is being discussed, with a possible emphasis on the Brazilian and other immigrant communities, and a field office (smaller and less expensive that the Elizabeth Warren/Tom Sannicandro office) is being considered (if local DTCs are willing to provide some funding, with perhaps help from the state Democratic Party), and available to both the Markey and Lynch campaigns during the Primary period.  The local Markey campaign will feature canvassing and phone banks.  A “MiniVAN” app is available (for iPhone or Android smart phones) to help with canvassing.  Norma’s daughter, Dana Krashin, is running in the Boston Marathon with Team Hoyt to raise funds for the Hoyt Foundation, and it was mentioned that Mike Bower is also running to raise funds for other notable organizations.

 

Parwez Wahid announced that on Sunday, 4/14/13 in Hudson, the Middlesex & Worcester Democratic Coalition will host the U.S. Senate candidates at its annual breakfast meeting; so far, 5 from this area have expressed interest at $25 per person; 5 more are needed to fill a table—please contact Parwez if interested.  The Middlesex, Norfolk, & Worcester Alliance ismeeting at 7 p.m. on 3/4/13 (1st. Monday of month) at the juncture of Rt. 126 & 109.  (The FDTC Chair is an automatic voting member of the MNW Alliance along with two other Democrats from the town.  Parwez was elected as the Chair’s replacement, authorized to vote when the Chair cannot attend an Alliance meeting, but he is no longer serving in that capacity so the FDTC might want to fill the vacant position in the future—although Tom Mahoney stated that he would be attending as a voting member.)

Tom Mahoney announced that long-time FDTC member Terene Micciche has resigned, and that her slot will be filled at the April meeting.  Leading up to the state convention, The Democratic Party Platform Committee is holding a hearing in the Blumer Room, Framingham Town Hall, 150 Concord Street, at 7 p.m. on Monday, 3/11/13—testimony is limited to 5 minutes.

 

7.    Next meeting’s Charity: Beverly Hugo requested (based on discussion with Pat Dunne, who is involved with the planning) that we provide new and used books for the “Hoops and Homework” program in Precinct 17 for Early Readers through Young Adult (approximately Kindergarten through Grade 5).

 

8.    Next regular meeting: Tom Mahoney set an FDTC business meeting immediately after the Breakfast meeting on Sunday, 3/17/13.

 

9.    Adjourn: The FDTC adjourned at 3:50 p.m.

 

                                                             —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC

 

 

 

What is coming in the months ahead? February 2013

The January inaugural celebration was huge success. The event sold out and also saw the attendance of Lt. Governor Tim Murray, Congressman Ed Markey and State Treasurer Steve Grossman, as well as Mass Democratic Party Chair John Walsh along with many of our local legislators. The event received high praise for its quality and level of enjoyment.

Let us all join in congratulating our new Secretary of State John Kerry. The Secretary leaves the United States Senate to serve in this important appointment and this has triggered a primary race in the Democratic Party to fill Mr. Kerry’s seat. For the interim Gov. Patrick has appointed William “Mo” Cowan to the US Senate; we send good wishes to Senator Cowan for a successful interim appointment. See this link for a list of candidates in the Special Election Democratic Primary: https://framinghamdems.org/primary2013.htm.

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