MINUTES – Jan. 8, 2012 at 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order: Chair: Tom Mahoney 7:30P

(Opened with moment of Silence for those who were lost in the Tucson, AZ killings)

2. Attendance: Elsa Aviza, Carmen Chico, Nancy Coville-Wallace, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Tom Mahoney, Kathy McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Joan Rastani, Pam Roberts, Norma Shulman, John Stephanini, Cheryl Tully Stoll,,  P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw, Ruth Litter, Christopher Broyles, Bradley Bauer, Mike Hugo, Ramuel M Raagas, Sen. Karen Spilka, Rep. Chris Walsh
3. Minutes of  Nov 20, 2011                                                                               Tabled
4. Treasurer’s Report: Bev Hugo           $2643.47                                                        Approved
5. Unfinished Business: Chair: Tom Mahoney
   • Cook book update: Beverly Hugo We will accept recipes until deadline of May 1^st.  We are looking for Union Printer but it is very expensive. If we can make the cook book camera ready, it will cut the cost. Stephanie Mercandetti and Norma Shulman volunteer to help make cookbook materials camera ready. Nandi Varris volunteered for data entry.  There will be 100 to 200 recipes in the book.
   • Community Support Project : March – St. Bridget’s Pantry, February – A Place to Turn Bring goods to FDTC meeting after Caucus for Food Pantry.)
6. Speaker: Kevin Frank, Grassroots Committee, purpose is to educate folks about President Obama’s work. Also to expose Sen. Scott Brown.  Wants to identify in each town and senate district folks who will receive information 2 times a week with talking points about Brown or Executive orders.
7. New Business – Chair: Tom Mahoney
   • Young Democrats requested $50.00 from FDTC for their Kick Off.         Approved
   • Elsa Aviza and Jerry Desilets volunteered for upcoming FDTC breakfast.
   • Vote Builder Training, if you have interest, let Tom know.
   • Scott Brown postcard: Norma, MDP will pay for postcards. Norma will see if we can write on postcards or put stickers on each to publicize Caucus. Some discussion about how many postcards to request because FDTC must follow up after we send these. Norma stressed that we would need to make a commitment to follow up with each voter we send a card to. Some discussion about a super democrat list.
   • National Delegate Training, massdems.org,  March 23 Pledge forms available Parwez will send link, National Convention Sept 3rd – 6^th, Charlotte, NC, Elsa raises the topic of expenses for the convention.
   • FDTC Officer Nominating Committee:  Volunteers: Stephanie Mercandetti, Norma Shulman, and Parwez Wahid
   • Caucus : Feb 26^th

Nevins Hall – 11:30: set up. 12:00: Registration – 1:00: Caucus Volunteers to set up needed, Tom will get list of registered democrats from Town Clerk, Bob Berman was volunteered to bring laptop for check in, Tom will check with Linda Fields about publicity for Caucus, Nandi will meet with Tom to work on press release. Joan Rastani will check with Parks & Rec about sign for publicity.

8. Announcements
   • Norma bought Amazing Things Booklet
   • March 6^th Presidential Primary – Ask friends to vote for you for Town Committee
   • Rep. Tom Sannicandro sent holiday greetings
   • Occupy Event- Occupy local Board of Elections/Town Clerk’s Office Jan. 17^th ,  update voter info or register to vote- Debra Butler
   • Nomination papers for Elizabeth Warren available. She needs 10,000 signatures contact Norman@elizabethwarren.com
   • Saturday Morning Over Coffee- Jan. 28^th 10:00 am
9. Next Meeting – March 11^th or 18^th  Breakfast
10. Adjourn – Chair: Tom Mahoney 8:30pm

MINUTES – Nov. 20, 2011 at 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order: Chair: Tom Mahoney 7:05P
2. Attendance: Elsa Aviza, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Maureen Dunne, Pat Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Linda Fields, Beverly Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Tom Mahoney, Stephanie Mercandetti, Sarah Micciche, Terene Micciche, Joan Rastani, Pam Roberts, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll,,  P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw, Ramuel M Raagas**, Mike Hugo ** , Jim King,
3. Minutes of  October 23, 2011                                                                                    Approved
4. Treasurer’s Report: Bev Hugo           $2643.47                                                        Approved
   • Bank change in January moved and                                                        Approved
5. Unfinished Business: Chair: Tom Mahoney
   • Cook book update: Still accepting recipes
   • Report from Joan Rastani and Elsa Aviza about Nov 6^th Call to Action. They held a voter registration at Market Basket in Ashland. Maria Rosata did Spanish translation. Other participants; Mel Warshaw and Nancy. 17 were registered.
6. Candidate Forum – Jim King, US Senate Candidate. Three older brothers with parents who insisted upon civic involvement. Lots of legal experience-  founded law firm in Boston, Federal Prosecutor, state prosecutor, “been in more federal courts and created more jobs than any other candidate” He is, “ a conservative by nature on the fiscal side of things.”

Question: Mel: You are a “ Phantom Candidate” your website is empty. Why are you running now?

Ans: Electoral process is too long, issues get too confusing. “I was doing my homework, frankly.”

1. Speaker: Kevin Frank, Grassroots Committee, purpose is to educate folks about President Obama’s work. Also to expose Sen. Scott Brown.  Wants to identify in each town and senate district folks who will receive information 2 times a week with talking points about Brown or Executive orders.
2. New Business – Chair: Tom Mahoney
   • Vote Builder Training Dec 1^st , 6:30pm (See Tom)
   • Toys for Tots discussion, Drop a toy or donation, Sunday Dec, 4@ Panache 12-1
3. Announcements
   • Motion for FDTC to donate $100 for a Campaign office in Wrenthem, Metrowest Alliance is asking representative DTC’s for this donation. FDTC declined to donate. Motion not carried.
   • Esther received gift.
   • Mandel family received donation.
   • Dec, 11 Kate Donahue’s Holiday Party
   • Framingham Patch is looking for bloggers
   • Caucus Deadline Jan 9^th 2012 (window Feb. 11 – 26)

1. Next Meeting – Jan 8^th  2011, 7pm ,  Holiday party, 5pm
2. Adjourn – Chair: Tom Mahoney 9:00pm

MINUTES – Oct. 23, 2011 at 7:00 PM

1. Call to Order: Chair: Tom Mahoney 7:15P
2. Attendance: Elsa Aviza, Carmen Chico, Nancy Coville-Wallace, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy,  Jeanne Eversley, Linda Fields, Adam Freudberg, Gerald Heng,  Beverly Hugo, Shahid Khan,, Tom Mahoney,Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Sarah Micciche, Terene Micciche, Farooq Mirza, Betty Muto, Joan Rastani, Cheryl Tully Stoll,,  P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw, Christopher Broyles** Ramuel M Raagas**, Chris Walsh, Karen Spilka, Mike Hugo, Brian LeFort, Caroline Levy, Jay Grande
3. Minutes of  June 12, 2011 and September 18, 2011                                     Approved
4. Treasurer’s Report: Bev Hugo                                                                       Approved
5. Unfinished Business: Chair: Tom Mahoney
   • Cook book update: Still accepting recipes
6. Program – Framingham Master Plan

There was a Power Point presentation of the Planning Board’s work by Jay Grande, Planning Board Director. In a discussion afterwards Betty Muto raised a point about changing Union St into a boulevard. Jeanne Eversley asked if there were any plans to create new roads. The answer was no. Jay talked about his vision of seeing a Framingham Natick Village on 135.

7. New Business – Chair: Tom Mahoney
   • Nomination Papers Signed Papers due to Town Clerk by November 4th.
   • Nov 6^th Day of Action, Linda Fields and Joan Rastani (Elsa is waiting for a new grandbaby so she is not certain about day)
   • Vote Builder Training Nov 27^th 6:30pm (See Tom)
8. Special
   • Moment of Silence – Rene Mandel,
   • Motion about remainder of gift money     to The Mandels             Passed
9. Update from the Hill
   • Sen. Karen Spilka

Discussion about Redistricting

Spilka not happy that she lost two Franklin precincts. It was suggested that people call and email concerns over the redistricting. Public comment period ends on Tuesday Oct 25.

Casino Bill

Senate Passed the bill. Karen voted against it. She is against “Happy Hour” provision. Spilka was able to get many amendments for community protections such as all mitigations must be complete before Casino openings, consideration must be given to distances between site so not to over burden any area, reimburse towns for research regarding casino, Chapter 70- 14% monies towards education

DOT has been responsive

• Rep. Chris Walsh Aqueduct trails There was a question about water level and Chris said it was due to reservoir masonry work, Arch St. Bridge no longer on an accelerated schedule. He said, there were scheduling problems as tech people and csx flagmen pulled off due to hurricane, as well as some materials which had to be shipped from Pennsylvania but should be done by the end of the year.
• Brian LeFort – Redistrictin Maps and Committee information is available at www.malegislature.gov (last tab on right is Redistricting Site
9. Announcements

• Michael Hugo Occupied Boston
• Remember November donations Canned Cranberry Sauce to Eagles
• Holiday Party Dec. 4^th or 11^th

11. Next Meeting – Nov. 20 2011, 7pm ,
12. Adjourn – Chair: Tom Mahoney 9:30pm

Framingham Democratic Town Committee

September 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Rd, Framingham 01701

MINUTES

1.      Call to Order: Tom Mahoney 7:20p

2.      Attendance: Elsa Aviza, Nancy Coville-Wallace, Jerry Desilets, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Tom Mahoney, Stephanie Mercandetti, Farooq Mirza, Joan Rastani, Pam Roberts, Norma Shulman,  P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw, Christopher Broyles**, Carmen Chico**, Jack Duffy** , Ramuel M Raagas, Chris Walsh, Tom Sannicandro, Karen Spilka,

3.      Minutes of June 12, 2011                                                                                    Tabled

4.      Treasurer’s Report: Beverly Hugo                                                                       Approved

• Balance before bbq receipts                                                                        $2654.00
• Bank change pending

5.      Old Business

• Cookbook update: Beverly Hugo we are still accepting recipes. Goal for publishing is Thanksgiving. Volunteers are needed to bring bok to publication. Pam Roberts typing the recipes. Nandi Varris offered to help.

6.      Candidates Forum – 5 minutes with 3 questions

• Herb Robinson, Candidate for US Senate from New York, resident of Newton. Herb said he is a regular citizen who has a technological background, Talked about unsafe nuclear and other energy. “If you don’t want to help me, help somebody, (sic) a democratit doesn’t matter who.” He spoke about the need for those who have the most money and power in this country to be held fiscally responsible, “ as unemployment goes up, their taxes should go up”

7.      New Business:

• Election of New Members:

Candidates: Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Courtney Elgart, Ramuel Raagas, Mel Warshaw

(Voting Results As Follows with 14 Voting Members)

Congratulations to new FDTC members: Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy and Mel Warshaw

• Town Committee Elections

Members: If you want to be on the Town Committee slate for the Presidential elections, send an email expressing your intent to Chair Tom Mahoney. Nomination papers will be available to sign at next meeting for members. For all others: Nomination Papers for town and ward committees are available from the Secretary of Commonwealth Elections Division office or our local town clerk’s office.

8.      Program: From the Hill

• Sen. Karen Spilka is the Economic Development Chair and the Job Creation Committee Chair. Redistricting: Full redistricting information will be coming in Oct. We will go from 10 to 9 seats for US Reps. If Republicans don’t like what House comes up with, they will sue. Transparency has been excellent in the redistricting process with lots of opportunity for questions and input from residents of Massachusetts. Economy: Since last year, MA has been among the top 5 states in job creation in the Nation. Pension Reform bill had to be passed or our bond rating would be downgraded. Lots of collaborative work is being done through the Mass Marketing Partnership. Gaming: Concerned about casino, not sure how she will vote yet. Milford is very concerned. She has been working to put language into the bill to protect Metrowest. (Sen Spilka will be asking for signatures for her nomination papers for the State Democratic Committee.)
• Rep. Tom Sannicandro, Higher Education Committee, Redistricting: Tom will lose 1 precinct in Framingham. (He is not sure which one yet.) Gaming: House voted on it already. Top folks have already decided where monies from gambling will go. Tom was able to lobby additional 5% to Higher Education. Education Committee: Promoting Public Colleges. Trying to increase research money by putting into practice State contributing $1 to education and Federal will contribute $3. Tom mentioned the Worchester area boom due to research and development monie flowing into that city.
• Rep. Chris Walsh, Working on passing Alimony Reform, Bill Cosby Intellectual Property Law, Investment in Tourism and Framingham Aqueduct Trails (MWRA will maintain the trails). Diversity: Brazilian Consulate looking for an office in Framingham. Chris has been involved with talks with Consulate and the Brazilian Alliance. Education: Added money to SPED and Chapter 70 budgets. Judicial System: Courts will have a Civil Administrator. Juvenile Court plans to move to Marlboro.  .

9.      Announcements:

• Norma: Thanks to Framed in Time, Parwez and Farooq for their help on special project.
• Chris is happy to host FDTC BBQ next year too
• FTDC will support Eagles Thanksgiving Dinner in November
• Sat. Morning over Coffee beginning Sept 24^th
• Sept. 28^th Susanne Bump at Westin Golf Club… see Parwez for discounted tickets.
• Oct 3^rd Visioning Farm Pond
• Oct 4^th all Senate candidate forum in Lowell

10.  Next Meeting: Tom Mahoney – Oct. 23, 2011

• NOTE: BRING NON PERISHABLES FOR UNITED WAY FOOD PANTRY.
• Elsa Nancy and Stephanie will bring refreshments

11.  Adjourn: 9:45pm

Respectfully submitted by P. N. Varris, Secretary