Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 7 PM 

1. Representatives of Presidential campaigns:

Chris Lorant spoke on behalf of the Bernie Sanders for President campaign and described two recent very successful rallies.  Supporters are encouraged to visit MetroWest for Sanders 2016 on Facebook.

Norma Shulman spoke on behalf of the Hillary Clinton for President campaign. Supporters can visit the MetroWest for Hillary Facebook pages or sign up to visit NH or make phone calls.

2.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Tom Barbera, Jeanne Bullock, Jerry Desilets, Jeanne Eversley, Linda Fields, Adam Freudberg, Beverly Hugo, Mike Hugo, Steve Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Shahid Khan, Barbara LeDuc, Jack Lewis, Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Sarah Micciche, Farooq Mirza, Betty Muto, Ilma Paixao, Norma Shulman, Jim Stockless, Cheryl Tully Stoll, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Rep. Chris Walsh, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none.  Associate Members: Cindy Rubin, Margareth Shepard Guests:LeVarr Brewster, Elliot Schmiedl, Sheri Thomas.

3.  9-12-2015 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                            Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $413.65, with expenses of $104.21, increased the 6-14-15 balance of $2,427.23 to $2736.67.  (Many members have not yet paid their annual dues.)

5. Election of new member: The election had to be postponed until our November meeting since notice of this election, although submitted to local news outlets, was not printed.  Public notice of such elections is required under Massachusetts Democratic Party guidelines.

Several residents interested in becoming full or associate FDTC members were present, and each spoke for a few minutes to introduce themselves to the current membership.  The prospective members were Margareth Shepard, Cindy Rubin, Elliot Schmiedl, and LeVarr Brewster.

6.  Reports of the Subcommittees:

Bylaws Subcommittee: Mike Hugo: no report at this time.

Legislative Subcommittee: Mel Warshaw: no report at this time.

Civics Education Subcommittee: Chairman Jack Duffy will report at a later meeting.  

Programming Subcommittee: Chairman Bev Hugo listed the following dates:

            Oct. 31: Sat. morning over coffee, then traveling to Worcester for Joe Petty for Mayor

            Nov 1: Fund-raiser for Jim McGovern; 9AM at O’Connor’s, 1160 W. Boylston St. Worcester, MA                                    01606.  Donation: $25 / person.  

            Nov. 3: GOTV

            Nov. 15: our regular meeting

            Nov. 21: smoc (Saturday Morning Over Coffee) at B. Sisters coffee shop.

            Dec. 6: our Holiday Party from 4-7PM. (Natick’s party will be from 1-3 PM on the same day.)

            Dec 12: National Delegate Workshop at the downtown Framingham Library (Costin Room) from                            1-3 PM.

            Jan 10, 2016: Regular meeting & Presidential Inaugural

            Jan. TBA: Politics & Pizza party to watch Pres. Obama’s last State of the Union address

            March 1: Presidential Primary

            Mar. 13: 10AM, Candidates’ Forum

            Apr. 10: Annual Meeting: elections & reorganization

            May 15: 7PM; Delegate Briefing (bring Asian Food)

7.  Volunteers for this years’ Holiday Party Committee are: Elsa Aviza, Linda Fields, Bev Hugo, Mike Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Betty Muto, Cindy Rubin, Mel Warshaw. Additional members interested in volunteering can contact Barbara LeDuc or Bev Hugo.

8. Announcements:

·         Jerry Desilets mentioned that there will be a need for members to volunteer to go to NH to promote the Democratic candidate after the Presidential Primary on Mar. 1.  Framingham members helped in NH in the last Presidential election, and assistance by Mass Democrats made a big difference in the NH outcome.

·         Jerry noted also we will need a transition team for the transition of the current FDTC officers to the next officers. This will take place sometime after the election on March 1, 2016.

·         Shahid Khan reported on his recent activities of fundraising on the national level for former Sec. Hillary Clinton, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of CT, and Sen. Ed Markey, amongst others.

·         Tom Barbera announced that Mushtaque Mirza, one of the first Muslim members of the DSC, passed away recently.  He was a great friend, and will be missed! 

·         Rep. Chris Walsh is running for the Democratic State Committee.  Norma had his signature forms, and asked everyone to sign before leaving the meeting.

·         Norma announced that the January 26, 2016 meeting of the Democratic State Committee will be held at Framingham High School.

·         Norma announced that FDTC had 29 delegates attend the convention in Springfield.  Delegates had excellent seating on the floor, probably due to our multiple requests for accessible accommodations. Also, this year there were a number of excellent breakout sessions; please send your recollections to Norma and she will compile them for distribution.

·         Tom Mahoney noted that he had an opportunity to speak with Tom McGee at the convention.  Chairman McGee stated there will be no more taking attendance by hand at future conventions; attendance will now be taken by bar code.  Hooray!

9. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s charity donations are for the Pathways Shelter.

The next FDTC business meeting will be on November 15 at 7 PM and the November Charity will be the Curtis Family Dinner – to support Thanksgiving Dinner for so many Framingham residents. 

Contributions (cash or checks made out to Curtis Family Dinner / United Way) can be brought to the meeting and we will hand-deliver them to United Way of Tri-County, 46 Park St. Framingham, MA 01702.

Please note: The charity for December will be for toys for the children at Framingham’s shelters, so please start your shopping early!!

The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10 AM

1.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Patrick Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Linda Fields, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Jack Lewis, Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Farooq Mirza, Betty Muto, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, P. Nandi Varis, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none.  Associate Members: Chris Broyles, Pam Roberts. Guests: Susan Anderson, Auli Batts, Lori Bornstein, Mary Dalton, Maria Davis, Jeffrey Hoffman, Lorraine Horn, Sue Kennedy (DSC), KG Narayana, Cindy Rubin, Sheri Thomas.   

2.  6/14/2015 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                            Approved with 1 correction

3. Treasurer’s Report:  The full report will be given at the Oct. 18 meeting

4. Bev Hugo offered a moment of silence in fond memory of our FDTC member Ram Raagas.  We will miss him deeply.

5.  Announcements:

·         Election of all FDTC members will take place in March 2016.  Chair Jerry Desilets is determining which current members are interested in continuing.

·         The FDTC is seeking a new Affirmative Action / Outreach Officer to replace Jeff Cox, who was transferred to Germany. We will vote on the position at the Oct. 18 meeting.  Also on Oct. 18, we will hold a vote to fill the vacant FDTC member position.  Please notify Jerry Desilets if you know of a suitable candidate.

·         The charity for the next meeting will be the Pathways Shelter. Bev Hugo will inquire as to their special needs for the month.

·         A special celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act will be held at the Hanover theater in Worcester on Oct. 15.  Tickets are $25, and the State Committee is asking each town committee to sell 10 tickets or more, if possible.

·         The Framingham DTC is hoping to host the Tuesday, January 26, 2016 meeting of the Democratic State Committee at a site to be determined.  To do this, we need to raise money, and provide volunteers.

·         Cheryl Tully Stoll announced that, if needed, a Framingham preliminary primary election would be held on the same day as the Presidential election.

·         Auli Batts, Chair of the Wellesley DTC, announced that Attorney General Maura Healey will speak at the Wellesley Library on Oct. 28, starting at 7 or 7:30 PM. All are invited.

·         Jack Duffy  conveyed an invitation from Herb Chasan to the fund-raiser for Hoops and Homework, a Framingham after-school program, on Nov. 9 at the new Jack’s Abby Restaurant & Brewery. Tickets are $50 and include beer and great pizza from the new brick ovens!

·         Very special thanks to Jeanne & Parwez for organizing the “bagel breakfast” for today’s meeting, and to the many folks who brought loads of goodies and juice!

6.  Program: Sue Kennedy and Parwez Wahid, DSC members:

Sue and Parwez presented their slide show of instructions and suggestions for delegates to the State Convention next weekend; many helpful hints were mentioned.  Please bring your cell phone and charger, a small flashlight and a pen.  Since it is likely the concession stands will be closed, try to bring snack bars.  Bring only small bags (all bags will be searched).  There are two parties on Friday evening, and the Labor Breakfast will be at the Mass Mutual Center on Saturday morning at 8AM.  District Attorney Marian Ryan will be receiving an award.  Break-out sessions will be held from 1-2 and 2-3PM.  The schedule of those sessions is listed on today’s handout.

During the Q&A period following the presentation, several members described difficulties endured by delegates with disabilities attempting to attend past state Democratic conventions.  Sue noted that the state party has heard these concerns, but has not made progress in resolving them.

·         Mike Hugo made a motion (seconded by Jack Duffy): “the FDTC should bring a resolution to the floor requiring that accommodations be made so that persons with disabilities can sit with their respective delegations.” 

The motion passed on a vote of 15-0-1.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 AM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 7 PM 

Call to Order: Chairman Jerry Desilets called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM.

2.  Program: panel discussion: H. 3285 Safe Driving: Presenters: Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, Sponsor H. 3285, Thalita Dias (MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition: MIRA), NataliciaTracy (Brazilian Immigrant Center), Laura Wagner (Unitarian Universalist Mass Action Network). 

H3285 would allow for Mass. residents to obtain a learner’s permit or license to operate a motor vehicle even if they are unable to provide a Social Security number (if they are ineligible for one) or evidence of immigration status.  The bill would further require that they obtain liability insurance, and might mandate additional training in MA / USA driving laws.

Rep. Farley-Bouvier opened the discussion.  All drivers should be properly trained and carry liability insurance.  License applicants would need to pay the test and renewal fees as do other residents.

Thalita Dias: This bill has been passed in 10 other states, including CT & VT.  In CT, the bill was heavily supported by the auto insurance companies.

Laura Wagner: The licenses would provide real ID compliance. It is not evidence of citizenship, cannot be used to acquire benefits or buy a gun, and, although it can be used to board a plane, residents can do that without the license. The present bill would provide licenses identical to the licenses currently in use.  She believes a different form of the driver’s license, which has been proposed in the past, is potentially dangerous, in that it identifies the carrier as undocumented.

Natalicia Tracy: The bill would require  applicants to provide 2 forms of ID & proof of 3 months residency in MA.  Additionally, the bill requires driver training, licensure testing, and auto insurance. Passage of the bill would be good for the economy, as it would allow more of the affected residents to work; they now fear driving.

Reps. Walsh and Gentile noted that there over 30K driving deaths annually in the US.  All possible steps to reduce this number by increasing driver training should be taken.  Rep. Walsh does not believe the bill will pass in the MA House of Reps.

Jack Duffy made a motion to endorse HR 3285 (seconded by M. Warshaw).  The motion passed with a 15-0-3 vote.

3.  Report on the current status of the budget: Reps. Walsh and Gentile, and Sen. Eldridge.

The budget is in Conference Committee, having gotten a slow start this year because of disagreements amongst the leadership. (The future of joint legislative committees (House plus Senate) is in jeopardy.) For the budget items where the Senate and House agree, passage seems certain, but when the two houses disagree, negotiations continue.

Additionally, some legislative items worth watching are:

·         Criminal justice Reform: & Drug Minimum sentences.  Some of these may get overturned, as too many people are incarcerated.

·         Progressive Taxation: should be addressed.  Raise up Mass is promoting budget priorities.

·         Housing courts: there is pending legislation to develop these in MA

·         Care Act: to provide more in-home care.  In-home care is cheaper for the taxpayer and often better than in many health care facilities.

4.  4/12/2015 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                            Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $258.46, with expenses of $508.71*, decreased the 4-12-15 balance of $2,677.48 to $2427.23.  (* This includes return of a $250 check originally written from a PC account, rather than a personal account, as ordered by the OCPF.) Members who have not paid their annual dues are urged to do so after tonight’s meeting.)

6. Report from the MNW Alliance meeting: / We the People Act (H. 3127)

Norma Shulman gave the report on the Alliance meeting and their consideration of the We the People Act.  In summary, the MA legislation calls on Congress to propose an amendment to the Constitution that would affirm that

·         Constitutional rights are rights of human individuals only;

·         Congress and the states shall place limits on political contributions. Spending money to influence elections is not protected free speech under the first Amendment;

·         Further, if congress does not propose this constitutional amendment within 6 months of the passage of this bill, then this bill calls for a Constitutional Convention, pursuant to Article V of the US Constitution, when 2/3 of the states have applied for a Convention.

·         (Note:  Sen. Spilka and Reps. Sannicandro, Walsh, and Gentile are co-sponsors of this legislation.)

 There was considerable and widespread discussion of this Act.  John Stefanini questioned the wisdom of the third section which might permit a “runaway convention”, particularly in view of the current party makeup of the congress, and Republican domination in parts of the US. Vigorous discussion ensued.

Norma Shulman made a motion for the FDTC to become a supporting organization (B. LeDucseconded) of H. 3127.  The motion passed with a vote of 9-7-0.

7.  Reports of the Subcommittees:

Programming Subcommittee: Chairman Bev Hugo listed the following dates.

            8-16: our BBQ

            9-19: MA Democratic Convention in Springfield

            10-18: Suggestions for the topic are welcomed.

            11-15: Suggestions for the topic are welcomed.

            12-6: Holiday Party

            The 2016 dates are 1/10, 2/21, 3/13, 4/10, 5/15, 6/12, and 9/18.

Civics Education Subcommittee: Jack Duffy will convene the committee shortly.

By-laws Subcommittee & Legislative Subcommittee: no reports at this time.

9.  Announcements:

·         Rush Ashton announced that this year is the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.  On August 6, there will be a celebration at the Hanover Theater in Worcester.  Tickets are $25.  The MA. State Party is hoping DTCs will buy tables of 10 seats for $250.

·         (Note added later: this event has been rescheduled to October 15.) 

10. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s charity donations were for the Pearl Street Shelter. 

 The next FDTC business meeting will be on September 12 at 10 AM.  PLEASE NOTE the time and day change. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary