Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday April 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

1.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Patrick Dunne, Linda Fields, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Jack Lewis, Christopher Lorant, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members:none.  Associate Members: Chris Broyles. Guests: Robert Jubinville, Mort Shuman, Jim Stockless, Sheri Thomas.    

2.  3/8/2015 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                                    Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $122.23, with no expenses, increased the 3-8-15 balance of $2,555.25 to $2,677.48.  Mel noted that some receipts from the Annual Breakfast have not yet been reimbursed, and would appear next month.  Annual dues (2015-16) are payable tonight. ($20 for members and $15 for Associate Members.)

4. Caucus planning: Norma Shulman outlined plans for our Framingham Democratic Caucus on Sunday, May 17, at the Framingham Green.  Doors will open at 6PM for registration, and elections of delegates to the state convention will begin at 7 PM. The Massachusetts Democratic Convention will be held September 19 at the Mass. Mutual Center in Springfield. Framingham needs to elect 34 delegates and 6 alternates; we will need to recruit people.  We will be focusing on the Presidential Primary.  Candidates must have been registered as Democrats by the Jan. 31, 2015 deadline in order to be nominated.

Members indicating an interest in being delegates were: Barbara LeDuc, Bev Hugo, Mel Warshaw, Stephanie Mercandetti, Chris Lorant, Jack Duffy, Carmen Chico, Elsa Aviza, Mike Hugo, Linda Fields, Chris Broyles, Jeanne Bullock, Joan Rastani, Jack Lewis, and Jim Stockless.  Jerry Desilets will be the 34th delegate.

Volunteers for the Caucus Subcommittee were Parwez Wahid, Stephanie Mercandetti, and Linda Fields.  Any other members interested should contact Norma Shulman.

5.  Election of a new FDTC member: Jim Stockless was nominated and the nomination seconded. Jim was elected by a unanimous vote.

6.  Councillor Bob Jubinville presented his report on the Governor’s Council.  This is the first time in history that such a report has been prepared and distributed publically.  The General Assembly meets weekly; also there have been 88 formal Hearings. (CouncillorJubinville has a 100% attendance record.)  Furthermore, this is the first year that hearings have been held outside of the statehouse, specifically in Pittsfield, Greenfield, and Springfield.  While these meetings are unofficial, they are designed to gain a sense of the opinions of the electorate. It is hoped there will be such a meeting in MetroWest next year.  Councilor Jubinville brought copies of the written report for distribution to FDTC members and the general public.  Please contact the Secretary if you would like a copy. Mel Warshaw commended the Councilor for his efforts to publicize the serious problems that result from minimum mandatory sentencing laws and judges considering drug addicts as criminals belonging in jail.

7.  Reports of the Subcommittees:

By-laws: Mike Hugo noted that the revisions to the By-laws would be reported next month. A member noted that the revisions should reaffirm the concept that town elections are non-partisan.

Legislative: 1) Mel Warshaw noted that Rep. Jay Kaufman had responded earlier to an invitation to speak to the FDTC.  A time will be scheduled.  2) On behalf of the subcommittee, Barbara LeDuc offered a motion to the FDTC to support a Resolution to request that the legislature increase the starting salaries and make tuition loan repayments for Assistant District Attorneys in Massachusetts.  Currently, new ADAs have a starting salary of $37,500 year, one of the lowest salaries in the U.S., and their tuition loan indebtedness is between $140,000 and $160,000.  After being seconded, the motion passed unanimously.  3) The subcommittee is continuing to explore a mechanism to have voter registration and driver’s license renewal occur simultaneously, as it does in the state of Oregon, where a person must opt out of registration instead of opting in.  4) On behalf of the subcommittee, Mel Warshaw proposed a motion to support a bill filed by Rep. Walsh and others which would repeal several unconstitutional and/or unenforceable laws, namely M.G.L. Ch. 272, Sec. 36 (Blasphemy – Misdemeanor), M.G.L. Ch. 71, Sec. 31 (Requiring bible reading in the public schools), M.G.L. Ch. 272 Sec. 14 (Crime of Adultery – Felony), M.G.L. Ch. 272, Sec. 18 (Fornication – Misdemeanor), M.G.L. Ch. 272, Ch. 26 (Immorality in Restaurants and Taverns – Misdemeanor), M.G.L. Ch.272, Sec. 29 (Disseminating Obscenity – Felony), M.G.L. Ch. 272, Sec.34 (Committing abominable and detestable crime against nature – Felony), M.G.L. Ch. 272, Sec. 35 (Committing unnatural and lascivious acts – Felony  The motion passed with no votes opposed and one abstention.  Mel indicated that the subcommittee would follow-up on these issues with press releases and other appropriate action.

Programming: There were several suggestions for Program topics for the June 14 meeting (carbon charge, Trans-Pacific Partnership, Rep. J. Kaufman). Our Annual Barbecue will be held in August, and the State Convention in September.

Civics Education: Jack Duffy will convene the committee.

8.  Report from the MNW Alliance: The 3 voting members to the Alliance are Bev Hugo, Norma Shulman, and Tom Mahoney. Anyone interested in being considered for an alternate position should contact Jerry.  Rep John Fernandes, House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, presented on the process of hearing hundreds of bills that come before them each session.  There was a lengthy discussion about the PAC money coming into MA to target 20 House Reps in the past election. This flood of PAC money continues. We need get donations to the MDP to counter some of this.  David Rosenberg, a member of the Alliance, talked about the “We the People Act”, H3127. The official text of the bill is at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/189/House/H3127.  http://www.wethepeoplemass.org has more information. The Alliance will consider a motion to endorse this bill at the May 4 meeting.

9.  Announcements:

·         The Middlesex & Worcester Democratic Coalition Annual Brunch will be held on April 26.  Tickets are $25; please notify Parwez if you are interested in attending.

·         Voter Registration, part of the “1965 Project” was held on Saturday April 11 at the main library and was very successful; a number of new citizens registered to vote or were given mail-in forms. 

·         The “Library Brick” project is complete.  After donating the first brick, there were sufficient funds to purchase a second brick “In memory of MARY E MURPHY”. 

10. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s charity donations were for the Pearl Street Cupboard.  The charities for the May caucus will be the Pathways and Pearl Street shelters.

 Our caucus is on May 17; the next FDTC business meeting will be on June 14, 2015.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

RESOLUTION

Legislative Subcommittee,

Framingham Democratic Town Committee

WHEREAS, Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in Massachusetts have a minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree and a three-year JD degree followed by the completion of an intensive Bar Review course leading to successfully passing the Massachusetts Bar Exam;

WHEREAS, the average ADA in Middlesex County carries the burden of unpaid college loans in the amount of $160,000;

WHEREAS, the starting salary for ADAs in Massachusetts is a mere $37,500;

WHEREAS, the unconscionably low salary opportunities for ADAs are evidenced by a high turnover rate and an overall degree of inexperience that contributes to a degradation of the criminal justice system.

WHEREAS, higher salaries and incentives are necessary to recruit and retain talented ADAs;

WHEREAS, many states have had the foresight to pay higher salaries and institute Loan Forgiveness Programs for ADAs;

THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Massachusetts Legislature pass legislation that would provide livable wages for ADAs and establish a Student Loan Repayment Program for eligible ADAs.

higher salaries and incentives are necessary to recruit and retain talented ADAs;

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

1.  Chairman Desilets announced that Brian LeFort has accepted a new position with the Stateside Association, a political consulting firm in Washington, D.C., and would be resigning from the FDTC, effective today. Congratulations to Brian, and MANY thanks for his past hard work for us!

2.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Brian LeFort, Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Farooq Mirza, Betty Muto, Ram Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, John Stefanini, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: Phil Ottaviani.  Associate Members: Craig Broyles. Guests: Zaheer Ali, John Aroya, Irwin Blumer, Robert Cassidy, Jim Kelly, Jack Lewis, Brendan Sheehan, Jim Stockless.   

3.  1/11/2015 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                                  Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $365.41, with no expenses, increased the 1-11-15 balance of $2,189.84 to $2,555.25.  Annual dues (2015-6) will become payable in April ($20 for members and $15 for associate members).

Special thanks are owed to Parwez Wahid for donating his copy of our Yes We Can Cookbook for display in Sen. Markey’s Washington, D.C. office in exchange for a generous contribution to the FDTC on behalf of the Markey Campaign.

5. After discussions, Parwez announced that the Framingham Democratic Caucus will be held Sunday, May 17 at the Community Room at the Framingham Green.  Doors will open at 6PM for registration, and elections of delegates to the state convention will begin at 7 PM. The Massachusetts Democratic Convention will be held September 19 in Springfield.

6.  Announcements:

·         Parwez announced that the Middlesex & Worcester Democratic Coalition Annual Brunch will be held in Hudson on April 26.  Tickets are $25; please notify Parwez if you are interested in attending.

·         Joan Rastani offered a coffee toast to Sen. Markey for sponsoring the Daylight Savings Time bill when he was in the US House of Representatives.

·         Norma Shulman mentioned that on Sunday, 3/15, there will be a program for High School students at 10:30 AM in Shrewsbury. Jason Palitsch is a candidate for State Representative from the Westborough / Shrewsbury District.  The special election will take place on March 31, and Jason could use some volunteers from Framingham.  Contact Norma if you can help.  Also, MassDems is holding a series of regional organization meetings.  The MetroWest meeting will be Monday 3/16, in the Costin Room Framingham Library, from 5:30 – 7 PM. In addition, please remember that library bricks are still available for individuals to purchase 

7.  Reorganization: Norma Shulman described the process.

The Democratic Town Committee members are elected on the Presidential Primary Ballot, as are two state committee (DSC) members for our senate district.  We may form a slate of up to 35 candidates for FDTC membership.  Candidates may indicate their interest in a place on the slate by contacting the chairman, Jerry Desilets.  Names may be listed in alphabetical order or in another order.  There may also be separate slates of candidates or candidates may run individually.  The chairman must notify the state party by Aug. 3 as to the number of members (we currently have 35, the maximum number permissible).  On Aug. 4, the nomination papers will be ready.  The chair will receive the papers and notices in the mail.  Aug. 18 is the last day for registering as a Democrat in order to run for DTC membership.  November 18 is the deadline for turning in the nomination papers for DTC membership. 

Our current senate district ballot seat DSC members are Sen. Karen Spilka and Phil Jacks. Our current senate district caucus DSC members are Norma Shulman and Paul Yorkis.  The add-on DSC members from Framingham are Parwez Wahid, Ilma Paixao & Tom Barbera.

Jerry Desilets noted that he, John Stefanini, Betty Muto will become life-members at the end of this term (the date of the MA Presidential primary, approximately March 1, 2016), thus freeing up 3 more slots for new members. 

Regarding future FDTC membership: Jerry will inquire as to which of the present members wish to continue on the committee, and ask the publicity chair to send a special notice to Framingham Democrats in July. (Some current members may wish to continue as Associate Members.)  There will also be outreach to special populations, and we will need to recruit new members.  Norma suggested we remind prospective candidates that there are attendance and political activity expectations inherent to FDTC membership.

8. Legislative Report

Rep. Chris Walsh reported on the start of the Legislative Session.  The Governor’s new budget is most interesting, containing many instances where funding is increased or decreased to achieve balance.  The list of committee memberships is now completed: Rep. Tom Sannicandro remains Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education,  Sen. Karen Spilka has become Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Carmen Gentile has been appointed to membership on the House Ways and Means and Environmental Committees, and Rep. Walsh is the Vice-Chair of the Joint Public Services Committee (overseeing pensions) and member of the Joint Transportation (i.e. MBTA), Financial Services and Ways and Means Committees.

Breakfast Break: FDTC members took a break for a delicious breakfast prepared by Jeanne Bullock and the Breakfast Subcommittee.  Thanks to all for the great food!

9.  Candidate Forum:

·         School Committee: candidates Bev Hugo (current School Committee Chair) and Jim Kelly discussed their priorities and took several questions from the members.

·         Planning Board: candidates for re-election Stephanie Mercandetti and Tom Mahoney detailed their accomplishments as members of the Board, and answered members’ questions.

10.  Election of new FDTC member:

Jack P. Lewis was nominated for FDTC membership from the floor.  Jack is Executive Director of OUT MetroWest and a former member of the Wellesley DTC.  He was elected unanimously.

·         Another opening on the FDTC will become available in April to replace Brian LeFort.

·         The position of Outreach Officer still open; this position will be advertised in the local media. Betty Muto inquired as to whether there was a job description in state party documents.

11.  Reports from the Subcommittees:

∙  Civics Education Subcommittee: Jerry Desilets will appoint a convener.

∙  By-Law Subcommittee: Mike Hugo reported that the first draft of the new By-Laws will be

   available soon, and will be discussed at the April 12 meeting.

∙  Legislative Subcommittee: Mel Warshaw will send a report electronically prior to our

   April 12 meeting.

∙  Programming Subcommittee: Bev Hugo requested suggestions for a program for next

   month’s meeting.  Several suggestions were offered by the membership.

12.  Regarding the Middlesex Norfolk Worcester Democratic Alliance:

∙  Jerry notes he believes the FDTC should encourage participation & regionalization.  Framingham

    has belonged to the Alliance since 1996.

∙  Norma noted the correct current By-Laws have been sent to members.  Previous sets of By-Laws

    are no longer valid.  Some Democratic Town Committees are more active than others; we

    should teach by example.

∙  Rob Cassidy mentioned that Framingham is not required to belong to the Alliance; three

    state senatorial districts are involved. 

∙ The FDTC currently has slots for 3 voting Alliance members which are filled; however, two alternates

    should be named in case the regular voting members cannot attend.

∙  Norma will forward the agenda to FDTC members.  The Alliance meets monthly at Restaurant 45

    in Medway on the first Monday of each month: 6PM for dinner, 7PM for the meeting.

    Meetings usually conclude around 9PM.

13. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s charity donations were for the Pathways and Pearl Street Shelters.  The charity for our April 12 meeting will be the United Way Food Pantry in Framingham. Bev will get a list of needed items, but in general, donations of non-perishable food items are always appropriate. Jerry will find out if there is a way to write tax deductible checks to donate funds.  Members are asked to bring suggestions for future donations to the May meeting.

 The next FDTC business meeting will be on April 12, 2015.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 AM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 7 PM

Jerry thanked all of the members who assisted with the recent campaigns, and most notably Norma Shulman and Anne Manning, for their many hours of hard work! Framingham did very well (as did Natick) for the Coakley campaign, but all of the towns to the west of Framingham voted for the Republican candidate.  We must now start building a foundation for the Presidential campaign.

1.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeffrey Cox, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Patrick Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Adam Freudberg, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Steve Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Barbara LeDuc, Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Ilma Paixao, Ram Raagas, Norma Shulman, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid,  Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none. Associate Members: none. Guests: Robert Cassidy, Kate Donaghue, Maria Lucia Evangelista, Robin Lin, Anne Manning, Brenda Sheehan, Donna Smith,       Sheri Thomas.

2. Candidate/Guest Forum:

·         Sen. Karen Spilka thanked the FDTC for all of the work done by committee members.  She reminded the members that the TEA party is still present in MA, and thus our future activities should include minorities and youth education. 

·         Bob Cassidy spoke on behalf of Treasurer-elect Deb Goldberg to thank Framingham for the 61% vote (equaling 10,955 votes), and thanking the Framingham coordinators: Phil Ottaviani, State Rep. Chris Walsh, and Chris Lorant for their hard work.

·         Jerry Desilets congratulated our local officials, all of whom were re-elected: Rep. Chris Walsh, Rep. Tom Sannicandro, and Sen. Karen Spilka.

3.  10/19/2014 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                          Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $20.34, less total expenses of $276.62 decreased the 10-19-2014 balance of $2,461.45 to $2,225.49.  Two members have yet to pay their dues.

Thus far this year, the Treasurer has filed three Campaign Finance Reports and three more detailed Income and Expense Statements with the Office of Political and Campaign Finance.

5. Report on Election Results:

·         Jack Duffy noted that democrats do well with GOTV, but we need to focus on voter education.

·         Norma Shulman stated there were substantial differences between Framingham precincts, for example Precinct 17, which was heavily canvassed. (A table appears below listing the unofficial gubernatorial votes in Framingham precincts [thanks to Stephanie Mercandetti]).

·         Anne Manning reported that Coakley won in Natick by 61 votes.

·         Bev Hugo attended an Advocacy meeting on Saturday with Chris Horan of Horan Communications, an advisor to Mayor Menino. He recommended that all town committees have a Communication Subcommittee giving weekly output.

·         Other comments regarding the campaign:

·         The Democratic Party nominating process needs changing; we need to add an education arm to this committee.

·         A lot of PAC money came into MA to provide misinformation; there was no response to it by democrats.

·         A new political party, the United Independent Party, has plans to put forward progressive candidates in MetroWest, and will compete with Democrats for votes.

·         The Coakley campaign was disorganized, but only lost by 1.8% of the vote.

·         To learn for the future, we need to distinguish between shortcomings of the candidates and the shortcomings of the campaign management.

Motion: Mel Warshaw made a motion to create a Public Education Subcommittee with the purpose of educating voters about government and politics. The motion was seconded, discussed, and passed unanimously.  FDTC members Carmen Chico, Jeff Cox, Pat Dunne, Jack Duffy, Bev Hugo, Mike Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Barbara LeDuc, Kathie McCarthy, and Mel Warshaw volunteered to serve on this subcommittee. An invitation to additional FDTC members will be sent by the Secretary.

6. Report on Outreach:

·         Karen Spilka reminded the committee that 16 and 17 year-olds can now be registered to vote, although they cannot vote until they are 18 years old.

·         Bob Cassidy noted that consistently only 14% of 18-25 year-olds actually vote.

·         Jeff Cox has found difficulty getting responses from Party officials.  Kate Donaghue offered to assist.

·         Anne Manning suggested that many colleges now use TurboVote to remind students to vote.

·         Ilma Paixao has had several meetings with the Brazilian community

7. Subcommittees:  Mel Warshaw will convene a meeting of the Legislative Subcommittee after this Wednesday. Members should speak to Mel after tonight’s meeting.

8. Announcements:

·   The Holiday Party will be held December 7.  The time will be changed to 5-8PM, as it is more convenient for members and elected officials. Volunteers to assist Jeanne Bullock with planning the party are Parwez Wahid, Norma Shulman, Mike and Bev Hugo, and Mel Warshaw.  Additional volunteers (and cooks!) are welcome.

·   Kate Donahue invited FDTC members to the Westborough Holiday Party on Dec. 14.               Sen. Warren has promised to attend if her staff permits.

·   Saturday morning over coffee will be held on Nov. 22.

·   Barbara LeDuc asked if any members were interested in pledging money to buy a brick for the new McAuliffe Library, to be donated by the FDTC. Bricks cost $100 or $250 depending on size.  An email will be sent to determine interest and solicit pledges.

9. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s donations are for the Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner. (Tax deductible checks may be made out to the “United Way – Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner”). The charity for the December Holiday Party is to be announced. For 2015, several charities were suggested; Bev Hugo will compile a list.

Thank you to Jeanne Bullock for her work on Hospitality!

The next FDTC business meeting will be on January 11, 2015.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

—————————————————————–

Unofficial vote tally, Framingham by precinct:

Precinct            Coakley            Baker

1                      756                   765

2                      775                   774

3                      662                   529

4                      785                   805

5                      749                   672

6                      723                   709

7                      620                   619

8                      697                   541

9                      453                   379

10                     346                   233

11                     794                   817

12                     389                   267

13                     514                   318

14                     332                   165

15                     436                   201

16                     222                   101

17                     263                   58

18                     308                   203

total                  9824                 8156