Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Sunday, October 19, 2014 at 7 PM

1.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeffrey Cox, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid,  Chris Walsh, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none. Associate Members: none. Guests: Wade Blackman, Robert Cassidy, Matt D’Amico, Andrew D’Amico, Maeghan Welford.

2. Candidate/Guest Forum: no candidates were present.

·         The Framingham Green Initiative:  Matt D’Amico, a Framingham High School senior, presented information regarding the initiative, which will be voted on by the Town Meeting as Article 10. He was accompanied by his father, Andrew.  The initiative seeks to ban the sale in Framingham of single use PET-plastic water bottles of less than and including 1 liter in size.  The bottles may leach toxic substances into the water, and are discarded into the environment. Only 23% of these bottles are recycled. The Town of Concord, MA passed a similar ban recently.  There were many questions from the audience.

·         Wade Blackman asked for volunteers to assist with the GOTV efforts for the Coordinated Campaign.  The election is only two weeks away.  Volunteers are needed for making phone calls and canvassing.   This is the only way Democratic candidates will win! Norma Shulman noted that there are many different tasks that volunteers can assist with.

3.  9/14/2014 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                            Approved unanimously

    10/11/2014 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                           Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $60.34, less total expenses of $ 1,500, decreased the 9-14-2014 balance of $3,901.11 to 2,461,45.  Only five members have yet to pay their dues for 2014-15.

Mel reported that $1,000 was the maximum contribution to candidates permitted under state law.  $1,000 has been sent to the Coakley-Kerrigan campaign and $500 to the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee for use by the Coordinated Campaign.  Of the $2,000 dispersal authorized by the FDTC members at the 10/11/2014 meeting, $500 remains to be donated.  Mel and Chairman Desilets will determine how to proceed.

5. Reports:

·         Coordinated Campaign and Rally: Norma Shulman reported there has been a terrific response. Martha Coakley herself, along with many others, canvassed in Framingham yesterday after the Rally.  Norma requested that experienced telephoners / canvassers be available to teach new volunteers.  In addition, some items are still needed for the Campaign Office on Rt. 9; Norma has the list. The Hub Dialer demonstration she held before tonight’s meeting was very informative.

            Chairman Desilets offered his thanks to all who participated in yesterday’s Coordinated Campaign Rally: Martha Coakley, William Galvin, Katherine Clark, Chris Walsh, Tom  Sannicandro and many local candidates were present. Particular thanks are due to members of the Laborers International Union of North America for their presence and strong organizing efforts.

·         Program Subcommittee: Bev Hugo reported that one of the most popular suggestions for future programs was to hold an event at Jack’s Abby Brewery.  She will arrange something – stay tuned.  Our Holiday Party will be held December 7, 2014, and our annual Breakfast meeting will be on March 8, 2015.  A February 2015 program will be needed, since the MA Democratic Caucus date has been moved.  Jeff Cox suggested that we could use that date to present the “Democrat of the Year” Award, perhaps to Gov. Deval Patrick.

6. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s donations are for the Pathways and Pearl Street Shelters. The charity for the November 9 meeting will be the Curtis Family Thanksgiving dinner. Tax deductible checks may be made out to the “United Way – Curtis Family Thanksgiving dinner”.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

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

Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 7 PM

1. Candidate/Guest Forum: The following candidates and officials offered comments (limited to two minutes), followed by questions from FDTC members / attendees:

·         Deb Goldberg, Democratic nominee for Massachusetts State Treasurer.

·         Marian Ryan, Democratic nominee for District Attorney of Middlesex County.

·         Tom Sannicandro, candidate for re-election as State Representative, 7th Middlesex District.

·         Carmine Gentile, nominee for State Representative,13th Middlesex District.

·         Chris Walsh, candidate for re-election as State representative, 6th Middlesex District.

·         Juanita Love Davis introduced Paula Costa, the MetroWest Field Organizer for Martha Coakley, who spoke on behalf of the Coakley / Kerrigan campaign.

·         Lauren Fowler, Field Organizer, spoke on behalf of Katherine Clark, nominee for re-election to the US House of Representatives, 5th District of Massachusetts.

·         James Arena DeRosa spoke on behalf of the Coordinated Campaign.

·         Norma Shulman spoke on behalf of Maura Healey, nominee for Attorney General of MA.

·         Tom Barbera, a Democratic State Committee member who recently moved to Framingham, introduced himself to the FDTC members.

2. Update on the Coordinated Campaign:

Sen. Ben Downing (Berkshire, Hampshire and Franklin District) and Matt Fenlon (Executive Director, MA Democratic Party).

Sen. Downing noted that the coordinated campaign had worked over the summer to contact voters who previously had voted only in Presidential elections.  Now, they will be working to extend that group of voters.  There will be at least two more “Weekends of Action” before the general election; the first will be next weekend. There will be a volunteer summit meeting on the 28th in Worcester.  In addition, they will be opening as many campaign offices as possible: the Framingham office will be on Route 9 at the location previously used by the Markey campaign.  Sen. Downing reminded the FDTC that Massachusetts has been first in job creation under Democratic governors, while the state ranked 47th under Republican governors.

Matt Fenlon discussed the positions of the Republican candidate: Charlie Baker opposes universal pre-school and earned sick time.  He laid off about 5 thousand employees, while earning $1.7 million yearly, and cut the DCF budget when he was Secretary of Health & Human Services of MA.  Defeating Charlie Baker will require many hours of volunteer work.

Committee members noted additional differences between the positions of the parties such as support for mass transportation, support for various ethnic groups, elder affairs, and economics (blue states have the best economies).  Furthermore, the Republican Lt. Governor nominee is a TEA party advocate. 

3.  Attendance:  Members: Tom Barbera, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeffrey Cox, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Patrick Dunne, Adam Freudberg, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Steve Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Barbara LeDuc, Brian LeFort, Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Stephanie Mercandetti, Betty Muto, Ilma Paixao, Ram Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully-Stoll, Parwez Wahid,  Chris Walsh, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none. Associate Members: none. Guests: Wade Blackman, Robert Cassidy, David Cepone, Paula Costa, Juanita Love Davis, James Arena DeRosa, Ben Downing, Matt Fenlon, Michael Foley, Lauren Fowler, Carmen Gentile, Deb Goldberg, Brian Lynch, Anne Manning, Marian Ryan, Donna Smith, and Sheri Thomas.

4.  6/8/2014 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                              Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $316.04, less total expenses of $ 304.22, increased the 6-8-2014 balance of $3,889.29 to 3,901.11.   Several members paid their current dues. The Committee voted to authorize the Treasurer to reimburse Wade Blackman for expenses related to the cookout. 

6. Reports from the subcommittees:

Program Subcommittee: Bev Hugo announced that the subcommittee had met on Aug. 7 at “Saturday Morning Over Coffee”.  Both the cookout and the District Attorney candidates’ debate are completed.  On October 6 in the Blumer Room of the Framingham library there will be a panel discussion examining both the pro and con positions of each of the four ballot initiatives. Secretary of State Bill Galvin will make the introductions.  Bev also submitted a list of potential program topics developed by the committee, in order to gauge the topics of greatest interest.

Legislative Subcommittee: To avoid distracting from the election, the subcommittee will not meet until after the general election on November 9.  The last day to file new legislation for this term is Jan. 15, 2015.  Upcoming topics include instant runoff voting, and unconstitutional laws. All members who wish to have input on topics are encouraged to email Mel Warshaw.

By-Law Subcommittee:   Mike Hugo announced that the subcommittee held its first meeting prior to the FDTC meeting, and produced many good suggestions for updating our By-laws.  Further information will be forthcoming.

7.  Announcements:

·         Parwez announced that next year’s State Convention will be held on September 19 in Springfield.  This is a substantial change in the scheduling. This will also move the caucus window for electing delegates; the DSC Rules Committee will announce the new caucus window in due time.

·         Norma Shulman announced that the election results are detailed in today’s MetroWestDaily News. The first coordinated campaign canvass will take place on Sunday, Sept. 21, starting from the Rte. 9 office.

·         Barbara LeDuc announced that the report from last month’s Alliance meeting will be distributed electronically.

8. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s donations are for A Place to Turn, a food bank which serves MetroWest families; the donations will be delivered by Norma Shulman.  The Pathways and Pearl Street Shelters will be the charities for  the October 19th meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

Minutes – Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 7 PM

1. Candidate/Guest Forum: The following candidates and officials offered comments (limited to two minutes), followed by questions from FDTC members / attendees:

·         Keith Farrell  spoke on behalf of Don Berwick, candidate for Governor.  He can be reached at [email protected].

·         Alexa Williams spoke on behalf of Steve Grossman, candidate for Governor.  Alexa is the new Regional Field director for the Grossman campaign.  Her contact information is phone 703-965-7375, email  [email protected].

·         Anna Thornton spoke on behalf of Sen. Ed Markey.  Her phone number is 508-254-7282; email is [email protected]. 

·         Dave Magnani spoke on behalf of James Arena De Rosa, candidate for Lt. Governor. Dave’s email address is [email protected].

·         Chris Lorant spoke on behalf of Deb Goldberg, candidate for Treasurer.  His email is [email protected].

2.  Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeffrey Cox, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Patrick Dunne, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo,  Barbara LeDuc,  Christopher Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Sarah Micciche, Betty Muto, Ilma Paixao, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Parwez Wahid,  Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none. Associate Members:Chris Broyles, Troy Dunlap. Guests: Cathy Ashton, Robert Cassidy, Keith Farrell, Terra Friedrichs, Betty Regan, David Rosenblum, Sheri Thomas, Anna Thornton, and Alexa Williams.

3.  5/18/2014 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc                            Approved unanimously

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

A total income of $75.34, less total expenses of $ 0.00, increased the 5-18-2014 balance of $3,813.95 to $3,889.29.   Several members need to pay their current dues.  The members are urged to do so promptly, or please speak to Mel directly. 

5. Governance issues:

Legislative Subcommittee: Chairman Desilets suggested that the Legislative Subcommittee needs to be re-enacted. Currently, the task of the committee is to review pending legislation.  In the future, the committee might lobby in favor of certain legislation, as has been done in the past.  Lobbying provoked great enthusiasm from activist committee members.  FDTC members who volunteered to serve on the Legislative Sub-committee were Joan Rastani, Bev & Mike Hugo, Jeffrey Cox, Jack Duffy, Barbara LeDuc and Jerry Desilets; Mel Warshaw will convene the subcommittee. Additional members interested in serving on the subcommittee should contact Chairman Desilets.

Executive Committee: There was vigorous discussion about the need for an Executive Committee. It was mentioned that a benefit would be for strategic planning, especially over the summer, for outreach & diversity issues, campaign planning, and public relations purposes.  However, Executive subcommittee meetings should have an agenda, be open to all FDTC members, and all actions be transparent.  Norma Shulman noted that historically, the task of the Executive Subcommittee  was to respond to emergencies, such as recently occurred with the OCPF.  A motion was made and seconded  to move the topic of creating an EC to the next meeting in September; the Chairman will establish a temporary EC for use over the summer; permanency will be discussed in September.  The motion was approved unanimously.

Program Subcommittee: A motion was made and seconded to establish a Program subcommittee under the direction of the FDTC Vice-chairman.  All FDTC members and Associate members are eligible to serve on the Committee.  The motion passed unanimously.  Members volunteering to serve on the committee were Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Kathie McCarthy, Jack Duffy, Parwez Wahid, Jerry Desilets; Beverly Hugo will be chairman.  A notice will be sent to the full membership inviting additional members to serve on the subcommittee.

By-Laws Subcommittee: a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved to establish a By-Laws Subcommittee to review our By-Laws and coordinate them with the state Democratic Committee By-Laws. Members will include Mel Warshaw, Bev Hugo, Jeff Cox, Jack Duffy, Norma Shulman, Jerry Desilets; Mike Hugo will convene the subcommittee.  A notice will be sent to the full membership inviting additional members to serve on the subcommittee.

6. A schedule of meeting dates for 2014-15 was approved after consideration of religious holidays and the NE Patriots schedule. The dates will be confirmed with the Framingham Green management.

7. Hospitality Committee: Jeanne Bullock volunteered  to serve as chairman of the Hospitality Committee.  Our annual summer barbecue will be held at the home of Representative Chris Walsh on Aug. 10.  Please note: Mel will need a list of food contributed to the barbecue, the donor’s name, and the estimated cost.

8. Charitable donations:  Tonight’s donations are for the  Pathways and  Pearl Street Shelters. The donations will be delivered by Bev & Mike Hugo.  A Place to Turn, a food bank which serves MetroWest families, was chosen as the charity for  the September meeting.

 9.  Announcements:

·         Chris Lorant  announced that there will be a campaign kick-off event  for State Representative Carolyn Dykema on Thursday, June 11 at 6PM at  Jasper Hill Cafe & Bistro in Holliston.

·         Joan Rastani announced there will be a fundraiser for State Senator Karen Spilka  onMonday June 16th at 5:30 PM at Jack’s Abby Brewing in Framingham.

·         Jerry Desilets announced that there will be a fundraiser for State Representative Tom Conroy, candidate for State Treasurer, on Monday, June 23 at the offices of Bowditch & Dewey, Framingham, at 6PM.

·         Norma Shulman announced that volunteers are needed for visibility events for the state convention. She is also arranging carpooling to the convention, and knows of some available rooms.  The seating map for the convention is not yet available.

·         Norma also announced that the Summer Concerts on the Common schedule has been released. The concerts begin on June 20; Norma is looking for members to assist in manning our FDTC tent.  Mike Hugo’s band will be playing Aug. 1.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary

* At 6PM, prior to the business meeting, Parwez Wahid, conducted a Delegate Training Session for delegates attending the June 13-14 State Democratic Convention in Worcester.  He was assisted by Tom Larkin, Co-chair of the State Committee Field Services; DSC members Norma Shulman, Cathy Ashton, and Ilma Paixao attended also.