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. 

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday, March 16, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

2.      Candidates/Guest Forum: The following political candidates and officials offered comments (limited to two minutes), followed in some cases by questions from FDTC members and associate members [* indicates FDTC member]:

• Cong. Katherine Clark (candidate for re-election, 5^th Congressional District)
• Leland Cheung and James Arena DeRosa (candidates for Lt. Governor)
• Don Berwick (candidate for Governor)
• Secretary of State Bill Galvin (candidate for re-election)
• Michael Sullivan (candidate for District Attorney for Middlesex County)
• Bob Jubinville (candidate for re-election) and Bart Timilty (candidate), Governor’s Council
• Carmine Gentile and Brian LeFort* (candidates for State Representative)
• Cheryl Tully Stoll* (candidate for Selectman)
• Michelle Brosnahan (candidate for School Committee)
• Christine Long (candidate for Planning Board)
• JoAnne Thompson (candidate for Library Trustee)
• Janice Rogers (candidate for Housing Authority)
• Mike Rossi (candidate for Keefe Tech School Committee)
• Jeanne Bullock*, Jeff Cox*, and Mel Warshaw* (candidates for Town Meeting member)

3.      Democrat of the Year Award—presented to Karen Spilka:  State Sen. Karen Spilka was introduced by Beverly Hugo, and presented the FDTC 2014 Democrat of the Year Award by Cong. Katherine Clark.  Additional remarks and citations were made on behalf of Governor Deval Patrick (by Adam Freudberg), the Massachusetts House of Representative (by Rep. Chris Walsh), and the Framingham Board of Selectmen (by Dennis Giombetti)—and finally Karen Spilka thanked everybody for the award and citations and for helping her.

4.      Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeff Cox, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Pat Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Adam Freudberg, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Brian LeFort, Chris Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Stephanie Mercandetti, Farooq Mirza, Ilma Paixao, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, John Stefanini, Cheryl Tully Stoll, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, and Mel Warshaw.  Lifetime Members: None.  Associate Members: Linda Fields and Pam Richardson.  Guests: James Arena-DeRosa, Don Berwick, Irwin Blumer, Michelle Brosnahan, Leland Cheung, Katherine Clark, Bill Galvin, Carmine Gentile, Sandy Greenwald, Steve Grossman (Framingham), Andrea Haynes, Bob Jubinville, Debbie Lindsay, Christine Long, Janice Rogers, Mike Rossi, Elizabeth Roy, Cindy Rubin, Dhruba Sen, Ed Stoll, Michael Sullivan, Karen Spilka, Sheri L. Thomas, JoAnne Thompson, Bart Timilty, Joel Winett, and Ruth Winett.

5.      1/12/2014 Minutes: Secretary Jack Duffy                                            Approved unanimously           

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

Total income of $145.00, less total expenses of $270.00, decreased the 1/12/14 balance of $3,426.33 to $3,301.90.

7.      Framingham Democratic Town Committee Reorganization:  To meet requirements that officers be elected every two years, the recommendations of the Nominating Committee were presented by Parwez Wahid, a motion by Joan Rastani to nominate those recommended was seconded and approved unanimously, no additional nominations were offered, and a motion by Parwez to elect the slate by acclamation was seconded, and approved unanimously.  The new officers are: Jerry Desilets, Chair; Beverly Hugo, Vice Chair; Barbara LeDuc, Secretary; Mel Warshaw, Treasurer; and Jeff Cox, Affirmative Action & Outreach Officer..

8.      March 2^nd Framingham Democratic Caucus:  The Committee discussed the situation in which a person had registered as a Democrat in the Town Clerk’s office on 1/30/2014, a day before the 1/31 deadline for Democratic State Convention delegate or alternate candidates (changed this year from the previous 12/31), but had no reason to know he should inform the Town Clerk official that he intends to run for delegate or alternate.  As a result, the Town Clerk official did not expedite the registration process, so the computer listing did not note his registration as effective by 1/31, and since he did not bring documentation supporting his applying on time, the Caucus Chair (FDTC Chair Tom Mahoney) was not authorized (under Party rules) to allow him to register for the Caucus.  The discussion included comments that steps should be taken to avoid a recurrence of this unfortunate situation.  A complaint had been filed with the Massachusetts Democratic Party.  After the discussion, the following motion was offered by John Stefanini, seconded, discussed, and approved unanimously: “I move that the Chair be authorized to send a letter on this matter to the Massachusetts Democratic Party expressing the Framingham Democratic Town Committee’s unanimous confidence in the Chair and his administration of the recent Framingham Democratic Caucus, consistent with the Committee’s discussion, including the comments of Norma Shulman.”;

9.      Moment of personal privilege:  Outgoing Chair Tom Mahoney, and Outgoing Secretary, Jack Duffy, each thanked FDTC members and associate members for their support and for the privilege of serving them in the respective office.

10.  Announcements:  Chair Tom Mahoney announced that member Caraline Levy has resigned from the FDTC, and that an election to fill her seat will be held at the next meeting.  We are invited to a breakfast meeting in Holliston on 4/12/14 (more information will be available on the list serve).  Treasurer Mel Warshaw reminded us that the dues are due by the next meeting.

11.  Charity:  Donations of non-perishable food and personal toiletries will be collected at our next meeting, to be donated to the new Pearl Street Family Shelter.

12.  Next regular meeting:  The next FDTC meeting will include a candidates forum, and was set for Sunday, 4/13/2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the customary location (Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road).

13.  Adjourn:  The FDTC meeting duly adjourned at 12:00 noon.

                               —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, outgoing Secretary, FDTC

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 7:00p.m.

• Maura Healey (candidate for Attorney General)
• Auditor Suzanne Bump (candidate for re-election)
• State Senator Karen Spilka
• State Representative Chris Walsh*
• Brian LeFort (candidate for State Representative)*
• Cheryl Tully Stoll (candidate for Selectman)*
• Jim Stockless (candidate for School Committee)

Approved with 1 abstention

11/3/2013 Minutes (special meeting):

 Approved with 1 abstention

Total Income of $155.60, less total expenses of $63.88, increased the 11/17/13 balance of $3,324.41 to $3,426.33.

• Bylaws: It did not meet since the last meeting.
• Minority/Youth Outreach: No activity reported since the last meeting.
• Hospitality: Barbara Leduc coordinated ample, tasty food and beverages again.
• Breakfast: Volunteering for the March 16^th preparations were Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Bev and Mike Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Betty Muto, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw.  If you would like to bring a food item for the breakfast table, please contact Barbara LeDuc for planning purposes.
• Charity: Beverly Hugo discussed the Pathways and Pearl Street Family Shelter, that $350 worth of toys and food were delivered to the joy of 27 children, plus food.
• Caucus: It will meet on Saturday, 1/25/14 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Library.
• Nominating: Consisting of Jeff Cox, Jack Duffy, Mike Hugo, Stephanie Mercandetti, Sarah Michiche, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, and Parwez Wahid, it will meet on Saturday, 1/18/14 at 10 a.m. 
• Program:  It is being formed.
• Audit: It did not meet since the last meeting.
• State: No activity reported since the last meeting.
• Publicity: Mike Hugo will continue to handle the press releases.

  —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC