Framingham Green136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

1.      Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney at 7:00 p.m.

2.      Attendance:  Members: Elsa Avisa, Nancy Coville Wallace, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Pat Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Stephan Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Caraline Levy, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Betty Muto, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, John Stefanini, Cheryl Tully Stoll, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw,  Lifetime Members: None.  Associate Members: Jeff Cox, Pam Roberts, and Chris Slammer.  Guests: Dennis Cardiff, Robert Cassidy, Kate Donaghue, Howard Hager, Barbara LeDuc, Marlene Marsh, Ana McDonnell, Ryanne Olsen, Heather Panic, Jane Parker, Tom Sannicandro, Dhruba Sen, Donna Smith, and Sheri L. Thomas.

3.      Minutes of September 9, 2012: Secretary Jack Duffy  Approved unanimously, as amended

4.      Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw                Approved unanimously, as amended

Initial balance of $3,076.38, increased by $40. in added dues, $120. in added Cookbook donations, $163. in income from auction, and $.22 in dividends, and decreased by $506.25 for Obama signs & buttons, and $663. for Committee to Elect Tom Sannicandro—yielding a $2,230.35 balance.  19 (of 35) Members, and 5 Associate Members, have paid 2012-13 dues.

5.      Charter Commission: Dennis Cardiff and John Stefanini made a presentation and led a discussion of the purposes of a proposed Charter Commission to discuss changes in the  government of Framingham, and of the process—which would involve outreach beyond the organizing group, collecting signatures, and a town-wide vote on members.

6.      National and local elections: Norma Shulman and Kate Donaghue led a discussion of the successful elections of President Obama, U.S. Senator-elect Elizabeth Warren (8 point margin), and other Democratic additions in the U.S. Senate and House, state legislature, etc.  Our volunteers and contributions helped engineer an amazing turnout in Framingham of over 27,000, with landslide margins for Elizabeth Warren and our Rep. Tom Sannicandro.  We need to raise money for a coordinated campaign for a new Senator should John Kerry join the Obama cabinet.  Kate said that it is anticipated that the caucuses window will be 2/8 to 3/3/13 [Democrats must register by 12/31/12], that the Democratic Party is considering targeting early voting and same day registration, and that people could advocate for issues through the platform process and Platform Committee hearings.

7.      Victory Party: The group discussed and agreed with a suggestion by Cheryl Tully Stoll that on 12/9/12, the date we had set for our traditional holiday party, we have a business meeting to plan a Victory Party on 1/12, at which we can charge $20 to replenish our coffers for coming campaigns (including maybe another battle against Scott Brown for Kerry’s seat).

8.      Policy Subcommittee: The formation of the subcommittee, which will discuss and recommend legislative proposals and positions on issues, was approved unanimously.  The following volunteered for the subcommittee: Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Joan Rastani, John Stefanini, and Mel Warshaw.

9.      Report from the Hill: Rep. Tom Sannicandro thanked the FDTC for its financial and volunteers support, resulting in much higher turnout here, only 20% voting Republican (compared to 35% usually), and in Precinct 17, 81% of registered voters voted (almost all for Tom).  He said we made a big difference, and can move legislation (and reach the legislature in a day).

10.  Announcements: Joan Rastani: A card is being passed around concerning the passing away of the mother of Terene, and the grandmother of Sarah, Micchiche.  Tom Mahoney: next regular meeting: Sunday, December 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road.

11.  Adjourn: Chair: Tom Mahoney at 9:00 p.m.

                                                             —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC

Campaign Headquarters, 280 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

[Note: Prior to Business Meeting, FDTC conducted GOTV training and phone banking at 5:00 p.m., followed by pizza at 6:30.]

1.    Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney at 7:00 p.m.

2.    Attendance:  Members: Elsa Avisa, Nancy Coville Wallace, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Courtney Elgart, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Caraline Levy, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Betty Muto, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, John Stefanini, Cheryl Tully Stoll, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, and Mel Warshaw.  Lifetime Members: Ruth Litter.  Associate Members: Jeff Cox, Pam Roberts.  Guests: Samantha Bell, Tom Sannicandro, Dhruba Sen, and Karen Spilka.

3.    Minutes of September 9, 2012: Secretary Jack Duffy                       Approved, as amended

4.    Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw                                                Report accepted

Initial balance of $5,656.50, increased by $195. in added dues, $724. in added Cookbook donations, and $.88 in dividends, and decreased by $3,500. to Mass. Democratic Party for rent for expanded Coordinated Headquarters—yielding a $3,076.38 balance (soon to be under $2,000 because of commitments of $500. each for Obama campaign and Mass. Dems.  16 (of 35) Members, and 5 Associate Members. have paid 2012-13 dues.

5.    Audit Committee: Elsa Avisa, Mel Warshaw, and Nancy Coville Wallace accepted.

6.    Election program: Norma Shulman mentioned 10/17 is last day to register.  Auction proceeds to Coordinated Campaign for Tom Sannicandro and Elizabeth Warren: last Cook Book for $40 from Jeff Cox, T-shirt for $18 from Ramuel Raagas, and Obama election print for $105 from Beverly Hugo.  Mel Warshaw led discussion on Ballot Question 2 (“Prescribing Medication to End Life”); and Jerry Desilets, on Question 3 (“Medical Use of Marijuana”).

7.    Outreach Report: Nandi Varris proposed the use of a DVD, “United States of ALEC” (American Legislative Exchange Council), as a tool the FDTC could use as part of an outreach program.  ALEC is a conservative organization pushing legislative bills, passed in many states, promoting voter suppression schemes, privatizing prisons, “stand your ground” laws (e.g., providing excuse for shooting of Travon Martin), anti-environmental laws, etc.  Exposure of ALEC has led several corporate sponsors to stop funding (e.g., HP, Coca Cola, CBS, Wal-Mart, John Deere, Johnson & Johnson, etc.).

8.    New Business: The Committee unanimously voted to ask the Chairperson to include its Democratic State Committee representatives in its Executive Committee (which currently is constituted of elected Officers only).

9.    Report from the Hill: Sen. Karen Spilka discussed her committee’s important Jobs Creation Report.  Rep. Tom Sannicandro thanked the FDTC for its financial and volunteers support.  Rep. Chris Walsh updated on exciting progress in the House.

10.  Announcements: Joan Rastani: free showing of Carli Hugo’s movie “Hot Coffee” at the Library, Thursday, 11/1 at 7 p.m.  Hospitality Committee: Elsa Avisa, Tom Mahoney, and Nancy Coville Wallace.  Parwez Wahid: debate at Woodrow Wilson School, 10/24, 7 p.m.  Courtney Elgart: FDTC Facebook page.  Nancy Coville Wallace: Christa McAuliffe Library news.  Tom Mahoney: next regular meeting: Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road.

11.  Adjourn: Chair: Tom Mahoney at 9:00 p.m.

                                                             —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — May, 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

1.    Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney at 7:10 p.m.

2.   Attendance: Members: Elsa Avisa, Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Stephan Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Farooq Mirza, Betty Muto, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, and Mel Warshaw.  Associate Members: Christopher Broyles, Caraline Levy.  Guests: Kristina F. Bigdeli, Sheriff Koutoujian,Shaun Murphy, Ryanne Olsen, Darlene Quarles, Tsoken Sarian, and Dhruba Sen,

3.   Minutes of April 22, 2012: Secretary Jack Duffy:                            Approved with correction

4.   Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw: current balance: $3,046.65

                                                                                                                      Interim report accepted

5.   Program: State Convention June 2^nd in Springfield

• Delegate Training: discussed by Parwez Wahid & Norma Shulman instead of Sue Kennedy                                                                                                                                

6.   Candidate Forum: three tough, critical campaigns were discussed:

• Kristina Bigdeli, Field Director for OFA (Obama for America) gave a strategic presentation, and Dhruba Sen passed out some materials for the Framingham effort
• Ryanne Olsen, speaking for state Representative Tom Sannicandro (who represents Precincts 8, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18—and who has a Republican opponent this year with resources), invited us to volunteer at Tom’s office (which he shares with Elizabeth Warren’s campaign) at 280 Worcester Road
• Norma Shulman updated us on Elizabeth Warren’s campaign for U.S. Senate against Republican Scott Brown, which could determine critical control of the Senate

7.   Unfinished Business: Chair Tom Mahoney

• Cook Book update: Beverly Hugo provided a promising update on the amazing effort, involving members of our Committee, to prepare our unique Democratic cook book, to be ready for distribution at the 2012 Democratic State Convention at Springfield in early June

8.   New Business:

• Audit Committee: Elsa Avisa and Nancy Coville Wallace are serving
• Member Accountability: Parwez deferred until September meeting
• Opening (1) on Committee: vote on 9/9/2912; so far, two persons have expressed interest
• Registrars of voters: Linda Fields, Joan Rastani, and Jack Duffy were placed in nomination by the committee for 1 position as Registrar of Voters.  Their names will be forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for a 3 year appointment.
• Norma Shulman mentioned published list of donors
• Jack Duffy mentioned members whose hard work and efforts should be acknowledged

9.   Announcements: Chair: Tom Mahoney: At the next FDTC meeting, a de-briefing on the annual Democratic State Convention (in June) will be provided for all delegates & alternates

10. Next Regular Meeting: Sunday, September 9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Framingham Green

11. Adjourn: Chair: Tom Mahoney at 9:00 p.m.

                                                             —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — April, 22, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.

1.    Call to Order: Chair: Tom Mahoney at 7:10 p.m.

2.   Attendance: Members: Elsa Avisa, Carmen Chico, Jack Duffy, Pat Dunne, Jeanne Eversley,Michael Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Tom Mahoney, Kathy McCarthy, Ramuel Raagas, Pam Roberts, Norma Shulman, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, and Mel Warshaw.  Associate Members: Christopher Broyles and Jeff Cox.  Guests: Margo Capparelli, Carol Coakley, Kate Donaghue, Leo Kane, Darlene Quarles, Lee Anne Wallach, and Tom Wittbrodt.

3.   Minutes of March 3, 2012: Secretary P. Nandi Varris:                     Approved with correction

4.   Treasurer’s Report: Mel Warshaw:                                      Deferred (books not yet passed)

5.   Unfinished Business: Chair: Tom Mahoney

• Cook Book update: meeting to help, at Nevins Hall, Thursday, 4/26 at 6 p.m.
• Community Support Project for next month
• condolence card to Jerry Desilets on passing of his brother, Tom Desilets
• condolence card to Clair Freil on passing of Mary Freil (longtime FDTC member, Library Trustee, etc.)
• FDTC gave a card and gift to Pam Roberts, former Secretary and longtime FDTC member, who is moving out of state

6.   Program: Movie Night: Norma Shulman: Attendees watched and discussed Koch Brothers Exposed (just released)

7.   Announcements: Chair: Tom Mahoney: At the next FDTC meeting, a briefing on the annual Democratic State Convention (in June) will be provided for all delegates & alternates

8.   Next Regular Meeting: Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at Framingham Green

9    Adjourn: Chair: Tom Mahoney at 9:00 p.m.

                                                             —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC