Framingham Democratic Town Committee
Framingham Green 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701
Minutes – Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 7 PM
Order: Vice-Chairman Beverly Hugo called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
1. Candidate/Guest Forum:
Remembering Mary Murphy:
Beverly Hugo called for comments in remembrance of longtime FDTC member Mary Murphy. Bev read statements from former state representative Pam Richardson and FDTC Chairman Jerry Desilets. Bob Dodd spoke about his recollections, and showed FDTC members some of his collection of flyers and photographs of Mary’s political activities. Mel Warshaw and Jack Duffy added their recollections. Sen Spilka recalled Mary’s days as a driving force in reactivating this committee to increase its political participation.
Sen. Spilka and Rep. Chris Walsh spoke about the new legislative session beginning this week.
Candidates:
· Jim Kelly, candidate for one of the two seats for Framingham School Committee, spoke about his priorities and qualifications for office.
· Stephanie Mercandetti, candidate for re-election to the Framingham Planning Board, spoke about the tasks of the planning board. She mentioned that Tom Mahoney, who was unable to attend tonight, will also be a candidate for re-election. There are two seats available.
· Bev Hugo, currently Chairman of the Framingham School Committee. will be a candidate for re-election. Bev detailed some of the challenges facing the School Committee.
2. Attendance: Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeffrey Cox, Jack Duffy, Maureen Dunne, Patrick Dunne, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Christopher Lorant, Stephanie Mercandetti, Betty Muto, Ram Raagas, Cheryl Tully-Stoll, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: none. Associate Members: none. Guests: Annabelle Dodd, Bob Dodd, Jim Kelly, Jack Lewis, Sen. Karen Spilka.
3. 11/9/2014 Minutes: Secretary Barbara LeDuc Approved unanimously
4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw Approved unanimously
A total income of $60.43, less total expenses of $96.08 decreased the 11-9-2014 balance of $2,225.49 to $2,189.84. All members’ dues are now marked as paid. Dues (2015-6) will become payable in April.
In the past year, the Treasurer has filed with the OPCF three Campaign Finance Reports and three more detailed Income and Expense Statements. One more of each will be filed with the OPCF this week.
5. Reports from the Subcommittees:
– By-Law Subcommittee: Mike Hugo
Other Democratic Town Committees in the area have more comprehensive By-Laws than the FDTC. Also, efforts need to be made to bring our By-Laws into agreement with the state Democratic party Charter. Mike is soliciting comments from everyone concerned. It will likely be 2-3 months before the first draft of changes / updates to the By-Laws is completed. Executive Committee and membership criteria may be added. After FDTC approval, the document must go to the State party for ratification.
– Legislative Subcommittee: Mel Warshaw
Rep. Jay Kaufman (D – Lexington) has filed a bill on instant run-off voting for city / town elections which the FDTC may choose to support. It is hoped Rep. Kaufman can join us at a future meeting, as there are some questions about implementation of the bill. Rep. Chris Walsh has again filed a bill to remove obsolete / unconstitutional laws from the Massachusetts books. This bill has been filed in the past, but action not taken. Considerable discussion ensued. Rep. Walsh noted that he is posting all bills filed by him online.
– Programming Subcommittee: Bev Hugo
The Programming Subcommittee will meet again at our Saturday Morning Over Coffee meeting at Panache Coffee on Saturday January 31 at 10 AM. The FDTC will host a party to watch President Obama’s the State of the Union Address on Tuesday, January 20 from 7 – 10PM in the Community Room of the Framingham Green. The charity for our February 8 meeting will be our local shelters.
6. Report from the Middlesex Norfolk Worcester Democratic Alliance meeting: Bev Hugo
The Alliance will hold a “Candidate College” during the last two weeks of February. This will be an all-day training session for Democratic candidates. Paul Yorkis will send more information shortly. There was also a request that members contribute $5 monthly to the state party. Officers elected for the new year are: Paul Yorkis, Chairman; Phil Jack, Vice-chairman; Anne Manning, Secretary; Dylan Hayre, Treasurer. Rep. Jeff Roy spoke about the recent legislators’ trip to Israel.
7. Announcements / Discussions
· A motion was made, seconded & unanimously approved to authorize the purchase of a large (8″X8″) paving brick, to be inscribed “Dedicated to equal access & opportunity for all” for the new McAuliffe library walkway in the name of the FDTC. Funds to cover the purchase for this were raised by private pledges from FDTC members.
· A motion was made, seconded, and approved to change the name of the newly formed “Public Education Subcommittee” to the “Civics Education Subcommittee”, as the new name better reflects the stated purpose of the subcommittee.
· Jeff Cox has resigned from the FDTC, as he has accepted a new position in Germany. An announcement of the vacancy on the FDTC will be sent by the Secretary. Our sincere (but sad) congratulations to Jeff on his new job!
8. Charitable donations: Tonight’s donations were for local Veterans’ needs. Contributions tothe Veterans’ Acupuncture Center or to Veterans Yoga were accepted.
Thanks again to Jeanne Bullock for the delicious refreshments!
The next FDTC business meeting will be on February 8, 2015.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Barbara LeDuc, Secretary