FDTC Minutes of January 12, 2014

Framingham Democratic Town Committee

Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701

MINUTES — Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 7:00p.m.
1. Call to Order:  After political mingling with refreshments, Co-Vice Chair Beverly Hugo called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
2. Candidates/Guest Forum: The following political candidates and officials offered comments, followed in some cases by questions from FDTC members/associate members [* indicates FDTC member]:

  • 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)
3. Attendance:  Members: Elsa Aviza, Jeanne Bullock, Carmen Chico, Jeff Cox, Jack Duffy, Adam Freudberg, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Stephen Joyce, Lloyd Kaye, Barbara LeDuc, Brian LeFort, Chris Lorant, Kathie McCarthy, Stephanie Mercandetti, Betty Muto, Ramuel Raagas, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, and Mel Warshaw.  Lifetime Members: None.  Associate Members: Pam Richardson,  Guests: Suzanne Bump, Deborah Butler, George Clattenburg, Mike Firestone, Udrekh Gavale, Julie Grossman, Michelle Grossman, Steve Grossman (of Framingham), Anne Manning, Dhruba Sen, Charles Sisitsky, Jim Stockless, Ed Stoll, Karen Spilka, and David O. Whittemore.
4. 11/17/2013 Minutes (regular meeting): Secretary Jack Duffy 

Approved with 1 abstention

11/3/2013 Minutes (special meeting):

 Approved with 1 abstention
5. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw  Approved unanimously

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.
6. Election of New Member:  Jeanne Bullock was elected unanimously, filling a vacancy caused by the resignation of Nancy Coville Wallace.
7. March 2nd Framingham Democratic Caucus:  Parwez Wahid discussed the Caucus, which will be held at Nevins Hall in the Town Memorial Building (registration begins at noon, call-to-order at 1 p.m.), and will elect Framingham delegates and alternates for the 6/14/14 Democratic State Convention (candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor, and Treasurer will need 15% of the votes to be on the September Primary ballot).  Norma Shulman invited those interested in running for delegate to sign a sheet if they wish, and optionally indicate preferences for the four open constitutional offices.
8. Reports from Committees:

  • 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 16th 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.
9. Unfinished Business:  The Committee decided to discuss, at the 3/16/14 meeting, the possibility of awarding a Volunteer of the Year award (in addition to the Democrat of the Year award which is being awarded to Karen Spilka at the 3/16/14 breakfast meeting), as originally discussed briefly at the 11/17/13 meeting.
10. Charity:  Donations of non-perishable food and personal toiletries will be collected at our 3/16/14 meeting, to be donated to the new Pearl Street Family Shelter.
11. Next event: March 2nd Framingham Democratic Caucus [see #7 above] will be held at Nevins Hall, Town Memorial Building (registration begins at noon, call-to-order at 1 p.m.).  Contact Parwez Wahid if you have questions.
12. Next regular meeting:  The next FDTC meeting will include a candidates forum, and was set for Sunday, 3/16/2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the customary location (Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road).
13. Adjourn:  The FDTC meeting duly adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

  —Respectfully submitted by Jack Duffy, Secretary, FDTC