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.