| Framingham Democratic Town Committee
Framingham Green, 136 Maynard Road, Framingham, MA 01701
MINUTES — Sunday, October 20, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
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| 1. Call to Order: Chair Tom Mahoney called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
2. Attendance: Members: Elsa Aviza, Carmen Chico, Jerry Desilets, Jack Duffy, Jeanne Eversley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Lloyd Kaye, Chris Lorant, Tom Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Ilma Paixao, Ramuel Raagas, Joan Rastani, Norma Shulman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, P. Nandi Varris, Parwez Wahid, Chris Walsh, and Mel Warshaw. Lifetime Members: Ruth Litter. Associate Members: Jeanne I. Bullock and Barbara LeDuc. Guests: Sam Ebb, DeborahGoldberg, Brian LeFort, and Karen Spilka.
3. 9/15/2013 Minutes: Secretary Jack Duffy Approved unanimously
4. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Mel Warshaw Approved unanimously Total Income of $600.20, less total expenses of $721.57, decreased the 6/9/13 balance of $3,576.46 to $3,454.09. A motion to authorize the Treasurer to disburse $125.00 to Beverly Hugo to reimburse her for the unpaid portion of a loan to two members to pay fees for the Democratic State Convention, and have the two members reimburse the Treasurer, passed unanimously.
5. Candidates/Guest Forum: The Committee heard from Deborah Goldberg, candidate for state Treasurer and Receiver General; and Sam Ebb, representing Don Berwick, candidate for Governor; and Sen. Karen Spilka. Karen received a sustained standing ovation and then thanked attendees for their strong support in her excellent campaign that fell short, against very strong competition, for the 5th Congressional District seat vacated by new U.S. Senator Ed Markey. Karen was congratulated, and she urged us all to support State Sen. Katherine Clark who won the Primary.
6. Report from Debate Subcommittee: Co-Chair Beverly Hugo reported on the highly successful and very well-executed forum for the seven candidates for U.S. House of Representatives from the 5th Congressional District, held at Framingham State University (with 425 out of 509 seats filled). Members offered strong, unequivocal praise for the Subcommittee (Co-Chaired by Joan Rastani); for the superb questions given to the moderator-extraordinaire (Party Chair John Walsh) and his amazing improvement on them as well as his overall performance; for the tremendous hosting and financial support by FSU and its President; for the excellent work of time-keeper Michael Hugo; and for the amazing performance of the candidates.
7. Program—Campaign Debrief—Open Forum: A lengthy discussion emphasized the critical importance of civics education in our society in order to improve and indeed preserve progress already made. Beverly Hugo said that significant civics education is included at various levels in the Framingham Public School curriculum, and that she would provide us with info regarding what the civics education at FHS consists of.
8. Old Business: Elsa Aviza nominated Chris Lorant to fill the vacancy on the FDTC, and Chris was elected by acclamation.”
9. New Business: Tom Mahoney announced that two new members will be elected at the November meeting to fill Committee vacancies caused by the resignation of Courtney Elgartand Linda Fields, and thanked them for their long service.
Tom Mahoney also mentioned that volunteers are needed for the Hospitality Subcommittee (that makes sure snacks and refreshments are available at meetings) and the Publicity Subcommittee (Parwez Wahid and Michael Hugo offered to help with that).
10. Announcements: Parwez announced that he has a new job and so will not seek re-election to the Framingham Library Board of Trustees—but will serve out the remainder of his term.
Norma Shulman mentioned that we need Wordpress training for the website.
Norma Shulman and Jerry Desilets invited attendees and others to a meet and greet with Mike Lake, a candidate for Lt. Governor, on Tuesday, 10/29/13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jerry’s home, 102 Warren Road, Framingham 01702 (508-872-8398).
Beverly Hugo expressed thanks for our support for Pathways Shelter (a charity which provides housing for families), and will bring list.
Norma Shulman mentioned that A Place to Turn, which we have supported in the past, also needs clothing for children of all ages.
11. Next month’s Charity: Joan Rastani proposed that our Charity for November should be the Curtiss Family/United Way of Tri-county Thanksgiving Meal, as it has been for several years. People can bring cash or checks, which can be pooled together and given to the Charity. Cheryl Tully Stoll also announced that she had raffle tickets with the proceeds to benefit this event. The cost of the tickets is $10.00 each, and prizes include a Bose Wave System and many others.
12. Next regular meeting: Tom Mahoney set the next FDTC meeting for Sunday, 11/17/2013 at 7 p.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
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