Framingham Democratic Committee
135 Maynard Rd., Community Room
Framingham, MA 01701
Meeting Minutes – Sunday, February 24, 2019
Call to Order: Beverly Hugo, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM
Welcome/Announcements: B. Hugo – Thank you for all that you do for our organization and the nation. State Rep. Maria Robinson ill with flu symptoms, wishing her a quick recovery. May 19, 2019, regular meeting, elect delegates to State Convention, September 13-14, 2019, Mass Mutual Center 1277 Main St., Springfield, MA. Mass Democratic Party, chair, Gus Bickford, State committee meetings, April 6, 2019, & August 24, 2019. March 30-31, 2019, Democratic Campaign Institute, workshop- Roxbury Community College.
Attendance:
Members: Lori Bornstein, Craig Broyles, Jeanne Bullock, Robert Case, Carmen
Chico, Jack Duffy, Patrick Dunne, Barbara Fontes, Gwendolyn Holbrow, Rosamond Hooper-
Hamersley, Beverly Hugo, Michael Hugo, Shahid Khan, Barbara LeDuc, Christopher Lorant, Thomas Mahoney, Kathie McCarthy, Farooq Mirza, Amanda Norththrop, Joan Rastani, Cindy Rubin, Margareth B. Shepard, Norma Shulman, Larry Stoodt, Parwez Wahid, Mel Warshaw.
Life Members: Jerry Desilets, John Stefanini.
Associate Members: Jim Hansen, Dhruba Sen, Adam Steiner, Cesar Stewart-Morales.
Guests: Rob Floyd, Sabrina Khan, Arun Narayanan, Nancy Stoodt.
Reports from Capitol Hill & the State House: No report as Rep. Lewis was out of town, and
Rep. Robinson out due to illness.
City Reports:
Mayoral Office – No report.
City Council:
– Margareth Shepard spoke about the Task Force for Immigration Ordinance – she is to write,
promote, educate, have a dialogue, negotiate. Presented at City Council meeting, February 19, 2019, where it was passed unanimously.
– Adam Steiner reported that the City Council approved, unanimously City Youth Council, 13
Framingham residents, 13-22 yrs. old. City Council meetings are now also on Facebook live.
School Committee.
– Beverly Hugo reported that the Committee is in the middle of preparing its budget for FY
2020; also reported that the Walsh Middle School Robotics Team has been invited to the
international competition.
March Charity
“Dignity Matters” Founder & Exec. Director Kate Sanetra-Butler, spoke about this Framingham
based charity, currently located on Bishop St., but soon to be moving to Nobscot area. All
volunteers; 2017 (1st yr.) collected/distributed over 260,000 feminine products to women and girls in MA. Current programs include – schools in greater Boston & Merrimack Valley; shelters; medical centers – Boston Health; shelters for homeless; food pantries; speaks to “dignity” – “Dignity Beneath the Blouse.” Seeking monetary support – reports that $15 will purchase sanitary products for one woman for 1 yr. Legislation is key to their efforts. Suffolk U, Mass Legislative Caucus for Women HD7727 – free access to products in schools, shelters & prisons. If passed and enacted, Massachusetts would be the 3rd state, as it is now available in NY & RI. Information handouts distributed.
“Global Climate Change”
– Larry Stoodt, Co-coordinator of 350 Mass MetroWest, reports that there is a statewide legislative team formed to attack this “global problem” urging all Democrats to get informed, talk to neighbors, talk to city councilors, alter the course of our behavior, ban plastic bags.– Better Future Project. Mr. Stoodt invited all to attend the Green Legislative Forum, March 1, 2019, at Parish Unitarian Church. Information handouts distributed.
– Prof Sabine von Mering, Brandeis U. gave a presentation on “Tackling Climate Change,
What You Can Do.” Members participated in an instant poll via cell phone app related to
climate change-facts & what can we do. Information handouts distributed.
Secretary’s Report: Barbara Fontes. January 13, 2019 minutes; approved; copies
distributed.
Treasurer’s Report: Larry Stoodt.
Balance as of December 31, 2018 $3,935.24
Income
CU Dividends as of 1/31/19 $ 0.34
Dues as of 1/31/19 $ 140.00
Previous Balance & Income $ 140.34
Expenses
Hospitality reimbursement R.H-H. 1/25/19 $ 36.99
1/25/19
Total Expenses – $ 36.99
Balance as of 1/31/19 $4038.59
Motion to approve M. Warshaw; second K. McCarthy; unanimous.
B. Hugo – reminded that Member dues of $20 voluntary contribution; and Associate Member dues of $15 are coming due. Anyone experiencing a financial hardship should mention that to the Treasurer who will keep that confidential and ill record the member as “paid.”
Ms. Hugo also mentioned that with the upcoming presidential election looming, we should begin to consider a Fundraiser for 2020, suggesting a cookbook or something else? Urged members to propose options.
Subcommittee Reports:
Outreach: Margareth Shepard – discussed the Task Force for Immigration Ordinance which she
was proposing to the council in an upcoming meeting. She encouraged FDC participation in Brazilian movies at Framingham Public Library & discussion/interaction. Next movie night is April 22, 2019, flyers available. Ms. Shepard announced that she will be receiving a 2019 Women Making History Now Award on March 25, 2019 at FSU McCarthy Center Forum, 4:30-7:00PM. Also, she will be speaking at the Women in Action Conference in Worcester, March 10; and at the Milford Democratic Town Committee Candidates Breakfast March 31. The Immigrant Experience in Our Communities, sponsored by Newton & Waltham Democrat City Committee, March 24 2-4:30PM, Newton Senior Ctr., at 345 Walnut St. Newtonville.
Civics Education: Pat Dunne reported that his committee held a Feb 11, 2019, meeting and focused on a political calendar. They also looked at areas with substantial and historical low voter turnout. Wants to begin a “Why should I Vote?” campaign, to turn attention to the 2020 census. Adam Steiner wants to examine and consider economic & political issues; specific outreach. Also discussed the Community Preservation Act being championed by Councilor Judy Grove, to be addressed at a March meeting. Draft of Framingham Political Calendar available on our web page.
Communications: Michael Hugo discussed beginning to use the yahoo group as a general
interest discussion board starting in March; If members wish to participate in the Facebook
group, they need to apply, and answer the three questions. The Facebook page has been
updated, now it includes rules; We are asking those who join to commit to party work of
the FDC.
Legislative: Kurt Fusaris & Barbara LeDuc discussed HB171 Life Options for
Terminally Ill. They discussed that those availing themselves of this option must meet
restrictions, and there are strict guidelines, and require mental competency. Motion to
move the questions J. Desilets, Second M. Warshaw. MOVED That the FDC endorse the
Mass Medical Society’s 2017 version of bill. Support/co-sponsors by all of our State
Reps. – Jack Patrick Lewis, Maria D. Robinson & Carmine L. Gentile. Concerns were
discussed and debated. FDC vote – Approved: Majority in favor, 4 oppose, 1 abstain.
Information handouts distributed, incl. copy of FDC letter to Marie Manis(Compassion &
Choice) expressing support for passage of H171.
Hospitality: Thanks to Amanda Northrop and Craig Broyles and all others who contributed
refreshments.
March charity – “Dignity Matters,” see above.
Democratic State Committee Report:
Norma Shulman-interest in phone & texting for Sen. Elizabeth Warren contact N. Shulman.
Christopher Lorant.
Parwez Wahid discussed the upcoming Democratic Campaign Institute, for campaign
managers & activist from across the nation; hands-on/training tracking campaigns,
planning; grassroots activities. Possible sponsoring HS students up to 4 $75/per student.
Matter referred to FDC Exec. Board
Comments/Observations:
Dhruba Sen – Need to address racism & diversity in Framingham, asked to consider a
subcommittee.
Correction-Framingham Delegation 2019 – McCarthy, Kathie (not Katherine).
Chair, Beverly Hugo closed with a “thank you all, for helping to turn this country
around.” Reported that she had recently gone to D.C., where she met with Betsy DeVos,
related a story of public education despair under this administration – yet another reason
to totally devote ourselves to ousting this Administration.
Motion to adjourn – L. Stoodt; second K. McCarthy.
FDC meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara J. Fontes, Secretary
ACCEPTED April 28, 2019.