West Newbury Democrats

WNDTC Meeting Minutes • June 21, 2023

7/9/2023

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Following the annual caucus, Chair David Belsky called the regular meeting to
order.

Membership: Jessica Azenaro submitted her resignation, explaining that she is moving to Haverhill in July.
Secretary Pat Skibbee reported the deaths of two members, R. Michael Fosburg and Mary “Dot” Cavanagh.
The 10 attendees voted unanimously to install two new members, Jessica Schlather and Martin “Lark” Madden.
Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was waived.
Jim Sperelakis moved and Pat Skibbee seconded. The majority voted to subsidize the convention attendance fee in the amount of $25 for each attendee if that attendee requested such. (Barry Fogel’s amendment stated that the subsidy is for attendees for whom the fee is $75.00, so it does not pertain to any
attendee for whom the fee is $50.)
Treasurer Barry Fogel gave his report: current balance $1,620.91 as of May 31,2023.
David Belsky reported West Newbury’s share of proceeds from the 3T&2C breakfast of $790.94. (This will be added to the May 31 balance.) David encouraged all to contribute to the WNDTC.
Jim Sperelakis passed the checkbook to David Belsky.
Adrianne Ramos, our new 14th Essex State Representative, spoke, updating us on her office location (basement but nice) and her legislative actions – bills filed, bill co-sponsored, and the four committees she is serving on. She explained there is progress on the reconstruction of the Middle Street Bridge. She said she is mostly working on building solid relationships with her peers in the State House. She will have local office hours. The schedule will be announced.
Matthew Chilliak, aide to Congressional Representative Seth Moulton, was not available due to a flight delay. David and Democratic State Committee member Matt Murray reported that the representative is seeking to add veterans as another add-on group for delegates to the annual Mass convention.
Jim Sperelakis reported on the upcoming Sunday, August 20 3T&2C brewery event, complimenting David Belsky and Rob Phillips for their work on the organizing committee. The entry fee gets attendees one beer and a snack. The location is the Newburyport Brewing Company at 4 New Pasture Road in Newburyport.
Vice-Chair Becc O’Brien presented about MA gun law legislation in progress, explaining progress is challenging even in MA. She urged all to write in support of better gun laws to our State Senator Bruce Tarr.
The Chair initiated the first discussion on the proposed by-law changes. The subcommittee of Carol Ganz, Pat Skibbee and Paula Breger developed the changes in late 2019/very early 2020, in the “before times” (pre-Covid), but they were never acted upon due to the Covid years precluding in-person meetings. All members had been sent the proposed new by-law prior to this meeting. Annie Madden had several suggestions. It was decided that all changes would be sent to Barry Fogel who volunteered to consolidate. Then that product will be sent to all members prior to the next regular meeting in October.

The meeting adjourned at 8:36 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Lang Skibbee, Secretary

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West Newbury Democratic Caucus • June 21, 2023

7/9/2023

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Chair David Belsky called the caucus to order at 7:04 pm in the Annex at 381 Main Street in West Newbury with 10 members and three guests in attendance.
David read the requisite letter from the Mass Dems and explained that West Newbury is entitled to four delegates and four alternates plus the chair for the 2023 caucus. The fee is $75 and $50 for students and seniors over 65 years of age.
The caucus will be held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell on Saturday, September 23.
There was no competition for attendees spots.
Volunteers were Barry Fogel, Jessica Schlather, Jamie Cabot and Kirstin Flaherty for delegates and Becc O’Brien for alternate. All were confirmed by unanimous voice vote.
The caucus closed at 7:32 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Lang Skibbee, Secretary

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Proposed Revisions to Bylaws • June 2023

6/19/2023

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We’ll hold a first reading and discussion of proposed changes to our WNDTC bylaws at our June 21, 2023 meeting. A formal vote on the changes will be held at the following meeting, tentatively planned for September. If you would like to review the changes in advanced, please download the file linked below.

wndtc_bylaws_2023_redlined_edits__with_2020_changes_in_bold_.pdf
File Size:	244 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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WNDTC Meeting Recap • February 11, 2023

5/1/2023

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Fifteen members and three guests of the West Newbury DTC met via Zoom. Chair David Belsky called the meeting to order at 10:08 am. He introduced Adrianne Ramos, our new 14th District State Representative.
Adrianne explained that she’s been in office for a little over a month, and, like the other 21 new reps, has not yet been assigned to committees and therefore is working in the “bull pen”; i.e., no office as yet. The bill filing deadline has passed, she has filed several new bills, and she has been asked to co-sponsor about 94 bills. She is reading through them now. Adrianne has hired an aide, Samantha Kelley. Also, she is working on constituent services. The main education issue before her now is the huge increase in the Pentucket Regional School District special education budget, which has increased 14% over last year. The normal increase in that portion of the budget is 2-3%. She has conferred with the other two reps covering the Pentucket District and with (Republican) state Senator Bruce Tarr on this matter. She has requested to be placed on the Judiciary and the Children and Family committees, and she is working on a gay parentage bill which would preclude the current requirement for a same-sex couple having a child for the non-biological parent to formally adopt the child. Adrianne was asked about her preparation for the next election since the terms are only two years. She explained that she has been advised she should be raising about $50,000 each year. Her email is Adrianne.Ramos@MAhouse.gov; her aide’s email is Samantha.Kelley@MAhouse.gov.
The Chair reported on the 2nd Essex district’s victory of Democrat Kristin Kassner by one vote over the “incumbent” Lenny Mirra. Every vote does count.
Jim Sperelakis reported on the 3T&2C group’s preparation for the May 6 3T&2C Breakfast, which is being reinstated after a three year Covid lapse. David Belsky and Rob Phillips have been very active on that committee. Nicholson Hall at the Greek Church in Newburyport will again be the venue and the caterer has been hired. Kathy Pasquina of Newburyport is inviting the speakers. Tickets will be $40 and can be purchased through Act Blue or by sending a check to Rob Phillips at West Newbury Democratic Town Committee, PO Box 211, West Newbury, MA 01985. The $40 covers the actual cost, while the higher level sponsorship donations represent the actual fundraising. The levels of sponsorship have not been decided but will be soon. Proposed are three levels: $70, $150 and $250, with the latter two including two breakfast tickets. Volunteers will be needed to help set up, etc.
David reported that Rob Phillips wishes to resign as Treasurer (he is now treasurer of the 3T&2C group). Barry Fogel accepted Jeanne Pucci’s nomination for that position in the WNDTC, it was seconded by Jim Sperelakis, and Barry was voted in unanimously.
The Chair talked about upcoming financial obligations within our town committee and about the need for funds. Our present balance is about $500; needed is $150 for “seed money” for the breakfast and about $90 for annual web hosting costs. To avoid bank fees we have to maintain a minimum balance of $500. Members were asked to submit voluntary donations through Act Blue, by mailing a check to the above post office box address, or by delivering a check in person at our next meeting.
Secretary Patricia Skibbee reported that are now 27 active members, leaving opportunity for eight more. Becc O’Brien and Kath Mason were voted in as full members, after being so moved by Jeanne Pucci, seconded by Jessica Azenaro and voted unanimously, still leaving room for six more members. (It was determined subsequent to the meeting that Becc O’Brien and Kath Mason had been previously elected as members, voiding this motion. Kath Mason was elected to the committee on March 3, 2020 in the West Newbury Presidential Primary. Becc O’Brien was elected to the committee at its April 28, 2022 meeting.)
David will send out a doodle poll to fix a date for the next meeting.
We were reminded that the Kathy Pasquina Civic Engagement Scholarship has been suspended for this year, but will be reconsidered in the future.
Suggested topics for upcoming meetings included reviewing and adopting new by-laws—a project that has been suspended for three years due to Covid, discussion on the future of the Kathy Pasquina Scholarship, and an informal discussion on the town warrant for the April town meeting. Pat Skibbee will send the proposed new bylaws to David Belsky for initial review.
Ideas for future speakers included an Adrianne Ramos revisit, Matt Chilliak from Congressional Representative Seth Moulton’s office, and aides from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey’s offices.
The West Newbury annual Town Meeting will be on April 24.

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WNDTC Meeting Recap • October 15, 2022

11/17/2022

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Fourteen members and five guests of the West Newbury Democratic Town Committee met at 11:30 am at the Annex of the Town Offices, 183 Main Street.
Chair Jim Sperelakis called the meeting to order at 11:30 am. He introduced guest Nancy Barry who has recently moved to town from Rowley, Ken Thompson, Boxford, Chair of the Boxford Town Committee and also a State Committee member for the First Essex and Middlesex State Senate district, and Lisa Forbush Umholtz of West Newbury, a frequent attendee at the WNDTC meetings, and who has not yet been voted in as a member. Later, state rep candidate Adrianne Ramos joined the meeting. Matt Chilliak, Campaign Manager for Rep. Seth Moulton, was also in attendance.
The first order of business was a proposed change of leadership. Jim explained that he has been chair for seven years, has now taken on the chairmanship of the 3T&2C organization and is very involved with the various fundraisers. Therefore, he is seeking to have someone else serve as chair of the WNDTC. Jim introduced the other current officers: Rob Phillips, Treasurer, David Belsky, Vice-chair, and Pat Skibbee, Secretary.
Jeanne Pucci moved to thank Jim for his long and excellent service, and to nominate David Belsky for new Chair; seconded by Pat Skibbee; David accepted the nomination and was voted in unanimously.
David Belsky nominated and Pat Skibbee seconded Becc O’Brien for new Vice-chair. Becc accepted the nomination and was voted in unanimously. Jim invited Becc to talk about her various activities on behalf of Democrats, which she did impressively.
Jeanne Pucci nominated Pat Skibbee to remain as secretary, Sue Dougherty seconded, Pat accepted the nomination and was voted in unanimously.
Treasurer Rob Phillips was nominated by Pat Skibbee to remain in that position. Michael Fosburg seconded. Rob accepted but explained that he plans to withdraw from the position in January, 2023. No one present volunteered to take over in January, but Barry Fogel (not present) has “been asked and didn’t say no." Rob was voted in unanimously.
Next, Rob gave the treasurer’s report. We have $1,557.00 presently. This led to a discussion of whether we want to keep funding the $1,000 per year Kathy Pasquina Civic Engagement Scholarship, or whether our funds are better spent donated to campaigns, especially in an election year, which 2022 is. Further discussion focused on other sources of funds: The summer brewery events which yield about $700 for our committee and annual donations. Annual donations have fallen off due to remote/Covid meetings. Also brought up was the annual difficulty in getting students to apply for the scholarship. Rob suggested expanding the student pool by offering the scholarship to students in all the 3T&2C towns, giving $500 per town and getting the cooperation of other towns to increase the amount. Jeanne Pucci reported that the WN Garden Club also has trouble getting students to apply for its scholarships. Jo Megna-Wallace stated that she has questioned the spending of our limited funds on the scholarship rather than on candidates. Jessica Azenaro suggested keeping the scholarship alive by offering it every other year or even every fourth year, but not annually.
Rob Phillips moved and Jeanne Pucci seconded a motion to suspend the scholarship for this year. A yes vote was unanimous.
Pat Skibbee encouraged the attendees and all members to contribute to the WNDTC by sending a check to Rob or contributing through Act Blue.
Pam Wool of Newbury presented and answered questions on the Fair Share Amendment which is #1 on the November ballot.
New Chair David Belsky moved and Becc O’Brien seconded that we formally endorse Adrianne Ramos for state rep. The yes vote was unanimous.
Matt Chiliak spoke about Seth’s re-election campaign, mentioned his apparently very conservative opponent Bob May, and explained that the congressman is participating in the coordinated campaign, and that Seth was going to be holding a town hall in Newburyport on Monday, October 17, at 6 pm at the City Hall, his first since Covid.
Jim introduced State rep candidate Adrianne Ramos, citing her family law practice, her work on immigrant issues, the fact that she has three children in the North Andover public school system, and that she and her husband own a childcare business. Adrianne spoke about the vital necessity of getting out the vote, that she has knocked at least 1,000 doors herself, her organization between 4,000 and 5,000. She said Groveland is the toughest town in which to make voter headway. Jeanne Pucci advised Adrianne to publicly counter the misinformation and encouraged letters to the editor. Becc O’Brien said Adrianne’s events are on our WNDTC website.
Jim Sperelakis announced to Adrianne (who had stepped out of the room as requested) that the committee had voted to formally endorse her for state rep and to donate $1,000 to her campaign.
The formal meeting adjourned at 1:22 pm. Attendees were invited to take yard signs/literature/post cards and cookies.
David Belsky thanked all for their attendance, participation and active campaigning.

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WNDTC Meeting Recap • June 1, 2022

6/9/2022

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Twelve members and ten guests met at 7 pm via Zoom to hear from four candidates for public office.
Chair Jim Sperelakis opened the meeting at 7:04 pm. Before hearing from the first candidate, he took the opportunity to encourage members to contribute to the Town Committee via Act Blue (link at www.WestNewburyDems.org) or by sending a check made out to West Newbury DTC, to Treasurer Rob Phillips, PO Box 211, West Newbury, MA 01985. He cited the $1,000 award today of the Kathleen Pasquina Civic Engagement Scholarship as an expenditure that has reduced our balance and therefore increased our need for contributions.
Jim thanked David Belsky for his yeoman efforts in organizing the two WNDTC Candidates Nights – April 28 and June 1.
Jim also reported that Adrianne Ramos, candidate for State Rep in the 14th Essex District (which includes West Newbury) was planning to attend tonight’s meeting, but due to feeling ill, had to send her regrets.
Candidate for Attorney General Shannon Liss-Riordan spoke first. She is one of three Democrats running in the primary for this seat. She stated that she is the only practicing attorney running, that she has worked for 20 years representing working people, has won many gender-equality, as well as labor cases for gig, GrubHub and wait staff workers. She emphasized her victories in cases of managers/employers taking tips that should have gone to the workers, and explained that now, nation-wide because of her work, employers know they cannot take those tips. She described herself as an “activist lawyer” and “workers’ champion”. Other issues vital to her are climate change and consumer protection. She and Quentin Palfrey have pledged to not accept PAC monies in this campaign, while the third candidate Andrea Campbell has not made that pledge.
Next to speak was Senator Adam Hines, candidate for Lt. Governor. He now represents the western-most 52 municipalities in MA, which he has done for six years. Prior to serving in the state senate, he worked for 10 years in conflict resolution in the Middle East. His major concerns now are racial equity, voter suppression, potential overturn of Roe vs. Wade, economic inequality, climate, mass transportation, and making housing and childcare more affordable. He described himself as “the education candidate”. Adam is the father of a one-year old, and he stressed how that role has made all future concerns so much more serious for him. He gave two family examples of how education has made economic advancement possible in his family. First his father was a tool and die maker, lost his job when his factory closed, went to college and became a teacher and coach, thereby propelling his family into the middle class. Adam’s wife is a third general Mexican-American whose father was a truck driver. Now, because of education, she is a college professor at Amherst College.
State Senator Diana Di Zoglio is a candidate for Auditor, a job she described as “the state watchdog”, the “quality control officer”, rather than what many people think which is that the job is being an accountant. In fact, the Auditor can file legislation. Diana said that MA rates extremely poorly on government transparency, and that we have no adequate public records law, and that because of this state legislative committee votes are not public information, and she thinks they should be. She described her early years in Methuen and Lawrence as the daughter of a 17 year old single mother. She earned her Associates Degree at a community college because it was affordable, and went on to Wellesley College on a full academic scholarship. To earn her community college tuition she waitressed and cleaned houses, founding her own small house cleaning business. She is bi-lingual (Spanish). Her start in government was as an aide to a state rep, but her first experience on Beacon Hill was replete with sexual harassment. Her complaint was upheld, but she was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) so that she could not speak about her experience. This propelled her to run to be a state rep, with one of her accomplishments in that role being shining a spotlight on such tax-payer funded NDAs and working successfully to have them banned. She is an enthusiastic proponent of civics education in our public schools, and has pledged to investigate no-bid contracts used in state government and to increase government transparency.
Virginia Leigh, candidate for Essex County Sheriff, presented next. She explained how her background as a social worker and with the ACLU meshes with the requirements of the job of sheriff, which is not a law enforcement officer, but rather as the person responsible for the care of prisoners whose normal stay in the Middleton Jail is between seven and 24 months, and for preparing them for a positive life after their release. There are about 1300 prisoners in Essex County and about 600 guards. Right now, the recidivism rate is almost 50% for a return to jail within one year. Most of these prisoners have mental health and/or substance use problems. Her position is that what is needed in a sheriff is a “chief clinician”. Virginia has worked for many years with mentally ill and substance abuse people, both in the US and in Mexico. She is bi-lingual – Spanish and English. The current sheriff, she stated, has not taken steps to make the public safer and in fact has denied proper treatment to prisoners who need it. Over his six years in office, the recidivism rate has remained the same. The question is: How do we want people to leave our jails? To have them better able to function in society, Virginia stated that they need to have regular connection to their families and have programs during their jail time offered that actually have positive results. She would change the rules and not have prisoners charged for phone calls and better vet the programs various vendors offer.
After the candidate talks, the Chair again emphasized the need for donations to the Committee.
Member Jessica Azenaro reported on the Pentucket High School Awards Ceremony that had taken place earlier in the evening and went very well. At the ceremony, Jessica presented the Kathleen Pasquina Scholarship to this year’s winner Alex Pederson.
The Committee hopes that our Democratic state rep candidate Adrianne Ramos from North Andover can meet with us sometime soon.
A motion was made by Pat Skibbee and seconded by Jeanne Pucci to remove two current members from the roster due to their lack of meeting attendance. Per the by-laws, their names were read at the April meeting and the secretary sent them letters but there was no response: Elizabeth Schofield and Maureen Harris. The vote was unanimous. Therefore the complete list of those removed either by death (Joe Heyman), moving out of town (Elena Bachrach, Susan Babb), resignation (Judy Mizner, Dot Cavanagh and Connie Freese) or vote, is eight members. Current members are encourage to invite new members who will be active and enthusiastic!
It was reported that neighboring district State Representative Republican James Kelcourse has been offered and accepted a state job on the parole board by Governor Baker, and therefore that seat will be open. Also, our current state rep Lenny Mirra now has a challenger in the November election.
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm.

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WNDTC Meeting Announcement • June 1, 2022

5/22/2022

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Our next West Newbury DTC meeting will be held
Wednesday, June 1 at 7:00 pm
via Zoom

We're excited to welcome Shannon Liss-Riordan (candidate for Attorney General), Senator Adam Hinds (candidate for Lt Governor), Virginia Leigh (candidate for Essex County Sheriff), and Senator Diana DiZoglio (candidate for State Auditor) to our upcoming meeting to speak about their campaigns and answer your questions. Unfortunately Adrianne Ramos will not be able to join us this month but we'll be sure to schedule plenty of time with her as the campaign ramps up towards November.

Agenda

7:00 - 7:10 Welcome (Jim Sperelakis, DTC chair)
7:10 - 7:30 Shannon Liss-Riordan (Candidate for AG)
7:30 - 7:50 Sen. Adam Hinds (Candidates for Lt. Gov)
7:50 - 8:10 Sen. Diana DiZoglio (Candidate for State Auditor)
8:15 - 8:35 Virginia Leigh (Candidate for Essex County Sheriff)
8:35 - 8:45 DTC Business and wrap-up (Jim)

join the zoom meeting

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WNDTC Meeting Recap • April 28, 2022

5/22/2022

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Committee Chair Jim Sperelakis called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm.
Seventeen members and fifteen guests attended.
The first order of business was to vote in Becc O’Brien as a member. Jeanne Pucci moved and David Belsky seconded that motion, and Becc was voted in unanimously.
Secretary Pat Skibbee explained that our constitution requires members to attend at least 50% of scheduled meetings in a year. She suggested that there are a number of people on our roster who have not met that standard for several years. According to the constitution, to remove these people from membership their names must be read out at one meeting and then can be voted on in the next meeting. It was agreed that Pat would write a letter to each of them explaining the situation and asking for their response.
The agenda for the meeting focused on presentations by five candidates for various offices preparatory to the November 2022 election.
First to speak was Chris Dempsey, candidate for State Auditor. He stressed his credentials and experience for the office, saying that both his parents were public school teachers, that education is a top priority for him, he has a Harvard MBA, worked under then-Governor Duval Patrick as Assistant Secretary of Transportation; also, he is very strong on government transparency, will be a “robust and aggressive” auditor, was a leader in the fight to NOT have Boston host the Olympics, and co-created an app that enables T riders to learn the exact times of the arrivals/departures of public transportation, and will be an advocate for “carbon accounting” for any contracts the state considers.
Quentin Palfrey, candidate for Attorney General, was introduced by WNDTC Vice-Chair David Belsky. He stated his priorities as preserving democracy, climate action, LGBTQ rights, education, combatting gun violence, affordable housing, health care (He is an advocate for a single-payer system.) He will be, he said, “the people’s lawyer”, and previously worked as an aide to John Tierney, Assistant Attorney General in MA leading the Health Care Division, and in the White House under Barack Obama as Senior Advisor for Jobs and Competitiveness. He has been active in voter protection for many years, and most recently served under President Biden as Deputy General Counsel for the Department of Commerce.
Virginia Leigh, candidate for Essex County Sheriff, spoke next. She characterized the proper role of the sheriff as being the steward of the inmates, responsible for their care, rehabilitation and re-entry back into society. She explained that so many inmates come out of jail in worse shape than when they went in, that they are less supported and less able to function productively in society than before their incarceration. She is bi-lingual (Spanish) and has been working with prisoners as a social worker for 12 years. “Hurt people hurt people”. She sees robust clinical support, rehabilitation not retribution, as the way to lessen recidivism and crime.
Secretary of State candidate Tanisha Sullivan of Brockton presented her background (activism in civil rights, Chief Equity Officer in a public school system). She would like to see Massachusetts be a role model for the rest of the country as a defender/promoter of democracy and voting rights, seeing herself as “Chief Democracy Officer” of the Commonwealth. She has been a corporate attorney for 20 years acting on behalf of small businesses.
The final presenting candidate was Adrianne Ramos for State Rep. Because of redistricting, our rep district was scheduled to become the 14th Essex with incumbent Christina Minicucci of North Andover as our rep. Christina recently decided not to seek another term. In her place as candidate is Adrianne, also of North Andover. Christina Eckert of Boxford, previous candidate two and four ago respectively, spoke highly of Ms. Ramos. Adrianne is a lawyer by profession and stressed that she has made this decision in a “mindful” way, that her career has included work in the Probate and Family Court in assisting immigrant children and families fleeing violence. Her priorities, which she stressed are not a complete picture because she is only a few days into the race, include teen mental health, education, and affordable housing. She will have a Republican opponent, also from North Andover.
Member Jessica Azenaro reported on the Kathy Pasquina Civic Engagement Scholarship Committee, saying that she has one application and that it is excellent, from student Alex Peterson, and he will be receiving the $1,000 scholarship.
A long, informal conversation ensued, focused mostly on the rep race and getting the necessary 150 nomination paper signatures by the May 3 deadline, as well as logistics for that campaign.
The meeting adjourned at 9:22 pm

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WNDTC Meeting Recap • March 2, 2022

3/19/2022

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Fourteen members of the West Newbury Democratic Town Committee met via Zoom at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2022. Also in attendance were five guests: David Seaton, 16, of West Newbury, Elliot Kime, surrogate for Bero (?), Matthew Murphy, State Committee; Ken Thompson, State Committee, and Katilyn Solares, surrogate for Sonia Chang-Diaz.

Chair Jim Sperelakis called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm, with a moment of silence in honor of member Joe Heyman who passed away in February.

Jim explained that the purpose of the meeting and the ensuing caucus was to elect delegates to the annual Democratic State Convention on June 3rd and 4th at the DCU Center in Worcester. The current plan is for the convention to be hybrid, part remote and part in person. Delegates this year get to vote on candidates. Candidates need a minimum of 15% of delegate votes to be on the primary ballot in September. This year West Newbury gets three delegates and three alternates, and the Chair also attends. David Belsky played the three-minute State Committee video caucus introduction.

Jim explained that he and David Belsky had received at least 25 calls from candidates/surrogates wishing to speak this evening prior to the caucus. Since this was an overwhelming, unmanageable number, they decided to have no speakers this evening, but rather to schedule those candidates/surrogates during our April and May meetings prior to the convention. David will collect the names/offices of all candidates and post that information on the WNDTC website.

CAUCUS
The caucus was called to order at 7:15 pm. Rebecca O’Brien was the only nominee for female delegate. She accepted the nomination and therefore was voted in by acclamation. David Belsky and David Seaton were the only nominees for the non-binary/male candidate spots, and therefore the procedure was the same for them as for Becc O’Brien. No one was nominated for alternates; Patricia Skibbee volunteered to be an alternate, with the other two alternate spots remaining unfilled. The caucus was closed at 7:37.

The meeting resumed after the caucus. Topics discussed were the probability of the there being a 3Tand2C breakfast this year; if there is one, it will be in the fall.

The necessary forms/checks for delegates will be signed and checks collected in the next five or so days. Jessica Azenaro reported that so far there are no applicants for the Kathy Pasquina Civic Engagement Scholarship, but that she is hopeful there will be. The deadline is April 15, but it can be extended. David Belsky moved, and it was seconded and vote unanimously that the WNTDTC pay the Convention attendance free for David Seaton, our youth delegate.

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WNDTC Meeting Recap • December 13, 2021

12/29/2021

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It was our first in-person meeting since Covid hit – no Zoom - all masked. Thirteen members and five guests met for business and holiday spirit at the Town Hall, 491 Main Street. Guests were Christina Minicucci, 14th Essex District Rep, who is to be our new State Rep after the November 2022 elections (the rep district was changed due to 2020 census results); Rick Parker, West Newbury Select Board; Laurie Heyman; Christina Eckert; LaNita (Ann) Dykes.

Chair Jim Sperelakis and several members brought seasonal snacks laid out a la buffet style.

Jim opened the meeting by acknowledging the joy of seeing everyone (or parts of everyone) in person. He then introduced State Rep Christina Minicucci, asking her to lay out her legislative priorities. She explained that she lives in North Andover, had worked on many campaigns but had not at all considered running herself until friends encouraged her. She stated her strengths are connecting people with resources and problem solving, with strong interests in education, environmental protection, climate, reproductive rights and “gas safety” (given the natural gas line explosions the took place in Lawrence just after her election), and the CSO (combined sewage overflows) into the Merrimack River. As State Rep for Lawrence, Methuen and part of Haverhill, 55% of her current district population is “gateway cities”. That will change markedly after September.

Jim asked her about the disbursement of ARRA funds to cities and town and organizations, monies from the federal government. She explained her action was to poll town/city managers about their needs and to work with other Reps and with State Senators. She noted that our current State Rep Lenny Mirra put in no requests. She also noted that Senator Bruce Tarr was “great” in this process.

Member Joe Heyman asked Christina to explain the redistricting process. She offered that the process took many, many hours and much compromise, but that finally a plan was agreed upon, with Lenny Mirra’s acquiescence. However, in the end he was the only Rep to vote “no." Rick Parker asked on what committees she serves: Public Safety and Homeland Security, Ways and Means, and Municipalities. He encouraged her to get on the Transportation Committee. She stated she has a very serious interest in that area, but the Reps get to be on three committees.
The Chair closed this portion of the meeting by asking Rep Minicucci what we could do to help her prior to the election. She listed the need for campaign volunteers, postcard writing, hosting “meet and greets”, funding, offering information on how regional school districts work, and letting her know “what is on our radar”. Her website is “Christina4Rep.com”.

Jim then introduced Ann (LaNita) Dykes, Newburyport, who ran the new mayor Sean Reardon’s campaign. She is now running Senator Diana DiZaglio’s State Auditor campaign; website: DianaforMass.com. Needs include funding as the top priority; further, she has to obtain 5,000 signatures/15% of the convention delegates to get on the ballot. The convention this year will be hybrid. Diana has one opponent thus far, Chris Dempsey from Boston.

Member Jessica Azenaro presented an update on the Kathy Pasquina Civic Engagement Scholarship. She reported that last year apparently due to Covid we had only one applicant despite guidance counselors encouraging students to apply. This year with school back in-person we hope for more. Jessica said she will need essay readers in the spring to vet the applications.

Jim gave the Treasurer’s report on behalf of the absent Rob Phillips: current balance $1,269.24. Donations from members are encouraged! The WNDTC share of proceeds from the 3T & 2 C summer brew event were $593.36. It was moved, seconded and vote unanimously to approve the expenditure of $63.75 to reimburse David Belsky for expenses related to the website, and to extend that approval for a two-year period, cost not to exceed $100 per year. Jim extended kudos to David for his excellent work on the site. David said submissions for the site can be sent to him at wnbydems(at)gmail.com.

End of meeting discussion main points were the fact that Governor Baker will not run again. Democratic possibilities mentioned were Attorney General Maura Healey and Quentin Palfrey. The Convention this year will be held at the DCU Center is Worcester on June 3-4. The time window to hold the annual caucus to elect delegates in February 4 – March 17. Guest Rick Parker expressed serious concern about the national effort by Republicans to get elected to local boards and to become election officials. This view was backed strongly by Barry Fogel.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

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What's New?

WNDTC Meeting Minutes • June 21, 2023

West Newbury Democratic Caucus • June 21, 2023

Proposed Revisions to Bylaws • June 2023

WNDTC Meeting Recap • February 11, 2023

WNDTC Meeting Recap • October 15, 2022

WNDTC Meeting Recap • June 1, 2022

WNDTC Meeting Announcement • June 1, 2022

WNDTC Meeting Recap • April 28, 2022

WNDTC Meeting Recap • March 2, 2022

WNDTC Meeting Recap • December 13, 2021

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