WNDTC Minutes • January 25, 2024

Thirteen members and four guests met via Zoom.  The guests were David Seaton (candidate for membership), Matt Chillak from Congressional Representative Seth Moulton’s office, Janet Schuchter, new to town and candidate for membership, and State Representative Adrianne Ramos.

• Chair David Belsky opened the meeting at 7:04 pm by asking the guests to speak first.
• Matt Chillak noted the almost $600,000 raised in 2023 by Moulton’s organization to support  Democratic candidates/incumbents outside MA  in crucial races. One example is the $120,000 donated to Colin Allred’s campaign in TX. So far in 2024 Moulton’s organization has raised about $200,000 for the same purpose. “We export ourselves to where we’re needed”, Matt said. Moulton’s office is working on establishing high-speed rail across the country. The Democratic National Convention will be held in Chicago this year, August 19-22, (information on how to run to be a delegate is available at http://massdems.org/massdems-convention/). Congressional Representative Moulton has signed onto a letter to President Biden requesting he remove sanctions on Cuba. Member Barry Fogel asked Matt about Moulton’s stand on a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Matt explained that Moulton has not outright asked for a cease-fire but has urged measures to lessen human suffering due to the conflict. 
• Member Jim Sperelakis reminded all of the upcoming 3T&2C Breakfast on May 11 in Amesbury, details to follow. 
• Our State Representative Adrianne Ramos spoke about her involvement with issues at the state government level in this, her first year of serving. She explained her inaugural speech was in support of the current Gun Bill, which has been passed by the House. The Senate version is different and shorter and just “dropped” two days ago. She will read it on January 26. She is working with the Judiciary Committee on the Parentage Act, a bill that would put all types of couples on equal footing in all matters of parenting. MA is one of only five or six states that does not have such a law. Much of Adrianne’s visit was spent speaking and answering questions about the situation with Whitter Vocational and Technical High School. The question of building a new, replacement school was voted down by 10 of the 11 sending municipalities January 23 by a ratio of about 3-1. Only Haverhill residents voted in favor. She explained that recently the sending towns met with Whittier administration and encountered strong and defensive pushback when they questioned the Whittier people. She said she has heard some towns are considering a “no confidence” vote of their Whittier School Committee members. It is clear the school is in very poor repair and is outdated, but the path forward is not clear.  The rejected plan did not allow for increased enrollment. Further, there is broad agreement that the funding mechanism that has been in place since 1967 needs serious revision. Ramos also spoke about the possible imminent closing of the two Holy Family local hospitals, one in Haverhill and one in Methuen, due to the financial duress of Steward Health Care, the owning company. She also spoke about the recent spate of fraudulent DUA (Department of Unemployment Assistance) claims, and issues with National Grid’s frequent electrical outages in the area. Adrianne said she is just beginning to gear up for re-election. 
• David Seaton spoke about his initiative to put the question of lowering the voting age in West Newbury to 16 for only local voting. He has gathered ten signatures which is the minimum necessary but hopes to gather more. West Newbury voters can find and sign the document on Pat Skibbee’s back porch (396 Main Street) and can come and sign any time. The deadline is very early February. He gave a complete and organized talk giving many reasons this is an excellent idea:  Sixteen year olds can drive, work, and make decisions about their educations but not vote; voting at an early age can get people into the habit of civic participation; that age group is large and its inclusion will increase voter turnout.  David is also involved in developing podcasts with an organization called “Pod Save the Youth.” 
• The Chair spoke about the 3T&2C Breakfast’s new location at the St. Andre Bissette Church on School Street in Amesbury. The issue of non-availability of their dishwasher led to talk of various ways to use that facility without generating one-use, throw-away dishes and flatware. A number of ideas were generated and will be followed up by the breakfast committee. 
• Treasurer Barry Fogel reported our balance as $3,133.54 less a recent check for about $200.00.
• It was noted that we need to discuss donating to various campaigns at our next meeting. 
• All were encouraged to make a donation to the WNDTC.
• The Chair announced the dates of the state Democratic Convention on May 31-June 1, to be held in Worcester. The caucus window to elect delegates is February 1 to March 17. 
• Becc O’Brien volunteered to compile a list of President Biden accomplishments and initiatives for use in campaign talks with voters. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:58 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia L. Skibbee, Secretary 

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