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WNDTC Minutes • July 18, 2024

8/11/2024

Eighteen members of the West Newbury Democratic Town Committee and six guests met in the Annex, 381 Main Street, West Newbury at 7 pm.

Chair David Belsky called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. The focus of the meeting was on the upcoming November elections.
The first speaker was Matt Chilliak from the office of our Congressional Representative, Seth Moulton. He reported that Seth has no opponents as of now, though there is still time for someone to run. He said he has links to phone banks. The Chair will send those links out to the membership. Matt stated that the only local race that could be a real race is in our neighboring State Rep District for the seat now held by Kristin Kassner, D, who won that seat by one (1) vote. Matt went on to state that Seth has publicly called for President Biden to step aside and not continue his bid for re-election as President.
Our State Rep, Adrianne Ramos, spoke next stressing that now that she is well into her first term she has gotten very busy dealing with constituent services and various bills, including the gun bill which just passed both the House and Senate, housing bills and parentage bills. Because she is by profession a family law attorney she has gotten to actually write some of the wording in the parentage bill. She reported that the Middle Street Bridge project (connecting West Newbury to Newburyport) is moving along, albeit slowly. She will be running for re-election, has hired a political consultant, and will have yard signs, etc., starting in September. Member Jim Sperelakis asked about State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s idea of auditing the state legislature. Adrianne explained that Diana’s audit plan is not just financial (those audits are already done) but rather broader, delving into meeting mechanics and internal discussions. Adrianne thinks this is neither practical nor a good idea.
Alex Bausch, guest, spoke next. He is the Organizing Director working for MassDems. He let us know this is a very busy year, including reorgs of town and city committees, local caucuses to elect delegates to the state convention, the caucuses to elect delegates to the national convention, coordinated campaigns and the upcoming establishment of field offices. Alex also coordinates recruiting MA campaign volunteers for efforts in Portsmouth, Manchester, Keen and Nashua, NH. About 20% of those volunteers are from MA.
David Seaton, WNDTC Outreach Coordinator and elected delegate to the national convention,spoke about the ongoing issues with the candidacy of President Biden for re-election. In addition to his advanced age and very poor debate performance is his apparent lack of appeal to young voters. David stated that he thinks this could be the most consequential national convention ever. He has a GO FUND ME page in place to raise the funds he needs to attend the convention. The cost is normally between $3,000 and $5,000.
Next up was Eileen Duff, presently a member of the Governor’s Council and candidate for Essex South Registry of Deeds Register. As she said, “I have no intention of losing.” She does have two opponents. Eileen is a long-time very active Democrat. She provided her mobile number and she encouraged calls/questions. (Please contact David Belsky for her number if needed). She has yard signs (call to get) and a digital postcard we can send to our circle list.
Jim Sperelakis and Pat Skibbee spoke in praise of Eileen.
State Representative Adrianne Ramos discussed a proposed voter registration effort at Pentucket High School. The effort earlier this year petered out due to the Town Clerks in Groveland and Merrimac refusing to cooperate. The West Newbury Clerk was very willing to help. The regional school superintendent Dr. Bartholomew is very enthusiastic about a voter registration drive for upper grade level students. It was suggested that there could be a mailing to recent grads. Another idea was that if there are Republican and Democratic clubs in the high school those students could run the voter registration drive.
Chair David Belsky reported that our committee’s share of the proceeds from the 3T & 2C Breakfast is $885.00. The annual Brews for Blues event will take place in August but a date has not been chosen yet.
Treasurer Barry Fogel reported that our treasury holds $4,022.76.
Member Kevin Bowe moved and Becc O’Brien seconded that we donate $500 toward David Seaton’s expenses for his travel and attendance at the national convention. The motion was overwhelmingly approved.
A poll will be sent out to choose a date for an early September meeting.
Margaret Mahoney urged us to find more members. We have four empty slots at present.

The meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia L. Skibbee, Secretary

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WNDTC Agenda • July 18, 2024

7/15/2024

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Guest speakers
- State Rep Adrianne Ramos
- Matt Chilliak, Serve America PAC Director and Moulton Campaign Manager
- Alex Bausch, MassDems Organizing Director
- Eileen Duff, Candidate for Essex County Registrar
- Eunice Zeigler, Candidate for Governor’s Council hopes to also join us, schedule permitting.
Update on Democratic National Convention (David Seaton)
Voter Registration initiative (Adrianne Ramos and David Belsky)
3T & 2C update (David Belsky)
- Breakfast proceeds
- Brews for Blues plans
Approve Minutes from April 4, 2024 meeting (Pat Skibbee)
Financial Report (Barry Fogel)
Discuss potential campaigning activities (David Belsky)
New business

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WNDTC Minutes • April 4, 2024

7/15/2024

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Thirteen Committee members met via Zoom for the annual reorganization meeting.

Chair David Belsky called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm and gave a meeting preview.
The first order of business was the election of officers for, as stated in our by-laws, one-year terms. The Chair suggested we might want to consider changing that to two-year terms.
David asked member Jim Sperelakis to run the election portion of the meeting. Jim asked for nominations for Chair. Jeanne Pucci moved and Pat Skibbee seconded the nomination of David Belsky for Chair. There were no other nominations, and David was re-elected unanimously
Incumbent Vice Chair Rebecca O’Brien was nominated to continue in that position by David Belsky and seconded by Jeanne Pucci. She was the only nominee and was re-elected unanimously.
David Belsky nominated Barry Fogel, incumbent Treasurer, to continue in that job; the nomination was seconded by Becc O’Brien. Barry was the only nominee and was re-elected unanimously.
Pat Skibbee, incumbent Secretary, was nominated to continue by Barry Fogel, seconded by David Belsky. There were no other nominations, and she was re-elected unanimously.
A discussion ensued around the election of an Outreach Advisor. That job’s responsibilities include providing opportunity for under-served populations to join the Committee and become involved in Democratic actions. Hearing no nominations, member David Seaton volunteered and was chosen. David Belsky and Becc O’Brien volunteered to work with David to establish a subcommittee.
Jim Sperelakis spoke about the May 11 3T&2C Breakfast to be held in Amesbury at the St. Andre church. This is the first time the event will be held outside of Newburyport. Tickets are available through Act Blue and vary in price between $40 and $500, the latter figure for the highest-level sponsorship. So far there are 13 confirmed speakers for the event.
David Seaton explained that he is running to be a delegate for the Democratic National Convention. The electing caucus will be held in Peabody at the high school on Lowell Street on April 27 at 1 pm. All were encouraged to attend and vote for David. David is 19 and has been a Democratic activist for several years, having worked on about 50 elections in various locations across the country. He is Chair of the Young Democrats in Ipswich (where he attended high school) and is working on making absentee ballots accessible there for any senior voter upon request. He is encouraging Whittier High School and Pentucket to work toward that same goal. David will be presenting an article at Town Meeting to lower the voting age to 16 for local (West Newbury) elections.
New member Janet Schucter who moved to West Newbury from Wakefield last June introduced herself. She announced a gathering in support of our Congressional Representative Seth Moulton at her house on June 15.
Ideas for actions to be taken leading up to the November election were offered:
- door to door canvassing in New Hampshire
- donations/work in support of our State Rep Adrianne Ramos and our neighboring State Rep Kristin Kassner
Becc O’Brien will share NH canvassing opportunities very soon.
Jeanne Pucci offered to drive people to the April 27 caucus. Contact her via email.
Lisa Forbush-Umholz explained the “right to farm” by-law that she and others are working on in West Newbury. The purpose of it is to forestall conflicts between agricultural establishments in the town and new residents who may be unaccustomed to agricultural sounds and fragrances.
A poll will be sent around to establish a meeting date in May.
It was moved by Paul McCarthy, seconded and voted to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Lang Skibbee, Secretary

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WNDTC Minutes • January 25, 2024

2/18/2024

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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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WNDTC Minutes • October 18, 2023

1/24/2024

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The West Newbury Democratic Town Committee met at the Town Offices Annex at 381 Main Street on October 18, 2023. The secretary was down with Covid: these minutes are constructed from notes taken by David Belsky, Chair, and Barry Fogel, Treasurer.

Sixteen members and three guests attended. The guests were Matt Chillak from Congressional Representative Seth Moulton’s office, Alex Bausch of Mass Dems representing the Biden presidential campaign, and Eunice Ziegler from Methuen, running for Governor’s Council.
Eunice Ziegler introduced herself. She is presently a city councilor in Methuen and the director of services for the Y of eastern MA. She is running to replace Eileen Duff, who in turn is running for Register of Deeds.
Matt Chillak caught attendees up to date on various matters: state convention delegates voting to support the inclusion of special categories for veterans, that Serve America made seven political endorsements so far in this election cycle; confirmed Moulton’s support for Israel in the current Hamas conflict but cautioned Israel to pursue a wise course; pleased to see MA AG Andrea Campbell supporting Rep. Moulton’s Restoration Act along with other AGs nationwide (this act would provide for retroactive benefits for descendants of color who were denied GI benefits after World War II, such as VA mortgage support) Explained that funding to aide Ukraine is a top priority.
Alex Bausch started working in politics in 2017, has worked on a number of campaigns, focused now on building capacity in about 50 municipalities in MA that don’t have Democratic committees, and on establishing a coordinated campaign in 2024 to help down-ballot candidates benefit from the Biden vote.
The Chair proceeded through the meeting’s agenda: It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved to omit the reading of the minutes for the June 21, 2023, meeting. He presented the revised by-laws and gave a brief summary of the changes. Approval of the new by-laws was moved, seconded and unanimously voted with no discussion.
Barry Fogel, Treasurer, reported that the WNDTC has received the proceeds check from the summer event; possible campaign donations were discussed.
Becc O’Brien discussed passage by the state legislature of the gun bill, citing Representative Ramos’s speech to the full House of Representatives.
David summarized State Convention actions.
A general discussion followed, with particular mention of Indivisible Rise and opportunity for postcarding. Also discussed was the question of how to build excitement for President Biden’s re-election campaign, especially with younger voters since Gen Z is a rapidly growing voter bloc. One idea is that we should brainstorm a quick list of Biden’s successes/initiatives so that we have that resource at hand when talking to voters.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Patricia L. Skibbee, Secretary

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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 [email protected]; her aide’s email is [email protected].
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 Minutes • July 18, 2024

WNDTC Agenda • July 18, 2024

WNDTC Minutes • April 4, 2024

WNDTC Minutes • January 25, 2024

WNDTC Minutes • October 18, 2023

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

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