Rockport Democratic Town Committee

Minutes of 03/27/2004 Meeting: Attendees: (39)

Members - Tom Delaney, Ann Sheinwald, Rose McMullen, Ruth Perrault, Mary Sibbalds, Tanner Cronin, Laura Dickey, David Wise, Josh Brackett, Helen Rush-Lloyd, Harold Rush-Lloyd, Ruth Gillies, Dan Lauzon, June McCloy, Jim McCloy, Vernice Gaietto, Mary Francis, Bruce Franklin, Frank, Mundo, Bob Luoma, Nancy Ebeling, Jacquiline Paulson, Maureen Dwinell, Nan Chase, Pat Watson, Ingeborg Lautenstein, Lois Lundell, and Martha Norton.

Enrolled Democrats - Ann-Patrice Hickey, Eileen Ford, David Dwinell, and Bobbie Paine.

Unenrolled friend: Melissa Tingley & one additional woman (name ?)

Guests: Kevin Conroy, Arthur Powell, Paul McGeary, Michael McGeary, Jeb Barnes, Charlie McCarthy, and Patrick Abegg.

Members excused: Sally Chapdelaine, Dan Hoch, Pat Koechlin, Bernie Koechlin, Eileen Mueller, Joseph Mueller, and Johanna Rittenburg.

At 1:15 p.m. Chair Sheinwald opened the meeting at the Rockport Library with a moment of silence for two longtime members who passed away during the past year: Henry Yorra & Claire Costello. Then she welcomed the newly elected committee members, passing out membership cards to the elected members present and requesting that they stop in at the Town Clerk’s office to be sworn in.

Next, the nominating committee chair, Mary Sibbalds, provided her report. The nominating committee, comprising the chair, Laura Dickey, Harold Rush-Lloyd, Ruth Perrault, and David Wise, presented the nominations as follows: Chair, Ann Sheinwald; Vice-Chair, Tom Delaney, Secretary, Rosemari McMullen, and Treasurer, Pat Koechlin. The committee agreed, voting unanimously to confirm this slate.

The treasurer’s report was read by Ann since Pat Koechlin, Treasurer, was not able to attned. The treasury balance as of 3/20/03 is $2510.78. See report attached for details. Nancy Ebeling suggested that the Committee may be able to support a Rockport headquarters this year. Ann indicated that another problem is manning for a Rockport headquarters. Discussion was tabled for the next meeting.

Next Ann introduced several speakers. The first, Kevin Conroy from the Democratic National Convention Committee, advised that the Convention taking place during the last week of July (Monday thru Thursday) anticipates 35,000 out-of-towners in addition to 15,000 press, etc. Volunteers are needed at hotels (1 of which will be one in Danvers), in the city of Boston, and at the Fleet Center, outside & inside. If you wish to volunteer, go to the website: www.boston04.com for general and signup info. In addition, Kevin indicated that there would be 2 essay contests: one for 13-18 year olds (2 winners, one from Boston & one from outside Boston) who will gavel the convention to order and the second for individuals 18-24 (2 winners as well) who will give a speech at the convention. For more info on the essay contest see: www.dems2004.com.

Arthur Powell, Dem State Committee person from Beverly and candidate for Kerry delegate, spoke eloquently on behalf of Dem Essex County Sheriff candidate, John McLoughlin, Jr. who is challenging incumbent republican Frank Cousins. He requested individuals present to sign John McLoughlin’s nomination papers.

Paul McGeary, Dem candidate for State Representative who is challenging incumbent Bruce Tarr, spoke effectively regarding the focus of his campaign, the well-being of the inhabitants of the senatorial district. In addition he introduced Michael McGeary, his son and campaign manager. Nomination papers for Paul were available for signature and were passed around. For more info or to volunteer your help, see www.McGeary2004.com.

Helen Rush-Lloyd requested volunteers to assist at the caucus on April 3 to elect Kerry delegates/alternate to the 2004 Dem National Convention. The caucus will be at Peabody High School, starting at 1 pm. Helen, who is an aide to our beloved Congressman John Tierney, reminded the committee that the Congressman has an opponent and will be requesting assistance in his reelection campaign.

Ann asked whether any individuals not current committee members or associates would be interested in being an associate. Ann-Patrice Hickey volunteered and after she introduced herself with a few words was voted unanimously as an associate.

Next, Ann asked for volunteers interested in Fourth of July Parade activities to sign up on the sheets in the back. In addition, nomination papers for Congressman Tierney and Tony Verga were available for signing. Ann also raised planning for an add-on activity for National convention attendees (after the convention) which includes a boat trip and clam bake.

Finally, a half hour video shot by Hal Rush-Lloyd of the February Pasta Dinner, the highlight of which is Congressman Tierney’s rousing speech.was shown at the conclusion of the meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 2:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Rose McMullen