Rockport Democratic Town Committee

Minutes of 06/04/2005 Meeting: Attendees: 16

Members - Tom Delaney, Ann Sheinwald, Rose McMullen, Tanner Cronin, Ruth Gillies, Dan Lauzon, Jim McCloy, Mary Francis, Bruce Franklin, Ann-Patrice Hickey, Jacquline Paulson, Dan Hoch, Bob Luoma, and David Wise.

Excused: Josh Brackett, Pat Koechlin, Bernie Koechlin, Sally Chapdelaine, Luara Dickey, Maureen Dwinell, Nancy Ebeling, Vernice Gaietto, Martha Norton, Mary Sibbalds, and Pat Watson.

Enrolled Democrats - Glorida White

Guest: Catherine Bayliss

At 1:10pm Chair Sheinwald called the meeting to order. Since Nancy Ebeling and Pat Watson have been ill, Ann announced that cards are available for anyone to write best wishes and sign.

Ann read the Treasurer’s report, that gist of which is there is over $2000 in the treasury at this time.

The Committee gave a round of applause for those individuals present, particularly Ann-Patrice Hickey and David Wise, for their successful efforts in passing a resolution at spring Rockport Town meeting regarding the concerns Rockport citizens have regarding the USA PATRIOT Act.

Ann asked State convention attendees of their thoughts. Tom Delaney and Dan Lauzon reported that less than ideal placement of the Rockport delegations resulted in poor communications in the Lowell Arena and most of the delegation left before some interesting developments regarding amendments to the State Party Charter occurred. Apparently, certain amendments submitted did not have sufficient signatures. The delegation did vote on Platform matters but their nay votes (voice, only) did not carry the day. Dan opined that the Platform as passed is too voluminous and the 10 point platform agenda developed by the 1^st Middlesex and Essex area activists would be more easily understood by the voters specifically with respect to next year’s gubernatorial election. Several voices of the Rockport Committee indicated that specific issues should not ignored merely for the sake of appeasement or moving to the center. Good discussion ensued.

State Committeeperson, Catherine Bayliss from Gloucester (one of 160 State Committee members and one of 4 from the 1^st Middlesex and Essex Senate District) spoke about the field services subcommittee of the State Committee. She indicated that most of the State Party business is undertaken in subcommittees and the field services subcommittee is responsible for building party membership, including grass roots efforts. She discussed voter registration activity, particularly among the unenrolled voters who comprise 63% of voters in Rockport. She also suggested contacting Steve Fradkin of Stoughton, co-chair of the field services subcommittee (781.821.1818 or wizofadz@aol.com) who is the pointman for a speakers bureau where Town/City Committees may utilize.

David Wise brought up the fact that the State legislature will soon be debating a State Resolution regarding USA PATRIOT Act concerns. He urged members to contact their state reps and senator and other elected officials or attend scheduled rallies to voice their concerns.

Ann advised that the committee’s July summer-potluck-in-the-garden meeting will be held on Friday, July 8, beginning at 5pm at Larry & Esther Ferri’s lovely home, 2 Wallace Road. Congressman Tierney is confirmed. She asked members to sign up for miscellaneous chores which need to be done for this always successful activity.

Respectfully submitted,

Rose McMullen