June 2009 Minutes
Act, and where to locate accurate information,
Marblehead Democratic Town Committee
26 South Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
www.marbleheaddems.org philsweeney@comcast.net
Minutes
DTC Meeting, June 22, 2009
Marblehead Community Center
Members attending: Lynn Nadeau, Joyce Booth, Jim Carrigan, Mary Rossborough, Ron Amon, Marjorie Herrick, Menervia Akers, Linda Weltner, Renee Kearney, Mary Clooney Glazer, Rose Ann McCarthy, Carl King, Phil Sweeney
Guest: Kristina Kyles
Chairperson’s report, Phil Sweeney:
Ted Thomas (MHS ’09) was awarded the $1000.00 Goldberg Scholarship.
The annual picnic is scheduled for August 3, 2009, at the Marblehead VFW. U.S. Rep. John Tierney will be reporting on the national health care initiative.
Tickets: $20.00 cocktail Hour: 5:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. Food Service: 6:00-7:00 P.M.
Menu: sirloin tips, grilled chicken, corn-on-the-cob, beans-carrots, potato salad, cole slaw, strawberry short cake
Report on the State Convention & Governor Deval Patrick’s visit to Marblehead
Update on new links and resources available on www.marbleheaddems.org
Discussion regarding the role the MDTC can play in promoting the legislative programs of Governor Patrick & President Obama.
Heath Care Reform: In general, people agreed that the New England Congressional delegation largely supports some form of health care reform, so our options are limited. Simply put, it is not necessary to lobby our Representatives and Senators.
Some comments on the health care initiative.
Phil Sweeney: DTC members should educate themselves on the major components of the health care proposals by reviewing information on web sites such as the Congressional Budget Office, Library of Congress-Thomas, and House Committee on Ways And Means. All these links are available on www.marbleheaddems.org.
By being well informed, MDTC members can educate friends and neighbors on the importance of this health care reform. And members can also help to ward off the startling amount of misinformation, and in some instances outright falsehoods, emanating from the media, especially cable TV. It’s all about progress through knowledge.
The MDTC will also explore any opportunities to work with the Lynn, Swampscott, or Nahant Democratic Committees.
The MDTC should take a position on the matter of the public health insurance option vs. the private sector.
Jim Carrigan (former State Senator) suggested that the Committee compare the various Congressional versions of health care reform with the goals of President Obama. He also thought we could try and get a Congressional staffer to address the Town Committee.
Mary Glazer Cooney (Registered Nurse) opined that she had some serious reservations about health care reform as it is presently being postured. She said, “It’s too complex for the average person to understand. We need a simpler explanation.”
Supporting Governor Patrick’s Legislative Program
There was a general discussion on the merits of Governor Patrick’s pension, transportation, and ethics reform. It was agreed that even though the Governor has had his share of negative publicity, it is imperative that we promote his many positive accomplishments in order to ensure his re-election. Most of the discussion, however, centered on the topic of ethics.
Some comments:
Carl King thought transparency at the State Legislature was a serious concern. He said, “that he was sick and tired of having his State Rep asserting that she couldn’t tell him anything about a proposed bill because it was in conference, and she didn’t know anything herself.”
He elaborated on the idea that legislation is developed out of the public eye, and then trotted out for a vote without legislators, in many cases, having read the bill.
Margie Herrick felt that legislators have nurtured a “culture of entitlement.” That being, they deserve special perks and benefits.
The consensus of those present was that the MDTC should develop a position on transparency and ethics reform for public dissemination.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.