May 2010 Minutes
Marblehead Democratic Town Committee
26 South Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
www.marbleheaddems.org philsweeney@comcast.net
Minutes
MDTC Meeting, May 24, 2010
Members present: Ron Amon, Joyce Booth, Mary Cooney-Glazer, Helen Doherty, Joan Hanley, Walter Horan, Renee Keaney, Joyce Kennard, Carl King, Rose Ann McCarthy, Rick Quiroga, Barbara Shefftz, Marcia Sweeney, Phil Sweeney
Guests present: Nikko Mendoza, Jess Torres
Chairman Sweeney called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Treasurer Walter Horan gave his report and noted that 17 members have paid their dues. The balance is $2,040.
The Chairman announced that the Edwin L. Goldberg Scholarship has been awarded to Brittany Woodfin. Mr. King moved and Ms. Kennard seconded that the award be $1,000. Ms. Woodfin will be notified and invited to the June 28th meeting and to ou Annual Picnic. The Scholarship Committee will meet before next year to redefine the qualifications for the award.
The Chairman announced that Rep. Lori Ehrlich will hold a Campaign Kick-Off at Sweeney’s Retreat on June 14th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be priced at several levels in order to accommodate the most people.
The Chairman reminded the Committee of the August 2nd Picnic. Tickets are $20 and this is our main fundraiser. With a busy election cycle this year, it is important that we draw a large crowd. Volunteers are needed to set up and clean up. Please contact the Chairman if you can help.
Prior to introducing Tierney Campaign Manager Nikko Mendoza and Field Coordinator Jesse Torres, the Chairman noted that our web site Marblehead dems.org is getting a number of visits from Hudak people. Ms. Mendoza and Mr. Torres outlined Congressman Tierney’s campaign and asked the Committee for help in the campaign. Both of these people are experienced campaign workers. Ms. Mendoza worked in Neighborhood Services for Boston’s Mayor Menino and Me. Torres worked for State Senator Tom McGee and on Congressman Capuano’s campaign for the U.S. Senate. They thanked the Committee for working on the signature campaign.
The Chairman then opened the floor for discussion about what members hear from friends, family and neighbors about the Tierney campaign and the Patrick campaign. Ms. Shefftz reported she had received robo-calls from the Hudak campaign. Mr. Horan reported an acquaintance complained about not receiving a response to a letter to the Congressman. Other members reported that they always get a speedy response. Ms. Mendoza and Mr. Torres will report this concern to the Congressman’s staff. Discussion about the Governor’s campaign brought up problems many members have about his record. Education and Human Service cuts are a concern as is the Governor’s support for casinos. Ms. Shefftz wanted to know what was being down to alleviate traffic problems if there is a casino sited at Suffolk Downs. The general consensus seemed to be that given the extreme budget problems and the state and federal level, both Gov. Patrick and Congressman Tierney are serving us well. There was also a discussion about what impact the Baker campaign might have on our local and federal campaigns as he lives in neighboring Swampscott. We will have to make an extra effort to bring out our vote.
The Chairman announced that there will be a radio debate between Gov. Patrick and challenger Charlie Baker on June 16th on WRKO-AM during the morning show. This is usually a call-in show so there may be opportunity for us to call in with pro-Patrick comments.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.