October 2008 Minutes

Marblehead Democratic Town Committee

Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 7:30pm

Marblehead Community Center, 2 Humphrey St.

Marblehead, MA 01945

Telephone: 781-631-3570 Fax: 781-639-1786

e-mail philsweeney@comcast.net

MINUTES

Chairman Phil Sweeney called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

Lt. Governor Tim Murray:

We were pleased to welcome Lt. Governor Tim Murray to our meeting. He briefed us on matters on

Beacon Hill, especially concerning the [mancial crisis in the state.

He reported that after beginning the year with a surplus, in the fIrst quarter there was a $223M

shortfall. Therefore, every area was asked to make cuts in their budget from 5 – 10%, with a note to

try to save “held harmless” programs.

The Lt. Governor also informed us that seven different bond bills were completed. They include:

• Transportation and roads

• Housing

• Environment

• Life Sciences

• General Government

• Broadbandissues

• Highereducation

He believes that our state fundamentals are still good.

Also, he reported that we are the fIrst state to offer “healthcare for all”. There are 425 thousand

people who have signed up for this initiative.

The state also bought 13% of the wind power initiative.

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He then took questions from the attendees.

Rep. Lori Ehrlich

Rep. Ehrlich gave us an update on issues facing the Legislature.

Town Business:

On Tuesday, October 24,9:00 a.m., Phil participated in a debate for the students at Marblehead

Veterans Middle School, representing Barack Obama

Phil reported that the town committee supports voting “No” on Question #1 (taxes).

We also discussed everyone’s role the forthcoming election.

The celebration party is to be held at Pizzeria Uno in Vinnin Square.

The members took a vote and approved contributions to the candidates running in Tuesday’s

election. Campaigns will receive the following:

• Rep. Lori Ehrlich:

• Congo John Tierney

• Sen. John Kerry

• Sen. Barack Obama

$500

$200

$100

$250

Phil reminded everyone to pay their committee dues ASAP.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm and the next meeting date with be forthcoming.

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