Windham Democratic Committee Minutes of 8 February 2005 Meeting
Tom DeVivo convened the meeting at 7:15 p.m. (Dawn Niles was absent due to illness.)
Treasurer’s Report: Leslie O’Brien reported that we have $1,472.74 on hand. We still owe rent for the DTC Campaign HQ, which will be paid this week. Susan Johnson moved to accept the report. The motion was seconded by Andy Carey and passed.
Chair’s Report: Waived, due to Dawn Niles’ absence.
By-Laws Committee Report: Susan Johnson reported in Barbara McGrath’s absence that the Committee will report at the March meeting.
New Business:
Leslie O’Brien reported that the annual Jefferson/Jackson/Bailey dinner to benefit Democratic State Central will take place on April 18. John Edwards will be the keynote speaker.
Susan Collins reported that the Board of Ed members are concerned about the federal budget cuts and the state budget process. They are waiting to see what impact they will have on the Windham education budget. They are looking at the universal preschool initiative. Windham may be able to qualify as a pilot town for the initiative.
Susan Collins announced that friends and colleagues of Manny Diaz and his wife, Jane, are organizing a Pasta Supper to benefit the Diaz family. Jane is fighting cancer, and she and Manny are in Minnesota for several months while Jane is undergoing treatment. The Supper is March 11 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Windham High School. Tickets may be bought at the door or through Susan.
Members of the DTC discussed the idea of developing a Democratic “platform.” It could be used to unite Democratic candidates and project a vision for the Town of Windham. Democrats could then be less reactive to those who spend a lot of time and energy criticizing elected town officials. After some discussion, members agreed to have a group discussion at the March meeting to try to come to some consensus on priority issues. Those issues can then be fleshed out and a platform adopted before summer.
A memo, “Building a Strong Local Party,” from DTC member, Chris Marot, was handed out. It could be discussed at a future meeting.
Lynne Ide announced that Walter Pawelkiewicz is having a press conference on March 10 at 8 a.m. at Town Hall to respond to the Governor’s March 9 budget address. All are welcome to attend. John Lescoe reminded folks that the Gov.’s budget is hers and that if people have concerns they need to contact legislators, testify at hearings and speak out.
Mike Paulhus reminded folks that there are many openings on Town commissions. (A list will be sent out to DTC members.) He added that the Board of Selectmen is taking letters of interest for a new Charter Revision Commission. Andy Carey said that the Board shouldn’t appoint a new Commission just because it got five names. The Board should choose from a pool.
Mike Paulhus announced the Chocolate Festival downtown on February 12 from noon to 3 p.m.
Minutes: Andy Carey made a motion to approve the December 2004 DTC Meeting minutes. Jerry Iazzetta seconded the motion and it was passed.
Andy Carey made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Jerry Iazzetta and passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Lynne Ide, Recording Secretary.
Rev 4/11/05 MAS Copyright © 2005 Windham Democratic Town Committee
