Minutes of Meeting
October 15, 2009
Present: J. Bakey, D. Sirotkin Butler, M. Butler, A. Coolidge, M. Crewe, P. Deal, R. Elwell, R. Feldman, D. Goldsmith, K. Haase, G. Hooper, A. Kraus, P. Schlichtman, E. Schwartz, T. Shannon, D. Landskov, P. Schwartz, B. Brinkerhoff, Lynn Bishop, Heather Fowles, Nora Mann, Zarina Memon, Liz Yorke. (23)
Each attendee introduced him- or herself to the group.
The minutes from the meeting of September 15 were unanimously accepted.
Ed Schwartz, Treasurer, reported that the ADTC checking account balance is $6,450.07. This sum includes fundraiser checks that add up to $1,050. JJ Krawczyk says that more checks are in the mail. So far the $300 rental check for the Sons of Italy has been cashed. Pending fundraiser bills include another rental check for $100 and the costs of other items for the fundraiser. A small handful of members still owe their 2009 dues.
Lynn Bishop and Heather Fowles (having previously been nominated at the September 15 meeting) were elected as Associate Members of the Committee by a unanimous vote.
Vice-Chair Tim Shannon reported that he had invited some younger people to come to a Town Committee meeting, but that they were putting their kids to bed at this time of the evening. There was some discussion of having a meeting on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon, although some observed that this is also a busy time for parents. It was agreed that young people should be encouraged to bring children to the October 25 fundraiser.
Aimee thanked Marc Butler, committee chair, for once again doing heroic service organizing our Town Day booth. Marc thanked all the volunteers, especially the Schwartzes for donating a table and canopy. He reported that the ADTC banner lettering has come off and that the banner is in any case too large. A motion was made and approved unanimously to allot up to $300 for a new banner, to be purchased by Marc.
Aimee reported that the booth had been visited by all our elected officials (Reps. Brownsberger, Garballey, and Kaufman, and Sen. Donnelly); by candidates Mike Capuano (US Senate) and Steve Grossman (Treasurer); by local officeholders, notably selectmen Diane Mahon, Annie LaCourt, and Clarissa Rowe; and by Leslie Kirwan, former Secretary of Administration and Finance.
Ron Feldman circulated a signup sheet for the remaining volunteer slots, and Gwen Hooper circulated one for food. Ron reported that the towns' legislators will take part in a panel discussion on "Running the Commonwealth on a Shoestring: Tough Choices." Aimee thanked the organizing committee for its very hard work. Paulette Schwartz reported that there will be a receptacle at the fundraiser where food donations for the Gateway can be dropped off.
Nora Mann spoke on behalf of Atty. Gen. Martha Coakley's Senate campaign. She had brought lawn and window signs for people to take. She offered to speak to any undecided voters; she can be reached at nora@marthacoakley.com. She reported that Coakley has been endorsed by SEIU and by WAND. Lynn Bishop is the visibility coordinator for the Coakley campaign and can be reached at lynpb@rcn.com.
Deb Goldsmith spoke on behalf of Congressman Mike Capuano's Senate campaign. She noted that Capuano already knows the Hill and would hit the ground running, and that his consistently left progressive positions have always been clear. She encouraged people to visit his website, mikecapuano.com, or to contact Deb (gsmithd@aol.com) about volunteering. Paul Schlichtman noted that Capuano is extremely knowledgeable about education issues.
Aimee reported that Alan Khazei will be at the Community Safety Building on Sunday, October 18 at 6:30 to meet interested voters.
Aimee reported that because Gov. Deval Patrick appears to have no primary opponent, the State Party is asking the ADTC to be the organizing committee for his campaign in Arlington. It will be a precinct-based, grassroots campaign. Cindy Friedman will again play a major role. Aimee will send members an email to build the volunteer list. Because an independent and a Republican are also running, this will be a very competitive race.
Deb Butler noted that there are email lists for both the Fourth Middlesex Senate district and for all of Middlesex County, which campaigns can use to communicate.
Aimee said that the caucus for the State convention will be in February.
Aimee reported that the towns are working on organizing a forum and that Alan Khazei and Steve Pagliuca are interested; they are still waiting to hear from the others. The date will be November 14 or 21 at Holy Redeemer Church in Lexington.
Paulette Schwartz reported that the Gateway Motel is still housing 77 families. There is now a need for winter clothing as well as food. There is a new drop-off point in East Arlington, at 84 Milton Street.
Deb Goldsmith reported that for those interested in skills exchange, there is a group called Time Share.
David Landskov reported that the group 350.org is sponsoring an energy rally on Saturday, October 24 at the Old North Bridge in Concord from 2-4 p.m. They are encouraging people to get there in energy-efficient ways. He also reported that there will be an energy fair at the Robbins Library Community Room on Wednesday, October 21.
The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, November 10, at the Robbins Library Community Room, 700 Mass. Ave., at 7:00 p.m.
Some planned dates for future meetings are Wednesday, 12/16; Wednesday, 1/13; Thursday, 3/18; Tuesday, 4/13; and Wednesday, 6/16. February and May dates are still to be decided.
A motion to adjourn was made and approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Haase
Secretary