All – PFAS meeting at Town Hall tonight; Town Council meeting next Monday postponed from last Monday; Convention update; and RDTC meeting minutes below/
Contents
Haitian
Creole on Randolph ballot
Gateway
City Home Rule Petition
Danielle
Allen Proposal for next meeting:
Diana
DiZoglio auditing the Legislature
Convention
Update: Convention Day Events
Rep.
Seth Moulton: Vote for Vets at the MassDems Convention
September RDTC minutes
Meeting live and via Zoom - Tuesday, Sept 5, 2023
Participants:
Jesse Gordon (chairing until second half); Toby Lynne Schwartz
(chairing second half); Kevin Coleman Joyce; Kate Shore; Ida Gordon (and
granddaughter); Judy Conway; Sandi Cohen.
Partial participants: Guerlince Semerzier came to Executive Committee meeting to say hello
and then proceeded to the DEI meeting at the RICC at the same time. Dave Harris
came from the RICC DEI meeting at the very end of the meeting. Kathleen
Crogan-Camara checked in, texting the chair from attending the Milton Select
Board meeting to talk about the Chickatawbut intersection, but was disallowed
from speaking even though she claimed "stakeholder" status in the
same manner as a Milton resident spoke at the previous Randolph Town Council
meeting about the same issue.
Call to Order
Time 7:08
Introductions and acceptance of July minutes
Add Cynthia Strong to attendees
Early reports by Jesse
Bus Petition:
Several people have asked at Town Council meetings about
feasibility study and TC President said "It's all up to the Town Manager
and we can trust that it'll all happen by June 2024" -- but no details.
Jesse has been distributing thousands of Bus Flyers -- and it was
the Topic of the Week on Facebook-ER last week.
Kevin pointed out that the RICC shuttle van for seniors has been
cut in its hours and days of service for budgetary reasons and may speak at the
Town Council about how the shuttle van could fill in. Recommend others to speak
at Town Council too, to keep the process moving.
Haitian Creole on Randolph ballot
Sent to legislature as a Home Rule Petition - filed as Bill HD.4474
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/HD4474
Please contact our delegation to ask them to co-sponsor (Rep. Driscoll
introduced it). And to other Haitian-Creole-speaking communities to join in (a
couple other town's councilors write back to say "we'll see what happens
with yours").
Kate looked up the bill and it is currently co-sponsored by Rep.
Driscoll and Sen. Timilty, and on August 7 was referred to the Committee on
Election Laws. Recommend that people contact Rep. Ayers and Sen. Brady asking
them to co-sponsor.
Jesse is distributing flyers to Haitian-Creole-speaking voters,
asking them to do the same as above.
Gateway City Home Rule Petition
Received favorable ruling from the Census -- our population now
officially exceeds 35,000!
But now must pass Town Council to send in as a Home Rule Petition.
Town Council pushback on many issues -- will be hashed out in Economic
Development Subcommittee next week or so -- Jesse asked MassINC to attend and
bring Gateway City supporters from Brockton and Quincy. No longer calling it
"Gateway City" because of the pushback -- now it's "Small City
State Grant Program".
Transfer Station Meeting:
Holbrook Conservation Committee on July 17 denied permit for TLA
trash transfer station. Sandi Cohen, Toby and Jesse attended; Toby and Jesse
also attended a follow-up meeting at the Holbrook Library to send letters to
the Milton Board of Health, asking them to block TLA permits like the Holbrook ConComm did.
Jesse introducing two resolutions: one for DPW to conduct water
& soil PFAS tests; and one to empower ConComm to
have permit-seekers pay for PFAS testing. Brought to Holbrook once (with Toby);
will be on Sept. 11 agenda but TC President will immediately send to Committee
because it's a complicated issue. Plan is to discuss fully at Subcommittee, and
make a video.
Green Community
Expecting pushback when introduced later this year, so plan is to
follow Bridgewater's example - create Energy Committee first and conduct energy
audit (with free service from state). Energy Committee will be part of MPIC
(Master Plan Implementation Committee) -- anyone interested?
Energy Committee and energy audit, when completed along with 4
other criteria, get Randolph a $230,000 to implement the findings of the energy
audit at our discretion. In other words, we get a large state grant for the
purpose of improving energy efficiency in old town buildings and town vehicles
-- which means we get PAID to cut the Town's electric and gas bills! (a
"no-brainer")
Randolph is one of the last communities to become a Green
Community. In our region, all towns are Green Communities except Randolph,
Avon, Holbrook, and West Bridgewater. The towns that DO participate in the
program include all our other neighbors: Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton,
Canton, Stoughton, Sharon, Easton, Brockton, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater,
Whitman, Hanover, Halifax, and Hanson!
Candidate Roundup
Nomination signature papers are due in two weeks -- Ida Gordon
will host a "Meet-and-Greet" (just in time for signatures) for Town
Council and School Committee candidates on Sunday Sept 24 from 2 PM to 4:30 PM
at her home -- RSVP to idagordon106@gmail.com
WHO PULLED
PAPERS FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE:
Beverly Roby
Jamie Ackles
Lisa
Millwood
Andrea Nixon
Cheryl
Frazier (certified)
Jim Burgess
Ida Gordon
(she reports that one more candidate will pull papers this week)
NOT Sackeena Richards
WHO PULLED
PAPERS FOR TOWN COUNCIL AT-LARGE:
Patrick
Kanza
Jesse
Gordon (certified)
Bill
Alexopoulos
Andrew
Pemberton
Richard
Brewer (certified)
Guerlince Semerzier
Cynthia
Strong
Natacha Clerger
Cheryl Lloyd
Jim Burgess
NOT Ryan
Egan
WHO PULLED
PAPERS FOR TOWN COUNCIL DISTRICTS:
1: Kevin
O'Connell
1: John
Pemberton (father of Andrew Pemberton who is running at-large)
2. Arthur
Goldstein (withdrew)
2. Brandon
Thompson
2: Daija
Kirkland
3: Katrina
Huff-Larmond (certified)
4: Christos
Alexopoulos
4: NOT Cynthia
Strong (she's running at-large)
Toby chairing:
Officers, Committees or Subcommittee Reports:
Treasurer's Update
Total from summer BBQ = net $344.54
$1438.22 including $100 from Senator Warnock which never got
cashed.
Scholarship Committee Update
Now we have more than enough for this year's awards (to be
distributed later this year). Waiting for our two current winners to submit
their grades from their first semester of college, then we sned
them checks. In January, RHS starts the process all over again.
Legislative Updates
1.End of Life Options Act H2246/S1331
Sen. Brady is now in support.
2. Mass Care/Single Payer Program
Chris S. will update next time.
3. Voting Access Act
Chris S. will update next time.
4. Decriminalizing
Street Workers H.1597, S.983.
Chris S. will update next time.
Randolph Legislative Updates
Moved to earlier on the agenda
State Dem Committee and Convention Update –
Kevin: Report on State Dem Committee meeting from August 24th.
And Convention on September 23.
Convention attendance is expected to be down because it is seen as
an uneventful year. There will be 3 or 4 resolutions to be voted on, to make a
more democratic process. The State Auditor will also introduce a ballot
initiative to get her audit of the state legislature onto the statewide ballot
-- that takes 75,000 signatures. (Sandi raised the issue of hybrid attendance
but it's a no-go).
See three notes on Convention topics in email threads below!
NEW BUSINESS
Transfer Station Meeting:
See above!
Green Community
See above!
OLD BUSINESS
Bus Petition:
See above!!
Toxic Decisions at Town Council
Follow up?
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS
Next Town Council meetings: Sept. 11 then two subcommittee
meetings in the following week
Ida Gordon will host a "Meet-and-Greet" for Town Council
and School Committee candidates on Sunday Sept 24 from 2 PM to 4:30 PM at her
home -- RSVP to idagordon106@gmail.com
NEXT MEETING DATE AND ADJOURNMENT:
Monthly meeting: Thursday, Oct 5, @ 7:00-8:30 pm in person and
Zoom Executive Committee @ 6:30 pm in person and Zoom
Adjournment at 7:59 PM
Danielle Allen Proposal
for next meeting:
Danielle
Allen (former Gubernatorial candidate would like to discuss a proposal for the
creation of a MassDems Commission on Healthy Democracy.
"We
continue to have much to celebrate in Massachusetts with the remarkable
Democratic victories in statewide elections last November and a terrific slate
of Constitutional officers, from the Governor on down. The Democratic Party in
Massachusetts finds itself in a position of extraordinary strength thanks to
your remarkable leadership.
"Recognizing
this strength and the opportunity to advance the cause of democracy and
simultaneously strengthen our party further, a small informal committee consisting
of myself, Steve Grossman (former Treasurer and MassDems
Chair), and Mayor Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton met all year to develop a
proposal for a MassDems Commission on Healthy
Democracy. You can find the proposal for the Commission and background materials
here: https://tinyurl.com/Commission4HealthyDemocracy
"In particular, MassDems could simultaneously advance the cause of
democracy and its own strength by working through party processes to build
on three key principles: inclusion, engagement, and competitive elections.
"We'd
love to visit your DTC meeting to share our proposal with you and to engage
your members in a discussion of it. We are seeking to win your support for the proposal to Chair
Kerrigan that he establish this Commission.
"We'd
be honored to have a place on your agenda for an upcoming meeting. If your
committee would be interested, please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/BuildonStrength
Town Council Meetings update
The Town Council meeting of September 11 (last Monday) was postponed until next Monday. I am holding a Subcommittee meeting this evening at 6PM at Town Hall on PFAS testing and PFAS remediation – I will record it and put it on RCTV. The bus petition feasibility study is not on the agenda but is a good subject for Public Comments on Monday Sept. 18
On the agenda for next Monday Sept 18:
The Council President has approved the following three
Resolutions for Monday's agenda:
1. Resolution 2023-001: Resolution Concerning Testing of PFAS
Soils and Surface Waters for PFAS
2. Resolution 2023-002: Concerning Conservation Commission Review of PFAS
3. Resolution 2023-003: Resolution Concerning the Town of Randolph Becoming a
Member of the Brockton Area Transit Authority ("BAT")
THE COUNCIL CALENDAR
Wed Sep 13, 2023
6pm - 8pm Human Services/Seniors/Recreation Subcommittee Meeting
Calendar: THE COUNCIL CALENDAR
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Fri Sep 15, 2023
3pm - 6pm Randolph Spirit Night
Where: Randolph High School, 70 Memorial Pkwy, Randolph, MA 02368, USA
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Description: Location: Baseball Field behind Randolph High School
Sat Sep 16, 2023
9am - 4:30pm Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Where: Randolph InterGenerational Center (RICC), 128 Pleasant St, Randolph, MA
02368, USA
Calendar: THE COUNCIL CALENDAR
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Description: To register, please contact: Brewsterj.edu@gmail.com, or call
617-828-7340.
11am - 12pm Composting with the MA Horticulural Society
Where: Turner Free Library, 2 N Main St, Randolph, MA 02368, USA
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Description:
To Register:
https://www.turnerfreelibrary.org/?utm_campaign=129f3b21-717e-4197-b693-
ef8ce1f3de33&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=df809247-9822-44dc-aa4d-d5984f4acdfd
Sun Sep 17, 2023
12pm - 4pm Kayaking at Powers Farm
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Description:
FREE- Randolph Residents Only. 30 minute max if people are waiting
12pm - 4pm Main Street Farmers - Artisan Market 2023
Where: Powers Farm Road, Powers Farm Rd, Randolph, MA 02368, USA
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Mon Sep 18, 2023
6pm - 7pm Town Council Meeting
Created by: Natalie Oliveras
Diana DiZoglio auditing the Legislature
The State Auditor will circulate
a Resolution at the Convention in support of her audit of the State
Legislature. You can sign as a delegate to get a vote at the Convention; then
you can sign as a voter to get the issue onto the November ballot.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023
at 07:31:30 AM EDT, MASSterList
<massterlist@massterlist.com> wrote:
|
Among some of the topics sure to stir up the most buzz is Auditor Diana DiZoglio's bid to explicitly permit her office to probe the Legislature — the latest move in her high-profile transparency fight against Beacon Hill's most powerful players. DiZoglio claims that the auditor already has this power, though House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have made it clear that they don't agree.
Convention Update: Convention Day Events
Several email updates on Convention events
On Friday, September 8, 2023 at
06:15:28 PM EDT, Steve Kerrigan <contact@massdems.org> wrote:
|
While all of you are delegates, that doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer! Sign up here to volunteer at the 2023 MassDems Convention in Lowell on Saturday, September 23rd. Please share this sign up form with your friends, kids, and family–volunteering at Convention can be a great way to get involved with the party.
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023
at 10:45:37 AM EDT, Joe Sherlock <convention@massdems.org> wrote:
Hello!
I am writing with a final reminder to please fill out this survey if you
plan to attend on attending a training in the morning.
With this being an Action Agenda convention, we’re starting the convention
morning with trainings to empower all convention attendees to take action over
the coming year. Training sessions will be focused on organizing locally,
nationally, and running for office. Survey results will assist us in making
sure attendees have the best experience possible. Please note:
trainings will take place from 8 to 9 AM, before the convention is officially
gaveled in.
We will offer three trainings:
- Save Our Democracy: Campaigning Across the Country
- Our Democracy is, yet again, on the ballot this year.
Learn how to get involved to support campaigns in swing states and tight
races to keep Democrats in power in Congress and the White
House.
- BlueLocal: How to Organize in Your Communities
- Learn how to form a town/ward committee, bring new ideas
and energy to your existing committees, and organize across different
affinity groups and communities.
- ActBlue Training: So you want to run for office?
- Stop by to chat with the ActBlue
team about digital fundraising best practices and how to get started with
ActBlue!
Thanks so much. See you in Lowell!
Joe
Joe Sherlock
Executive Director
Massachusetts Democratic Party
Rep. Seth Moulton: Vote for Vets at the MassDems Convention
On Saturday, September 9, 2023 at
04:36:29 PM EDT, Matt Chilliak <chilliak@sethmoulton.com>
wrote:
Hello Delegate,
I'm Rep. Moulton's political
director, and I just wanted to follow up on his email below to invite you to
one of our upcoming info sessions and
supporter phone banks for this proposal.
If you can't make it but have any
questions, please feel free to respond to me directly. Or drop in at our
sponsored breakfast in the Talon Room at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on the
morning of the convention (Saturday, 9/23, 9am).
Thanks!
-Matt
---------- Forwarded message
---------
From: Seth Moulton <seth@sethmoulton.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 8, 2023 at 7:26 PM
Subject: Vote for Vets at the MassDems Convention
To: Team Moulton <team@sethmoulton.com>
To the Delegates of the Massachusetts Democratic
Party:
Congratulations on becoming a delegate for this
year’s Massachusetts Democratic Party convention in Lowell!
As a delegate, you’ll have the opportunity to
represent your community and vote on matters that will help shape the future of
the Democratic Party and our Commonwealth. One of the items you’ll be voting on
will be my resolution to include veterans among add-on delegates
at future conventions.
I’m proud to be part of a party that understands
the importance of inclusive political representation. We rightfully have
adopted gender parity for electing delegates at caucuses and include add-on
delegate spots for LGBTQ+ individuals, those with disabilities, youth, and
underrepresented ethnic and racial groups. These inclusive initiatives make the
Democratic Party the party that actually represents the Commonwealth, and we
are stronger for it.
It’s time to take action to ensure that veterans
are represented in the same way.
This effort is supported by a diverse group of
voices across the Commonwealth, including Governor Maura Healey and
the MassDems Veterans and Military Families
subcommittee.
Veterans make up 4% of our state’s population.
They vote at higher rates than the population and want to be involved. Studies
also show that veterans are more likely to volunteer and fix problems in their
communities.
Veterans understand the importance of political
leadership. More importantly, they understand the consequences of failed political
leadership because many went to war because of it. Despite everything they have
sacrificed for our country, vets often face tremendous challenges reintegrating
into civilian life.
I ran for Congress because I saw first-hand the
consequences of failed leadership in Washington when I served in Iraq. Since
being elected, I have made it my mission to serve, and encourage others to
serve, in order to improve people's lives and strengthen our democracy. Many
vets believe in that fundamentally democratic mission as well, and we can do
more to welcome them into our party!
My political organization, Serve America,
supports the next generation of Democratic leaders from diverse service
backgrounds to run for federal office. We should encourage veterans here in
Massachusetts to do the same, and that starts at the grassroots—with local
communities and the party membership.
The more we can do as the Massachusetts
Democratic Party to welcome veterans into our midst, the stronger our party
will be at beating back Republican extremists.
We have a chance to take back what it means to be
patriotic from extremists who seek to exploit our differences for political
gain instead of bringing us together to get things done. Members of the armed
services are an increasingly diverse population, with 41% identifying as part
of a minority community. They understand political courage: standing up to do
what’s right, even—or especially—when it’s hard.
It is with the utmost respect for our party, and
for the processes in place that govern it, that I ask for your support in
bringing this resolution to the floor of the MassDems
2023 convention for a vote by elected and appointed delegates.
All the best,
Congressman Seth Moulton
P.S. You can learn more about the resolution on
our fact sheet, where you can read the amendment language,
the media coverage, and the FAQ.
Seth Moulton
Donate: Moulton Leadership Fund
sethmoulton.com | @SethMoulton
--
Matt Chilliak
Campaign Manager
Moulton for Congress
Phone:(978) 809-2757