CCD Meeting notes February 5th 2019
CHESHIRE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
2/5/19
6:00 CALL TO ORDER-
INTRODUCTIONS-Members, Guests
Introduction of Marianne Salcetti-
The importance of public information in a free society
Marianne Salcetti, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Keene State College Department of Journalism, Multimedia, Public Relations
Chad Nye, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair, Keene State College Department of Journalism, Multimedia, Public Relations
REPORTS FROM THOSE SERVING IN ELECTIVE OFFICE
Chuck Weed– Three commissioners have big hearts but no money. They will support the groups that are truly in need. Maplewood is moving along and construction has started and is on schedule.
Jay Kahn– a lot of bills are in process. Hearing tomorrow on stabilization grants which they need to remove (this 4% decrease every year downshifts cost) Special Ed funding has been funded at 80%, this too needs more $
Senate bills 1-15. Jobs act putting 4 million into jobs training. Opportunity agenda, bills include mental health care and this is bi-partisan. Jay is happy to have to us get in touch with him. He has put forth 24 bills. Question asked about decreasing property taxes. This is a high priority and the way to support our schools and fund them better. Accelerate NH housing fund with 10 m and adding 5 mill each year moving forward. Dick Ames has a bill regarding capitol gains tax as well. It puts this on the same basis as dividends and gains tax.
REPORTS FROM TOWN CHAIRS
Carl DeMatteo (chair) gives us an explanation of the terms of civility that we need to utilize moving forward. We need to remember that whomever we vote for we are also voting for the 4000 people that this person hires to work with us. This is very important. We need to hold ourselves at a high level of
REPORT FROM AREA PROGRESSIVE GROUPS-
(Please note that moving forward this should be emailed to Secretary and this will be printed in the agenda)
Jim Smart will be giving lecture on Yemen. Campaigns on ¾ Arab spring to present time at the Unitarian Church and our speakers. \
MPA Medicare for all events –National Week of Action Revised version of HR76. Sat-13thCome learn about the bill and participate in canvassing. Southwestern Community Services Community room 1-3
Still meeting on the 4thFriday for 2/22 at Chili’s for Friday lunch group at 12:00
REPORT FROM NHDP- Ben Ernst. Our new contact from the NHDP New Political Director. He worked with the state senate political caucus. Big focus on caucuses, over half of our towns have planned.
SECRETARY REPORT – Ann Heffernon Posted on Site
TREASURER REPORT – Frank Dobisky
9472.36 in account, 1504.75 in Eddy Fund, 2k in PayPal account
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Fund Raising –JoAnne Fenton
2/23 Murder Mystery Dinner. This is a fundraiser. Half the tickets are sold. A great
Spaghetti dinner in Saturday May 18that Keene Country Club
Also June or July Yard sale. We need a place, please to store what we are scheduling
Carl also thanks Mohammed for stepping in to help Carl manage the meetings as his duties as a physician have changed.
Reports from Cheshire County Democratic Committee Sub-committees
Membership/Outreach-Heather Stockwell Nothing New
Governance/Nominating-Bob Englund Nothing New
Communications-Ann Heffernon Everything is good. Note here what we can post etc.
OLD BUSINESS- Nothing new
NEW BUSINESS-Reports from Presidential Primary Campaigns
Hedrick Smith event at Antioch
First district for Keene School first district 9:00 on Saturday. Half of which were Free Staters. It’s a narrow margin and we really need people to show. This has a great impact. 2/9 at Keene High School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Kitchen Volunteers – February 6
Next meeting – March 5th
