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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDemocrat Town Committee HistoryA Bit of RD TC History 1976 to 2014 By Harry Simmons 1 December 2014 Some revs March, 2016 RTDC = Reading Democratic Town Committee 1 21 Table of Contents Page Introduction and Opinion --------------------------------------------- - - - - -- 2 Issues----------------------------------------------------- - - - - -- 2 Early Years- 1976 to 2000 ---------------------------------------- - - - - -- 3 Bob & Carol Mills Chairs: 1976 -80 ------------------------ - - - - -- 3 Geoff Beckwith and Steve Viegas Chairs: 1980 -1984 - - - - - -- 4 Bill Hancock, Chair: 1984 -1992 ------------------------- - - - - -- 4 John Lippitt Chair: 1992 -1996 ------------------ - - - - -- 5 Margaret & Bob Soli: Co- chairs: 1996 -2000 --------------- - - - - -- 6 The New Millennium- Post 2000 ------------------------------------ - - - - -- 7 2000 to 2004: Bill Kennedy, Chair ----------------------- - - - - -- 7 2004 to 2007: Donna Corbett & David Rall, Co- chairs --- - - - - -- 8 2008 to 2010: Steve Viegas, Chair ------------------------ - - - - -- 10 2010 to 2012- Meghan Young: Chair ------------------ - - - - -- 11 2012 to 2014- Meghan Young: Chair ----------------- - - - - -- 13 Election Statistics --------------------------------------------- - - - - -- 16 Postscript 1- Some Recognitions ----------------------------- - - - - -- 17 Appendix: RDTC Milestones ----------------------- - - - - -- Al List of Speakers -------------------------- - - - - -- A3 Dinner History ---------------------------- - - - - -- AS 1 Introduction The content of this partial history will follow and expand a bit on the chart of the RDTC Chairs and Milestones, which is shown in the Appendix. Brief profiles of the Chairs, Committee activities and election support will be given. One can see from our history that this Democratic Committee was involved in many activities. The RDTC Bylaws show our Objective: "The Committee's Objective is to build and to promote the well being of the Democratic Party locally, statewide and nationally." I would like to recognize our officers and volunteers who have run the activities, did work for this Committee over the years and have kept the vitality of the party moving ahead. Also, we recognize our Life Members, who have been so elected as a member for 20 or more years: Steve Viegas, Margaret and Bob Soli, Dru Wood- Beckwith, Geoff Beckwith, Gloria Hulse and Carolyn Whiting. Also, a thank you for the photographs herein goes to Marilyn Simmons. Opinion Reading is a good place to live. The town has a mix of old -time Yankee thrift and progressive attitudes that serves the town well. The town government uses a lot of volunteer help from the townspeople. We have good schools (three are Blue Ribbon Schools). Our schools are quite progressive and have up -to -date tools, like electronic white - boards in the elementary and high school. Reading has a large array of sports teams and clubs. Baseball, football and track have won more than their share of League and State championships. The high school offers good programs in soccer, basketball, field hockey, tennis and swimming. The Science Club competes well nationally. The band and drama clubs yield their share of awards too. The local town service clubs like the Lions Club and the Jaycees are active and provide vitality. The location of Reading helps. We are just north of Boston, a short commuter rail ride away. Situated at the crossroads of two major highways (not good in some ways), we are in the heart of many technology companies, an area noted nationally. The Reading Democratic Town Committee has supported this town, promoting issues and voting during its existence, and supplying the town with civic leaders. Many RDTC members have been and are active, serving in town posts like Selectpersons, School Committee, other Committees, Boards and Town Meeting Members. Some Issues There are many local and national issues that we discuss at our meetings and often many members take action and provide leadership roles or just support in public ways like `Letters to the Editor', march in protest or participate in public meetings. Some notable issues have included: • Anti - Ballistic Missile defense- the US government came up with the idea to protect major cities with a `Ring -of- Steel' anti - missile defense Nike sites. One was to be installed on the east side of Reading in the early 1960s and the sites were prepared. The town protested. There were meetings, protest marches. Many Committee members were involved. As it turned out, Reading and towns all around Boston and the nation's major cities forced the Military and civilian experts to reconsider. The result 2 was that the whole idea was a bad idea, especially when nuclear warheads could be destroyed in the last phase that would cause a catastrophic event. The People's efforts were key in ending the ABM approach. Reading was heard. The site now has the Burbank Skating Rink and two ball fields. • The Viet Nam War. The townspeople and Committee members protested this terrible war. • The Iraqi War. Many townspeople protested this terrible war. Many RDTC members were part of the Peace Vigil that took place on our Common week in and week out in all kinds of weather well into 2014 and beyond. • The I -95 and I -93 highway interchange- another bad idea. Meetings were held and Committee members were leaders of those who challenged the construction that would raze more than seventy homes in Reading, Stoneham and Woburn. Many design iterations and counter research ended with the State High Department backing off. • The Addison property Mall. Key leadership from Committee members for keeping this dense Mall out of the southern residential neighborhood was an important reason the Mall did not go forward. Early Years For me, early years covers the time first time I participated in 1976 up to the year 2000. During this period, the Democratic Party was gaining parity with the Republican Party in Reading. The Co- chairs from 1976 to198O were Bob and Carol Mills. The Committee meetings were held in various member homes. Attendance was generally 10 -15 members. The host member would provide snacks and drinks. The Mills hosted a number of times from their Willow Street home. Some meetings were held at the old high school condominiums and Joseph Kennedy came to speak one time. Discussions were open and covered issues of the day and local elections. There was Committee support for Reading's Mike Barrett for State Representative for our district. He won. Some of the members listed herein are the best I can remember. I'm sure I have missed some that have been active and I am sorry for that. Those remembered include those in the In the 1980 to 1990 time period- - Roberta and Dick Sullivan were active RDTC members, attending and participating regularly in meetings and campaigns and activities. Carol Beckwith and Derek Beckwith were die -hard Democrats. Carol was the mother of Geoff Beckwith and a big key to his success in becoming a Mass State Representative. 3 Derek, I believe, was Geoff s Campaign Manager and worked very hard, getting Geoff elected. They also supported RDTC efforts. Patricia and Frank Keane were active members working to promote the objectives of the Democratic Party. Barry Gibbons, Bernie Carey, Jr., Russell Stein, Sandra Trainor, Dru -Wood- Beckwith, Roberta Botticelli, Charlotte Thompson and Harold (Lucky) Hulse were active members, supporting meetings and activities of the Committee during this period. Dave Craven was an active member in this time period and returned in 2010 to assume an active roll. The highlight of 1976 was that the RDTC hosted a USA Presidential Primary candidate's event at Reading Memorial High School. Much planning and coordination went into this event emceed by Paul Good of Reading. It was a packed auditorium even in the balcony and most of the Boston TV stations were there. Morris `Mo' Udall, Henry `Scoop' Jackson and Birch Bayh were to present their campaigns. I had the honor of ushering /aiding Stewart Udall who spoke for his brother. Mo Udall was the US Representative from Arizona and was a challenge to Jimmy Carter in 1976. He lost to Carter in the Primary Election by 1 %; about 7,500 votes, as Carter went on to become our President. Over the next four years, 1980 -1984, Geoff Beckwith and Steven Viegas shared the Chairmanship for the Committee. I don't have the names of the officers that served for that period (input needed). I wasn't active during most of this time because of family, but Marilyn and I supported Geoff for his bid for State Representative for our district. The Committee rallied behind the Beckwith family in behalf of Geoff s candidacy. Signs were held. Doors were knocked on. Homes were used to have Geoff greet and meet voters. Geoff defeated David Leavitt for State Rep., serving from 1985 to 1991. Geoff later became head of the Mass Municipal Association and has served as Executive Director for years past 2014. Bill Hancock was elected for multiple terms that ran from 1984 to 1992. He was a popular and respected chair that got things done in a quiet way and with a wry sense of humor. His officers are unknown to me, except that I think John Lippitt served as Secretary from 1990 to 1992. 1! Bill led an active committee working hard to elect Mike Dukakis for governor and Ed Markey to the House of Representatives in Washington D.C. I believe both won in Reading and both won in the state. Again, door knocking, rallies and sign holdings were employed a lot. Bill was honored for his work at the RDTC dinner September 2001. Ex -Gov. Mike Dukakis, US Rep. Ed Markey and Massachusetts Senate Speaker Tom Birmingham spoke of Bill's contributions at this dinner. John Lippitt was elected as our Chair for the 1992 to 1996 term. The rest of the Committee officers are unknown. Bean Soup Suppers were used for our fund raising during the period and generally were held in local churches. Soup was chosen because the Republicans were in charge. The desserts were great. We sent a full slate of members to the Mass Democratic Convention. The Committee supported Sandy Trainor for her win as Reading Selectwomen. John has served in many roles over the Years. In the 1980 to 1990 time period- - Roberta and Dick Sullivan were active RDTC members- attending and participating regularly in meetings and campaigns and activities. Carol Beckwith and Derek Beckwith were die -hard Democrats. Carol was the mother of Geoff Beckwith and a big key to his success in becoming a Mass State Representative. Derek, I believe, was Geoff s Campaign Manager and worked very hard, getting Geoff elected. They also supported RDTC efforts. Patricia and Frank Keane were active members working to promote the objectives of the Democratic Party. Barry Gibbons, Bernie Carey, Jr., Russell Stein, Sandra Trainor, Dru -Wood- Beckwith, Roberta Botticelli, Charlotte Thompson, Gloria and Harold (Lucky) Hulse were active members, supporting meetings and activities of the Committee during this period. Dave Craven was an active member in this time period and returned in 2010 to assume an active roll. 5 1996 to 2000- The officers were: Margaret and Bob Soli: Co- Chairs. Bill Kennedy: Vice -chair Andy Herily: Treasurer. Bob Soli: Corresponding Secretary. George Cashman, Boss of the Teamsters Union was a speaker. He told of the workings of the Union and some interesting tales. The Committee worked to elect John Tierney to the US House of Representatives in his first run in 1996. He would come to Reading and walk house to house with a small group of members to meet and state his case. The election was close and in the end Tierney won by a very close margin. His opponent, Peter Torkildsen, called for a recount. Bob Soli and Harry Simmons participated in the Peabody recount. The result was that Tierney actually increased his margin and went on to keep his office for 18 years. Bob Soli reads results of the Straw Poll The Committee used some of its treasury money to sponsored Matt Cohen and Jay Gallagher from the high school for the Youth Government Seminar. Bob started the tradition of Straw Polls at our Dinners. He would make up slates of the current election and issues and have members, guests and election volunteers buy votes of their choice. His straw poll was always a fun and a mainstay feature. Incomes generally ranged from $90 to $200, and in the 2004 election period, he collected $293 at $1 per vote. In the 1990 to 2000 time period Eunice and Robert Foley were contributing regulars in the RDTC. Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Gina and Andrew Herlihy, George Hinds, Chip Hines were active members during this period. Also, Matt Nestor, Steven Sullivan and Pat Fitzgerald Reading's Dennis Newman was chosen by the National Democratic Committee to lead the Democratic Group in the Recount in the Florida Election between George W. Bush and Al Gore- remember the "hanging chad" issue. W The New Millennium Our Committee sent full slates of delegates to our State Conventions I believe from 1976 on. I'm sure the Committee sent full slate of delegates to the State Convention from 2000 on to 2014, mostly having contests for seats at our Caucuses. We spent more and more time working with our fellow Democratic Town Committees in our area. When the town initiated Summerfests and Friends & Family Days, the RDTC always had a tent and table with political wares and offered voter registration. Registrars for the Town of Reading include RTDC members Gloria Hulse and Harry Simmons who have served for many years. 2000 to 2004- The officers were: Bill Kennedy, Chair (see photo left) Ellen Kerns, Vice -chair Harry Simmons, Treasurer Bob Soli, Corresponding Secretary Andy Herlihy, Recording Secretary Aft The RDTC supported Steve Spain for the State Senate and Mary Steuart for State Rep. Mary was from Reading We sent a full slate of 15 members to the Mass Democratic Convention. We updated our Committee Bylaws in April 2000 and Bob Soli spearheaded that effort. We made a donation to the Boys & Girls Club in Woburn and sponsored Heather Cohen from RHMS to the YMCA National Convention In August 2003, sixteen members attended the Wakefield's Democratic Committee Breakfast. The Committee was reaching out more to our neighboring Democratic Committees. The Committee was active during Bill Kennedy's tenure. In 2001, we held our annual Dinner at the American Legion where we honored our past Chair, Bill Hancock. It was a spaghetti entree that was cooked by members under the direction of Bill Kennedy. He was owner of Ida's Restaurant at the Depot and knew a bit about serving large crowds. The cooks included Maria Salvaggi, Janice Kennedy and Harry Simmons. Andy Herily arranged for the facility at the American Legion. This dinner returned a good profit, netting $1,561. We also had two `Dinner with the Dems' at Harrows with a good number of candidates for state and federal offices. Generally, we would have 75 to 90 guests and the candidates /staffs. Harrow's was a good dinner place, although a bit cramped. We used them often until they closed the dining room. 7 2004 to 2007- The officers were: Donna Corbett & David Rall, Co- chairs* Kristen Newman, Vice -Chair Harry Simmons, Treasurer Bob Soli, Cores. Secretary John Lippitt, Recording Secretary * Resigned in 2007 and moved to Washington DC area. Steve Viegas was elected to complete the term as Chair. The Chairs were active in meeting and coordinating with our neighboring Democratic Committees, especially Wakefield, North Reading, Lynnfield and Stoneham. The latter two towns were not very active as committees, but we made some new friends that showed up for some of our rallies and sign holding events. Our Chairs also supplied speakers for our regular meetings at the Library. The Committee waged an active campaign to elect our own Ben Tofaya to the State Senate in a bid to unseat Richard Tisei, a long -time Republican Senator. There were a lot of home meetings, holding signs, knocking on doors. It was a spirited and tough campaign where Howie Carr of Boston radio spread some mean stuff just before the election. Ben lost a close contest, but the Town of Reading became the winner because Ben was elected to the Board of Selectman. The committee also supported Katherine Clark who won a State Senate seat and Pat Natale for State Rep who won. Again, John Tierney visited us as he always did. Also, the Committee was active in supporting Duval Patrick for his second term as Massachusetts Governor. He visited us at the UU Church and Senior Center for our rally support. He won his second term. Gov. Patrick visits the RDTC at the UU Church Ben Tafoya greets Gov. Duval Patrick 0 A little anecdote about one of our Committee Political Predictors: It was Duval Patrick's first run for Governor. There was a big rally in Boston at the Hynes Convention Center. Marilyn Simmons tried to get some people to go, but no one was up for it, so she went on her own. She was there early and got up front in the first row. Duval Patrick had his friend, a young Senator Barack Obama, come from Illinois, to endorse and support him. They approached Marilyn and Duval introduced himself and Senator Obama. Marilyn turned to Barack and said, "You are going to be our next President." "Ooh, ooh, he replied, let's get Duval elected first." A couple of years later, Obama became our President. We also supported Martha Coakley in her election as the Massachusetts Attorney General. r Another good party with hamburgers, salads and drinks was at the Wilson home on Summer St. There, Readingites rallied for Katherine Clark's run for State Senate. 9 Vr �v r: r 1 .4 -00 Martha Coakley visits Reading There were a couple of notable house parties during this period. One was a get- together at the Tofoya -Young home in support of Ben's run for State Senate. There was a good crowd of friends, family and elected pols in attendance like Congressmen Barney Frank and John Tierney, State Reps. Barbara L'Italien, Katherine Clark, Pat Natale in addition to town officials. r� r 4 t� B -en Greiqts Barney Frank a� 1 1 1 � • ' 1 • jp r WIMIU TIFT % vim • `. ti R ' Yom• M" • 11 Clark Rally at the Wilson Home 2008 to 2010- The officers were: Steve Viegas, Chair Meghan Young, Vice -chair George Hinds, Treasurer Doug Greene, Corres. Secretary John Lippitt, Recording Sec. Margaret Soli, Programsr';'�- Steve probably served as Chair of the RDTC ' more than any other person and probably has attended more Democratic State Conventions 1#2 owl h n else. than anybody a a 2000 to 2010 - - Active members helping in many campaigns and activities of the I%W Committee included Arthur and Karen Berg, Ray Cabot, Kirsten Newman, John and Maria Salvaggi, John and Mary Ellen O'Neil and Davina Shuman. 10 We held our meetings at the Library regularly. Also, this was the first time we held our annual dinner at the UU Church. This is a wonderful place to have our dinners -- large, new, great kitchen facilities and nice help from UU members. In 2010, we hosted about 90 guests and netted $1,329. Guests included James Dwyer, our state Representative, Catherine Clark, our State Senator and a speaker for US Representative, John Tierney. Gregory's catered our entree and members provided desserts and drinks. J i� 2010 to 2012- The officers were: Meghan Young, Chair g g Vice - chair, David Craven George Hinds, Treasurer Ben Tafoya, Corres. Secretary Shirley Slack, Recording Sec. 4 Y Ben and Meghan brought great energy to our Committee. They brought a wide connection with other Town Committees and led many walks, rallies, sign holding and many phone banks for our elected politicians. They were active in our town. Ben served as a Selectman for a number of terms. Meghan was on charter member of the Fall Street Fair Committee, circa 2006. The Fair has been a successful town event up to now in 2014. Meghan also serves as a Town Meeting Member and was on the Economic Development Committee. Meghan Young presides as Chair One milestone this period was having one of our members, Dr. Donald Green, elected to be an Alternate Delegate at the 2012 National Democratic Convention, the first over the span of this history. Ben Tafoya's `Occasional News Letter' has been helpful for news inputs since 2012. Active Committee Members, in addition to most of those already noted, included Alice Collins, Marcia Nigro Dresser, Susan Craven, Dianne Kennedy, Robert Connors, Karen Richard, Cam Cieslak, David Zeek, Jeff Perkins, Steve McLaughlin, James Maughan, Evan Hackel, and Tina Ohlson. 11 ++ M 1+ y t i , {i RDTC Members at our Sept. 2010 Meeting and our speaker, State Rep. Jim Dwyer (frt -cntr) Deaths that have saddened the RDTC membership: • September, 21,2013- we were deeply saddened to report the passing of RDTC life member and Reading Conservation Commission member Harold "Lucky" Hulse. Lucky was a cheerful presence at the polls alongside his wife, Gloria. He served the nation in the military as well as the community in a wide variety of roles. • Life - member Dick (Richard) Sullivan of Minot Street died mid January 2014. Dick and his family have been active in the community and Commonwealth for many years and have been great leaders and Democrats. A veteran, Dick will be buried with military honors at Wood End Cemetery on Saturday. • Verne Slack, husband of our Treasurer Shirley Slack. Verne passed away this January 2014. Verne was a veteran of the Korean War, SGT US Army. 12 s 2012 to 2014- The officers were: Meghan Young, Chair John Lippitt, Vice -chair Shirley Slack, Treasurer Ben Tafoya, Corres. Secretary Marcia Dresser, Recording Sec. 2012- We did our first visibility of the season on October 2nd at the Train Depot and the following week at the corner of Washington and Main Streets in Reading. Also, lawn signs were passed out for the Tierney, Warren and Obama campaigns. The last weekend of November, members made phone calls and canvassing door -to -door to remind folks to get out and vote on Nov. 6th, 2012! Post election, Nov 2012, - The election was successful beyond our wildest dreams. The great result was a direct consequence of all the hard work, money and comradeship shared over the past months. It was so exciting to see the core group being expanded with so many new people and faces to knock on doors, make phone calls, host lawn signs, hold signs, vote and all the rest. Government in our country will be better for the success of Barack Obama, Elizabeth Warren and John Tierney on Tuesday night. The Commonwealth is in great hands thanks to the triumphs of State Senator Katherine Clark, State Rep Jim Dwyer and their colleagues in the legislature. A victory PartyOwas hosted by the RDTC Friday Nov 30 at the UU Church on Woburn St Reading. Many enjoyed a potluck dinner with drinks and good variety of food. Some of the events of 2013 included: • We held our caucus on Saturday February 9, 2013 at Reading Public Library to elect delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform Convention in June 2013. • Committee Members did Door -to -Door Canvassing in Reading May and June 2013 for the Markey campaign. • RDTC had a Booth for Friends and Family Day - Junel Sth. We hosted quite the array of prominent Democrats in 2013. Thanks again to our US Rep. John Tierney for joining our holiday party last month. He has been tremendously accessible to us over the years and is a great friend. We also met State Senator Barry Finegold who is a candidate for State Treasurer in 2014. Our State Representative Jim Dwyer made a generous contribution to the Committee to help underwrite the party. Earlier in the year, we hosted Gubernatorial candidates Steve Grossman, Don Berwick and Juliette Kayyem. Lt. Governor candidate Steve Kerrigan also joined us. John Lippitt has authored over 150 " Lippitt's Policy and Politics Blog" since 2011. They have been keeping us informed on national policy and politics. Subjects have included "40 years of Class Warfare ", "Democratizing Campaign Financing" and many more timely subjects that involve all of us. John has served as Committee Chair, Vice -Chair and Recording Secretary. 13 Dave Craven Directing for Dinner With Derr r Dave Craven took on the responsibility to run our big Dems for Dinner fund raising events for 2012 and 2014. His wife Susan gave Dave lots of help. Both dinners were very successful. Some members provided desserts and others help set up and decorate. We used the Green Tomato at the Depot as our caterer. The history of many of our dinners is included in the Appendix. In 2014 we had lots of Pols John Tierney, US Rep, Steve Grossman, for Gov., Jason Lewis, State, Miriam Ryan, for Middlesex DA, Steve Kerrigan, for AG & Michael Sullivan, for DA. We had a table at the St Patrick's Day breakfast in Malden in 2014, led by member Dianne Kennedy. They had many office holders and candidates giving greetings and great political humor. Our State Committeeman Joe Lawless really appreciates the support that comes each year from Reading. We helped Elaine Webb, who has helped us with our candidates; win her seat on the Reading School Committee. In 2014, after nine years, three terms, Ben Tafoya stepped down as a Member of the Board of Selectman. Congratulations, Ben, for exceptional leadership and high service to our town. We had a good group attend the annual Wakefield Democratic regional breakfast May 4th at the West Side social club. Our Committee supported and played a part in Elizabeth Warren's rise and election as our second Massachusetts Senator. Some of our Committee marched with her in the Wakefield Parade. {.r rw� � RR H/ EH i� GOR SENATE We hosted quite the array of prominent Democrats. Thanks again to our Congressman John Tierney for joining our holiday parry last month. He has been tremendously accessible to us over the years and is a great friend. We also met State Senator Barry Finegold who is a candidate for State Treasurer in 2014. Our State Representative Jim Dwyer made a generous contribution to the Committee to help underwrite the parry. Earlier in the year, we hosted Gubernatorial candidates Steve Grossman, Don Berwick and Juliette Kayyem. Lt. Governor candidate Steve Kerrigan also joined us. 14 A special election for the Fifth Middlesex State Senate seat was held March 4, 2014 and Jason Lewis, the man we supported, won. He got 60% of the Reading vote and 43% of the district in a 3- person race. Carolyn Whiting, Marilyn Simmons, US Rep. Tierney, Dianne Kennedy, Shirley Slack & Cam Cieslak 15 Selected Election Statistics (source: Town Clerks Office) Year /month Election /reason Votes Cast Registered Voters Percent 1980, Mar. State primary /pres. year 7,131 12,740 56.0 1983, Mar Town election 2,265 13,677 16.6 1988, Nov State election /Pres. year 13,009 14,196 91.6 1990, Mar Town election 2,822 13,981 20.2 1993, Mar Town election /2.5 override 7,578 15,053 50.3 1999, Mar Town election /no issues 1,627 15,433 10.5 2004, Nov State election /Pres. year 12,911 16,449 78.5 2007, Apr Town election /no issues 2,314 16,422 14.1 2008, Nov State election /Pres. year 13,860 16,892 82.1 2010, Jun Spec. election /referendum 2,052 16,668 12.3 2012, Nov State election /Pres. year 14448 17,624 82.0 2014, Apr Special State election /Senate 4,373 17,900 24.4 Some Observations- Note that voter registration has grown from about 13,000 in 1980 to 17,900 over the 34 -year period. Town election participation runs at a low of about 10% (ugh) to 20 %, but if there was an issue like a proposition 2.5 override the voter turnout can rise to about 50 %. Voters turnout reasonably well during presidential election years, 78% (kind of low) to a high of 91.6 %. The population of Reading is about 24,600. Reading Voter Breakdown by Party as May 2007 of 16,450 registered voters (Town Record) Party No. Voters Percent Democrat 5,645 34% Republican 2,927 18% Misc. parties 109 1% Un- enrolled 7,769 47% 16,450 100% 16 Post Script 1 There are many who have been active on this Committee and make it a great active and contributing organization. Here, I would like to recognize a person on the committee that contributed over many years that has keep a low profile, but has provided support again and again. I'm sorry if I have left out anyone who may be deserving. We have several members that are on the way in a few more years. Carolyn R. Whiting- Regular meeting attendance over many years, always volunteering to help at events like the Fall Fair, Friends, Family Day, our perennial ticket taker /greeter for our dinners and has held many signs and has knocked on many doors to support our candidates. Also, there several people who have been friends and supporters of our work. They deserve recognition: • Joseph (Joe) Lawless, State Democratic Committee &long serving Chair of the Malden Town Democratic Committee • John Tierney- Our US Representative for 18 years. He did not miss a year coming to Reading, probably visiting us 2 -3 times a year. • Catherine Clark- Malden School Committee, MA State Representative, MA State Senator and US Representative. She worked with us supporting our local candidates and helped form a nice tie with Malden Democrats. • Fred Rich- Wakefield Democratic Town Committee. Fred is most sought after Campaign Manager in our area. He has been successful for so many of our area winners. He is very active throughout the District and is well known. r Katherine Clark, our friend and rising star 17 Appendix A Bit of RDTC History Al - -- Reading Democratic Town Committee Chairs and Milestones A3 - -- RDTC Dinner History - 2001 to 2014 AS - -- List of Speakers and Guests at our Meetings, Rallies and House Parties M Al Reading Democratic Town Committee Chairs and Milestones 19 Chair(s) & Officers Supported Events Info? Need inform. 1976-'80 Bob & Carol Mills Mike Barrett for State Rep Jan. 23, 1976 Highlight was the RDTC hosted a presidential primary 1 V- Chair- Steve Viegas (won) event at the High School for Morris Udall, Scoop Jackson, and Birch Bye. Full house was chaired by Paul Good 1980- Geoff Beckwith & Geoff Beckwith, State Rep RDTC gives lively support for Geoff Beckwith who defeated David 2 `84 Steven Viegas (won) Leavitt for State Rep seat. - VC: ?, Trea: ?, 1984 -'92 William Hancock + Mike Dukakis for Gov. (won) Bean Suppers used for fund raising. 3 VC - ? + Ed Markey for US Rep (won) Dukakis and Markey won their respective contests Sec- '90 -'92 J. Lippitt 1992-'96 John Lippitt +'94 Sandy Trainor Bean Suppers used for fund raising. 4 Selectwomen, won '94 Trainor won her contest 1996- Margaret and Robert + John Tierney for US Rep, Falls -Bean Suppers used for fund raising. 5 2000 Soli won • Democrat Booth at s VC: Bill Kennedy?, + Matt Cohen & Jay Gallagher . Summerfests Trea: Andy Herlihy??., for Youth Gov. Seminar . Had speakers for meetings C. Sec: R. Soli 2000-'04 William Kennedy - + Mary Steuart for State Rep. 11/03- Buffet at Harrows (net: - $279), good group of speakers, 8/03- 6 VC: Ellen Kearns + Boys & Girls Club, Woburn 16 attended Wakefield Brkfst, Trea: H. Simmons + Heather Cohen to YMCA 9/02- Annual Buffet at Harrows (net: $1,017), —80 attended & good C. Sec: R. Soli Nat'l Convention group of speakers, Rec. Sec.: Andy Herlihy + A. Rubin for EMARC work 6/01- Sent 15 to State Convention, + Steve Spain for State Senate 9/01- Annual fundraiser at American Legion, Spaghetti Dinner, honored Bill Hancock and made $1561; Apr /00- Bylaws Updated, 2004- Co- Chairs: Donna + Ben Tafoya & Pat Natale for 9/04- Annual Buffet at Harrows nets DTC $1283 w /about 90, including 7 �'06 Corbett & David Rall * State Rep Natale won a seat list of local Pols VC: Kristin Newman, + Katherine Clark for State 5/05- Had a table at Wakefield DTC Breakfast Treas: H. Simmons, Senate, won • Chairs were active in meeting & coordinating with other local C. Sec: R. Soli, Committees R. Sec: John Lippitt • Had speakers for meetings 19 • Resigned & moved to Washington DC area. Steve Viegas was elected Reading Democratic Town Committee Chairs and Milestones Year Chair(s) &Officers Supported Events 2008- Chair: Steve Viegas + • Sept, 2010 Dinner speakers: Katherine Clark (MA senate), 8 2010 V- chair: Meghan Young + Mike Lake, Jim Dwyer (our MA rep), John Tierney (our US Treas: George Hinds Rep) + C. Sec: Doug Greene • Sept'10 Dinner entrees by Gregory's /deserts by members; R. Sec: John Lippitt —90 attended &netted $1,326. Programs: M. Soli Had Tents for all Friends & Family days 2010- Chair: Meghan Young + . 9 1012 V- chair: David Craven +Spoke at our Meetings: Treas: George Hinds Had Tents for all Summerfests and Friends &Family days C. Sec: Ben Tafoya R. Sec: Shirley Slack 2012- Chair: Meghan Young + • 9/14: Dem Dinner: Income (Tics, $1400 &Straw Poll, $92): 10 2014 V- chair: John Lippitt +Spoke at our Meetings: $1492 minus Expenses (UU Church, Green Tomato) $552 = Treas: Shirley Slack net Income of $940. Approx. 80 people. Pols: Tierney (US C. Sec: Ben Tafoya Rep), S. Grossman (Gov.), Miriam xx (DA), +speakers for - - -- R. Sec: Marcia Dresser • Attended Malden Dinner, Melrose Bkfst, -- Had Tents for all Summerfests and Friends & Family days Chair: 11 V- chair: Treas: C. Sec: R. Sec: Note: Library records show Harry Simmons elected RTDC member for'76 to '80 & elected again in '00 to'04, '04 to '08, '08 to '12 & '12 to `16 20 Reading Democratic Town Committee