Minutes

Meeting:  December 8, 2016, PB Boulangerie, Meeting began at 8:40 am.

Present:  Dick Elkin, Esther Elkin, Eileen Golden, Dick Guernsey, Karen Heitkotter, Olga Kahn, Suzanne Lawlor, Denya LeVine, Priscilla McChesney, Deborah McKay, Catherie Nass, Fred Nass, Michele Olem, Candace Perry, Brian Quigley, Sarah Robin, Diane Roehm, Steve Roehm, Catherine Russo, Lydia Vivante

Remembering Frank McChesney:  Priscilla spoke movingly of her husband, who died Veteran’s Day, November 11, a proud veteran who landed in Normandy on D Day 72 years ago.  He shall be missed.

Introductions and Welcome:  Lydia welcomed the many new faces at the meeting, and we went around the room and introduced ourselves.  There is a sense of urgency among Democrats to come together, to talk with each other, to try to make sense of what is happening in the country, to make plans.

Sarah Robin spoke of her vision of the cape as a small “Vermont,” that it had the intellectual capital and passion in each small town to figure out what to do and help to lead the way.  She thought Wellfleet could make a real difference in environmental issues, for example, in plastic recycling, and was ready to get to work.  Like many of us, she was “blown away” by Dan Wolf at the Annual Potluck Dinner last month, and admires his ideas for moving forward.   

Minutes:  The October minutes were approved unanimously.  The Annual Potluck Dinner was held last month, November 13, at the home of Mary Wright, with special guest Dan Wolf.  There were no minutes for November.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dick Guernsey reported that the current bank balance is $3788.23, with 2629.16 reserved for the Outer Cape Democratic Coalition (OCDC) and 1159.07 for WDTC.  Dick will present the annual accounting for 2016 in January.  He advised us that individuals can contribute $5000 cumulatively per calendar year to local/state party committees.  Contributions received after today will be credited after January 1 and noted as 2017 contributions.

CIVIC/Outreach Report:  Michelle continues to report on CIVIC, the Cape and Islands Voter Issues Coalition, https://www.capeandislandscivic.org/, which is collaborating with Fair Shot in Boston,

 http://fairshot.com/about-us/, that is helping to pay for a part-time community organizer.  She reported that CIVIC chose Barnstable and Truro for the outreach program in free universal pre-K education.  Wellfleet already voted to fund its own free pre-K program.

Reports of Other Cape Activist Programs: 

· Community Conversation: “Come Together, Act Together: Protecting Ourselves, Our Neighbors, Our Civil Liberties and our Planet.” There will be a meeting at the Falmouth Library December 15, 7 pm.  Denya Levine is spearheading Wellfleet participation in this group, whose aim is to work together on the cape to mitigate some of the fallout from the election. 

·  The Next Four Years: Building Our Movements in Dangerous Times.  Catherine Russo attended this conference at Simmons College in Boston on December 3, whose aim was to frame the issues and messaging in the post-election world, to integrate the various organizations and build an action plan.  There were more than 500 attendees representing thousands of people in their organizations, which Catherine found inspiring. 

·    Down Cape Downwinders:  Candace Perry, representing the organization that received our Barbara Gray Legacy Award, told us about an email accidentally sent to an environmental advocate stating that the NRC found a safety culture problem at Pilgrim.   She then gave us a brief synopsis of some of the issues advocates against Pilgrim are facing to get this dangerous nuclear waste dump out of our backyard. 

Pilgrim announced it will close in 2019.  It is not required to close.  Entergy could sell it to a new owner, who would have no obligation to close it.  If Pilgrim gets energy credits for clean energy, the plant, despite its severe safety shortcomings, could be financially more lucrative.  Dick Elkin told us that the new pricing structure for electricity to be instituted in New England in the spring favors energy producers that do not generate CO2, and that includes nuclear plants.  The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel feels more like smoke and mirrors.

The more people who call or write to Gov. Baker about this dangerous situation, the better.  The phone number is 617-725-4005, and the address is Gov. Charles Baker, State House, Boston, MA 02133.

2017 and Election Year 2018  

There was some discussion about how it is not too early to start gearing up for the 2018 interim election, not only for its intrinsic importance to increase the Democratic presence in Congress, but also because it is the last election before the 2020 census. 

Upcoming Marches and Events

·   MLK Day Walk in Wellfleet:  Noon, January 16.  Walk from Town Hall, followed by film, music and healthy potluck finger food at Preservation Hall.

·  Women’s March on Washington and March for America in Boston January 21:  Local buses are being arranged from the cape to Washington and Boston.  A motion was proposed and seconded to provide scholarships up to a total of $250 on a first-come-first-serve basis.

·    International Women’s Day March 8:  Activities are being planned by the Cape Cod branch of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Cape Cod WILPF meetings are held monthly in Harwich.  http://www.wilpfcapecod.org/

·  WDTC Day of Service Gift to Dan Wolf:  Still in discussion.  Possibilities include Habitat for Humanity, environmental cleanup (Herring River, Cannon Hill, National Seashore), a library project.

Miscellaneous Ideas and Suggestions:

·    We are considering monthly WDTC meetings alternating between Thursday morning and Sunday late afternoon to attract younger people.

·   Debra McKay mentioned two newly formed groups in Wellfleet, one meeting at PB on Thursday morning at 9:30 and the other at 5:30 on Sunday at the Library (next is Dec. 18).  They are people coming together to discuss post-election fears and insecurities, and to plan action items to monitor and react to antisocial and other unacceptable behavior on the cape that threaten our freedoms.

· Catherine Russo talked about getting the Board of Selectmen to pass a resolution in support of Standing Rock.  There was also some discussion about making Wellfleet a sanctuary town.  Per Catherine with many others in agreement, we should be ready to show up in large numbers to protect what we have.

·  Dave Roehm suggested we bring people and groups together to coalesce around concrete actions, which is a more powerful approach to making things happen. 

·  Lydia Vivante brought up the possibility of working on behalf of the Fair Share amendment, a 4% tax on Massachusetts individuals earning more than $1 million to raise revenue for public education and transportation.  The amendment passed the legislature in the spring and must pass another constitutional convention before it can be put on the 2018 ballot.  She will ask the sponsor, Raise Up Massachusetts, also fighting for a $15 minimum wage, to speak to the Wellfleet or Outer Cape Dems.  

·     Equal Pay for Equal Work:  possible resolution at Town Meeting

·    Finding Common Ground:  We discussed finding an issue to rally around with our neighbors who are Republicans or unenrolled. Climate change with its potential effect on the Wellfleet shellfish industry was one possibility. We also have to understand the differences between the Pelosi and Bernie ends of our own party.  Catherie Nass mentioned a book that might be helpful in the discussion, “The Righteous Mind,” by Jonathan Haidt.  Esther Elkin seconded the recommendation.

·  A question arose about the results of the recent participation of over ninety Wellfleetians in the World Café event to learn citizens’ priorities for the Five Year Comprehensive Plan.  Lydia will see if Brian Carlson, chairman of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, will speak to the WDTC.

Next Meeting:  Thursday, January 12, 2017 8:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Elkin, Secretary

                                                                               *****

Meeting:  October 13, 2016, PB Boulangerie, Meeting began at 8:40 a.m.

Present:  Irene Daitch, Dick Elkin, Esther Elkin, Lilli Green, Dick Guernsey, Olga Kahn, Suzanne Lawlor, Priscilla McChesney, Catherie Nass, Michele Olem, Brian Quigley, Evelyn Savage, Lydia Vivante, Mary Wright

Minutes:  The minutes of the previous month were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dick Guernsey affirmed sending $250 to the Julian Cyr for State Senate in September, and will send $250 in October.  He reported that the current balance is $4,088.51, with 3381.44 reserved for the Outer Cape Democratic Coalition (OCDC) and 607.07 for WDTC.

CIVIC/Outreach Report:  Michelle continues to report on CIVIC, Cape and Islands Voter Issues Coalition, https://www.capeandislandscivic.org/. They are collaborating with Fair Shot in Boston,

 http://fairshot.com/about-us/, which is helping to pay for a part-time community organizer.  The two organizations will together choose three cape towns for an outreach program in free universal pre-K education. 

Barbara Gray Legacy Award Dinner (Oct. 21):  Ticket sales are proceeding at a good clip.  As of the time of this meeting, there were twenty seats remaining. 

Candidates for Wellfleet seat, Assembly of Delegates, Barnstable County

The WDTC invited Lilli-Ann Green and Olga Kahn to address the group in support of their candidacies.  Lilli was appointed by Selectmen to finish out the term of Ned Hitchcock after his resignation.

Lilli stated that the main difference between herself and Olga was that Olga wants to restructure county government, and Lilli does not.  Lilli believes that although Wellfleet has only slightly more than 1% of the vote, it does have a voice in the process, because the Wellfleet delegate has equal time with every other delegate to make her position known and influence the outcome.  In the restructure proposal, if there are five commissioners voted by region, she believes that one town in a large region about the size of Sarah Peake’s state rep district would have little vote and little voice.

Olga believes the current structure of county government is inefficient and undemocratic, in part blaming the vested interest of Assembly members for its continuance.  She questions the legality of the system that has one representative per town with voting power proportional to the population of the town, stating the method is not used anywhere else.  She is running for the assembly of delegates so that she can vote for charter reform.  She would like to see five or seven commissioners elected in districts, and the assembly abolished.  She says there will be substantial financial benefit to the county, and more efficient governance.

Brigitte Laukien, ‘Yes on 3’ Prevent Farm Animal Cruelty, Ballot Question 3

Brigitte emphasized that this was a small step in what she called the right direction, and pointed out that it would be the first law about farm animals in Massachusetts.  A Yes on 3 vote, she said, prevents animal cruelty, promotes responsible farming, improves food safety and implements protections for animals, food and the environment.  She outlined why the law makes economic sense, and will raise the cost of an egg one cent only.  Her vivid description of abusive practices in raising chickens, pigs and cows in cages was harrowing.  All out-of-state product sold in Massachusetts would have to meet Massachusetts standards.  Policing would be complaint-based.

Endorsements

The members of the WDTC present at the meeting voted to support or reject the ballot questions as follows:

1:  Allow an additional gaming license at Suffolk Downs. 
                    No:  Unanimous (13)

2:  Authorize up to twelve new charter schools per year.
                    Yes: 1    No: 11    Abs: 1

3.  Prohibit certain methods of farm animal containment.   
                    Yes:  Unanimous (13)

4.  Legalize recreational marijuana for 21 and older.    
                    Yes: 3    No: 9    Abs: 1  

              

Annual Potluck Dinner:  Sunday, November 13, home of Mary Wright, 5-7 p.m., time to be confirmed.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Elkin, Secretary

                                                                             *****

Meeting:  September 16, 2016, Gathered at 5 p.m., Outer Cape Democratic Headquarters, 55 Main St., Orleans.  Meeting began at 5 p.m.

Present:  Susan Anthony, Dick Elkin, Esther Elkin, Dick Guernsey, Suzanne Lawlor, Michele Olem, Geraldine Ramer, Lydia Vivante.

The meeting began with a question about what constituted a quorum.  With the grand opening of the Outer Cape Democratic Headquarters scheduled for 5:30, there was little time to research the answer online, and it was decided to run the meeting, take votes as needed, and revote by email if necessary.  As it happened, the eight people present, being more than one-third of the twenty members of the Committee, constituted a quorum. 

Minutes:  The minutes of the previous months were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dick Guernsey reported that the current balance is $2,57.38, with 1,210.31 reserved for the Outer Cape Democratic Coalition (OCDC) and 947.07 for WDTC.

CIVIC/Outreach Report:  Michelle reported that CIVIC has merged with a Boston group that received a one million dollar good will donation.  CIVIC will be their trial group with a new outreach program exploring the possibility of free universal pre-K education in three to-be-determined towns on the cape.  CIVIC now has a paid community organizer three days per week.

Contributions to Candidates: A motion was made and seconded to send $250 to the Julian Cyr for State Senate Campaign immediately, and to send a second $250 in October.  It was approved unanimously.

                                            

Barbara Gray Legacy Award Dinner (Oct. 21):  Ticket sales are proceeding.  Dick Guernsey emphasized that the ticket form should be filled out with the payment, as name, address, employer and occupation are required by the state for these sales.

 

Next Meeting:  Thursday, October 13, 8:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Elkin, Secretary

                                                                             *****


Meeting:  August 11, 2016, Gathered at 8:30 a.m., Home of Betsy Mellor and Craig Steese.  Meeting began at 8:50 a.m.

Present:  Kathleen Bacon, Meaghan Callahan, Barbara Cary, Irene Daitch, Esther Elkin, Lilli Green, Dick Guernsey, Olga Kahn, Philip Keohan, Sue Keohan, Suzanne Lawlor, Michele Olem, Norma Simon, Manny Smith, Lydia Vivante, Judy Wood, Mary Wright. 

Welcome:  Chairperson Lydia Vivante welcomed the Democratic candidates and special guests to the Candidates Breakfast Meeting, including Rep. Sarah Peake, Julian Cyr, Sheila Lyons, Mark Forest, Erin Azzato and Seth Rolbein. 

Minutes:  The minutes of the previous month were handed out.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dick Guernsey reported that the current balance is $2,305, with $360 reserved for the Outer Cape Democratic Coalition (OCDC) and 1945 for WDTC.

Highlights of Talks by Candidates and Special Guests:  This was grass roots politics at its finest, and those present will agree the following short summaries do not do justice to the strength and passion of these candidates.

  Sarah Peake:  Unopposed in her primary, Sarah spoke on behalf of Mark Forest for County Commissioner, emphasizing the importance of local politics and the imperative to keep Cape Cod and Massachusetts Democratic, in light of the different agendas and values of the two parties.  We have good people in county government now, she said, and we have to keep it that way.

  Julian Cyr:  Julian, a candidate for the State Senate, spoke about the various problems facing the Cape, among them lack of affordable housing, high opiate addiction, and its fragile environment.  He said he was well qualified to tackle these problems, mentioning his work in state government for Gov. Patrick, his local business experience, his work on statewide public health initiatives, and his work with LGBTQ Youth.  Also emphasizing and illustrating the difference between Republican and Democratic values, he ended by saying, “We need you to work your heart out either for me or for Sheila.”  

  Sheila Lyons:  Sheila is also a candidate for the State Senate and one of our own, a former chairperson of the WDTC.  Sheila has been in county government for many years, with extensive work in homelessness and housing, substance abuse, and, for the last eight years, in wastewater management.  She emphasized that the Cape’s environment is its economy, and she was happy to point out that the tide appears to have turned in the exodus of young people off the Cape, many getting municipal jobs on Cape. 

  Mark Forest:   Mark is a candidate for County Commissioner.  He, too, emphasized the need for the county to remain blue to follow through on important plans, proposals and initiatives vital to Cape Cod, and to secure the funds necessary to implement them. 

  Erin Azzato:  Erin spoke on behalf of her husband, Randy, who is running for Sheriff of Barnstable County and was unable to be with us.  Erin gave a short description of her husband’s background.  A major reason for Randy’s candidacy, she reported, is that his opponent has been in office for eighteen years, has been unopposed in several elections and it is time for change.  Randy believes that more can and should be accomplished in the Sheriff’s Department in these difficult times.  

  Seth Rolbein:  Seth gave a short description and led short but lively discussions on each of the four questions on the November ballot: expanded gaming, approval of new charter schools, farm animal protections and legalizing recreational marijuana.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE AVAILABLE NOW.  TURNOUT IS CRITICAL.

Democrats Info Table:  WDTC will have an outreach table on the Town Hall lawn on Saturday and Sunday mornings in August and September from 10 a.m. to noon.  A sign-up sheet was passed around.

Outer Cape Democratic Coalition:  The OCDC will open a headquarters in the former Hope Chest in Orleans for two months beginning early September through the election in November.  A motion was made and seconded to donate $500 to support the headquarters.  The campaigns of Sarah Peake, Sheila Lyons and Julian Cyr and other Outer Cape Democratic town committees will or have already contributed funds.

Barbara Gray Legacy Award Dinner:  The winner of the Barbara Gray Legacy Award this year is the Wellfleet-based Down Cape Downwinders.  Yvonne Barocas accepted the award on behalf of the group.  The dinner will be Friday, October 21 at Preservation Hall. 

Next Meeting:  Thursday, September 15, 8:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Esther Elkin, Secretary

*****

Meeting:  June 9, 2016, 8:30 a.m., PB Boulangerie

Present:  Kathleen Bacon, Barbara Cary, Irene Daitch, Sherrie Douglis, Dick Elkin, Esther Elkin, Dick Guernsey, Karen Heitkotter, Penelope Jencks, Olga Kahn, Suzanne Lawlor, Robert Linton, Sheila Lyons, Priscilla McChesney, Catharie Nass, Fred Nass, Michele Olem, Brian Quigley, Geraldine Ramer, Sherrie Robinson, Norma Simon, Manny Smith, Lydia Vivante.

Guest Speaker:  Elizabeth Gawron, Executive Director, Helping Our Women; Former Chair, Eastham Board of Selectmen; Chair, Eastham Democratic Town Committee.  Elizabeth explained the mission of HOW, a resource for women with chronic and life threatening or disabling illness serving Provincetown to Eastham.  HOW provides transportation to medical appointments and shopping, and some financial assistance for medical co-pays, drugs, cab-fare for early Boston Hospital buses when volunteers are not available, etc.  Currently serving about 200 clients, 100 also receive financial assistance of $55/month.  Manny Smith noted that a back-of-the-envelope calculation indicates HOW is providing an impressive $66,000 per year.   Elizabeth stressed the need for continual fundraising, and mentioned some of their “fun” fundraisers, including Casino Night. HOW also supports the Outer Cape HomeShare, assisting women to secure and maintain year-round mutually beneficial affordable housing relationships in the four towns. 

Meeting Business:

Minutes:  The minutes of the previous month were accepted.

Treasurer’s Report:  Dick Guernsey reported that the current balance is $2,604.81, with 760.31 reserved for the Outer Cape Democratic Coalition (OCDC) and 1844.50 for WDTC.

CIVIC (Cape & Islands Voter Issues Coalition):  Michele Olem reported that the website is up and running. The chairperson is Seth Rolbein.  They will delay major fundraising until after the election.

Local News:  Lydia Vivante gave a short description of two ongoing issues in town, one involving Chuck Cole and his first amendment right of free speech on the Town Green, and the other involving Olga Kahn and her contention that the Selectmen violated the open meeting law in the selection of Ned Hitchcock’s replacement to finish out his term on the Assembly of Delegates.  Olga will run for the position in the fall.  Town Manager Harry Terkanian will follow through with Town Counsel about Chuck Cole.

Candidates Forum in Truro:  The event went well.  Sheila Lyons, a candidate for State Senate, discussed other meetings and debates, past and to come.  

State Democratic Convention in Lowell:  Attendees were proud of being Democrats, and proud of being Massachusetts Democrats.  Elizabeth Warren’s speech on income inequality was impressive, but several people thought it unfortunate that the media focused more on her anti-Trump riffs. 

Raise Up Massachusetts:  Lydia briefly discussed the grassroots movement, Raise Up Massachusetts, that is focusing on three issues this year:

• paid family and medical leave; 
• a constitutional amendment to invest in quality public schools, affordable higher education and a decent transportation system by asking millionaires to pay an additional tax of 4% on income over $1 million; 
• a living wage ($15/hr) for big box retail and fast food employees.  

There was some impassioned discussion against charter schools.

Barbara Gray Legacy Award Dinner:  The dinner will be Friday, October 21 at Preservation Hall.  Lydia asked for nominations for citizen leaders (Democrats) who move our community forward.  Several names were put forward.

Farmers Market Voter Registration Table:  Scheduled for June 22, July 6 and August 17.  (7:30 a.m. setup until noon.)    Bring cookies.

Dems Info Table on the Town Hall Lawn:  Michelle Olem will take care of the Use of Town Property application.  The dates will be Saturdays in August and September.

Norma Simon reminded us that we had not yet discussed the momentous event of the week, the nomination of Hillary.  WDTC members supported either Bernie or Hillary, and all now support Hillary.  There was concern and discussion about how to get others to do the same.  Many expressed optimism that the party would unite in the natural course of events, since NO ONE wants Trump.

Future Possible Programs:  Vehicles and volunteers for mobile Democratic outreach.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Esther Elkin, Secretary

*****

May 12, 2016

The meeting began at 8:43am.

Present:  Barbara Cary, Irene Daitch, Sherrie Douglis, Eileen Golden, Dick Guernsey, Olga Kahn, Suzanne Lawlor, Robert Linton, Patricia Marlborough, Priscilla McChesney, Catharie Nass, Fred Nass, Michele Olem, Geraldine Ramer, Evelyn Savage, Lydia Vivante, Mary Wright;  and Joseph Powers, Wellfleet Town Clerk (guest speaker)

Introductions were made.  Lydia introduced special guest speaker Joseph Powers.  He discussed An Act Relative to Election Laws Reforms which was signed in 2014.

·       In August 2016 16 & 17 years olds will be allowed to pre-register to become voters at 18 years of age.

·       There is now on line registration. Registration can be verified on line also.  The deadline for registration is 20 days before the election

·       Early voting will happen for the November election.  An Election Laws Task Force will meet in January 2017 to analyze early voting.  The difference between early voting and absentee voting is semantic.  In Massachusetts they are exactly the same. Early voting has to be tabulated that day, but not in MA law.  Absentee voting is not counted until election day.  The  deadline for both is noon Nov. 7. Elimination of the cancellation device from voting machines has not yet been done in Massachusetts.

·       There is a waiver in the number of election workers for smaller elections:  
 6 instead of 8.

·       ID is needed for registration - license, passport, utility bill for proof of residence.

·       ID is necessary for same day registration, not to vote.

·       Voter registration drives --  Permits are needed on private and town property.  Online registration can be done, smart phone or computer can be used at the site.

·       Residency requirements

·       Most critical document is the town census.  If not filled out and returned, the voter may be delisted.  It must be filled out to maintain voter status.

Question:  Where is your residence? (two homes)  Answer: Where the individual claims residency or "where your heart is", but most pick only one.

Voting Rights Act -- There was a call for reform after 2000. The result was limited to Help Americans Vote Act (HAVA) 2004 which made it easier for people in the military and US nationals living abroad to vote.  It applies to federal elections only. It allows for electronic voting. It allows for scanned copy of the ballot.(includes a waiver of anonymity)

Finally, Joe observed that while Wellfleet has small voter turnouts, they are better than other communities where he has worked - Braintree and Northfield- and he is impressed and optimistic about Wellfleet's interest and devotion to the process.

Reports:

Minutes from the April meeting were read and accepted.  They are available on

wellfleetdems.org

Treasurer's Report - Dick Guernsey reported that the current balance is $2562.81 with $710.31 reserved for OCDC account. Net WDTC account $1852.50.

CIVIC (Cape & Island Voter Issues Coalition) - Michele Olem reported that there is no formal fund raising yet, but donations are appreciated.  The website is   capeandislandscivic.org

- OCDC    Lydia   reported that the Candidates Forum (State Senate) is Saturday, May 14 in Truro.  Julian Cyr, Sheila Lyons, Brian Mannal , Moderator Sarah Peake.

- Jefferson Jackson Dinner -  Lydia  asked for ideas regarding items for the silent auction.  Olga offered a pamphlet found at the Thrift Shop from the early '50's "How to talk to a Republican"!

Visibility Table - There was discussion as to a table on Town Hall lawn and how best to use it for distribution of campaign literature/voter registration.  It was pointed out that we won't have a  nominee until after the Democratic Convention in late July. Possibility of doing Saturdays in August and September.

Barbara Gray Legacy Award Dinner (OCT 21) - Possible recipient?  OCDC urges that the recipient be a registered Democrat -  posthumous award was also suggested, though sentiment leaned toward the living.

State Democratic Convention - Guests are welcome, but must pay their own registration fee.  Check out the massdems.org site for further information.

Calendar:

Next meeting will be June 9 at 8:30am. The speaker will be Elizabeth Gawron of "Helping our Women".

July and August meetings will be held at locations to be determined.  (PB's will be too crowded).  There was brief discussion of possible speakers -  Mark Forest, candidate for Barnstable County Commissioner and/or Jamie Raskin, candidate for US Representative 8th District, Maryland. (Wellfleet summer resident)

Discussion of Esther Elkin's " pot luck movie night" - suggestion was made of Michael Moore movie - "Where to Invade Next".

The meeting adjourned at 10:06am.

Respectfully submitted

Suzanne Lawlor

Barbara Cary

Acting Secretaries

*****

WDTC meeting April 6, 2016

The meeting began at 8:46am

Present:  Suzanne Lawlor, Lydia Vivante, Dick Guernsey, Michele Olem, Mary Wright, Norma Simon, Fred Nass, Olga Kahn, Candace Perry, Barbara Cary, Irene M. Daitch, Patricia Marlborough, Geraldine Ramer, Sheila Lyons, Brian Mannal, Karen Mannal.

Introductions were made.

Reports:

     Treasurer Dick Guernsey circulated a list of 2016 donors and reported that the balance in the treasury is the same as last month having no expenditures or deposits. Balances -     

$3217.81, OCDC reserve ($960.31) , Net Wellfleet DTC $2257.50.

     Michele Olem, representative to Cape and Islands Voters Issues (CIVIC), reported that they are halting fund raising until after the elections.  The web site is set up and everything else is going along.

Election of members:

     M-member to replace Terry Gips

          Lydia nominated Reatha Ciotti, seconded by Mary Wright. Vote for her was 

          unanimous.

     Associate members

          Lydia proposed Barbara Cary and Patricia Marlborough.  Vote for them was

          unanimous.

Reorganization:  election of 2016 officers

     Slate proposed:  Lydia Vivante, Chair; Esther Elkin, Secretary; Richard Guernsey,    

     Treasurer; Michele Olem, Outreach.   Candace Perry seconded.  Vote fore the slate

     was unanimous.

There was a discussion with State Representative Brian Mannal, candidate for State

Senate.

Cape Cod National Seashore funding letter:

     Barbara Cary reported a request for signatures from WDTC and individuals.  The purpose of the letter is to advocate fore the unlocking of funds and moving the needed repairs in the National Park system.  WDTC voted to sign as an organization.  Individuals are in encouraged to send letters also.  Letters are due by June 30.

Next meeting:  Thursday, May 12, 2016 at PB  8:30am - 10:00am.

Respectfully submitted,

Suzanne M. Lawlor

Acting Secretary