Amherst Dems — Immediate Questions

The ADTC meeting this week authorized the Exec Bd to decide on sponsorships with certain limits, and I immediately received a request from Climate Action Now to endorse their 12 point plan.

I like their focus, but wonder whether we don't hurt our ability to reach out when more than half of their points start with the words require, mandate or forbid. There is a view that in order to get agreement on some things it helps to have groups pushing for more than is possible, and this is a group that goes further than I would, or that I think possible. So I am not recommending yes or no. I will be polling the Exec Board members on this.

Second, the annual Democratic Party Convention will take place on June 3 at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. I assume it will have the usual speeches and sessions on issues, organizing and talks with potential candidates. We are required to hold a caucus to select delegates, and we must tell the state party by Jan. 27 when we will hold our caucus (between 2/4 and 4/2/17). I need help on when and where to hold it, and of course people interested in being delegates and going.

Third, I have received an invitation for myself and other ADTC members from Ken Elstein, the chair of the Belchertown Dems to a meeting with reps from 8 towns, mostly to our west, and MA Dem Party Chair Gus Bickford, and some legislators. The objectives are to strengthen the Democratic Party, to work in towns that are not sure wins or even have Dem committees, and to work on ways to make Boston listen more to W. MA needs. The meeting will be on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10 am at Belchertown Town Hall. For those who want to work on state issues and want to work on communicating with those with different views, this is the place to go.

The next general meeting will be on Monday, Feb. 15.

Robert Pam