Framingham Democrats Elect New Officers, Honor Sen. Karen Spilka

Editor's Note: Originally posted at 7:55 p.m. Updated with photo.

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The Framingham Town Democratic Committee held its Annual Candidates’ Breakfast on Sunday, March 16. The morning was action packed with a candidates’ forum, a special award, and the election of a new slate of officers for the 2014.

Sen. Karen Spilka was presented the Framingham Democrat of the Year Award by U.S. Representative Katherine Clark and Framingham School Committee Chair Beverly Hugo. 

She was honored for her progressive record involving the MetroWest business community, women’s issues, and educational leadership.

In her remarks as the award was presented, Hugo said Sen. Spilka, “is one of our strongest advocates wherever she goes, as she unwaveringly advances the causes, platform, and even more importantly, the values of our party, while staunchly defending the rights of women, children and families while respecting and advancing the needs of a strong regional economy.”

“While all these accomplishments are crucial to the development of the MetroWest region, Sen. Spilka’s commitment to women’s issues and education are the strongest motivation in what keeps me coming back to the voting booth for her," said Beverly Hugo.

Rep. Clark recalled how Sen. Spilka was one of the most influential and 
respected Senators that she served with in her years in the Senate, and remarked about Spilka’s dedication to MetroWest. 

Democratic Town Committee member Adam Freudberg, who is a member of Governor Deval Patrick’s staff, presented Spilka with a proclamation by the Governor, citing her outstanding record of service to Metrowest, and to Framingham. 

State Rep. Chris Walsh presented Spilka with a proclamation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and recited a humorous poem that he and fellow Framingham State Rep. Tom Sannicandro wrote for her special occasion. 

Outgoing  Framingham Selectmen Chair Dennis Giombetti presented a proclamation to the Senator from his Board.

Giombetti was also honored with thanks from the Framingham Democratic Town Committee in remarks by Town Committee Chair Tom Mahoney.

Following that special ceremony, the breakfast attendees get a chance to hear from several candidates for state and local office.

Among the attendees were Don Berwick, a candidate for Governor; Lt. Governor candidates Leland Cheung, a City councilman and venture capitalist from Cambridge; and James Arena-DeRosa, an ex-USDA and Peace Corps official; Secretary of the Commonwealth Bill Galvin, a candidate for reelection; Governor’s Council candidates Robert Jubinville, a candidate for reelection and Bart Timilty; State Representative candidate Brian LeFort, a Framingham Precinct 3 resident, and Rep. Chris Walsh’s Legislative Aide, who is running for the seat currently held by Tom Conroy; Carmine Gentile, a Sudbury resident who is also running for the Conroy seat; and Middlesex Clerk of Courts, Michael Sullivan, a candidate for Middlesex County District Attorney.

In addition to those candidates, there were presentations by Selectman candidate Cheryl Tully Stoll, a lifelong Framingham resident who is running for Selectman, and a variety of other candidates running uncontested for several offices.

Finally, a new slate of officers was elected for a two-year term.
They were Jerry Desilets as chair; Beverly Hugo as vice chair, Melvin Warshaw as treasurer,  Barbara LeDuc as secretary and Jeffrey Cox as outreach coordinator.
 
An opening on the Democratic Town Committee has been created by a resignation of a member, and interested registered Framingham Democrats may attend the April 13 meeting and be nominated to run for that position. Interested people are encouraged to write to the Committee’s secretary, Leduc at bleduc420@rcn.com for more details. That meeting is scheduled for the  Community Room of the Framingham Green located at 136 Maynard Rd. at 7 p.m.