Middleboro Democratic Caucus 2/2/08

On Saturday, February 2, 2008, I attended the Middleboro Democratic
Caucus held in the Meeting Room of the Middleboro Public Library
on the Lower Level.

Returning from the first floor restroom, I encountered a young man who
was peering through the windows of the closed doors of the Library
Meeting Room.

Knowing that there was a meeting scheduled after the Democratic
Caucus, I identified the meeting to the young man.

He explained that he was curious about the caucus process and wanted
to watch it.

Having reviewed the information posted on the Massachusetts Democratic
Party's web site, I explained to him that he was welcomed to observe, but
could only vote if he was a registered Democrat.

Although the meeting had already begun, others had been registered
and seated late, so his tardiness didn't seem to be an issue.

He indicated that couldn't recall how he had registered -- whether
Democrat or Unenrolled, but entered the room with me to observe.

He approached the table at the rear where the Chairman Tom Maguire's
wife, Pauline was seated.

When he explained to her that he was unsure of how he had registered,
she informed him that the meeting was ONLY for registered Democrats
and he couldn't stay.

The young man immediately departed.

Mrs. Maguire did not have a voters' list available to review voter registration.


To that young man:
I am sorry that I didn't immediately step forward to
protest your exclusion and defend your interest in the process.



That someone or anyone with an interest in the process should be turned
away is troublesome.

That a public facility was used in such a fashion should force consideration
of policy.

That the Democratic Party would be represented in this fashion is unacceptable.

I have attended other public meetings at the Public Library and have never
observed ANYONE excluded from meetings.

At a recent CFO Meeting at which Rep. Tom Calter spoke, Brian Giovanoni,
Chairman of CRAC, Hal Brown, editor of Casino Fiends, and Diane Bassett,
among others, all ardent casino supporters were welcomed, treated with
respect and encouraged to ask questions.



In the past, I have commented to the current DTC Chairman that lack of publicly
posting meetings and speakers does not encourage attendance.

The Town's elected officials have spoken at DTC meetings to small gatherings
because of lack of publicity.

Town voters have asked me how and when they can hear their elected officials
speak. And many have complained to me about inadequate public information.


Sadly, the Democratic Town Committee has become a secret club that seeks
to exclude the public. Is this the way it's supposed to be?