By Gary Davis
Delegates from the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee (LDTC) attended the September 19 Massachusetts Democratic “Action Agenda” Convention in Springfield, which focused on key progressive issues such as income inequality and opportunity, voting rights, women’s rights, the contribution of unions, the Massachusetts progressive legacy, organizing for the grassroots success, and the 2016 presidential campaign.
The LDTC delegation was energized by the range of progressive issues highlighted during the convention and studied more in depth at the break-out sessions for subjects including voting rights, income inequality, and grassroots organizing strategies. The convention delegation elected by the LDTC consisted of Sharon Antia, Graham Atkin, Peter Georgiou, Mari Haass, Peter Pease, John Santa, Brigid Sheehan, Barbara Slayter and Gary Davis.
The enthusiastic convention crowd was treated to stirring speeches by U.S. Sens. Markey and Warren and new Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. Each of them addressed the convention theme that, given the growth of the economy over the past several years, working-class income has remained stagnant. Sen. Markey reminded delegates of our legacy as national leaders and challenged delegates that we have more work to do. Sen. Warren enthusiastically spoke of core values, encouraged delegates to fight for those values, and chided Republican candidates for their recent threats to shut down the government as had been so disastrous in 2013.
The 2016 Democratic presidential candidates were represented by some well-known surrogates since the candidates were busy campaigning in New Hampshire. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean’s inspirational comments described Hillary Clinton as the most qualified candidate with the most thorough grasp of both domestic and foreign policy. National Nurses United Co-president Karen Higgins referred to the growing national support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders’ populist message. Boston City Councilor Matt O’Malley spoke of the accomplishments of another candidate, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (apparently no relation). Each speaker was reinforced by their candidate’s enthusiastic supporters.
The convention approved several resolutions including support for a fair carbon pricing legislative bill—“An Act Combating Climate Change” developed by Lincoln’s state Sen. Michael Barrett. Another resolution supported the “We The People Act” to overturn the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision as endorsed last spring by Lincoln residents at Town Meeting.
The convention also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act while denouncing trends in conservative states aimed at suppressing voting, particularly for minorities and students.
Topics covered in the convention will be presented by the delegates at an LDTC meeting open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Bemis Hall.
Gary Davis is the chair of the Democratic Town Committee.
