March 2024 Meeting Minutes

Meeting started at 6:30 p.m.

Liz Bradt mentioned there are several subcommittees that are currently unstaffed. They are Bylaws, Resource Development, Coordinated Campaigns, and Membership Development. Members who are interested are encouraged to join any of these committees to advance the goals of the SDCC.

Speakers

Tyler Carlton of the Massachusetts Democratic Committee spoke. He noted the MDC is the largest Democratic body in the U.S., except for the Democratic National Committee.

March 29 is the deadline to apply for an add-on seats to the state committee.

Lydia King of Solidarity Rising spoke about SHINE (Supporting Housing Initiatives for Neighborhood Equity). SHINE is an initiative to prioritize legislation to increase density and make Salem more affordable and walkable. SHINE capitalizes on recent legislation that changed to Massachusetts zoning laws, requiring only a simple majority vote on the city council for nine designated zoning initiatives, as opposed to the traditional two-

thirds majority.

Schuyler Ward, who is a coach at Salem High School, spoke about an initiative to provide universal screening for learning disabilities in Salem schools. He noted that currently 8% of Salem High School students are dyslexic.

Andy Varela, Salem City Counselor and chair of the Government Services Committee, spoke about ranked choice voting (RCV). If the City Council doesn’t put RCV on the ballot in November, it would require getting 5,000signatures. Following a ballot question, the next step would be for the city to submit a home rule petition to the

legislature.

New Business

The reorganization meeting to elect new officers in April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at 135 Lafayette St.

RCV educational meeting is April 13 at 5:00 p.m.at 135 Lafayette St.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Minutes taken by Bruce Cohen, Secretary.