Dems meeting focuses on campaign

Chatham Dems took key steps in getting ready for the 2023 campaign:

• Members began forming a Campaign Committee that will guide the effort between now and November 7, Election Day. Initial members are the nine who served as a Nominating Committee, plus the candidates who were endorsed by that committee and formally nominated by the Democratic caucus.

• President Cindy Bobseine announced that Judi Matthews has been nominated to replace Angus Eaton as Treasurer. As a candidate for Town Board, Eaton could no longer serve as Treasurer, who, among other duties, approves campaign income and expenses, Bobseine said. Beth Slotter has been named to succeed Matthews as Secretary. These changes will be voted on at the next Dems meeting June 20.

• Discussed collaterals to be used in the campaign, such as yard signs and palm cards.

• Events coordinator Betsy Winters-Russell led a discussion of key events to be held, including a major presence at Chatham’s Summer Fest on July 8 and a big all-members picnic to be held September 23 or 24. The Events committee will flesh out this schedule in coming weeks.

Dems discussed the Preservation Plan that the Town Board is developing. One piece of it, a real estate transfer tax to pay for preservation activities, will be on the ballot in November as a referendum. Several Chatham Dems have been involved in preparing the Preservation Plan, especially Rick Werwaiss, a Town Board member.