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The Barnstable Democratic Town Committee sent eight delegates to the 2025 State
Democratic Convention held on Saturday, September 13 th at Springfield’s MassMutual
Center. Over three thousand people attended. The main task of the Convention was to fine-tune and approve the 2025 Democratic Platform, an aspirational—and inspirational (!)— guide for goals and advocacy for the next four years. This year more than 2000 delegates and volunteers
made the convention a memorable experience, especially for newbies.
On Friday evening, Springfield’s White Lion Brewing Company hosted a boisterous
event of music, beer, and greetings from party leaders who highlighted the next day’s
sessions.
Although Saturday morning began calmly enough with breakfast with Senator Ed
Markey, with Congressman Seth Moulton, and with welcoming remarks from several
of our Constitutional officers and legislators, the rest of the Convention was definitely
NOT calm.
Delegates already knew that many Democrats were strongly opposed to the content
and tone of the proposed 2025 Platform and had been actively gathering support for
restoring many of the action items contained in the 2021 Platform—single-payer health
care, progressive taxation, support for immigrants’ rights, voting reforms such as same-
day registration and ranked choice voting. Advocates for restoring the 2021 Platform
spoke up vehemently. Finally, in the midst of a chaotic hour of yelling, booing, and
shouts of “Let us vote!”, the delegates voted to amend the 2025 platform by substituting
the 2021 Platform. Then, the convention voted to approve several additional
amendments—collective bargaining rights, LGBTQ+ rights and protections, health/sex
education, support for a climate change superfund, empowering young residents, and
opposing surveillance on public transit. Amazingly, at the final vote which adopted the
Platform as amended, 2000+ Democrats and their leaders appeared to be positive,
upbeat, and on the same page!
Thanks to the Barnstable Democrats who represented us in Springfield, carefully
considering our Party’s goals, values, and path to the future: Debra Dagwan, Ralph
Dagwan, Wendy Bierwirth, Carole Young-Kleinfeld, Asia Graves, Paul Shoemaker,
Owen Fletcher, and Joe Taccogna.

A few personal impressions:

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Wendy Bierwirth: "Glad that delegates approved a more detailed and progressive
platform than what was originally proposed and thankful that both the Convention
officers and delegates were conversant with Robert’s Rules of Order!"

Paul Shoemaker: "The State Democratic Convention was a great opportunity to network
with people from other towns on Cape as well as around the Commonwealth. Being
able to speak directly to our Reps and Senators all in one location was amazing. Also
taking part in the Platform acceptance process was very informative and reaffirming of
our shared liberal values as Democrats!"

Carole Young-Kleinfeld: "Order out of chaos!"

Debra and Ralph Dagwan: "We’ve attended the conventions for many years and are
always glad to meet with our state officials, but we’re sorry that more of them couldn’t
attend in person this year instead making virtual presentations to the convention. Also,
thanks to Owen for being a “teller”. There should be a way to make his job of tallying his
delegation’s votes easier, considering the noise and confusion surrounding all of us that
day."

Asia Graves:  "I loved it! It was democracy in action. Engaging with young Democrats is so important for our country’s future. Standing up for our principles makes us Massachusetts!"

Joe Taccogna: "While I am sure leadership did not expect the result we got, it was great to see the level of engagement shown by the delegates in the debate over the platform and submitted amendments.  There was a lot of passion on display and, in the end, a healthy dose of common sense prevailed.  We ended up with a platform the delegates could get behind - and that's a good thing!"

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Links for the 2025 Platform As Amended
and final