Mission
The Ward 5 Democratic Committee is responsible for the affairs of the Democratic Party in Ward 5. In this capacity, we endorse candidates, participate in campaigns, present public forums, and perform many other interesting functions.
If you'd like to learn more, please moc.liamg|notsob5draw#hcuot ni teg or join us at our next Committee Meeting: February 14, 7p; First Church in Boston, at the corner of Marlborough and Berkeley.
Contributions to the Committee can be made here.
Ward 5 Dems Endorse Elizabeth Warren for US Senate
Congratulations to Elizabeth Warren for receiving the Committee's endorsement at the January meeting. The Committee would like to thank Senate candidate Jim King and Elizabeth's Statewide Field Coordinator Matt Patton for coming to speak with us.
Caucus coming up on February 18
Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee Sets Date and Agenda for Gathering to Select Delegates to State Convention
BOSTON—January 2, 2012—The Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee today announced the date for the 2012 ward caucus, which will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the First Church in Boston, located at 66 Marlborough Street in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. All registered democrats who live in Boston’s Ward 5, which includes portions of the neighborhoods of Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Fenway, South End, Bay Village and Chinatown, are invited to attend the caucus.
The caucus will select delegates that will represent the ward in the 2012 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention, which will be held on June 2, 2012 in Springfield. The City of Boston is divided into wards, and each ward selects delegates to attend the convention. Residents can determine their ward by visiting the City of Boston voter registration search site at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/elections/voter/.
“With a U.S. Senate election, a Presidential election, and a host of other activities, 2012 will be a very busy year for democrats throughout Massachusetts, and Boston’s Ward 5 will continue to stand out as being comprised of a very active group of democrats,” said Josh Dawson, chairman of the Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee. “At the same time, we are a very open and inviting group, and the caucus is an excellent opportunity to become involved in the process.”
Election Results
State Rep. Will Brownsberger won the primary to be the Democratic nominee in the upcoming Special Election to the State Senate. The Ward 5 Democratic Committee did not make an endorsement in this primary.
The general election will take place on January 10. Brownsberger will be running unopposed.
State Senate Forum plus US Senate Candidate at 11/15 Meeting
The Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee welcomes U.S. Senate candidate Marisa DeFranco as well as the five candidates running in the State Senate special election primary for the 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex district. All will appear at the next meeting of the committee, which is scheduled for this Tuesday, November 15, at 7 p.m. at the First Church in Boston, at the corner of Marlborough and Berkeley Streets in the Back Bay.
November 8 Municipal Election is in the Books!
The Committee extends its congratulations to all of the candidates elected during this past Tuesday's election. The Ward Committee's three endorsed candidates for At Large City Council (Pressley, Connolly, and Arroyo) finished one-two-three in Ward 5. In addition, the city-wide vote winner, Ayanna Pressley, won all but two precincts in Ward 5. Although unsuccessful in her bid for District City Councilor, Ward 5 endorsed candidate Suzanne Lee came within 100 votes, and fared extremely well in 5-1, the only Ward 5 precinct where she was running.
Committee Endorsements for the November 8 Municipal Election
The Committee has voted with a two-thirds majority to endorse the following candidates:
City of Boston, City Council At-large
City of Boston, City Council District 8
City of Boston, City Council District 2
Don't forget to vote!
Ward 5 Dems Get to Work!
The Committee has scheduled the following events in support of our endorsed candidates. Please moc.liamg|notsob5draw#hcuot ni eb to get involved.
- Phone Banks:
- Tuesday, October 25 … Done!
- Thursday, October 28 … Done!
- Tuesday, November 1 … Done!
- Lit Drop GOTV Weekend, Saturday, November 5, 10a, Starbucks at Beacon and Charles
- Poll Dressing, Monday, November 7, 8p, Charles and Mt. Vernon
On election day, Committee members are released to work on any campaign they like. Ward 5 committee members and supporters will be all over the city on election day!
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| W5ers TCB! |
Statement of Support for Occupy Boston
As adopted at the 10/18/11 Meeting and transmitted to Occupy Boston via email:
"Occupy Boston has demonstrated the importance and value of standing up to deeply entrenched interests whose actions have negatively influenced the lives of most Americans. We admire Occupy Boston's courage and fortitude and we stand shoulder to shoulder with them in their fight for justice."
Thanks to our Speakers at the 10/18/11 Meeting
The Committee was addressed by US Senate candidate and current State Rep. Tom Conroy, who received a glowing introduction from Committee member State Rep. Marty Walz. Rep. Conroy discussed his Vietnam era childhood, business background, legislative efforts, and hopes for the future in making his case for the US Senate nomination.
The Committee was also addressed by State Senate candidate and current State Rep. Jon Hecht.
Annual Reception Featuring Treasurer Steve Grossman
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| State Treasurer Steve Grossman |
On Thursday, September 15, State Treasurer Steve Grossman joined us at Lir for our Annual Reception. Steve thanked the Committee for giving him his first endorsement and "breaking the logjam". He then spoke about some of the issues that he's been working hard on, including his program to bring state savings to local banks in exchange for accelerated lending to Massachusetts small businesses.
Several office holders and candidates sent their regrets and several others were fortunately able to attend: State Representative and candidate for US Senate Tom Conroy, candidate for US Senate Marisa DeFranco, and candidate for US Senate Herb Robinson.
The Committee members thanked our Chair, Josh Dawson, and Elected Member Patrick McDonough for their efforts in organizing this very engaging and successful event.
Suzanne Lee Earns W5D Endorsement
Thanks to all of our guest speakers at the September meeting, and congratulations to District 2 City Council Candidate Suzanne Lee for earning our endorsement!
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| Suzanne Lee |
Our other guests, in the order they appeared:
City Councillor Ayanna Pressley
City Councillor Tito Jackson
District 7 City Council Candidate Sheneal Parker
City Councillor Mike Ross
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Boston City Council At-Large Candidates Debate Broadcast Schedule
The Ward 5 sponsored forum of June 21 will be broadcast on BNN News & Info Channel (Comcast 9, RCN 15) and simultaneously streamed online at bnntv.org per the following schedule:
Friday 7/15/11 @ 6p
Sunday 7/17/11 @ 9a
Monday 7/18/11 @ 7p
Tuesday 7/19/11 @ 3:30p
Thursday 7/21/11 @ 9a
Boston City Council At-Large Candidates Debate At Ward 5 Forum June 21
The Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee hosted a candidates' forum for those vying to become At-Large Boston City Councilors. David Bernstein, reporter for the Boston Phoenix, moderated the forum.
Incumbents Stephen Murphy, Felix Arroyo, and John Connolly and challengers Michael Flaherty, William Dorcena, and Sean Ryan attended. Ayanna Pressley, also an incumbent, was not able to attend as she was attending to a family emergency. Councilors Connolly, Arroyo, and Pressley received the Committee's endorsement.
The Forum was recorded for broadcast by the Boston Neighborhood Network and was covered by numerous outlets, including Universal Hub, Dorchester Reporter, Boston Courant, and The Boston Phoenix.
The Committee would like to thank the candidates for their participation and everyone who helped make the event a success, and would like to make special note of the efforts of Elections Subcommittee Chair Winthrop Roosevelt.
The City of Boston Elections Department has scheduled a preliminary municipal election on September 27 and a general municipal election for November 8. The Boston Ward 5 Democratic Committee urges all residents to register to vote in the upcoming elections.
Ward 5 Democratic Committee Issues Re-Districting and Re-Precincting Letter
Thanks to the leadership of Subcommittee Chair Fran Burke and the hard work of all of the members of the Subcommittee on Re-Districting and Re-Precincting, we are able to issue a letter to our elected officials and other interested parties urging the following:
- The re-precincting exemption for Boston should be discarded.
- Boston should be re-precincted as soon as possible.
The letter is available online here.
Thanks to our Speaker at the 5/18/11 Meeting
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Boston At Large City Councillor Felix Arroyo joined us to speak about his excellent work in his first year in office, and his plans for the future.
Boston District City Councillor Mike Ross was also on hand, and we appreciate him taking the time to visit with us.
Ward 5 Health Care Forum
Neighbors, government officials, and local experts gathered to discuss one of the most pressing issues of the day relevant to all Massachusetts residents, including working families, young adults, and the elderly.
FEDERAL HEALTHCARE REFORM IN MASSACHUSETTS … WHAT’S NEXT?
Featuring Dr. JudyAnn Bigby, M.D., Secretary of Health and Human Services for Massachusetts.
Opening Remarks from James Roosevelt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tufts Health Plan.
Representative Byron Rushing moderated a discussion with panelists Elmer Freeman, Executive Director of Northeastern University’s Center for Community Health Education, Research and Service, and Glen Shor, Executive Director of the Health Connector, the independent state agency tasked with helping Massachusetts residents find health insurance.
This non-partisan event was organized by Boston’s Ward 5 Democratic Committee, Shelia Martin, Chairperson, Public Policy Forum Subcommittee.
Ward 5 Shows Appreciation for 20 Year Members
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| Fran Burke | Helen Cox |
At the March 15, 2011 meeting, the Ward presented certificates to the 20 year members in appreciation for their commitment to the Ward Committee and the community.
Results of 2/19/11 Caucus
US Senator John Kerry celebrating the successful caucus with hard working and happy W5ers
From left to right: Josh Dawson, Senator John Kerry, Joe Panfil, Sarah Wenig, George Alex, Ross Levanto, Jay Livingstone, Jay Youmans, Dave Greenwold
The Boston Ward 5 Democratic Caucus took place on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at the First Church in Boston. Several public office holders and candidates were present: John Kerry, US Senator; Sonia Chang-Diaz, State Senator for the 2d Suffolk District; Marty Walz, State Representative for the 8th Suffolk District; Byron Rushing, State Representative for the 9th Suffolk District; Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councillor at large; and Suzanne Lee, candidate for Boston City Council, District 2.
| Delegates | |
| Female | Male |
| Pat Amend | George Alex |
| Mary Clayton-Crozier | Mike Dash |
| Helen Cox | Dave Greenwold |
| Kate Gallivan | Ross Levanto |
| Valerie Hunt | Jay Livingstone |
| Kathy Judge | Pat McDonough |
| Yashima Pepin | Rajan Nanda |
| Toby Rodman | Winthrop Roosevelt |
| Sarah Wenig | Greg Timilty |
| Diana Wogan | Rob Whitney |
| Ali Zaltman | Jay Youmans |
| Male/Female Delegate | |
| Shelia Martin | |
| Alternates | |
| Female | Male |
| 1. Fran Burke | 1. Rich Davey |
| 2. Cheryl Cronin | 2. Peter Flynn |
Delegates and Alternates: Click to register for the convention.
2010 Holiday Party a Great Success
Thanks go out to Boston City Council President Mike Ross for speaking and all other officials and guests who stopped by!
Thanks to Our Speaker at the 11/16/10 Meeting
- John Walsh, Chair of the state Democratic Party, shared his thoughts on the recent election and how we can build on our success.
Results for the 11/2/10 election
The results were great here in Massachusetts. Congratulations to all of our candidates, campaign workers, and volunteers!
Complete results will be available here once they are certified: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/
Statewide Ballot Questions Endorsement Meeting, 10/19/10
The committee voted to endorse a NO vote on all three ballot questions.
US House of Representatives Endorsement Meeting, 9/7/10
The committee voted to endorse:
- Rep. Mike Capuano (incumbent, MA-08)
- Mac D'Alessandro (challenger, MA-09)
District Level Endorsement Meeting, 6/15/10
The committee wishes to thank all the candidates who attended the meeting. Candidates in attendance (in alphabetical order): Sheriff Andrea Cabral, Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, Rep. Byron Rushing, Rep. Marty Walz, and Hassan Williams.
Following the candidate presentations, the Committee voted to endorse:
Suffolk County Sheriff
Suffolk District District Attorney
Representative in General Court
- Eighth Suffolk District: Rep. Marty Walz
- Ninth Suffolk District: Rep. Byron Rushing
- Third Suffolk District: Rep. Aaron Michlewitz
Senator in General Court
- Second Suffolk District: Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz
- First Suffolk & Middlesex District: Sen. Anthony Petruccelli
- Second Suffolk & Middlesex District: Sen. Steven Tolman
Governor's Council
- Sixth District: Terry Kennedy
MA State Democratic Party Convention
The Convention was a great time. Ward 5ers certainly made their presence felt on Friday night (Saturday too!). Congratulations go out to all of our excellent candidates.
Town Hall Meeting with Governor Deval Patrick, 5/24/2010
The committee wishes to thank the Governor and all of the active citizens who made the time for this event. The committee would also like to thank the Boston Architectural College for once again being such gracious hosts.
Statewide Candidate's Forum, 5/18/10
The committee wishes to thank all the candidates who attended the forum, which was hosted by the Democratic Committees from Boston Wards 5 and 19. Candidates who attended were: Lt. Governor Tim Murray, Mike Lake, Suzanne Bump, and Steve Grossman.
The committee would also like to thank the Boston Architectural College for being wonderful neighbors and graciously allowing us to use their auditorium for the event.
Following the Forum, the Committee voted to endorse:
Governor
Lt. Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Thanks to Our Speakers at the 4/20/10 Meeting
- Sonia Chang-Diaz discussed some highlights from her time in the MA Senate and took questions
- Mathew Helman spoke on behalf of Mac D'Alessandro, declared candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 9
Congratulations to our newly elected leadership 3/16/10
Chair: Joshua Dawson
First Vice Chair: Shelia Martin
Second Vice Chair: James Livingstone
Secretary: Ross Levanto
Treasurer: Gregory Timilty
Executive Board (in addition to the above): Frances Burke, David Greenwold, Rajan Nanda, Rep. Marty Walz (ex officio), Kenzie Bok (ex officio)
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| Outgoing Chair Rob Whitney | New Chair Josh Dawson |
Results of 2/20/10 Caucus
The Boston Ward 5 Democratic Caucus took place on Saturday, February 20, 2010, beginning at 9:30 am, at the Community Church of Boston, 565 Boylston Street. Over fifty people were in attendance. Several candidates for public office were also present, including: Marty Walz, State Representative for the 8th Suffolk District; Byron Rushing, State Representative for the 9th Suffolk District; Dan Conley, Suffolk County District Attorney; Andrea Cabral, Suffolk County Sherriff; and Mike Lake, candidate for State Auditor. Also attending was Barbara Grossman, wife of Steve Grossman, candidate for State Treasurer.
| Delegates | |
| Female | Male |
| Patricia Amend | George Alex |
| Sydney Asbury | Rich Davey |
| Fran Burke | Mike George |
| Suzanne Comtois | David Greenwold |
| Mary Clayton-Crozier | Ross Levanto |
| Kate Gallivan | Jay Livingstone |
| Kristine Glynn | Rajan Nanda |
| Elizabeth Leary | Greg Timilty |
| Shelia Martin | Michael Wasserman |
| Judee Shupe | Rob Whitney |
| Diana Wogan | |
| Female or Male | |
| Pat McDonough | |
| Alternates | |
| Female | Male |
| 1. Alysia Ordway | 1. Winthrop Roosevelt |
| 2. Jane Willis | 2. Peter True |
Delegates and Alternates: Click to register for the convention.
Thanks to Our Speakers at the 2/16/10 Meeting
- Suzanne Bump spoke concerning her candidacy for State Auditor
- Sydney Asbury, Deval Patrick's re-election campaign manager, discussed the Governor's record of success and opportunities to help with the campaign
Thanks to Our Speakers at the 1/26/10 Meeting
- Ayanna Pressley spoke about her activities as our new At-Large City Councillor
- Matt O'Malley spoke on behalf of Steve Grossman, candidate for State Treasurer
- Mike Lake spoke concerning his candidacy for State Auditor
Results for the 1/19/10 election
US Senator for Massachusetts
- Scott Brown
2009 Holiday Party … Happy New Year!
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Results for the 12/8/09 election
US Senator for Massachusetts, Democratic Primary
- Attorney General Martha Coakley
Endorsements for the 12/8/09 election
US Senator for Massachusetts, Democratic Primary
- No endorsement
Results for the 11/3/09 election
City of Boston, Mayor
City of Boston, City Council At-large
- Councillor John Connolly
- Councillor Stephen Murphy
- Councillor Ayanna Pressley
- Councillor Felix Arroyo
City of Boston, City Council District 8
City of Boston, City Council District 2
Endorsements for the 11/3/09 election
City of Boston, Mayor
City of Boston, City Council District 8
City of Boston, City Council At-large
