As reported in the Hopkinton Independent, the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) has decided not to caucus this year.
>> RELATED: Exploiting Loophole, Democrats Make Plans to Caucus
The HDTC experienced criticism from multiple residents following their decision to schedule a nomination caucus, in defiance of the passage of Article 2 at the Special Town Meeting (STM) in November, which eliminated partisan local elections. Although the measure was approved at STM, the Home Rule Petition has stalled in the Massachusetts Senate, making it technically legal for the parties to caucus in the 2024 election cycle. The confusion prompted State Representative James Arena-DeRosa to write to the Select Board and party leaders to clarify the rules that govern the 2024 election.
According to the Independent, HDTC party members met on Thursday, February 15 and decided to cancel the caucus “so that candidates and voters may focus on the issues rather than on the caucus,” said HDTC Chair Amy Groves. According to HDTC member and former chair Darlene Hayes, it was her motion to cancel the caucus and it was quickly seconded and passed unanimously. “I have wanted to cancel the local caucus for years,” she wrote.
Consequently, candidates for local office must collect 50 signatures on their nomination papers by April 1 to appear on the ballot in May.
Look at Darlene Hayes sitting right in the middle of the HDTC “meeting.” If people don’t think she is still in power with the HDTC, pay attention, she still is very much in control of that group.
Her comment that she wanted to cancel the local caucuses for years is ridiculous. You don’t use 24 plus pseudonyms to defame a unenrolled candidate if you aren’t wanting your Democrat candidates to win.
Absolutely nothing has changed and the HDTC continues to allow her to operate within this group.
It is up to us, the voters, to keep them out of power. We need good candidates to run so we can finally end the madness
It isn’t hard to determine what party a candidate is affiliated with. After the recent behavior of the Democrats, I will not endorse anyone supported by them. I have historically voted for whom I believed was the best candidate for a given position, but I cannot, in good conscience, continue to do so.
I’m glad they had a change of heart and are aligning their actions with how the town voted but I can’t help but think it’s only because they got caught trying to weasel in their caucus. There are some fabulous democrats in this town but the actions of the HDTC over the past few years has tarnished their “brand” .
All excellent points. This is yet another situation where we can thank HopNews for making us all aware of their plans to caucus, thus thumbing their nose at the voters. After all, what do we ignorant residents know, anyway? Better to let our Overlords decide for us. There are many excellent Democrats in this town. This is not about politics. It is about respecting democracy and listening to the voters. Sounds like the HDTC needs some fresh blood and perhaps a change of leadership. Or was the resignation of the former Chair simply “window dressing” and nothing has really changed?
Have you pulled papers yet?
I respect their decision, though, like Kristin, I feel as though this is an attempt to “save face.” But what these images conjure up for me are the following:
Having DH still in a power position after all the harm that’s she caused is MIND BOGGLING.
The fact that DH is still and has always been active on social media at community events acting(emphasis on ACTING) like a power player is MIND BOGGLING.
MK is way more toxic than people assume and the fact that many don’t realize this is MIND BOGGLING.
Lastly, with the way politics is heading in this town, she’ll be fully nominated for citizen of the year (LOL)