DRAFT REVISED BYLAWS BROCKTON DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE APRIL 2019
PREAMBLE
We, the members of the Brockton Democratic City Committee, in common purpose with the State and National Democratic Charters, are united in seeking for our City, State, Nation and all peoples, individual and political freedoms, and social and economic justice. We affirm that we can best attain these goals through a strong, cohesive party-honest, open and accessible to all, and steadfast in the idea that our people have the ability to govern themselves. Following the State and National Democratic Charters, we acknowledge that a political party which wishes to lead must listen to those it would lead, a party which asks for the people’s trust must prove that it trusts the people and a party which hopes to call forth the best that the City can achieve must embody the best of the City’s and the State’s heritage and traditions. The Democratic Party demands responsibility and accountability from candidates and officials using its name. It shall be a party within which all social, economic, ethnic and geographic groups can gather to clarify issues, affect public policies and implement systems of equal opportunity regardless of race, national origin, creed, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. It shall be receptive to new solutions to social and political problems. It shall promote the election and appointment of Democrats to public office. In office, the Democratic Party shall act as a coordinator and mediator among the various governing agencies of towns, cities, counties and the Commonwealth; out of office, it shall act as a reasonable opposition, a channel for legitimate dissent. To these ends, we pledge ourselves to leadership in the democratic society through these By-Laws of the Brockton Democratic City Committee.
Article I. NAME
Section 1.01 The name of the organization is The Brockton Democratic City Committee (hereinafter “City Committee”).
Article II. PURPOSES
Section 2.01 The City Committee is organized and constituted under the authority of and in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 51-55 inclusive and such other applicable chapters of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (hereinafter, “State Laws”) and the Charter of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee (hereinafter, “State Charter”), and will have as its purposes:
(a) To foster and advance the ideals and aims of the Democratic Party in the city of Brockton;
(b) To work and organize for the success of Democratic candidates in the following jurisdictions:
within the city of Brockton;
within Plymouth county;
within the 8th Congressional District;
(iv) within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
(v) within the United States of America.
(c) To take all action necessary and incidental to the building and strengthening of the Democratic Party within the city of Brockton.
Article III. MEMBERSHIP
Section 3.01 The City Committee will consist of members from each of the seven (7) Ward Committees within the City of Brockton. Each Ward Committee will be comprised of no more than thirty-five (35) members or such other number of members established by the Secretary of State under the provisions of law. Ward Committee members will be duly elected by Democrats registered to vote in the City of Brockton in the Presidential Primary and serve for a term of four (4) years, ending on the 30th day following the day on which the Presidential Primary is next held, and until their successors will be organized. Ward Committees membership will also include those members who have been duly elected by said Ward Committees in conformance with the provisions of law.
Section 3.02 In the event that the maximum number of members set forth in Section 3.01 is not elected to any Ward Committee, the Ward Committee may elect additional members, provided that the total number of members does not exceed those specified in Section 3.01. All persons proposed for Ward Committee membership must attend two (2) meetings; after the first meeting, Democratic Party registration will be confirmed with the Brockton Elections Commission. Upon confirmation, the proposed member will be voted on by the Ward Committee at the next meeting attended. All duly elected members of the seven (7) Ward Committees will automatically be members of the City Committee.
Section 3.03 Once a Ward Committee is comprised of the maximum number of members set forth in Section 3.01, it may duly appoint Associate Members from among registered Democrats living in the respective Ward, who will be authorized by vote of the City Committee at any meeting. An Associate Member will not have the right to vote but will have such other powers and duties as the City Committee may determine.
Section 3.04 The City Committee will also elect, as Associate Members, those citizens ages sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) who have pre-registered to vote as Democrats in the City of Brockton in accordance with Chapter 51 of said General Laws.
Section 3.05 Vacancies will be filled by vote of the respective Ward Committees. Associate Members, who are age 18 or older and registered to vote, if any, will be the candidates first considered for the filling of vacancies.
Section 3.06 Any duly elected member of the City Committee who changes residence from the City of Brockton during said four (4) year period will, pursuant to state law, cease to be a member of the City Committee at the end of the calendar year in which said change of residence occurs.
Section 3.07 Any duly elected member of the City Committee who cancels or changes Democratic political party affiliation will immediately cease to be a member of the City Committee.
Section 3.08 Members may be removed pursuant to Article FIVE below and the State Charter.
Article I.
Article IV. ROLE OF MEMBERS
Section 4.01 Elected members of the seven (7) Ward Committees will comprise the entire body of membership of the City Committee.
Section 4.02 Following election of Members, the City Committee will meet to organize and to elect Officers as follows: Chairperson, First Vice Chairperson, Second Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor, Membership Development Coordinator and such other Officers as it may decide to elect.
Section 4.03 Members and Officers, as set forth below, pledge themselves by accepting office to perform their duties diligently and honorably, or to resign.
Section 4.04 Members are encouraged to attend a minimum of 50% of all scheduled Committee meetings and events during a calendar year. At the discretion of the Chairperson, a member who is unable to satisfy this expectation for good cause, such as active military duty, illness, or work commitment, may be excused.
Section 4.05 The City Committee will conduct such activities that are suitable for a political organization, including without limitation, the endorsement of enrolled Democratic candidates in partisan and nonpartisan primaries, preliminaries and elections; the financial support of the City Committee, State Committee and Democratic nominees; the
adoption of resolutions and platforms; the raising and disbursing of funds for political purposes; voter registration campaigns; and the calling of caucuses for the purposes of endorsing candidates, adopting resolutions, or conducting other party business as provided for in the call.
Section 4.06 Pursuant to said State Charter, members are expected to pledge a minimum of forty (40) hours in each two year election cycle to organizing or soliciting financial or grassroots voter support for Democratic candidates, at least half of which will be in the general election time period. NOTE: Public Employees, forbidden by state law from soliciting political contributions, are exempt from soliciting financial voter support, however, they are expected to perform other tasks to satisfy the 40-hour participation requirement.
Article V. REMOVAL OF MEMBERS
Section 5.01 Pursuant to the State Charter and these By-Laws, which guarantee adequate notice and due process, a quorum being present at a duly called meeting, members of the City Committee and/or Ward Committees may be removed from membership by a 2/3 vote of those present and voting, for
(a) Public endorsement or support of any political candidate in a partisan election whose announced intention is to oppose the nominee of
the Democratic Party which nominee publicly supports the majority of the platform of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most recent State and National Democratic Conventions. NOTE: A member, for whom a long and deeply held belief would be violated by support of the Democratic nominee, will not be removed under this section;
(b) Actions which constitute public endorsement or support of a non-Democrat candidate, as set forth in Section 5.01(a), will include any
(i) Campaign contribution,
(ii) Serving as a campaign official, or
(iii) Placing of a lawn sign;
(c) Unauthorized use of the Democratic Party name or resources;
(d) Following exhaustion of all appeals, conviction of a criminal offense other than a misdemeanor.
Section 5.02 A member must be given an opportunity to resign before notice of the hearing on the question of removal is given to the membership of the City Committee.
Section 5.03 If the respective Ward or City Committee refuses to act upon or remove a member duly charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial Council, a subcommittee of the Massachusetts State Democratic Party. A member removed under this section shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council, and the vacancy may not be filled in such case until the final decision of the Judicial Council is made.
Article VI. OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
Section 6.01 Officers of the City Committee will consist of the following:
(a) Chairperson
(b) First Vice Chairperson
(c) Second Vice Chairperson
(d) Secretary
(e) Assistant Secretary
(f) Treasurer
(g) Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor
(h) Membership Development Coordinator
Section 6.02 The City Committee organizational meeting will be held every two (2) years, shortly after the Presidential Primary in accordance with applicable statutes, or not later than April 15 in non-presidential election years.
Section 6.03 Prior to the election of officers at the organizational meeting, members will receive notice thereof not less than thirty days before to the meeting.
Section 6.04 The Chairperson will ask three (3) members to volunteer to serve on the Elections Committee at the meeting immediately prior to the organizational meeting (which is usually the first meeting of the calendar year) or a meeting at which a Special Election will be held pursuant to Section 6.11 below. Elections Committee Members will run elections; as such, they will not be eligible to run for office while serving thereon. The Elections Committee will dissolve upon the adjournment of the organizational meeting or meeting at which a Special Election is held.
Section 6.05 At the organizational meeting, Officers will be duly elected for a term of two (2) years by paper ballot and by a majority vote of those members present and voting.
Section 6.06 Any member who nominates a member to be an officer of the City Committee or a Ward Committee, and any nominee to be an officer of the City Committee or a Ward Committee, must be in compliance with Section 4.04 hereof.
Section 6.07 The Assistant Secretary will determine the eligibility of a nominator or a nominee by consulting attendance records and other relevant information, prior to the casting of votes by members.
Section 6.08 In the event a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes on the first ballot, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will engage in a runoff for election by paper ballot.
Section 6.09 There will be an Executive Board consisting of the Officers listed in Section 6.01 above who are duly elected by the City Committee, and the seven Chairpersons duly elected by the respective seven Ward Committees.
(a) The Officers of the Executive Board will be the same as the City Committee Officers and will serve in the same roles and responsibilities.
(b) The Executive Board will meet regularly to review and plan City Committee operations.
(c) The Executive Board will have the power to act upon all matters pertaining to the City Committee which arise between City Committee meetings.
(d) The Executive Board will maintain the City Committee’s Internet and Social Media presence pursuant to ARTICLE X below.
Section 6.10 In the event of the death, resignation or permanent removal of the Chairperson, the First Vice Chairperson will assume the position of the Chairperson, and the Second Vice Chairperson will assume the position of First Vice Chairperson.
Section 6.11 In the event of a vacancy requiring a Special Election, the Secretary will notify forthwith the membership of the existence of a vacancy in the office of Second Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor, and/or Membership Development Coordinator, and the date, time and location of a Special Election to fill the vacancy, which will take place not less than thirty days nor more than forty five days from the date of mailing of said notice. The Special Election will be held by paper ballot in accordance with Sections 6.04 to 6.08 inclusive. The Officer(s) elected at the Special Election will serve for the balance of the term of the replaced Officer(s).
Section 6.12 A statement of changes in the Officers of the Committee (OCPF 101 wtc) will be sent immediately after the change is effective by the Secretary of the City Committee to (1) the Secretary of the Commonwealth, (2) the Secretary of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, (3) the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (“OCPF) and (4) the Brockton Elections Commission, as required by applicable state statute and regulation.
Section 6.13 In the event of the death, resignation or permanent removal of the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor or Membership Development Coordinator, or the inability or unwillingness of the First Vice Chairperson or Second Vice Chairperson to assume a position in accordance with Section 6.10 above, the vacated office will be declared vacant and to be filled by a Special Election in accordance with Section 6.11 above.
Section 6.14 Duties of the Chairperson
(a) In addition to the duties required by law, the Chairperson will call and preside at City Committee meetings, and be responsible for the general charge and supervision of all City Committee activities.
(b) The Chairperson will have the power to appoint standing committees and such other special committees as are created from time to time.
(c) The Chairperson will have the power to call all regular and special meetings of the City Committee at such time or times as seem to be advisable, subject only to the vote of the City Committee in fixing the number of regular meetings to be held in the course of a year.
(d) The Chairperson will work with Democratic elected officials and candidates at all levels to develop a ‘Get Out the Vote’ strategy with City Committee members to enhance the election of Democratic candidates within Brockton, within Massachusetts and within the United State of America.
(e) The Chairperson will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new Chairperson the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy, including
without limitation, transferal of the post office box key and email address access information.
Section 6.15 Duties of the First Vice Chairperson
(a) The First Vice Chairperson will preside at all meetings of the City Committee in the absence of the Chairperson.
(b) The First Vice Chairperson will keep track of physical property of the City Committee, such as the banner, gavel, sound system, table covers, paper goods, and flatware, and other meeting materials.
(c) The First Vice Chairperson and the Second Vice Chairperson will together be responsible for setting up the venue before a meeting begins, organizing equipment and setting up refreshments.
(d) The First Vice Chairperson will keep order during meetings of the City Committee and its Executive Board, and if necessary, warn members or guests who are disruptive.
(e) The First Vice Chairperson will direct members to stand and will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
(f) The First Vice Chairperson will monitor and enforce any time limit imposed on a guest speaker.
(g) The First Vice Chairperson and Second Vice Chairperson will alternate overseeing the cleanup process after meetings with the help of other board members, packing the equipment and materials, restoring the venue to its original condition, and returning the equipment
to the First Vice Chairperson for storage or as otherwise directed by the Chairperson. This duty may be delegated.
(h) The First Vice Chairperson will perform all duties and have the powers of the Chairperson in the case of his/her temporary absence and will assume the office of the Chairperson in the event of death, resignation or the permanent removal from the City Committee of the Chairperson.
(i) The First Vice Chairperson will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for smooth transition to the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new First Vice Chairperson at the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(j) The First Vice Chairperson will perform such other duties at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Section 6.16 Duties of the Second Vice Chairperson
(a) The Second Vice Chairperson will preside at all meetings of the City Committee in the absence of the Chairperson and the First Vice Chairperson.
(b) The Second Vice Chairperson and the First Vice Chairperson will together be responsible for setting up the venue before a meeting begins, organizing equipment and setting up refreshments.
(c) The Second Vice Chairperson will greet members and guests as they arrive for meetings, administering guest and elected official sign in documents, and make sure the meeting starts on time.
(d) The Second Vice Chairperson and First Vice Chairperson will alternate overseeing the cleanup process after meetings with the help of other board members, packing the equipment and materials,
restoring the venue to its original condition, and returning the equipment to the First Vice Chairperson for storage or as otherwise directed by the Chairperson. This duty may be delegated.
(e) The Second Vice Chairperson will perform all duties and have the powers of the First Vice Chairperson in the case of his/her temporary absence and will assume the office of the First Vice Chairperson in the event of death, resignation or the permanent removal from the City Committee of the First Vice Chairperson.
(f) The Second Vice Chairperson will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for smooth transition to the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new First Vice Chairperson at the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(g) The Second Vice Chairperson will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Section 6.17 Duties of the Secretary
(a) The Secretary will be responsible for preparation and timely submission of reports required by MGL Chapter 52 and MGL Chapter 54, other applicable statutes, and the Office of Campaign And Political Finance (hereinafter “OCPF”).
(b) The Secretary will keep a record of City Committee and Executive Board meetings.
(c) The Secretary will notify members, at least five (5) days in advance, of City Committee meetings as required by state statute. For purposes of this section, a single mailing of a schedule of meetings for the calendar year will be sufficient.
(d) Pursuant to Section 7.03, the Secretary will provide notification of meetings to members by email or, after receiving a
member’s written notification of the preference to receive notice by United States Postal Service first class mail.
(e) The Secretary will post notice of all meetings on the City Committee’s website, Facebook page, and on the website of www.massdems.org.
(f) The Secretary will post approved minutes of meetings on the City Committee’s website.
(g) The Secretary will provide to new members a copy of the current By-Laws, and the schedule of annual City Committee meetings and events.
(h) The Secretary will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new Secretary at the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(i) The Secretary will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Section 6.18 Duties of the Assistant Secretary
(a) The Assistant Secretary will create a Master City Committee membership list. For each meeting of the City Committee, the Assistant Secretary will create a master attendance sheet for members to use to ‘sign in’ at such meetings. The Assistant Secretary will also read into the record and note ‘good cause’ absences received by the Chairperson.
(b) Upon receipt of an application for BDCC membership, the Assistant Secretary will confirm the applicant’s registration in the Democratic Party with the Brockton Elections Commission, and notify the respective Ward Committee Chairperson thereof.
(c) In the case of the temporary absence of the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary will keep a record of City Committee and Executive Board meetings and carry out such other duties of the Secretary as set forth in Section 6.17.
(d) The Assistant Secretary will assume the office of the Secretary in the event of death, resignation or the permanent removal from the City Committee of the Secretary, until a successor is elected.
(e) The Assistant Secretary will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new Secretary at the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(f) The Assistant Secretary will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Section 6.19Duties of the Treasurer
(a) The Treasurer will have custody of all funds belonging to the City Committee, and will be responsible for all expenditures and receipts according to the direction of the membership and in accordance with OCPF, M.G.L. Chapter 55, and other applicable statutes and regulations.
(b) The Treasurer will be responsible for the City Committee’s compliance with M.G.L. Chapter 55 ‘Disclosure and Regulation of Campaign Expenditures and Contributions’, the regulations promulgated by Massachusetts OCPF, and such other applicable laws and regulations as may be passed from time to time.
(c) The Treasurer will be responsible for preparation and submission of an Annual Financial Report to the membership, preparation and submission of financial reports at City Committee
meetings, and preparation and submission of a monthly financial report at Executive Board meetings.
(d) The Treasurer will qualify for his/her office by filing the Acceptance of Office by Treasurer with OCPF in accordance with applicable statute and regulations.
(e) The Treasurer will, upon acceptance of the office, promptly complete the on line or in person training required by OCPF.
(f) The Treasurer will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new Treasurer at the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(g) The Treasurer will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Section 6.20 Duties of the Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor
(a) The Affirmative Action and Outreach Advisor (hereinafter “AAO Advisor”) will serve as the City Committee’s Affirmative Action Officer and will be responsible for incorporating the Massachusetts Democratic Party Affirmative Action strategies as described in Article Seven of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Charter.
(b) The AAO Advisor will be responsible for developing strategies and activities to expand membership among Affirmative Action target groups identified by the Democratic Party Charter from time to time, and outreach programs.
(c) The AAO Advisor will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new AAO Advisor the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(d) The AAO Advisor will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Section 6.21 Duties of the Membership Development Coordinator
(a) The Membership Development Coordinator (hereinafter “MDC”) will actively undertake increasing the membership of the City Committee, working jointly with the Officers, Executive Board and existing membership.
(b) The MDC will work with community organizations and labor unions on voter registration drives and increase participation by City Committee members in these activities.
(c) The MDC will work with the Executive Committee to develop membership information materials for use orientating new City Committee members.
(d) The MDC will develop a transition plan, with the assistance of the Executive Board, for a smooth transition to the new Membership Development Coordinator at the end of the term or in the event of a vacancy.
(e) The MDC will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Chairperson.
Article VII. MEETINGS
Section 7.01 City Committee meetings will be held at least four times per calendar year, preferably once each quarter.
Section 7.02 All meetings will be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Section 7.03 Notice of each meeting will be sent to all members at least five days prior to the date of a regularly scheduled meeting. A single mailing of the schedule of regular meetings for the calendar year will be sufficient to comply with this Section 7.03. Meeting notification will be by email, as set forth in this section, unless a member gives written notification to the Secretary of her/his preference to receive notice by United States Postal Service first class mail. Ward Committee Chairpersons or their designees will also notify members of upcoming meetings and events at least five days before.
Section 7.04 In the event of a refusal of the Chairperson to call a City Committee meeting, a majority of the Executive Board may, in writing, direct the Secretary to call said meeting.
Section 7.05 Fifteen members of the City Committee may request a City Committee meeting by a written petition to the Secretary; upon receipt of said petition, the Secretary will call such meeting, which will be held within two weeks.
Section 7.06 The preferred order of business at City Committee meetings will be as listed below, however, the order of business may be waived by two thirds vote of elected members present and voting:
(a) Calling the meeting to order;
(b) Pledge of Allegiance;
(c) Roll call of officers and members; sign-in sheets may be used in lieu of the roll call;
(d) Announcement of Quorum;
(e) Introduce and allow guests or current candidates for office to speak briefly;
(f) Reading and acceptance of the minutes of the previous meeting; copies of the minutes may be available prior to meeting start in lieu of reading aloud;
(g) Reading and acceptance of Treasurers Report;
(h) Reports of officers, standing and special committees;
(i) Reading of communications addressed to City Committee;
(j) Old or unfinished business;
(k) New business;
(l) State Committee reports;
(m) Legislative Updates; and
(n) Adjournment.
Section 7.07 Parliamentarian: The Chairperson may appoint a Parliamentarian (Pro tem) for each meeting to assist the Chairperson in conducting an orderly meeting.
(a) The Parliamentarian will advise the Chairperson on questions of parliamentary law and matters of procedure, and will be assigned a seat near the Chairperson for convenient consultation.
(b) The Chairperson may call on the Parliamentarian for advice at any time.
(c) The Chairperson alone has the power to make decisions or rule on points of order. After the Parliamentarian has given advice, the Chairperson must make the ruling to the assembly.
(d) The Chairperson is not obliged to follow the recommendation of the Parliamentarian.
Article VIII. QUORUM
Section 8.01 Thirty (30) members of the City Committee will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 8.02 A simple majority of members of a Standing or Special Committee will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 8.03 A simple majority of the members of the Executive Board will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A member serving in the dual roles of Officer and Ward Committee Chairperson will be counted once.
Article IX. WARD COMMITTEES
Section 9.01 The members of each of the seven (7) Ward Committees comprise the City Committee.
Section 9.02 A suggested format for By-Laws of the Ward Committees is attached hereto as Appendix A.
Article X. INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Section 10.01 The Chairperson and all members of the Executive Board will be jointly responsible for maintenance of
(c) the City Committee’s social media presence on such other internet and social media sites as the Executive Board deems appropriate.
Section 10.02 The Officers of the City Committee and any designee, at the Chairperson’s discretion, will solely be listed as the ‘administrators’ and possess all necessary passwords, codes and information to enable them to post content that is relevant to the local, state or national Democratic Party, ideals and events on the City Committee website, social media sites, blogs, etc.
Section 10.03 The Chairperson, as her/his discretion, may appoint a member to manage the BDCC internet and social media presences as set forth in Sections 10.01(a), (b) and (c) on behalf of the City Committee. Such appointed member will work with and report to the Chair.
Section 10.04 The City Committee internet and social media sites will be solely used to communicate with members and to further the image and reputation of the City Committee, its members, the State and National Democratic Party.
Section 10.05 Officers will use their best judgment in posting content on the website and/or social media sites as follows:
(a) Content will be neither inappropriate nor harmful to the City Committee, its members, the State or National Democratic Party;
(b) Each City Committee Officer may delete postings deemed inappropriate by three or more Executive Board members.
(c) Content proposed by candidates for elected office will be reviewed and approved by another Officer prior to posting.
Section 10.06 Although not an exclusive list, some specific examples of prohibited internet or social media content include posting commentary, content, or images that are contentious, antagonistic, commercial, defamatory, pornographic, harassing, libelous, or that can create a hostile City Committee environment.
Section 10.07 If a situation is encountered while using the internet or social media that threatens to become antagonistic, authorized members are directed to disengage from the dialogue in a polite manner and seek advice from three or more Executive Board members.
Article XI. STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 11.01 The Standing Committees of the City Committee will consist of the following committees set forth below, the members of which will be appointed by the City Committee Chairperson.
Section 11.02 Notwithstanding the recommended number of persons on each Standing Committee as set forth below, at least three (3) persons are required on each Standing Committee to carry out its duties.
Section 11.03 By-Laws Committee
(a) The By-Laws Committee will consist of a minimum of seven (7) persons, preferably one (1) person from each Ward Committee.
(b) The BDCC Chairperson will select the chairperson of the By-Laws Committee, however, the By-Laws Committee will appoint a Secretary from among its members; minutes of meetings will be taken by the Secretary, and from time to time, the Chairperson or designee will report on activity at City Committee and Executive Board meetings.
(c) The By-Laws Committee will review the By-Laws of the City Committee from time to time to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, and rules of the state and national Democratic Committees, as well as consistency with current activity of the City Committee.
(d) The By-Laws Committee will assist members of the City
Committee in drafting desired proposed amendments to the By-Laws.
Section 11.04 Revenue Raising Standing Committee
(a) The Revenue Raising Standing Committee (hereinafter ‘RR Committee’) which was formerly known as the ‘Ways and Means Standing Committee,’ will consist of a minimum of seven (7) persons, preferably one (1) person from each Ward Committee.
(b) The RR Committee will appoint a Chairperson and Secretary from among its members; minutes of meetings will be taken by the Secretary, and from time to time, its Chairperson or designee will report on activity at City Committee meetings and Executive Board meetings.
(c) The RR Committee will review and make recommendations for raising revenue on behalf of the City Committee.
(d) The RR Committee will plan and execute revenue raising activities for the benefit of the City Committee.
Section 11.05 Elections and Campaign Coordination Standing Committee
(a) The Elections and Campaign Coordination Standing Committee (Hereinafter ‘E&CC Committee’) will consist of a minimum of seven (7) persons, preferably one (1) person from each Ward Committee.
(b) The E&CC Committee will appoint a Chairperson and Secretary from among its members; minutes of meetings will be taken by the Secretary, and its Chairperson or designee will report on activity at every City Committee meeting and Executive Board meeting.
(c) The E&CC Committee will serve as a bridge between the City Committee and local, state or national political campaigns for the election of Democratic candidates.
(d) The E&CC Committee will assist Democrats running for office at all levels.
(e) The E&CC Committee will work with the State Committee to develop a local campaign school to educate City Committee members about running for office.
Section 11.06 The Chairperson will be empowered to create such other temporary Standing or Special Committees as will be required from time to time. Insofar as feasible, the make-up of such committee will reflect equal representation from each Ward.
Article XII. DELEGATES
Section 12.01 Delegates to State Conventions will be selected pursuant to statutory rules or rules established by the Massachusetts Democratic Committee.
Article XIII. BY-LAW ADOPTION, AMENDMENT orREPEAL
Section 13.01 The By-Laws of the City Committee may be adopted, amended or repealed at any regularly called meeting or special meeting of the City Committee, provided that:
(a) The proposed change to the By-Laws is in writing, signed by the member proposing it and is submitted during the new business of the City Committee meeting;
(b) The proposed change to the By-Laws will be forthwith referred by the Chairperson to the By-Laws Standing Committee, which will make a report with its recommendations by the next scheduled City Committee meeting.
(c) The proposed change to the By-Laws, and the announcement of the meeting at which it is to be considered, is sent to all members at least thirty (30) days in advance of said meeting; for purposes of this section, it will be sent in the same manner as set forth in Section 7.03.
Section 13.02 A 2/3 vote of the elected members of the City Committee present and voting at a meeting will be necessary to approve the proposed change in the By-Laws.
Section 13.03 Proposed changes to the By-Laws which contradict the provisions of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Charter will not be considered and all changes are subject to the approval of the Chair of the State Committee as per Article 9 Section 3 of the Massachusetts Democratic Party Charter.
Section 13.04 Unless and until amended or repealed by a simple majority of City Committee members who are present and voting, these By-Laws will continue in effect from year to year and no formal motion will be necessary at any meeting of the City Committee for these By-Laws to continue in force.
ARTICLE XIV. POST OFFICE BOX & EMAIL ADDRESS
Section 14.01 The Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer will have access to and be responsible for regularly checking the post office box, located at the Main Post Office on Commercial Street in Brockton, and the email address, Brocktondems@gmail.com.
APPENDIX A
WARD COMMITTEE BY-LAWS
Article I. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.01 Each of the seven (7) Ward Committees within the City of Brockton will be comprised of registered Democrats residing within the respective Ward. The seven (7) Ward Committees will comprise the Brockton Democratic City Committee.
Section 1.02 Unless a Ward Committee chooses to draft its own By-Laws, each will follow these Ward Committee By-Laws.
Section 1.03 In the event of an issue arising which is not the subject of these Ward Committee By-Laws but is the subject of a City Committee By-Law, the latter will be followed.
Section 1.04 Each Ward Committee will consist of no more than thirty-five (35) members or such other number of members established by the Secretary of State under the provisions of law. Ward Committee members will be duly elected by Democrats registered to vote in the City of Brockton in the Presidential Primary and serve for a term of four (4) years, ending on the 30th day following the day on which the Presidential Primary is next held, and until their successors will be organized.
Section 1.05 Ward Committees membership will also include those members who have been duly elected by said Ward Committees in conformance with the provisions of law.
APPENDIX A
WARD COMMITTEE BY-LAWS – PAGE 2
Section 1.06 In the event that the maximum number of members set forth in Section 1.04 is not elected to any Ward Committee in the Presidential Primary, the Ward Committee may elect additional members, provided that the total number of members does not exceed those specified in Section 1.04.
Section 1.07 All persons proposed for Ward Committee membership must attend two (2) meetings; after the first meeting, and upon receipt of a completed membership application, the BDCC Assistant Secretary will confirm the applicant’s Democratic Party registration with the Brockton Elections Commission. Upon confirmation and notice to the respective Ward Chair, the proposed member will be voted on by the Ward Committee at the next meeting attended.
Section 1.08 All duly elected members of the seven (7) Ward Committees will automatically be members of the City Committee.
Section 1.09 Once a Ward Committee is comprised of the maximum number of members set forth in Section 3.01, it may duly appoint Associate Members from among registered Democrats living in the respective Ward, who will be authorized by vote of the Ward Committee at any meeting. An Associate Member will not have the right to vote but will have such other powers and duties as the Ward Committee may determine.
APPENDIX A
WARD COMMITTEE BY-LAWS – PAGE 3
Section 1.10 The Ward Committee will also elect, as Associate Members, those citizens ages sixteen (16) to eighteen (18) who have pre-registered to vote as Democrats in the City of Brockton in accordance with Chapter 51 of said General Laws.
Section 1.11 Vacancies will be filled by vote of the Ward Committee. Associate Members, who are age 18 or older and registered to vote, if any, will be the candidates first considered for the filling of vacancies.
Section 1.12 Any duly elected member of a Ward Committee who changes residence from the City of Brockton during said four (4) year period will, pursuant to state law, cease to be a member of the Ward Committee at the end of the calendar year in which said change of residence occurs.
Section 1.13 Any duly elected member of the City Committee who cancels or changes Democratic political party affiliation will immediately cease to be a member of the City Committee.
Section 1.14 Members may be removed pursuant to Article V. ‘Removal of Members’ of the City Committee By-Laws, and pursuant to the State Charter.
Section 1.15 All meetings will be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
APPENDIX A
WARD COMMITTEE BY-LAWS – PAGE 4
Article II. WARD COMMITTEE OFFICERS
Section 2.01 Following election of Members, the Ward Committee will meet to organize and to elect Officers as follows: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. Ward Officers will serve for a term of two years, at the end of which elections for new Ward Officers will be held.
Section 2.02 At the organizational meeting, Officers will be duly elected for a term of two (2) years by paper ballot and by a majority vote of those members present and voting.
Section 2.03 In the event a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes on the first ballot, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will engage in a runoff for election by paper ballot.
Section 2.04 Members and Officers, as set forth below, pledge themselves by accepting office to perform their duties diligently and honorably, or to resign.
Section 2.05 The duties of the Ward Committee Officers are as follows:
(a) Ward Committee Chairperson: In addition to the duties required by law, the Ward Committee Chairperson will call and preside at Ward Committee meetings, be responsible for the general charge and supervision of all Ward Committee activities, and confer with the City Committee Assistant Secretary about repeated member meeting
APPENDIX A
WARD COMMITTEE BY-LAWS – PAGE 5
absence, and perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the BDCC Chairperson. The Ward Committee Chairperson or designee will contact members at least five days before to remind of an upcoming meeting or event.
(b) Ward Vice Chairperson: The Ward Committee Vice Chairperson will preside at meetings of the Ward Committee in the absence of the Ward Committee Chairperson, attend City Committee Executive Board meetings in the absence of the Ward Chair, perform all duties and have the powers of the Ward Committee Chair in the case of his/her temporary absence and will assume the office of the Chairperson in the event of death, resignation or removal of the Chairperson. The Ward Committee Vice Chairperson will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Ward Committee Chairperson.
(c) Ward Secretary: The Ward Committee Secretary will keep a record of Ward Committee meetings including attendance by members, and be responsible for preparation and timely submission of reports required by MGL Chapter 52 and MGL Chapter 54, other applicable statutes, and the Office of Campaign And Political Finance (hereinafter “OCPF”). The Ward Committee Secretary will perform such other functions at the reasonable discretion of the Ward Committee Chairperson.
Brockton Democratic City Commitee 