Town Committee trying re-organize, recruit members
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Anita Dube is officially the vice-chairwoman of the Westminster Republican Committee, but she has served the role of chair, secretary and treasurer for about a year.

Dube became the only officer for the committee when a state law changed, prohibiting those who work at polling places from serving on either the Democratic or Republican town committees as officers.

"That wiped out our officers. A lot of towns are feeling like that," she said.

Town Clerk Denise MacAloney said state law requires her to seek poll workers from each of the town committees before asking others to monitor the polls on Election Day.

"Lots of people are closet Republicans. … We just need someone to come forward and be a leader," she said.

Now, the Westminster Town Republican Committee is looking to shake things up with a re-organizational meeting.

"You need a local chairperson to be the ringmaster," Rep. Lew Evangelidis (RHolden) said.

As a Republican incumbent, Evangelidis said he tries to support the local committees by helping arrange guest speakers, and creating access to databases and other information or support for the town committees.

"I think it's absolutely critical not to have a one-party system," he said.

Dube said it is hard to get people to admit they are Republicans, but it is also hard to get people to take leadership roles once they have joined the committee. This is a problem not only in Westminster but statewide.

"I'm really looking to have someone else take over," Dube said. "My husband and I have been involved for a little over 20 years in this committee. It is time for someone else to step up and take the reigns."

There are 864 registered Republicans out of the town's 5,175 registered voters.

Evangelidis, who is going to be a guest at the re-organizational meeting with Lance May, state committeeman, said all town committees are relatively small but that they are an important networking opportunity for local residents as well as candidates.

The local committees help to send letters to newspapers, hold political signs and distribute lawn signs and make phone calls to encourage residents to get out and vote.

"The normal thing that we do is have local people that are running for office in our district come to meetings," Dube said.

She said this encourages relationships and support for individual candidates. She adds that sometimes they do fundraisers, but often it is holding signs of support for candidates or simply encouraging people to go to the polls.

Evangelidis said there are differences with the local Republican Party and the national party that many people are unsure if they support or not.

"The local Republican Party is a totally separate issue," he said. "I hope they don't feel so disgusted with everything that they throw the baby out with the bath water."

The local Republican Party is encouraging lower taxes, good government and a move away from the special interests and politics that dominate Beacon Hill.

He said he invitees and all to come to the meeting, even if they aren't sure the amount of participation they can give.

"You are welcome to come on board," he said. "I would even suggest that independents come in and listen to what we have to say."

Evangelidis said in a state with an open primary, he is not surprised or upset that voters want to register as unenrolled for parties. He adds that he would support eliminating all of the party labels.

"I am very tried of party labels," he said.

He added this would also eliminate the feeling for those entering the race, on either side, that the winner is a "foregone conclusion," but instead based on the best candidate.

"A lot of people are feeling disenfranchised," he said.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Westminster American Legion Hall on Main Street.

For further information, or if you are interested in participating but unable to attend, please contact Dube at (978) 874- 2811 or Evangelidis at (508) 829-1711 or by e-mail at l.evangelidis@verizon.net.