Medford Human Rights Commission

April 8, 2015
Present: Chief Leo Sacco, Marie Cassidy, Dale Bryan, Lois Bronnenkant, Judy Kaplan, and Diane
McLeod ex officio
Not present: David Harris, Muhammad Chowdhury, and Charlotte Swartz
Introductions
Public Participation
None
Minutes
Dale motioned to accept the December minutes, Chief Sacco seconded, all in favor.
New Business
Vote for Interim Officers
Dale asked about the role of the officers. Diane noted that the Chair runs meetings, works with
staff to set agenda, and sets sub-committees. The Vice Chair serves as Chair in the Chairs
absence. The Secretary takes minutes and keeps records. (Diane suggested she can assist here
as the task can be cumbersome).
Dale talked of the fit between his role at Peace and Justice Studies and the role as Chair of the
HRC. Chief Sacco nominated Dale as Interim Chair, Marie seconded, all in favor. Judy moved to
defer the vote for V. Chair and Secretary until the June election, Lois seconded, all in favor.

Mass Incarceration in Massachusetts

Lois and Charlotte attended a program in Arlington that highlighted the 7 incarceration related
bills that will go to the Legislature for a vote. Each one was explained and then everyone broke
into committees depending on interest. Lois spoke of the issue of recidivism due to individuals
returning to the same place and same influences prior to their arrest. She spoke of a program
called ACT Agreement to Change Thinking. It gets individuals to think about how they can
change their actions to change their outcomes to positive ones. She gave everyone an
information packet. She said that she and Charlotte are interested in following up with this
topic. We should all review the packet before the next meting as it will be discussed more
(Diane will send it to those not present). Marie asked if the Chief can get us some Medford data

that can help us understand more about the Medford community and incarceration and
probation.
Old Business
Correspondence & Announcements
Diane mentioned a program on the Centennial Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and
affordable rental opportunity on Main Street. (handouts)
Dale mentioned his trip to Ferguson
Judy asked about a possible event in May previously mentioned (MLK follow up with parents).
Dale felt there was not enough planning time and Diane agreed.
Judy noted that she had jotted down several outreach avenues. She noted them and some were
added;
The Transcript, Inside Medford, Yahoo, Medford Moms, Facebook, Twitter, Robocalls on R911,
Medford Mercury, and Senior Sounds
We discussed Open Meeting Law and there were questions regarding a quorum outside of a
meeting (ex: people being at an event and emails) Diane will follow up.
Motion to adjourn by Marie, seconded by the Judy, all in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:47PM.
Next meeting date - May 13, 2015