Atkinson Democrats 2-1-2026 Meeting
February 2nd, 2026, 7 – 8:30 PM, Virtual Meeting
Executive Council Attendees: Michael Boucher, Raymond Lipfert, Chris Tardif, Christine Duerr
Meeting Begins at 7:00 Pm
Candidate Assessment
Reviewed candidates on the ballot and identified those aligned with organizational goals and those opposed.
Discussed providing financial support to allied candidates.
Considered increased focus/assistance on more contested seats, including those of Julia Doherty, Michael Boucher, Chris Tardif and Paul Sedillo’s.
Fundraising & Financial Support
Discussed funding support for allied candidates, including the previously mentioned candidates and Christine Duerr
Explored the creation of new fundraising events: at least two Candidates & Coffee events (Feb 21 & 28), one library evening event (Feb 25, 6-8pm), and one Saturday morning event at the library.
Christine proposed directly reaching out to candidates to assess interest and needs (“let them tell us”).
Ray proposed creating an email for the Exec Board that all board members get access to for the purposes of better internal communication; Michael and Chris agreed to follow up.
Campaign Materials & Signage
Discussed donating campaign signs to supported candidates.
o Proposed donating 10 signs to each supported candidate.
o Approved use of contribution funds ($100–$200) for sign purchases.
Michael suggested he will work with Chris to generate a list of local contacts and in-town locations willing to display signs.
Mailers & Messaging
Agreed in principle to spending funds on at least one mailer, possibly two, with further discussion deferred.
Christine suggested using simple index-card summaries outlining candidates and positions.
Discussed creating one major mailer list of candidates:
o Candidates would opt in.
o Suggestion: Costs could be split, with candidates paying half and the party covering the remainder.
Agreed on the importance of creating a centralized message.
Discussed targeted outreach mailers aimed at specific voter groups:
o Swing voters
o Independents
o Republicans
Discussed the possible use of attack ads.
Local Issues – Police Station
Discussed whether to support the proposed police station.
o Determined to have mixed support.
o Dislike that the DPW and PD funding/construction were bundled together with police station architecture on the ballot.
o Discussion of support/opposition tabled for the general meeting to gauge general members attitudes and to gather more information.
Concerns noted from some fire department employees regarding placement of the police department.
Visibility & Community Engagement
Emphasized the importance of attending the school district deliberative session.
Discussed holding weekend visibility events, at least one before the election at the post office.
Reached consensus that more than one visibility event should be planned.
Meeting Ends 8:30 PM
