DOTY 2020 Highlights!
On Sunday, April 26, 2020, at 10 AM, the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee honored Sheriff Nick Cocchi with their Democrat of the Year Award for his leadership in the field of corrections that has set innovative standards on the state and federal level. Using a Zoom phone call that hosted over 80 attendees, Longmeadow Dems also gave former Treasurer Bill Hoff their Membership Appreciation Award for his years of service to the LDTC and to the Town of Longmeadow.
As with former annual Democrat of the Year Breakfasts held at Twin Hills Country Club, the DOTY Zoom event featured Democratic political leaders as guests and keynote speakers. Addressing an audience of Longmeadow Democrats, Democratic State Committee members, and members from other Democratic town/city committees were Chairman Richard Neal, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Joe Kennedy, Senator Eric Lesser, and Representative Brian Ashe. Throughout the call, these distinguished guests saluted the award winners for their dedication, spoke about the economic and social challenges posed by COVID-19, and described the efforts being made by Democratic leadership to reduce these stresses through ongoing relief legislation. Unable to attend the call, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a congratulatory letter to Sheriff Cocchi that commended him for the “great influence that [his] leadership has had on the communities of western Massachusetts and the entire Commonwealth.”
In his address to attendees, Sheriff Cocchi cited the department’s pivotal role in responding to the opioid crisis, noting the expansion of “stabilization centers” that provide addiction treatment to men with substance use disorder. Describing the Sheriff’s Department as having some of the lowest recidivism rates in the nation, Sheriff Cocchi attributed this success to a department philosophy that all people deserve a life free of crime and violence—as well as the opportunity necessary to achieve this. Sheriff Cocchi ended his remarks by thanking the members of his department who have consistently risen to any challenge presented to them with enthusiasm and commitment.
Membership Achievement Award winner Bill Hoff discussed the history of his involvement with the LDTC and with Longmeadow town committees, describing the important role that this voluntarism has played in his life while thanking specific LDTC members for their ongoing encouragement.
In explaining how health concerns and safety measures eliminated the possibility of an in-person event, Michele Marantz, Chair of the Longmeadow Dems, noted this year’s need to substitute the annual brunch with a “virtual” celebration of the dedication of area Democrats. “We need to remind the community that, despite the great challenges that we face, Massachusetts Democrats are hard at work protecting our community, our state, and our nation.” For information about the LDTC and their future activities, she invited interested area residents to contact the LDTC at longmeadowdems@gmail.com.