Dear Friend,

Sen. Mike Barrett here. An annual meeting of Democrats in my Senate district is set for next Saturday morning, May 3. People are deeply shaken by what's happening in the country. So, this year, working with event chair Robert Logan, I'd like to try something new, a Town Hall open to all Democrats and Independents in the area interested in discussing what went wrong in 2024 -- and what needs to go right in 2026.

After several months of discouragement, the people I know are feeling re-energized. The fight for positive change is not over. We've been on break. Now we're back.

I'll benefit the most next Saturday by listening to you. So will the other elected officials present. So let's follow a few simple ground rules: No set speeches by the pols. Instead, we'll go around the room. If you're there and want to say something, we want to hear it. I'll moderate and do my best to enforce a three-minute speaking limit applicable to all, grassroots citizens and political animals alike.

Another rule: No booing. Respect for everyone's right to voice an opinion.

For focus, I'll put one specific question at a time to the group. Such as:

In your opinion, what's the biggest reason national Democrats lost last year? (You've got only three minutes, so give us your ONE BIG REASON. OK, maybe two. Not three!)

What's the most important message Democrats will need to communicate to win in 2026? (Again, three minutes.)

It's early, but who do you like as the potential Democratic nominee for President in 2028? And why?

This format is a first for Third Middlesex Area Democrats (my district). For months we're been committed to the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Waltham and to serving (and charging for) breakfast. At this point in this transitional year for the annual meeting, the commitment to the hotel can't change, so there's a $45 per person fee to cover the food and the venue (this is absolutely not a fundraiser for me).

To sign up and attend, please use the QR code below or register at the door. Robert and I hope to see you next Saturday morning.

Mike Barrett