Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Feb 2nd, 2026

Key Moments

  • Rita Mendes — Marked present during roll call.
  • David Vieira — Marked present during roll call.
  • Francisco Paulino — Francisco Paulino is mentioned in a short sequence of meeting remarks: first as Mr. Cruz who seconded the motion to approve the minutes, then as John Cruz III among the already selected commissioners, and later as Mr. Cruz when the speaker notices he is unmuted and asks him to mute if he wants to keep his business private.
  • Michelle — Praised for preparing thorough meeting minutes and contributing to the Cape Verdean Commission.
  • Michelle — Asked whether she could see anyone else with a hand raised.
  • Dina — Thanked as part of the staff supporting the commission.
  • Kelly Dooner — The transcript says 'former senator, Viriato, Vinny DiMacedo'; this appears to refer to former Senator Vinny deMacedo, but the exact member ID is not available in the provided list.
  • Kelly Dooner — The transcript says 'Senator Brady,' but no Senator Brady is in the member list; this may be a transcription error. The likely intended reference is unclear, so it is preserved as questionable.
  • Rochelle — Rochelle is repeatedly addressed as part of the meeting process: she is thanked for capturing and summarizing the discussion, asked to correct a regional classification, referenced as the person who will observe the vote, and then asked to help close the meeting by outlining immediate next steps.
  • Ms. Lobo — Was added to represent Taunton because the group felt that area needed more representation.
  • Rapp Vieira — Was called on first, apparently with a hand raised to speak.
  • Barbara Bergo — Described as being with a museum on the Upper Cape and living in Brewster.
  • Julius — His hometown and regional designation were questioned; he was listed as Upper Cape but may belong elsewhere.
  • Barbara — Suggested to be moved to Upper Cape and Lower Cape categories.
  • Mr. Cruz — Asked whether he wanted to second the motion.
  • Brady — Seconded the motion; likely a participant rather than a legislator, but no exact member ID can be confirmed from the transcript.
  • Liz Miranda — Senator Liz Miranda was referenced in a discussion about whether seats could be left open and filled later, with the follow-up noting that there would be an opportunity to bring more people in moving forward.
  • Patrick O'Connor — Called during roll call.
  • Michael Brady — Marked present during roll call.
  • Dylan Fernandes — During roll call, Senator Dylan Fernandes was called, his office staff member Matthew Connolly was identified while the senator was expected to join shortly, and then Fernandes was later noted as having joined the meeting.
  • Antonio Cabral — Antonio Cabral was mentioned during roll call, and later his office was referenced in connection with staff present.
  • Antonio Cabral — Identified by the speaker as the person making the motion to close the meeting.
  • Kip Diggs — Called during roll call.
  • Liz Miranda — Called as present during roll call.
  • Liz Miranda — Named as one of the members of the nominating committee.