Swampscott Democrats to honor members

SWAMPSCOTT – The Swampscott Democratic Town Committee (SDTC) is honoring two of its longtime members this Sunday at 7 p.m.SDTC Chair Emeritus Margaret Somer and Ted Patrikis will be honored at the Paradiso Ristorante for their years of service to the SDTC, the Democratic Party and Swampscott. Tickets are $20 and may be reserved by calling John Moynihan at 781-598-8981.SDTC Chairman Ralph Edwards said Somer, who has lived in town for 26 years, has been a mainstay in local politics.”SOMERFEST will celebrate the more than two decades of service to Swampscott Public Schools and the Democratic Party by SDTC Chair Emeritus Margaret Somer,” he said. “During that time Margaret played a role in electing governors as well as federal and state senators and representatives. She traveled nationally to canvass and to support Democratic presidential candidates. She has been an inspirational leader, dedicated to our nation and its ideals.”Somer, who has been a member of Town Meeting for many years, said she is an advocate of the principle “think globally, act locally.” In addition to being a member of the SDTC, Somer was appointed to the Swampscott Board of Registrars in 2005.Patrikis described himself as an original “FDR Democrat.” He said his first foray into politics was in 1936 when a Lynn neighbor asked him to volunteer in a political campaign. Patrikis went door to door doing voter outreach and, on election day, was one of the people counting the votes.”We had the old, stand up, hand-operated machines then,” he said. “Voting and vote counting was a slow and cumbersome process.”Patrikis continued his electoral involvement as chair of the Swampscott Election Commission, organizing the voting process for the town he moved to 53 years ago. Patrikis, who is 91, describes himself as an “Obama Democrat” now.”I share the enthusiasm for the President’s vision and ability to bring us together,” he said. “In these difficult economic times, we have to be united.”Edwards said Patrikis has been an asset to the SDTC.”Ted Patrikis has been the bedrock of the Swampscott Democratic Town Committee for more than 40 years,” he said. “For two generations, Ted has been a key participant in the Democratic Town Committee, an active member and officer. He has taught us much about understanding political currents and influencing policy.”Former SDTC Chair Edye Baker agreed.”Ted has a quiet passion for democratic principles,” she said. “He was always there to register voters, to organize campaigns and to assure a fair and equitable process.”