Other witnesses at the hearing told the party to adress new minority concerns. "The platform should call for the end of discrimination on the basis of sexual preference," Martha Jones of the Massachusetts Gay Political Caucus said, urging "stronger language" in the platform on this issue.

Even city governments were not without their lobbyists at the hearing. Representatives of Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn's office said the platform should address the revenue generating problems faced by the state's cities.

City Councilor Thomas M. Menino echoed their request, calling for the state to give cities more fiscal responsibility, in order "to benefit from economic growth and provide adequate services."

Another issue which received attention at the meeting was the need for revisions in federal tax laws. Leonard Golder, of the Chelsea Democratic City Committee, said the platform should support the "implementation of the [Sen. Bill] Bradley [(D-N.J.)] fair tax plan."

"It is important for the Democratic Party to sieze the initiative" on this issue, controlled by the Republicans for too long, said Golder.

Some Democrats addressed the issue of how to express the party's goals in order to attract voters.

Thomas O'Malley, speaking for himself, asked that the platform be in "readable, plain English. It should be a document that can be given out to neighbors and every household in Massachusetts as the things we stand for."