REDDING REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
Town Hall Meeting Room
Monday, February 2, 2004

MINUTES

The Chairman, Ward Mazzucco, called the meeting to order at 8:03 PM.

Minutes of January Meeting were approved without changes.

Treasurer’s report by Gary Miyashiro:

  1. We have $856.96 in RTC bank account.
  2. Reminded all of voluntary 2004 dues of $50/RTC member. Larger donations are of course welcomed and appreciated.

The Hon. Natalie Ketcham:

  1. Provided a detailed update on the Gilbert & Bennett development project.
  2. Project is projected to be tax positive.
  3. Provided a budget update.
  4. Reported that Don Takacs is chairing new long range capital planning committee which includes members of Board of Finance, and Boards of Ed.
  5. In response to a question from Tom Derderian, Natalie explained the background and status of an underage drinking ordinance which has been proposed by Barlow students. The proposed ordinance is on the agenda for the next Selectmen’s meeting on 9 February.
  6. Reported that she has joined the Board of Directors of the Council of Small Towns. Council’s legislative agenda includes:
    1. Don Stroetzel’s bill, which has been co-sponsored by Hank Bielawa, John Stripp, and Judy Freedman, to have accessible housing count as affordable housing.
    2. Judy Freedman’s bill allowing towns with regional school districts to set up regional boards of finance.

Vin Socci:

  1. Wished everyone a Happy New Year.
  2. Reported on possible candidates to run against Dodd.
  3. Provided an update on Governor Rowland’s situation.

Ward Mazzucco initiated a lengthy discussion on Governor Rowland’s situation and what actions if any the RTC should take. No action was taken.

Chris Polio, on behalf of the Events Committee, reported on the Kudlow event:

  • Date is Saturday, March 13, 2004 from 6 to 8:30 PM
  • Location is the Spinning Wheel Inn
  • Cost is $65/single, $100/couple
  • Information will be sent to the Pilot to advertise this event.
  • Will be sending out invitations (passed around samples) as well as using posters

Ward Mazzucco:

  1. Reported that Julian Kien has volunteered to chair the standing campaign committee.
  2. Has talked to Spencer Brown about State Central campaign handbooks and seminars.
  3. Reported that Jon Fagan offers campaign services that we could explore using.
  4. Reported that Burdin Hickok has volunteered to take over as Secretary and Jane Hickok has volunteered to work on the RTC website. Burdin presented what the RTC website may look like. Ward thanked Burdin and Jane for making this happen.

Ward Mazzucco announced the following looking to run for RTC offices:

  • Burdin Hickok – Secretary
  • Gary Miyashiro – Treasurer
  • Julian Kien – Vice Chairman
  • Ward Mazzucco – Chairman

This list certainly does not preclude anyone else from running.

David Lewson provided an update on Hank’s re-election campaign including:

  1. The importance of raising as much money as possible by the March 31st finance report date to provide a deterrent to potential opponents entering the race and/or raising money, particularly from state democratic sources. So if you are planning to give, please do so before the end of March. Please make checks payable to Friends of Hank Bielawa and send the checks to Chris Polio. The maximum contributions limits are $250/person and businesses can buy an ad for an ad book for up to $250. If you max out now, you will of course be sent complimentary tickets to all of Hank’s events.
  2. Initiated discussion on earmarking money from the Kudlow event to Hank’s campaign. Andrea Cotton moved that the RTC earmark 50% of the profit from the Kudlow fundraiser to Hank’s campaign up to $2,000. Passed. Unanimous.

Ward Mazzucco reported that he has sent materials to the Joel Barlow for posting regarding the student trip to Washington, June 20-25. Please contact Ward for an application.

Ward Mazzucco initiated discussion on RTC By-Laws. Dick Emerson and David Lewson had some suggested changes that will be incorporated in an updated draft so that we can discuss and take action at our next meeting.

Andrea Cotton, on behalf of the Vacancy Committee, presented Michael Bakanas as recommendation for Alternate for the Planning Commission. Vote to take place at next RTC meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
David Lewson
Secretary, Redding RTC