Minutes. Meeting commenced 8:00 PM Ward Mazzucco, Chairman, presiding.

Treasurer's Report. Gary Miyashiro provided the Treasurer's report.

Balance 1/1/04: $1,178.04

Receipts: $10,024.00

Expenditures: $10,870.91

Bal. 12/31/04 $331.13

Ward encouraged members to donate to the RTC in 2005.

Tom Morrison was unanimously approved as new RTC member. Ward announced details of the Week on Washington opportunity for Redding students for the summer before their junior or senior year. Motion approved for the RTC pay for half the costs for up to 2 students (as done in the past.)

Discussion about RTC attendance and committee assignments. Ward encouraged a higher level of overall involvement by certain members, both at the RTC meetings and committee level. Andrea Cotton suggested a directed email to those who aren't involved.

Rules do stipulate that, to be considered for another term on the RTC, attendance is required at a minimum of 50% of RTC meetings.

Advertisement in Pilot asking for anyone interested in running for office to contact the RTC still running - Sue Wolf will continue to run as long as we wish. Ward suggested a joint interview with Sam Meyer for the Pilot to discuss elected town positions and the need for qualified candidates. Ward mentioned that a letter went out to all incumbents asking if they intend to run for reelection:

Responses so far:

Yes

Ann Marie McCarthy, Redding BOE, and Constable Paul Harrick have decided not to run again.

Ward has not heard from:

Discussion of Republicans on Region 9 Board. Issues: Project is moving ahead, as a result of the favorable referendum, and may be less of an issue by November. We will wait to see when project is completed and what issues are out front and what candidates may be interested at that time. Some voice continued criticism of Board and the project. Motion: Region 9 Board candidates to be presented to the full RTC instead of the Vacancy Committee. Approved by voice vote.

Spencer Brown from State Central: State Chairman Herb Shepardson to step down after 2 years in office to allow Governor to appoint new Chair.

Natalie opened her comments with the comment that State Central lacks focus on electing Republican officeholders. General Assembly were sworn in, and the Redding Grand List would be finalized by the end of January. Natalie announced that the First Selectman's secretary has become engaged and Natalie anticipates a change in that position. She envisions the position will be upgraded to administrative assistant, and a description of duties is being developed. Meeting on 12/17 to discuss the status of town supported financing bonds for Georgetown Land Development. The Board of Finance has asked for background on this type of funding.

Fund Raisers for 2005: Discussion on various alternatives: