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REDDING REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE MINUTES
Andrea Cotton noted that the minutes of the December 5, 2005 meeting should be amended to include Norma Riess on the proposed slate. Frank De Salvo made a motion to approve the minutes, as amended. Seconded by Don Takacs. Motion passed unanimously. Ward Mazzucco reminded the group that Lewis Brey and Urs Furrer have been recommended to fill two vacancies on RTC. Natalie Ketcham made a motion, seconded by Don Takacs, to have Lewis Brey and Urs Furrer fill the two RTC vacancies. Motion passed unanimously. Gary Miyashiro gave the Treasurer’s Report. The balance in our account is $2,695.40. Gary reminded members that 2006 dues should be paid as soon as possible. John Shaban made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Don Stroetzel. Motion passed unanimously. Jon Fagan, of yn2 Communications, discussed how his organization helped other towns and candidates, including Easton, in past elections. RTC members commented on what problems they believe resulted in our poor election performance in 2005. John discussed various strategies for encouraging registered voters to come out to vote. He provided a handout about his firm and discussed how they could assist the RTC in future elections. After some discussion, a motion was made by John Shaban, seconded by Parker Coates, that we ask John Fagan to provide the RTC with a formal proposal. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was recessed at 7:52 pm for the caucus. The meeting reconvened at 8:20 pm. Andrea Cotton kicked off a discussion of the RTC Blueprint she had circulated. Gerry Sarnelli discussed the importance of making sure RTC members are aware of their responsibilities and what it means to be an RTC member. Gerry Sarnelli will develop and circulate a first draft of an outline for RTC members. Tom Derderian discussed the importance of financial support for the RTC. Tom made a motion to increase our suggested donations to $100 per year, to be paid by January 31, seconded by Burdin Hickok. Motion passed unanimously. A general discussion ensued about reducing the number of committees to four (Vacancy, Events, Publicity, and Campaign) as well as an Executive committee. There was general consensus that this was a good idea but would require a change to the by-laws at a caucus. Ward Mazzucco stated that he will make committee assignments that are consistent with this recommendation but still meet the current by-law requirements. He encouraged members to let him know if they are interested in a particular committee, or are interested in a position as an RTC officer. Ward Mazzucco reported that Julian Kien does not plan to remain as Vice Chairman and Andrea Cotton does not plan to remain as Secretary. Tanya Miller suggested that Tom Derderian would make a fine Vice Chairman. Christine Polio reported that Hank Bielawa was in St. Mary’s Hospital suffering from problems with his hip. Gerry Casiello reported that the Vacancy committee was recommending Donna Marie Macchio to fill one of the two Park and Rec vacancies. A motion was made by Parker Coates, seconded by Tom Derderian, to endorse Donna for this vacancy. Motion passed unanimously. Tom Derderian reported that Congressman Chris Shays would be in Redding on January 20, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm, for a community meeting. He encouraged RTC members to attend to show their support for Congressman Shays. David Bohn (guest) discussed the importance of having a well-defined Republican message on education. It was suggested that various RTC committees could have non-RTC members as ad hoc members or advisors. David Lewson and Julie Gorman will examine how best to incorporate education issues into the RTC framework and how best to advise candidates on important issues. Parker Coates made a motion, seconded by Gerry Casiello, to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned 9:20 pm. Andrea Cotton, Secretary Republican Caucus January 10, 2006 The caucus was called to order at 8:01 pm by temporary Chairman Ward Mazzucco. Andrea Cotton was appointed Temporary Secretary and read the call of the meeting. Ward Mazzucco appointed a rules committee consisting of John Shaban (Chair), Dick Emerson, and Virginia Connolly. The caucus was adjourned at 8:09 so that the Rules Committee could meet. The caucus reconvened at 8:11 and the Rules Committee reported on the rules. Parker Coates made a motion, seconded by Gerry Casiello, to approve the rules. Motion passed unanimously. On a motion by Dick Emerson, seconded by Burdin Hickok, Ward Mazzucco was elected permanent chairman (unanimously). On a motion by Natalie Ketcham, seconded by Don Takacs, Andrea Cotton was elected permanent secretary (unanimously). Dick Emerson nominated the following RTC endorsed slate of candidates. Hank Bielawa Tom Derderian seconded the motion. There were no other nominations. Motion passed unanimously. Burdin Hickok made a motion to appoint the standing Vacancy Committee to fill any vacancies. Don Takacs seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The caucus adjourned at 8:20 pm on a motion of Parker Coates, seconded by Gerry Casiello. Submitted by Andrea Cotton
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