REDDING REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE
Town Hall Meeting Room
July 10, 2006

MINUTES


Minutes.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.

Attendance:

Hank Bielawa
Stan Rhodes
John Shaban
Virginia Connolly
Gerry Casiello
Frank DeSalvo
Joan DeSalvo
Tom Derderian
Dick Emerson
Jerry Sarnelli
Linda Koch
Julie Gorman
Don Takacs
Urs Furrer
Trevor Furrer
Michael Thompson
Natalie Ketcham
Christine Polio
Ward Mazzucco
Christine Kearney
Burdin Hickok
Parker Coates
Lewis Brey

Excused Absences:

Gary Miyashiro
William Morris
Norma Riess

Report from Governor Rell's Campaign:

Peter Anderson addressed the RTC concerning the Governor's campaign.

Report from Alan Schlesinger's Campaign:

Dick Foley spoke for the Schlesinger campaign. We are contemplating a fundraiser on September 17, 2006, at 5 p.m. at the Koch's home.

Ward Mazzucco stated that the campaign would need a Redding coordinator.

Next Meeting:

Ward Mazzucco informed the RTC that the next meeting will be on August 14 rather than August 7.

Campaign Contributions by RTC:

Due to unresolved issues concerning the campaign financing laws, the approved RTC contribution of $1,000 to Shays campaign would be placed on hold pending a review of the regulations concerning contribution limits.

Minutes:

The minutes of the June 5, 2006, meeting were approved unanimously with the amendment that the minutes would include full names.

Treasurer's Report:

The Treasurer's report was approved unanimously following the motion of Urs Furrer, and a second by Frank DeSalvo.

Congressman Shays' Campaign:

Tom Derderian informed the RTC that the fundraiser had raised, to date, $12,175.00 and had the near full support of the RTC membership. The event was a huge success. He thanked Bob and Linda Koch for holding the event at their home. Tom also addressed the great job the Redding RTC was doing writing letters in support of Congressman Shays.

Later, Ward Mazzucco said that Congressman Shays' office wanted to know if the RTC had an interest in participating in a 4th district softball league. It was informally decided that the RTC would inform the campaign that we would participate jointly with Easton if there was an interest. Also, Urs Furrer was hosting a breakfast at his home for Congressman Shays for people to meet the Congressman. The breakfast was to be held on August 5, 2006.

Phil Gallagher's Campaign:

A fundraiser was to be held on July 11, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. at a restaurant in Bethel. The RTC voted to contribute an additional $500.00 to Phil Gallagher's campaign.

Week on Washington:

Ward Mazzucco told the RTC that the Week on Washington was a success and was a great program.

Report from First Selectman:

Natalie Ketcham discussed ongoing issues concerning the Georgetown redevelopment project, the CL&P project, historic preservation, and other issues facing the community.

Report from Hank Bielawa:

Hank Bielawa reported that that campaign finance reform and the eminent domain issue were likely not going to be addressed by the legislature. He cited the Democrats' lack of willingness to change the status quo.

Adopt A Platoon Program:

The ongoing collection for the soldiers in Iraq has been a tremendous success. So far 96 lbs. of goods have been shipped, with more to be sent.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Lewis Brey,
Secretary .