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REDDING REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE MINUTES Attendance A quorum was present: Richard Emerson Guests: Toni Boucher The meeting was called to order at 8:07 pm Minutes of May 22, 2008 Meeting Tom Derderian moved to approve the Minutes of the May 22nd meeting. Scott Palmer seconded. Motion unanimously approved. Treasurer's Report Ward Mazzucco ("WM") waived the Treasurer's report. Gary will provide a report at the next meeting on August 4th. John Stripp Report John Stripp thanked the RTC for allowing him the opportunity to speak. He addressed the RTC on a number of issues facing the General Assembly including the possibility that Chris Donovan, currently majority leader, will likely become the next Speaker of the House. A discussion regarding Mr. Donovan's background and political philosophy ensued. Rep. Stripp reminded everyone to contribute to his campaign and that he needed some more donations in order to qualify for state financing. Jerry Sarnelli distributed contribution forms for Rep. Stripp and Melanie O'Brien (candidate for the 2nd House District). Rep. Stripp asked everyone for any help they can provide his campaign and asked RTC members to contact him directly if they wanted to assist or contribute financially Vacancy A motion to nominate Mike Hoffman as a member of the RTC, tabled from last month's meeting, was then made and seconded. Motion passed unanimously. WM welcomed Mike Hoffman to the RTC. Shays Campaign Town Coordinator Tom Derderian announced that Bob and Linda Koch graciously agreed to host another Shays Fundraiser. The event will take place at their home on Sunday, September 14th at 5:30pm. Tom asked everyone to "mark it in your calendars". Donations will be $100 per person, $180 per couple. Tom encouraged everyone to come and to invite others. He noted that approximately 100 people attended last year and that he was hopeful more would attend this September. Tom then introduced Zach Eastright of the Shays Campaign. Zach identified himself as the local field coordinator and thanked Tom for his efforts in getting the September fundraiser in the books. Zach said that because Congress was out of session this week, Chris Shays would be attending many events and going home exhausted. He said that Chris' main opponent, Jim Himes, was busy traveling the 4th District and because of his personal wealth, would be a tough opponent. As a result, Chris needs RTC help more than ever and encouraged members to get involved and contribute as much as possible. Zach noted that no debates had been scheduled yet but promised that, as always, Congressman Shays would debate his opponent as often as possible. WM promised to coordinate RTC efforts with Tom and Zach going forward. Sen. Judith Freedman/State Representative Toni Boucher WM then introduced Sen. Judith Freedman and State Rep. Toni Boucher. Sen. Freedman was warmly received. She thanked the RTC for all of its help over the years and then congratulated Rep. Boucher on her nomination as the Republican candidate for the 26th Senatorial District. She emphasized Rep. Boucher's credentials, asked the RTC to help Toni in every aspect of her campaign and once again thanked the RTC for all of is support. Sen. Freedman sat down to a warm round of applause. Rep. Boucher then addressed the RTC after thanking members for allowing her the opportunity to do so. She recognized Hank Bielawa and Natalie Ketcham and talked about the work they had done together on a variety of issues over the years. Rep. Boucher then discussed issues facing the district, stressed her legislative accomplishments and asked members for their support throughout the campaign. She also announced that she had qualified for state financing and thanked all of those who had contributed. Rep. Boucher concluded by noting that her next campaign committee meeting would be on July 26th at 9:00am. WM asked if anyone would like to volunteer as town coordinator of the Boucher Campaign and Lewis Brey volunteered. Rep. Boucher thanked Lewis and said she looked forward to working with him. Melanie O'Brien - WM announced that Melanie O'Brien, the Republican candidate for the 2nd House District, could not make the meeting. However, Melanie had asked WM to let members know that she needs volunteers for door-to-door canvassing and to host coffee receptions or other informal events. WM also announced that Melanie needed additional contributions in order to qualify for state financing. Julie Gorman has volunteered to serve as Melanie's town coordinator and can be contacted with any questions or by anyone wanting to volunteer his or her time. Pig Roast WM turned the discussion to the annual "Pig Roast" fundraising event. WM noted that in the past two years we had honored the Cottons and Hank Bielawa. This year it was thought that Judith Freedman would be a good nominee and there was unanimous consent (assuming Sen. Freedman agreed). After further discussion of a possible time and date, it was agreed that the first week in October would be ideal. Hank Bielawa agreed to check with the food provider to see if a "pig would be available" in early October. Scott Palmer was going to check with the Boys & Girls Club for availability, and also with Christine Polio regarding details for the event. Gerry Cassiello reminded everyone that a permit would be needed. Natalie Ketcham provided a brief update on the Georgetown Project noting that the developer recently gave a tour of the facility to the Georgetown Restoration Group, a group of local merchants, which she took part in. Natalie noted that much of the site demolition has taken place, buildings identified for restoration have been cleaned and asbestos removed, and that on Wednesday July 9th, demolition of certain additional buildings would take place resulting in the river and waterfall being seen for the first time in years. Natalie also announced that a Public Hearing will be held on July 23rd regarding amendments to the development's "Master Plan." The amendments are necessary to address certain zoning restrictions that need to be met. A question was asked regarding the current market price for single family and townhouse units in the development. Natalie said that single family homes were on the market for between $1.3 -- $1.4 million and townhouses for around $750,000. Natalie closed by reminding everyone of the summer conservation hours in effect at Town Hall, meaning that the offices are closed on Fridays to conserve energy and save costs. Natalie also noted that due to new construction in town, the Building Department is very active and bringing in revenues every week. Fundraising letter WM then raised the topic of the annual fundraising letter. A discussion ensued as to when the letter should be sent and how to best focus the effort. Lewis Brey reminded members that as a committee, the RTC cannot give money to state candidates regardless of whether they have qualified for state funding. Lewis also noted that Congressman Shays does not accept money from town committees. We can, however, do "slate ads" as we have in the past. We can focus down to local candidates, get out the vote efforts, and letters to the editor. In the past we have raised $6,000-$7,000 through our fundraising letter. Members discussed the timing of the fundraising letter and it was agreed that it should be sent out sometime in July, with a follow-up letter later in the year, if necessary. WM noted that Christine Kearney had overseen the fundraising letter by herself in past years but that we would need the Finance Committee to help this year. Jerry Sarnelli and Lewis Brey agreed to help organize a night later in the month to stuff envelopes and assist Christine in getting the letter out the door. Next Meeting WM announced the next meeting will be held on August 4th, 2008. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15pm.
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