Minutes. The meeting was called to order at 8:05 pm. The first order of business was to vote on a recommendation made last month by the Vacancy Committee to appoint Gerry Sarnelli to the RTC. Motion made by Julian Kien, seconded by Gerry Casiello. Passed unanimously. Motion to approve the minutes of May 2, 2005 was made by Parker Coates, seconded by Don Stroetzel. Passed unanimously.

Treasurer's Report. Gary Miyashiro gave the Treasurer’s Report, showing a balance at June 3, 2005 of $893.23. 22 members had paid dues as of that date. Gary has sent a reminder to members that have not yet paid and has received a few additional donations. Julian Kien made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Frank DeSalvo. Passed unanimously.

Ward Mazzucco reported that the RTC had presented the Ronald Reagan Award for Excellence in Social Sciences to Harold Olsen.

Gian Carlo Peressutti reported on GOP 4. The first event is a brunch on June 18th at the Norwalk Inn. Tickets are $35 ($40 at the door). Nancy Johnson and Chris Shays will attend.

Ward Mazzucco reported that Gian Carlo Perressutti and Spencer Brown were elected as our representatives to State Central. Congratulations to Gian Carlo and Spencer.

Plans for Georgetown Days were discussed. Don Stroetzel is organizing the event for the RTC. An effort will be made to get as many candidates as possible to attend. Frank DeSalvo will provide a tent and Chris Polio will provide a table. Chris Kearney will bring forms for voter registrations.

Spencer Brown reported on the Chairman’s Challenge, a voter registration drive being initiated by State Central. John Shaban agreed to serve as a contact for RTC.

Norma Riess reported on the Bush Dinner to be held June 29th in Stamford. Gov. Romney will be the speaker. Norma made a motion that the RTC become a Key Club member, which would make us eligible to receive two tickets to the Bush Dinner and two tickets to the Chairman’s Breakfast. Seconded by Chris Polio. Passed unanimously. After some discussion, it was decided that Ward Mazzucco and Natalie Ketcham will use the tickets for the Bush Dinner, unless another member expresses a strong interest in attending.

Ward Mazzucco introduced Jess Gaspar, our endorsed candidate for the Redding Board of Education. Frank DeSalvo discussed the process for filling certain vacancies such as the middle school principal and business manager position. He expressed his opinion that there should be input from a broader range of people and interests when these decisions are made. A motion was made by Gerry Casiello, seconded by Chris Polio, that Ward should approach Sam Meyer and discuss ways to expand participation. Passed unanimously.

Spencer Brown reported that there will be a meeting on Voter Vault, the RNC voter database, on Monday, June 27th, 7 pm, at Chris Shays’ campaign headquarters in Norwalk. Spencer and Gian Carlo then distributed a State Central Strategic Plan and asked for our support in approaching the new Party Chairman with the Plan. Gerry Casiello made a motion, seconded by John Shaban that we support the Strategic Plan. Passed unanimously.

The fundraising mailing was discussed. A sample letter prepared by Tom Derderian was reviewed and comments were provided. Tom and Ward will finish the letter and develop the response card. Chris Kearney has mailing labels and volunteered to get the mailing out.

Gerry Casiello reported that there are 2 Park and Rec vacancies and no candidates. There is currently one RTC vacancy and five candidates.

Ward Mazzucco discussed the caucus. It must be held between July 19-26. Ward proposed a date of July 21 for the caucus. The caucus must be noticed five days prior to the event, and we need to have our caucus results certified by July 27th at 4 pm. Ward presented the proposed slate for adoption. On a motion by Parker Coates, seconded by Joan DeSalvo, the slate was approved unanimously.

Natalie Ketcham reported on the progress of the CL&P project. The town has collected $40,000 in road opening permit fees from CL&P relating to work on Umpawaug Road and Gallows Hill Road. She reported that continuance of the real estate conveyance tax (which she supports) is unlikely. She also reported that the stem cell research bill has passed and gone to the Governor for signature. There was also a short discussion on changes in the Connecticut estate tax.

Our next meeting is currently scheduled for July 11th. The meeting may be canceled or changed to the same night of the caucus. Notification will be provided.

Meeting adjourned approximately 9:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Andrea Cotton Secretary