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REDDING REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE MINUTES Attendance A quorum was present: Richard Emerson Guests: Alex Karsanidi Ward Mazzucco ("WM") called the meeting to order at 8 p.m. Minutes of December, 2008 Meeting A motion was made to approve the December, 2008 minutes, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Minutes of February Meeting A motion was made, and seconded, to approve the February minutes, subject to the correction of a typographical error. The motion passed unanimously Treasurer's Report Gary Miyashiro presented the Treasurer's Report and noted a balance of $3,030.09 as of February 28, 2009. Gary also noted that 16 members have made an annual contribution to the RTC. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer's Report, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. WM reminded members, if they have not already done so, to make their annual $100 contribution to the RTC. General Matters Republican State Central WM informed members that two representatives to the State Central Committee from the 26th District will be selected at the May 12th state convention. WM reminded members that Urs Furrer would not be running again. To date, one candidate from Bethel, Tim Beeble, has announced his interest in running. WM then introduced Alex Karsinidi, of Ridgefield, who spoke of his interest in the position as well. Alex has been active in several Republican campaigns as town coordinator in Ridgefield, including those of Toni Boucher and John Frey. WM thanked Alex for his interest and encouraged anyone else who was interested to let him know. WM then sought volunteers to act as delegates to the May 12th convention. The following members agreed to attend as Redding delegates: Rand Guffey, Jerry Sarnelli, Richard Emerson, John Shaban and Frank Taylor. WM thanked them all for volunteering. Vacancy Committee Committee Co-Chairs Julie Gorman and Laura Hoeing spoke. Julie reminded members that Kevin Kinyon previously had been recommended for membership but now would like to take associate member status. A motion was made to approve Kevin as an associate member, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Julie next reminded members that Dan Heller had previously been recommended for membership. A motion was made to approve Dan as a full member, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Laura then spoke about Shannon Craley, who had previously been recommended for associate membership. A motion was made to approve Shannon as an associate member, which was seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Julie then nominated several people to fill vacancies on town boards and commissions. Each of the following were nominated, each nomination was seconded, and each was approved unanimously by the RTC: (i) Dan Heller as alternate on the Board of Asssessment Appeals; (ii) Linda Koch as member on the Board of Ethics; (iii) Scott Palmer as alternate on the Board of Ethics; (iv) Meredith McClung as member on the Parks and Recreation Commission JG concluded by noting that one opening still remained on the Parks and Recreation Commission and encouraged members to volunteer or seek out those who might want to do the same. WM welcomed the new members to the RTC and to the town organizations. State Budget A general discussion occurred regarding whether the RTC should take a public position regarding the state budget process. After comments from several members, it was agreed to table further discussion until the next RTC meeting. 4th Congressional District Meeting WM informed members that on February 28 a quarterly meeting was held among various people from across the 4th District to deal with planning and strategy issues at both the municipal and District levels. The group is continuing a tradition that began during Chris Shays' tenure. WM said that the group would be meeting again in late March to push things forward and that he would keep the RTC informed of its efforts Norma Riess WM next informed members that Norma Riess was undergoing surgery on March 12th and knew that she would appreciate hearing from RTC members. Judge John Downey WM also told members that Judge Downey's term on the Superior Court bench was expiring soon and that he would like to invite Judge Downey to become an associate member of the RTC assuming there were no objections. Hearing no objections, WM said that he would extend the invitation to Judge Downey. Internet/Website WM informed members that in an effort to improve our website and communicate with voters of all ages, the RTC has created the Redding CT Republican Facebook page and encouraged members to visit. WM also announced that State Central was hosting a workshop on March 19 to educate candidates and others on various internet applications that can be used in campaigns. Next, Jerry Sarnelli, Tom Derderian and Frank Taylor led a further discussion of possible uses by the RTC of the Internet. Platform WM distributed a copy of the current RTC platform for consideration. WM asked that members review it for discussion at future meetings in anticipation of this Fall's election. Senator Boucher WM introduced Senator Toni Boucher. Sen. Boucher provided an update on various issues facing the legislature, in particular discussing her work on the Transportation Committee. Senator Boucher also noted that she would be traveling the district in the upcoming months to address the budget process. She said that she recently spoke on this topic in Wilton and that there was a good turnout and strong audience participation. Her next public hearing is scheduled to take place on March 16th in Ridgefield. She offered to come to Redding if the RTC or others could assist as sponsors. WM thanked Senator Boucher for the update and wished her well during the coming months in Hartford. Next Meeting WM announced that the next meeting will be held on April 6, 2009. Adjournment A motion to adjourn was made Julie Gorman and seconded. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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