Minutes. The meeting was called to order at 8 PM.

Report from Congressman Christopher Shays' Campaign:

Sarah Beth Luce, Deputy Campaign Chairman for Chris Shays, reported on the progress of fundraising and the campaign. Congressman Shays will need more money this time around but currently has more money on hand than his presumed opponent - Diane Farrell of Westport.

Report from Representative John Stripp:

Mr. Stripp announced that his campaign account was open and that he officially announced his candidacy for re-election at Meadow Ridge. Mr. Stripp stated that he was not yet aware of a Democrat challenger.

Report of Representative Hank Bielawa:

Mr. Bielawa announced that he would not be seeking re-election. He stated that Phil Gallagher from Bethel looked like a good candidate and that he would be looking for a coordinator in Redding at the right time.

Mr. Bielawa also reported on the progress of eminent domain reform, campaign finance reform, and growing electricity costs and possible solutions.

Other Announcements:

Tom Derderian announced that the Week in Washingtom program will continue to be publicized. Tom also stated that there would be two book prizes at the Barlow awards assembly. The website will also be made capable of capturing emails, and this may already have been done.

The Vacancy Committee reported that it had endorsed Michael Thompson to fill the Zoning Board of Appeals alternate vacancy. On motion by Gerry Casiello, the nomination was approved unanimously.

Ward Mazzucco announced that Doris Nobes was not going to run again for Registrar of Voters. There was some discussion if this was the case, and the Committee discussed the work load problems in that office.

Report By First Selectman Natalie Ketcham:

The First Selectman discussed the budget which was going before the Board of Finance the following Monday. She also addressed other issues facing Redding and told the Committee about visit to Washington to lobby for federal funds for waste water treatment, underground utilities and upgrades to the police department in connection with the Georgetown redevelopment project. Ms. Ketcham met with Senator Lieberman, Senator Dodd, and Congressman Shays.

Minutes:

The minutes of the March 6, 2006, meeting of the RTC were moved and approved unanimously.

Key Club:

Ward raised the issue of whether the RTC wanted to donate $500.00 to State Central to participate in the Key Club. The donation included tickets to the Bush Dinner which would be auctioned off. The Committee decided to donate to the Key Club.

By-Laws:

Ward appointed a committee to consider changes to the By-Laws which would be adopted at a future caucus. The committee consists of John Shaban (chair), Dick Emerson and Urs Furrer.

Upcoming Elections and Caucuses:

The Committee considered and appointed delegates and alternates to the following conventions for State Representative (2), 4th Congressional District, State Senatorial District, and the State Republican Convention. At the time of the meeting, the following names were approved:

Hank Bielawa's Seat:

Hank Bielawa
David Lewson
Gerry Casiello (alternate)

John Stripp's Seat:

Virginia Connolly
John Shaban
Stan Rhodes
Don Stroetzel (alternate)

Fourth Congressional District:

Tom Derderian
Lewis Brey
Burdin Hickok
Don Takacs
Michael Thompson
John Shaban (alternate)

26th Senatorial District:

Dick Emerson
Andrea Cotton
Julie Gorman
Don Whitman
Stan Rhodes (alternate)

State Republican Convention:

Natalie Ketcham
Don Takacs
Trevor Furrer
Urs Furrer
Julian Kien (alternate)
Ward Mazzucco (alternate)

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote of the RTC.

Respectfully submitted,
Lewis Brey, Secretary.