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REDDING REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE MINUTES Attendance: A quorum was present: Gary Miyashiro Guests: Mike Hoffman (being considered for RTC membership) The meeting was called to order at 8:08 pm Minutes of April 1, 2008 Meeting Tom Derderian moved to approve the Minutes of the April meeting with one amendment to correct the spelling of Paul Degener's name, Joan DeSalvo seconded. Motion unanimously passed. Treasurer's Report Gary Miyashiro presented the Treasurer's Report and noted a balance of $2,319,90, as of May 5, 2008. .Gary also noted that 21 members had made an annual contribution. Ward Mazzucco ("WM") reminded members that they are encouraged to contribute $100 annually to the RTC. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer's Report, which was seconded. Motion passed unanimously. General Matters Vacancy Committee Committee Co-Chair Julie Gorman spoke in favor of possible new member Paul Degener. Committee Co-Chair Laura Hoeing spoke in favor of possible new member Mike Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman made brief remarks to the RTC. WM said that a vote would be taken at the next meeting on both candidates pursuant to the RTC By-Laws. Julie also noted that we still have 2-3 vacancies on the RTC to fill. Registrar of Voters WM announced that we need to nominate and vote on a Republican Registrar of Voters. In order to do so within applicable caucus time requirements, it will be necessary to move the June meeting to May 22nd at 8:00pm. WM and Michael Thompson will make sure the proper notices are published in the Pilot. The work of the current Registrar, Liz Furrer, was recognized by many on the RTC and it is hoped that Liz will be able to serve again. Conventions Next, there occurred a discussion of procedures for the upcoming nominating conventions. Judge Emerson announced that he would be unable to attend the nominating convention for the 26th Senate District on May 13th. Michael Thompson agreed to replace Judge Emerson. Julie Gorman said additional information was needed regarding the details of the 2nd District convention. WM said he would confirm the date, time and place. Melanie O'Brien (Candidate for 2nd District General Assembly) WM re-introduced Melanie O'Brien after announcing that no other candidates had come forward to challenge her for the nomination. Melanie thanked Ward and announced that her nominating convention would be held on May 15th in Bethel (time and place to be determined) with a campaign kick-off event planned for May 22nd. Melanie informed the RTC that in order to qualify for state funds, she needed at least 150 donors (from across the district), contributing at least $5,000 in total. If she is able to make those numbers, she would receive $25,000 in campaign funds from the state. She would then be able to spend up to $30,000 on her campaign. Melanie said that she is starting the process of developing a campaign plan for the district and would be looking for a town coordinator to assist in that effort. Melanie noted that contributions can come from across the district and from outside as well, but she encouraged RTC members to contribute and to get their spouses or others to do so as well because she needs to hit the magic 150 number of contributors. She asked for contributions in from $5-$100 and said members should make checks payable to "O'Brien 2008". Checks should be mailed to Melanie O'Brien P.O. Box 772 Bethel, CT 06801. WM reiterated that members should contribute as Melanie suggested and reminded everyone that they should do so as well to Toni Boucher and John Stripp so that they too could qualify for state funding. Gerry Casiello then moved for the RTC to endorse Melanie O'Brien as the Republican Candidate 2nd District. Motion was seconded by David Lewson. Motion passed unanimously. WM congratulated Melanie and Tom Derderian volunteered to help with a press release announcing the endorsement. WM said he would forward Melanie's bio to Tom to assist in that effort. Melanie then thanked the RTC for its support. for Toni Boucher Campaign Coordinator WM then announced that the RTC needs a town coordinator for the Toni Boucher senate campaign and asked that any volunteers should speak to him directly. Report from Natalie Ketcham Budget Vote on May 6th Natalie Ketcham addressed the upcoming budget vote on May 6th. She noted that it had been a very unusual budget year with several factors leading to a "perfect storm" that has resulted in a need to raise taxes. Natalie encouraged everyone to visit the Pilot website to see exactly how the tax increase would affect individual property tax payments. She also led a discussion of how the proposed budget will affect the town. She noted that the budget did not seek large additional expenditures but because of anticipated tax revenues that did not materialize it was necessary to raise taxes. Natalie and others noted that if the budget does not pass, significant reductions would have to be found. A general discussion occurred regarding individual property tax increases, the strengths and weaknesses of the current budget process and various fiscal and budgetary issues. WM ended the discussion by encouraging everyone to vote on May 6th. Riverbend Update Natalie also updated the RTC on the Riverbend litigation. She reminded everyone that the applicant had withdrawn an appeal against the Zoning Commission but had pressed on with the conservation case. Last week, the judge handling the conservation case ruled in favor of the Conservation Commission. Republican National Convention Natalie closed by announcing that she has been selected as a delegate to this summer's national convention to be held in Minneapolis/St.Paul the first week in September. Everyone offered their congratulations to Natalie. Miscellaneous Tom Derderian informed everyone that the Week on Washington program is being revived and handled by the former program director who has decided to coordinate and organize the project once again. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02pm.
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