Guest Speaker:  There was no speaker scheduled for this meeting. 

Public Participation:    Al Robinson distributed a handout regarding the lack of funding for the Hispanic Center.  He attended all meetings regarding funding for the Hispanic Center except the ad-hoc meeting for which there was no notice in the weekly email sent to common council members.  Al feels there is a smearing of the Hispanic Center; it is not a cultural center but provides services to those in need.  He feels the Hispanic Center issues are a moral disgrace.   

Marrisa Gerschowitz is very upset about the state of Danbury and Mayor Boughton regarding funding for the Hispanic Center.  She understood the ARC was also having problems with funding and they were also against ICE.  Christine Halfar responded the ARC was funded but the Hispanic Center was not, could it be because they service people of color.  Fred Visconti was upset because he was being depicted as racist because he was on the council and voted against the funding and he hoped that their funding could be fixed in the future.   

Gene Eriquez is outraged by the bond money manipulation.  He feels that a past legal opinion was played with.  He feels the rights of the voters of the city of Danbury are being violated.  He would like to see the seven Democrats on the common council vote together on issues that speak to the Democratic ideals.   

Billy Taylor is upset about the way Danbury is being run.  He suggested we find stronger candidates and expose the current administrations tactics that are not in the best interest of the city.

Correspondence:  A thank you was received from Nancy DiNardo regarding our generous contribution to the Jefferson, Jackson, Bailey Dinner. 

Old Business:  The JJB Dinner was well attended.  We made $9000 on the ad book which was great given the economic conditions.  Chairman DaSilva recognized Wayne Schlemmer for his efforts on procuring new ads for the book.   

Regarding campaigning financing it was noted that you need 150 donations from $5 to $100 to qualify for state matching funds.  Once you have reached $5,000 in donations you qualify for $25,000 in state funds for house of rep and once you have reached $15,000 you qualify for $85,000 for senate.  This program is meant to level the playing field for running for office. Bob Godfrey noted this finance structure is new for him as well and he can not spend any funds until he qualifies for the program so the sooner everyone qualifies the better. 

There was a question regarding a coordinated email campaign for raising funds.  It was noted that you should check to make sure that a line identifying who the treasurer is for that candidate may be required.   

Chris Murphy has been offered office space at our headquarters.  His volunteers would be there and would help with door knocking for local candidates.  Please remember to bring Murphy literature as well when you are campaigning.   

Election 2009 – Chairman DaSilva noted that anyone interested in running for mayor could start raising funds this fall once the state rep and senate candidates have completed their fundraising.  He feels you will need $150,000 to run for mayor as a quality poll costs $10,000.  Glenda Armstrong wants to know what the candidate outreach committee is doing to find qualified candidates and that everyone on the town committee should be working to find candidates.  Fred Visconti feels we need to start today to look for a candidate for mayor.  He is now seeing divisiveness among the republican members of the council and feels the opportunity is there with the correct candidate to win the mayoral election.  Gene Eriquez commented that we have lost elections because we were not united, we can take back city hall.   Chairman DaSilva noted that the outreach committee would be meeting Monday June 16^th.  Glenda Armstrong questioned if we unite behind the candidate or the issues.  She feels the immigration issue needs to be addressed and we need to be clear and responsible about this issue and our stand on it.   

Warren Levy offered kudos to Linda Galloway for her well constructed piece on the 5 bond project issue.  Linda commented that this is something we should do weekly or monthly to react to issues that are happening in our city and show the residents that the Democrats know the issues and are interested in them.    Glenda Armstrong also noted we need to react quickly to these issues – timing is everything.  Linda Galloway is interested in building an email list for quick communication of issues.  Anyone interested should forward email addresses to Eileen Coladarci.   

Jim Kelly wondered about the unity committee’s final report.  Chairman DaSilva said he has not yet received the final report.   

There was a question regarding the date of a primary for the state senate position if one is necessary.  It would be August 5^th; the rule is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August.   

New Business:   Clam Bake – The date has been changed from Sunday August 24^th to Sunday August 17, 2008.  Chairman DaSilva strongly suggested we raise the price of the tickets due to the amount of money needed for the fall campaigns.   

Reports:  Chair – Chairman DaSilva asked that everyone provide financial support to the endorsed candidates. 

Treasurer:  The balance as of June 9, 2008 is 4,410.82.  Eileen Coladarci made a motion to accept the report.  Chris Halfar seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 

State Central: No Speakers this month. 

State Officials: Bob Godfrey was sorry he missed the JJB Dinner.  He discussed his anger with the Governor regarding the veto of the minimum wage bill and feels we would be better earning more dollars rather than borrowing against our future from China as we are with the stimulus checks. 

Local Officials: Warren Levy noted that there were 33 items on the common council agenda, and how many ways can we say no to borrow ring  $500,000. Five times.   He feels we should take advantage of the crack in the republican armor and he is upset about the poor planning on police car purchases – taxes will rise! 

Committees:  No reports this month  

Wards:  No reports this month. 

Bernie Gallo made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Gene Eriquez seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM 

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine Conciatore
Secretary