A regular meeting of the Democratic Town Committee was held on July 7, 2008 at Democratic headquarters, 161 Main Street.  Chairman DaSilva called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.

Present:  DaSilva L, Merante, Morgan, Anders, Gallo, Coladarci, Cooke, Earle, Schlemmer R, Saadi, Conciatore, DaSilva J, Eriquez, Lewis, Schlemmer W, White. 

Absent:  McNamara, Abrantes, Galloway, Raap, Kelly, Tomaino, Council, Mackenzie, Armstrong, Lees, and Halfar. 

Bernie Gallo made a motion to accept the call of the meeting, Bobbi Anders seconded.  The motion carried unanimously. 

Eleanor Lewis made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting, Ellen Cooke seconded.  The motion passed unanimously. 

Guest Speaker:  There was not scheduled speaker this month. 

Public Participation:  Frank Anders made an appeal to the members to first do signatures and donations for Duane Perkins and second to donate to Bill Melillo due to the Primary Duane is involved in.

Al Robinson addressed the Town committee with his concerns about irresponsible development by the planning commission in regards to the Hotel planned for Danbury’s West side.  He strongly urged the Seventh ward to speak to their people and know their feeling on this issue.   Al also feels the assistant City Clerk position should be done away with.  He feels a civil service position would be a better idea.  He would also like to see the elimination from the city charter of section 3-10 that speaks to publication of meeting notices. 

Correspondence:  Barbara Braguez, a sixth ward member tendered her resignation for the Town Committee effective immediately.

New Business:  The Outreach committee will meet on July 21,2008 at headquarters.  Meetings will be on the 1st and 3^rd Mondays at 7 P.M.  Chairman Eriquez feels that fund raising needs to be stepped up.  The candidates need money to run a successful campaign and we need to find new ways of raising the needed funds.

Linda Galloway and Eileen Coladarci are working on updating our web site.  They are also working on the ability to donate to candidates and to the party via Pay Pal on line, a new trend that we are not taking advantage of.

The committee is also working on a “press kit” that will help candidates get information out in an organized manner. 

Billy Taylor will reach out to younger Democrats with the idea of increasing our base of fresh volunteers and new members.

Tom Saadi stated that in wards where there is no Democratic Common Council representation that the Town committee members of that ward are reaching out the residents and are aware of the ward issues and concerns and bring back that information to the democratic council members.  Tom created a spreadsheet for the wards to highlight groups that could offer ward specific information.  Please fill out and e-mail to Tom.

August 12,2008 is Primary day.  Help will be needed at headquarters making phone calls, setting up the boards, pool standing and more.  Please give what time you can.  See Marge Gallo if you are interested in working at the polls and encourage friends and family to get out and vote.

Old Business:  2008 election time is fast approaching, and a work schedule will be set up shortly.  It is important that we all give of our time to elect our candidates. Remember that we call or work for the Democratic ticket not just one individual.

Gene Eriquez feels that the base that the Outreach committee is creating benefit the candidates in this election and beyond.  Your help is necessary for continued success for our party and its candidates.

The clambake will take place on Sunday August 17,2008 from 12 to 5 P.M.  Please remember that we need to raise a lot of money for November’s election, so come join the fun and bring a friend or two! 

Reports

Chair:  Chairman DaSilva reminded every one to support the Clambake and to encourage any registered Democrats to vote in the Primary on August 12^th.The Town Committee will man a table at the Taste of Danbury and volunteers are needed. Please see Joe for information.

Treasurer:  Linda DaSilva reported that we have $4547.70 in the bank.  Linda is also concerned about the new rule changes and how it will affect the raffle ticket sales at the Clambake.  Tom Saadi offered to look into and clarify the regulations.

State Central:  Dianne Eppinger was present but had no news to report. 

State Officials:  Bob Godfrey was very happy that the minimum wage bill was vetoed.

Joe Taborsak was also very happy over the veto of the minimum wage bill.  He said that it has never been shown to have an adverse effect on businesses.  Fairfield County is expensive to life in and many people have more than one job.

Jason Bartlett fells that we are just now seeing what the Governor is all about and the drastic cuts for the Aides project is just one. Jason also asked that everyone support Duane in his primary effort on August 12^th. 

Local Officials:  Tom Saadi told the committee that there will be a public hearing at City Hall on Monday July 21,2008 at 6:30 P.M.  Tom is concerned about the tax differed status for some companies.  The assistant City Clerk job description and possibility of the job becoming a Civil Service position will be discussed as well as placing a cap on bonding dollars that can be spent without further approval by city residents.  Please go to the meeting and listen and ask questions. 

Committees:  Eleanor Lewis has sent many cards to area Democrats and their families.  Eleven members of the Town Committee still need to give Eleanor the $10.00 that she needs to continue her work. Please get the money to her as soon as possible.  Thank you.

Wards:  No reports this evening.

Eleanor Lewis made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Bobbi Anders seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M. 

Respectfully submitted,