Present:  Da Silva L, Morgan, Anders, Seri, McNamara, Abrantes, Cooke, Kelly, Saadi, Tomaino, Conciatore, DaSilva J, Kendall, Lewis, Braguez, Armstrong, Lees, Knight, Halfar.

Absent:  Merante, Coladarci, Golwala, Neptune, Estefan S, Estefan P, Bernstein, Murphy, Kaback.

Eleanor Lewis made a motion to accept the cal of the meeting, Ellen Cooke seconded.    The motion carried unanimously.

Eleanor Lewis made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting.  Linda DaSilva seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Guest Speaker:  No speaker this month.

Public Participation:  Ken Gucker feels there is some work to be done within Danbury in order to get every constituent involved in the next local election.  He suggested going ward by Ward to find out the true concerns of the people.  Jim Kelly wondered how we could get into the various Condos’ around town.  Michael Seri suggested that we work with the Condo Associations.

Correspondence:  None this month.

New Business: The JJB Dinner is in the planning stages.   We are hoping to have Chris Murphy as our honored guest but still need to wait on confirmation of his available dates and that of the Amber room.  Please be advised that we need to work very hard on the Ad book this year and will need the participation of all the Town Committee members to make this a success. 

Election 2007:  Kevin Morgan will chair the candidate search committee, please call him with any ideas you may have or any names of interested people you know of.  We will need about 45 candidates to fill the positions open.  The first and seventh wards often have a hard time finding suitable candidates so an early start should be helpful.  In addition to the top of the slate, we also need Board of Ed candidate, Zoning, Constablles and at large council candidates.  Start looking now!

Tom Saadi suggested that we look at various neighborhoods that are dealing with a specific issue in their area and perhaps draw a candidate from that group.

Glenda Armstrong feels a meeting that speaks only to what worked in the last election and what did not and what changes need to be made to win back City Hall needs to happen.  Chairman DaSilva agreed and is working on a date for such a meeting.

Old Business:  The December Pizza Party was a great success.  Many gifts were under the tree for children in need.  Thanks to all.  A special thanks to Chris Murphy for taking time from his very busy schedule to join us.  Thanks also to Bob Taborsak for delivering the gifts to the Department of Social Services, City of Danbury.

Reports:

           Chair:  Chairman DaSilva reminded everyone that much work lays ahead and everyone needs to give extra time to get the results we all want in November.

          Treasurer:  Linda DaSilva reported that our balance as of 1/07/07 was $4013.22.  The Holiday party netted $918.13.  Eleanor Lewis made a motion to accept the report.  Bobbi Anders seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

          State Central:  Dianne Eppinger reported that Nancy DiNardo would likely be re-elected Chairperson.

Jim Maloney remarked that computers had a big impact on the last election and would only grow more important in the future and we should be ready to take advantage of this technology in the upcoming elections.

         State Officials:  Joe Taborsak reported that it was a very exciting time in Hartford.  His committee assignments are Transportation, Planning and Development and the Select Committee on Housing.

Bob Godfrey wished everyone a Happy New Year.  He is concerned that the newly opened Magnet school is in need of funds.  Bob serves as Deputy Speaker; he is also Chairman of the House Democratic Bill Revue Committee as well as serving on the Judiciary committee and the Legislative Management Committee.

         Local Officials:  Tom Saadi reported that the Council was fighting for public notice and a public hearing before any land use changes would be allowed.  He said that no committee meeting on the televising of the Common Council meetings had taken place.  This subject continues to annoy Mayor Boughton.

Tom is concerned that the Parade ordinance requirements will have an impact on many groups.  It could affect Union members picketing on an issue as a group of 25 or more would require a permit.  Watch the Council Agenda or contact your Councilman for further information.

Tom is also concerned that the housing on Crosby St. that was originally planed as affordable and BRT was granted Tax relief for the project as such is now going to be used as Dorm space for Wesconn.  The tax revenue is then lost to the City.

Marge Gallo reported that her office was once again involved in voter canvas in an effort to clean up the voter list.  She also mad us aware of the new voting machines that the City will be receiving.  No one was very happy once they realized what the impact could be in the upcoming elections.  There were many questions about the machines and the training needed and how the voters would feel about them and how this could impact the election in November. 

Committees:  Eileen Coladarci is updating the Web Page and she is in need of Bio information for many of you.  Please take the time to contact her.

                     Eleanor Lewis reported that the Sunshine Committee sent out several cards and a gift card to Bobbi Anders.  It is once again a New Year and time to collect the  $10.00 needed by each member to keep this committee going.  Please see Eleanor  with your contribution.  Thank You..

Wards:  All Wards need to pick Captains.  Willie Knight is concerned about traffic issues that he feels are not being addressed as development continues in his ward and around town.

 Gladys Cooper asked to address the Town Committee to explain why she walked out of the Board of Education election meeting.  She feels that the process in place for many years was changed and she would like us to be aware of this and help make sure that the elections would be fair for all.

 Barbara Braguez made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Kevin Morgan seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,