Present:  Merante, Morgan, Anders, Seri, Abrantes, Coladarci, Cooke, Kelly, Saadi, Tomaino, Conciatore, DaSilva, J, Braguez, Armstrong, Lees, Halfar.

Absent:  DaSilva L, McNamara, Golwala, Neptune, Estefan P, Estefan S, Kendall, Lewis, Bernstein, Kabeck, Murphy, Knight.

Tom Saadi made a motion to accept the call of the meeting.  Bobbie Anders seconded.  The motion carried unanimously.

Jim Kelly made a motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting.  Tony Tomaino seconded.  Christine Halfar made a motion to amend the minutes to exclude the word “unkind” on page two in reference to the Lynn Taborsak conversation Bobbi Anders seconded.  The motion passed with one dissenting vote. 

Guest Speaker:  No speaker this month.

Public Participation: Lynn Taborsak stated that she has been working on the voter lists and the ward lists for about seven years.  She has no problem working with Joe Walkovich, Jimmetta Samaha or anyone else.  Lynn feels there is no point in having a divided Town Committee.  Many challengers have brought in many different people; we all need to work together.

Joe Taborsak thought a forum of Democrats would be a good idea.  It would be a chance to air concerns and discuss various ideas of ways to unify the party.  Perhaps we could then find a way to bridge the gap with a variety of factions.  Joe is willing to host the forum.

Ken Gucker said that a big change is needed in the City.  He urged everyone to get out and talk to their neighbors and let them know that you are concerned and interested in how they feel about the direction the city is going.  Though there was a record turnout at the EIC meeting, the Parade Ordinance had a poor showing by Democrats.    

Correspondence:  Sandy Murphy, a sixth ward representative, submitted her resignation from the Town Committee due to family commitments. 

New Business: Chairman DaSilva feels that we will build our party by re-energizing the people involved.  He feels we need 50 more Ken Guckers, Ken came to a meeting two years ago and has continued to attend meetings ever since.  He is passionate about the issues facing the City and he goes to meeting at City Hall and makes sure his opinion is heard.  We can all take a lesson from Ken, go out and be heard in your wards and perhaps participation will increase.  Ken also announced that he would run for a common council seat in the second ward.  That is good news for the city, bad news for mayor Boughton.

Tom Saadi liked the idea of a Forum devoted to party building and unity.  He felt that working together would help heal past wounds and encourage the various factions to pull back together for the strength of our party. He suggested that we invite past Chairmen Larry Riefberg and others for their input. 

Jim Kelly wondered if people in each ward should go out and knock doors and encourage these people to come to a meeting and get involved.  This may get new people interested or at least more aware of the problems in the city and more willing to involve themselves.  Jim fells that by walking his ward he would be able to find people that may want to be involved but we haven’t been able to reach out to them.

Bruce R. Lees thought we could use the Clambake as a rally to create more interest. 

Chris Halfar suggested knocking on doors to get people to come out and join the cause.

Glenda Armstrong and Mike Seri were both in favor of a small group trying to work out some of the small problems that now exist.  Mike suggested that some past elected officials might be of help.

The end result was that Joe Taborsak would moderate a small forum.  Jim Kelly will chair the event.  The committee will also include Tom Saadi, Chris Halfar, Glenda Armstrong and Helena Abrantes. 

Old Business:  The JJB dinner is set for Friday May 25.  So far the Ad book has raised nearly nine thousand dollars.  Please get your ad and/or ticket money to Linda ASAP.

Chairman DaSilva wanted the membership to know that Senator Dodd’s campaign would be organizing several fund raising events in our area, contact him if you need more information.  There will also be a bus to New Hampshire before the Primary to help knock on doors. Check with Joe for date and time. 

Reports: 

           Chair:  Chairman DaSilva said that the campaign reforms would have far reaching ramifications on this and future elections. 

            Treasurer:  Linda DaSilva was still finalizing the JJB and Ad money and had no report for this meeting. 

            State Central:  Dianne Eppinger had no report for this meeting. 

            State Officials:  Jason Bartlett applauded Joe Taborsak for getting his first Bill through even though every Republican asked him a question.

Jason is worried about the increase in energy costs and health care costs as well.  He feels that some reforms to health care plans are necessary.

The recent storm and flooding at Jensen’s Park is also a concern of Jason’s and he is working with DOT to clean out tree growth and debris in the area to help solve the flooding problems those residents have endured.

            Joe Taborsak reported that $650,000.00 has been secured for the Magnet school to help with their budget deficit.  Other areas of concerns include a 5% tax on incomes over $170,000.00.  This would still be a lower rate than the States around us.

Money for Mental Health care in the Danbury area also concerns Joe.  There is also a bill to do with Juvenile Justice that would allow them to be treated as a minor in the court system except in the case of a murder or a very serious crime. 

Local Officials:  Lori Kaback reported that her office was running smoothly.

          Tom Saadi said that the parade ordinance was a “hot button’ issue.  The Mayor involved himself in the vote and a question was raised on the legality of his vote.  The matter will come back to the council with questions still remaining.  Tom is also concerned that the budget will need re-vamping when the true dollar amount from the State is finalized.

Duane Perkins voiced his concern about no full time assistant Town Clerk and how that effects meeting notifications.

Ben Chianese is frustrated by the apparent lack of concern of the News Times over the Mayors vote on the parade ordinance.

Committees:  No report this month.

A motion was made by Bobbi Anders to adjourn the meeting to executive session for the purpose of discussing the platform.  Tom Saadi seconded the motion.  The meeting went into executive session at 8:20 P.M. 

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine Conciatore