HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

AGENDA

May 1, 2012

Location:   Old Town Hall, Haddam, CT

Time:            7:00 PM

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of minutes for the April 3, 2012 meeting
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Public Comments:
6. Comments from Board and Commission Members:
7. Old Business:  Vote to endorse candidates for U.S. Senate, State Senate, U.S. Congress and State Representative.  Discuss Delegate attendance to each convention.
8. New Business:  Appointment of committees: Marge Debold, Judy Goldfarb, Erika Fleig, Bob Waller and Lauren Braren have expressed interest in the outreach committee:  Susan Rutty, Marge Debold, Linda Rigono, Paula Bertuch, Diane Clowes, Dawn Tarbetsky, Linda Gorin and Ann Huffstetler expressed interest in the fundraising committee.   I am still taking requests for the other committees.
9. Adjournment

HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

MEETING, APRIL 3, 2012

OLD TOWN HALL

HADDAM, CT, 06438

The meeting of the HDTC was called to order at 7:00 by Chairman Sean Donlan. Members present were Paula Bertuch, Paul Best, John Bosco, Lauren Braren, Angela Cacace, Carole Clew, Diane Clowes, Rusty Clowes, Marge DeBold, Erika Fleig, Linda Gorin,  Sabrina Houlton, Ann Huffstetler, Dave Kapitulik, Michael O’Brien, Helen Reeve, Linda Rigono, Amy Roper, Susan Rutty, Wayne Rutty, Charles Steinhilper, Kathleen Sullivan, Ed Vallera and Bob Waller.

Marge DeBold made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 7 Meeting.  Ann Huffstetler seconded. Motion carried.

Public Comments:  Erika Fleig urged members to participate in a workshop entitled “The Role of Parents and the Community”, conversations about education in Haddam/Killingworth to take place on June 2. She requested that anyone interested contact her.

Marge brought up the subject of the Board of Education budget, reporting about a Bd of Ed hearing. Insurance costs for example, for the district are down, leading to a discussion about the possibility of “hidden gains” in the school budget. It was explained that the Superintendent followed the advice of legal consul in investing any profits in short term investments. Dave Kapitulik, a member of the Board of Finance, agreed that the insurance costs are down this year, but with other costs, the Bd of Ed budget will have an increase and based on student population, Haddam will bear the larger burden, compared to Killingworth.

Old business:  Jeremy DiCarli will become a full time member of the Wetlands Commission.  There is still a vacancy for an alternate, either Republican or Democrat. Anyone interested, contact Sean.

Sean announced the proposed list of delegates to the 2012 conventions:

Statewide, US Senate: Walt Zilahy, Rusty Clowes, Diane Clowes, Mike OBrien, Judy Goldfarb.

US House of Representatives: Carole Clew, Peter Arsenault, Erika Fleig, John Bosco, Sabrina Houlton.

CT Senate: Bob Waller, Mike OBrien, Paige Wink, Mal Gorin, Linda Gorin.

CT House: Marge DeBold, John Bosco, Linda Rigono, Carianne Lirot, Kathy Sullivan.

If anyone who has signed up to be a delegate cannot go, he or she can appoint a substitute.  Erika suggested that we should have a pool of alternates.  Those offering to be alternates were: Carole Clew, Bob Waller, Linda Rigono, Sabrina Houlton, and Marge DeBold.

Sean stated that is understood that all delegates will follow the HDTC vote for candidates on the first ballot as a guideline for voting.

Sean made a motion that the proposed list of delegates to the conventions be accepted. Marge DeBold seconded.  Unanimous vote.

At the May meeting there will be a review of how to vote for the delegates

Sean handed out lists to be signed by the delegates to be submitted to the State Committee by the Town Clerk.

Marge made a motion to add a discussion of HDTC committees to the agenda. Susan Rutty seconded. Unanimous vote.

Marge suggested that the Town Committee needs to get going setting up working committees. She said that we have a good attendance tonight and that she hoped to get committees going.The following committees were discussed:

Fundraising: A key committee: Susan Rutty did a great job last year as chairman.

Community Outreach:  Sabrina introduced service projects, need new ideas, get more people involved.

Nominating: Comes up with slate of officers as well as Committee members every two years. Again, needs new people.

Campaign: Rusty urged, get this committee started early.

Sean stated that he will send an e-mail listing the committees and asking for sigh-ups.

Marge announced that there will be a town wide tag sale on April 28th and asked if the HDTC should be involved.  It was agreed that our own tag sales would do better and that we should plan one for spring and fall.

Wayne Rutty moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Ann Huffstetler seconded.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:45.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Gorin, Secretary

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE HDTC IS TUESDAY, MAY I, AT THE OLD TOWN HALL.

HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

AGENDA

April 3, 2012

Location:   Old Town Hall, Haddam, CT

Time:         7:00 PM

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of minutes for the March 7, 2012 meeting
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Public Comments: We may have a visit from William Tong and Susan Bysiewicz as both expressed interest a couple of weeks ago of possibly attending, however I have not received a firm commitment from either.
6. Comments from Board and Commission Members
7. Old Business:  Inland Wetlands Alternate appointment of Jeremy DeCarli by BOS
8. New Business:
   1. Determine procedure for selecting slate of delegates.
   2. Election of delegates between March 27 and April 3.
9. Adjournment

Haddam Democratic Town Committee

Meeting

Town Hall

March 7, 2012

Members present: Peter Arsenault, Paula Bertuch, John Bosco, Diane Clowes, Rusty Clowes, Marge DeBold, Sean Donlan, Erika Fleig, Judy Goldfarb, Ann Huffstetler, Michael O’Brien, Susan Rutty, Wayne Rutty, Kathleen Sullivan, Bob Waller, Paige Wink, Joe Zaientz, and Walter Zilahy. Guest: Jeremy DeClarli

The meeting was called to order at 7:13 p.m. and the pledge was recited.  It being the first meeting of the newly named Town Committee, Sean Donlan asked that the Committee name a temporary chair and secretary to act until officers were elected.  Motion by Ann Huffstetler, seconded by Walt Zilahy, that Marge DeBold be temporary secretary.  So voted.  Motion by Sean Donlan, seconded by Paula Bertuch, that Sean Donlan be named temporary chair.  So voted.

Sean then read a list of names of committee members who had expressed interest in filling the Town Committee officers’ positions for the next two years:  Sean Donlan – Chairman, Michael O’Brien – Vice Chairman, Linda Gorin – Secretary, and John Fernandez – Treasurer. Sean asked if there were further nominations from the floor.  There were none.  Motion by Marge DeBold, seconded by Kathy Sullivan, that the following be named as officers for the 2012-2014 term:

Chairman – Sean Donlan

Vice Chairman – Michael O’Brien

Secretary – Linda Gorin

Treasurer – John Fernandes

So voted.

The Chair discussed what a quorum is, according to our by-laws.  A request was made that the Secretary send out a copy of the by-laws to each member of the HDTC.

The January minutes of the HDTC were considered.  Motion by Wayne Rutty, seconded by Ann Huffstetler, to approve the minutes of the January 3, 2012 meeting. So voted.  There was no meeting in February.

Marge DeBold noted that she had attended a presentation made by Howard Thiery, Superintendent of Regional School District 17, to the Board of Education of his proposed budget.  Mr. Thiery has been invited to our April 3 meeting to discuss the school budget.  The school budget referendum is scheduled for May 8.

The Chair announced that Chris Alexi had resigned from the Wetlands Commission.  Jeremy DeCarli, who has expressed interest in filling the vacancy on the Wetlands Commission, was introduced.  Jeremy, a lifelong resident of Haddam, is working on his Masters’ Degree in Planning.  He is currently serving as an intern at CRERPA, and he is a member of the Higganum Vision Group. Motion by Sean Donlan, seconded by Rusty Clowes, to endorse the appointment of Jeremy DeCarli to fill the vacancy on the Wetlands Commission and to pass that recommendation on to the Board of Selectmen.  So voted.  Sean asked Jeremy to attend the next Board of Selectmen’s meeting on March 21.

There was a discussion about appointment of delegates to the May Conventions.  There are four for which dates have been set:

State Convention – May 12 – 5 delegates – (U.S. Senate race; later – State Central Com.)

Congressional Convention – May 14 – 5 delegates – (U.S. House race)

State Senate Convention – May 21 – 5 delegates

State House Convention – May 22 – 5 delegates

Marge DeBold suggested that it was important that our Committee be able to hear from Chris Murphy before the Committee directs delegates prior to the convention, especially since we had heard from both Susan Bysiewicz and William Tong.  The Chair informed the group that he had tried several times to arrange a time when Chris Murphy could meet with us.  While he has been unsuccessful so far, he will try again.  It may require a special meeting of the Committee.  Rusty Clowes suggested that Murphy might like to send someone who would speak on his behalf, if he cannot meet with us himself.  We will put off our endorsement until our regular meeting on May 1, even though we will pick our delegates at the April 3 meeting.

Comments from members:

1. Wayne Rutty said that the gathering of our group with the Killingworth DTC on February 23 went very well.  Everyone expressed thanks to Erika for her efforts to bring the successful evening together, and it was suggested that we do a similar event two or three times a year.
2. Rusty Clowes and Kathy Sullivan discussed a joint meeting on February 22 of East Haddam and Haddam DTC members dealing with getting Democrats elected to more leadership positions in our towns.  The use of new technology available to Democratic candidates includes the web based Predictive Dialer.  It is an automated system which makes calls to a chosen database.  When a person answers a call the automatic system immediately transfers that call to a person who is logged onto the system.  Busy lines, answering machines and unanswered calls are all bypassed.  It was suggested that Walt Zilahy and John Bosco look into the process further.
3. It was noted that it is important for a Fund Raising Committee to be formed again and to meet soon.  Another committee that should be reactivated in the near future is the Community Relations Committee.
4. The fund raiser for Joe Courtney coming up this weekend was mentioned and members were encouraged to try to attend.
5. Erika Fleig mentioned various sports leagues and the hope that the HDTC could support or sponsor one of these groups.  We need to check with John Fernandes, Treasurer, to see if that is possible.  Erika also mentioned Paige Wink’s efforts working on the Wettish Fields in Killingworth.
6. The town’s 350^th Anniversary celebration was mentioned with the hope that the HDTC could participate as a group or as individuals.
7. Peter Arseneault spoke about comments he heard when campaigning last fall.
8. Ann Huffstetler pointed out that there are changes in the voting places for some voters in town.  Some voters that were in District 1 will now be part of District 2 and will vote at the Central Office on Little City Road.  Those who are affected have received written notification of the change.  An effort has been made to make the two districts closer to the same size and to allow for elections and referenda to occur regularly at both sites.  District 3 (HN) is not affected.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marjorie DeBold

Secretary, pro tem

Next regular meeting:  Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the old Town Hall at 7:00 p.m.

Special thanks and appreciation go out to all the candidates and the work of the entire HDTC and in particular the Nominating Committee, the Fundraising Committee, the Campaign Committee, the Outreach Committee and everyone that supported them. To everyone that opened up their homes, drove us around, stood together at events, these actions send a powerfully strong message to where the HDTC is going to be in the next few elections.

A congratulations should also go out to our Republican counterparts, it was a fun and hard fought battle (the billboards were a nice touch), congratulations and good luck, we’ll see you again in two years, now lets go out there and work together to make this great town even better.

HDTC Presents: “This Land Is Your Land” – Woody Guthrie

Haddam Democratic Town Committee

Minutes

March 1, 2011

Attendance: Chris Alexy, Peter Arsenault, John Bosco, Lauren Braren, Carole Clew, Diane Clowes, Rusty Clowes, Marge DeBold, Sean Donlan, John Fernandes, Sabrina Houlton, Ann Huffstetler, Dave Kapitulik, Kim Kelly, Bruno Morasutti, Bob Norton, Susan Oehl, Helen Reeve, Susan Rutty, Kathleen Sullivan, and Dawn Tarbetsky.  Guests:  Ed Schwing and Bob Waller

The meeting was called to order at 7PM by Chairman Sean Donlan and was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Diane Clowes, seconded by Rusty Clowes: To accept the minutes of the February 8 meeting as distributed earlier.  So voted.

Treasurer John Fernandes reported that there was $2636.17 in the treasury and that there had been no action during the month.  Motion by Ann Huffstetler, seconded by Dave Kapitulik:  To accept the report.  So voted.  It was noted that we need to add a considerable amount to that sum in order to have a successful election in November.

Public Comments:  Sabrina Houlton wants to get the Community Relations Committee reactivated in March (meeting scheduled for Tuesday, the 15^th at 7:30PM at Brookside Restaurant).   Others who are interested are invited to attend.

Committee members were reminded to take down any political signs, and return them to the Chairman’s porch if desired.

Bob Waller, visitor, was introduced.

Old Business:  The Chair thanked all members and others who helped, in their many different ways, to get Phil Miller elected as our new State Representative.

There was general discussion about Haddam’s vote in the recent Special Election and why there were more votes in our town for the Republican candidate, even though Phil Miller won in the other three towns.  Some of the ideas expressed follow, in no specific order:  The majority of voters in town are Unaffiliated and they may be leaning to the Republican side.  We might want to inquire of a near-by town to see why they had greater success at getting D voters out.  Lon Seidman might have some good input.  It was noted that the R’s had unofficial checkers at the voting places, and may have encouraged R voting during the day.  We should pay more attention to our potential absentee voters.  All individuals (both committee and non-committee) who worked locally to get Phil Miller elected should be thanked by the DTC.   We want to be seen as an effective, unified group, while allowing for diversity of opinion. We would benefit by having some rallying issues; perhaps we should regularly add a topic of interest to the agenda for Committee discussion. Several ideas were mentioned and passed onto the Community Relations Committee for consideration.  We should keep up with what is going on in town by checking the town’s website for commission and board minutes or by having reports given at our meetings.

It was mentioned that there would be a Community Conversation about the purpose of public education on Saturday, April 9 from 9AM to 1PM at the HK Middle School.

Bob Waller gave information about a two day conference – Campaign School – on April 8 and 9.  Anyone interested should look at the information provided, or speak to the Chair.

New Business:  Ann Huffstetler noted slots that would be open in the coming November election:  First Selectman, Selectmen (2), Tax Collector, Treasurer, Board of Finance (2), Bd. of F. alt. (1), Bd. Of Assessment Appeals (1), Planning and Zoning Comm. (3), PZC alt. (1), Zoning Bd. of Appeals (3), ZBA alt. (1), Bd. of Education (3).

Motion by Rusty Clowes, seconded by Peter Arsenault:  To amend tonight’s agenda to include consideration of action taken to replace Liz Millardo upon her formal resignation as Board of Finance alternate.  So voted. It was reported that Liz Millardo is in the process of resigning her position as Bd. of F. alternate and that Diane Stock has expressed interest in replacing her.  Discussion followed about the need to act quickly as the budget sessions are just getting underway.  Also discussed was how to go about that nomination process.  Motion by Sabrina Houlton, seconded by Kim Kelly: To direct the DTC Chairman, upon the resignation of Liz Millardo, to recommend to the Haddam Board of Selectman that Diane Stock be named to replace her as Board of Finance Alternate. Discussion:  Many members spoke in favor of the motion.    Others recommended that we should take more time to determine whether she has the needed experience.  Motion by Sabrina Houlton, seconded by Kathy Sullivan:  To Call the Question.  So voted. (passed by more than two-thirds of those voting).  On the original motion:  To direct the DTC Chairman, upon the resignation of Liz Millardo,  to recommend to the Haddam Board of Selectman that Diane Stock be named to replace her as Board of Finance Alternate. So voted.  The Chair will call Diane Stock.

Motion by Sean Donlan, seconded by Marge DeBold:  To make Linda Rigono a member of the HDTC.  So voted.

Dave Kapitulik raised concerns that the Governor plans to transfer the operation of the state’s seventeen vocational-technical schools from the state to local school districts.  He explained why he feels that the current high quality of services would be compromised by such a change.

Respectfully submitted,

Marjorie DeBold

Secretary, pro tem

The next meeting of the HDTC:  Tuesday, April 5 at 7PM at the Town Hall.