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.

HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

AGENDA

March 1, 2011

Location:   Old Town Hall, Haddam, CT

Time:         7:00 PM

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of minutes for the February 8, 2011 meeting
4. Treasurer’s Report
5. Public Comments: this is not limited to HDTC members
6. Old Business:
   • Phil Miller campaign discussion
   • Fund raising
7. New Business:
   • Review the open positions for the upcoming election season
   • Resignation of Lizz Milardo from Board of Finance
8. Adjournment

HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

MEETING, FEBRUARY 8, 2011

OLD TOWN HALL

HADDAM, CT

The meeting of the Haddam Democratic Town Committee, scheduled for February 2 and rescheduled because of snow, was called to order by Chairman Sean Donlan at 7:02 PM.  Members present were Marge DeBold, Diane and Rusty Clowes, Amy Roper, Susan Rutty, Helen Reeve, Mal Gorin, Kathy Sullivan, Joe Rossi, Dawn Tarbetsky, John Bosco, Peter Arsenault, Ann Huffstetler, Linda Gorin and John Fernandes.  There were also a number of guests including State Democratic Committee member Lon Seidman, former State House Representative Jamie Spallone and candidate for Spallone’s seat in the 36^th District, Phil Miller.

Marge DeBold made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 2^nd meeting.  Diane Clowes seconded.  Motion carried.

John Fernandes reported that the balance in the treasury remains the same, $2636.70. Rusty Clowes made the motion to accept the treasurer’s report.  Marge seconded.  Motion carried.

Approval of the Appointment of the Nominating Committee

Chairman, Sean Donlan, announced that there were nineteen members who were interested in being members of the Nominating Committee. According to the By-Laws, the committee is limited to nine members. The following members were appointed by Sean, to be approved by the Town Committee: Mal Gorin, Chairman, John Bosco, John Fernandes, Erika Fleig, Sabrina Houlton, Bruno Morasutti, Wayne Rutty, Diane Clowes and Walter Zilahy. He chose two alternates to serve if a member is not able to continue to serve on the committee.  They are Peter Arsenault and Fran Oktavec.  Amy Roper made the motion to accept the recommendations; Marge DeBold seconded. Peter Arsenault stated that he would like to continue to be a member. However the vote was taken for approval of the Chairman’s appointments.  There were twelve who voted yes, one opposed and one abstention.  The motion carried.

Sean made a motion to amend the agenda to include a Fund Raising Committee report and some general comments. Rusty seconded.  Marge pointed out that a two thirds vote was needed to amend the agenda. There were thirteen for amending, a two thirds vote.

Susan Rutty, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee announced that we need at least $4000 to fund activities and especially the upcoming elections in November.  The committee has suggested the following:  a military whist night, Haddam River Days food booth, a barn dance and the cocktail buffet in the fall.

Comments: Marge urged that voters get absentee ballots if not able to be here for the special election for the 36^th district.  Ann Huffstetler said that she has issued forty so far and that 25 are to Republicans.

An adjournment was suggested in order to have a reception for Candidate Phil Miller. Marge moved for the adjournment, John Fernandes seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 7:10 in order to talk with Phil Miller and to enjoy refreshments organized by Marge and Kathy Sullivan.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Gorin, Secretary

Next meeting of the HDTC is Tuesday March 1^st at the Old Town Hall.

HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

AGENDA

February 1, 2011

Location:   Old Town Hall, Haddam, CT

Time:         7:00 PM

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of minutes for the January 4 and January 17 meetings
4. Approval of the Appointment of the Nominating Committee
   Chair’s nomination to the HDTC of the Nominating Committee for 2011:
   • Mal Gorin Chair
   • John Fernandes
   • Erika Fleig
   • Sabrina Houlton
   • Bruno Morasutti
   • Wayne Rutty
   • Dianne Clowes
   • Walter Zilahy
   • Carianne Lirot
   • Alternates Peter Arsenault and Fran Oktavec
5. Reception for Phil Miller
6. Adjournment

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HADDAM DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE

JANUARY 17^TH , 2011

IVORYTON PLAYHOUSE

IVORYTON, CT

The special meeting of the Haddam Democratic Town Committee was called to order by Chairman, Sean Donlan at 8:25 PM.  The purpose of the meeting was for members to endorse or not endorse a candidate for the House seat vacated by Jamie Spallone in the 36^th District.  Members present were Paula Bertuch, John Bosco, Lauren Braren, Carole Clew, Diane and Rusty Clowes, Marge DeBold, Sean Donlan, John Fernandes, Erika Fleig, Mal and Linda Gorin, Kim Kelly, Bruno Morasutti, Fran Oktavec, Helen Reeve, Joe Rossi, Susan and Wayne Rutty, Charles Steinhilper, Kathleen Sullivan, Dawn Tarbetsky and Walter Zilahy.

Rusty Clowes made a motion that the HDTC vote to endorse a candidate for the vacated seat in the State House of Representatives.  Paula Bertuch seconded.  There were 12 yes votes.  Motion passed.

Rusty made a motion that the HDTC endorse Phil Miller of Essex as a candidate for the House seat.  Bruno Morassuti seconded. Votes were: 13 yes, 4 no, 5 abstentions. Motion passed.

Dawn Tarbetsky made the motion to adjourn the meeting.  John Fernandes seconded. Motion passed.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Gorin, Secretary

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE HDTC WILL BE ON FEBRUARY FIRST AT 7:00AT THE OLD TOWN HALL

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE MEETING THERE WIL BE AN INFORMAL GET-TOGETHER TO SUPPORT PHIL MILLER FOR THE HOUSE SEAT.  PLEASE BRING A BITE TO EAT.