By-Laws of the Hamden Alliance for Responsible Taxation

Enacted March 21, 2007

Article I — Name

The name of this organization shall be THE HAMDEN ALLIANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE TAXATION. The organization may also be referred to by the acronym, “HART”.

Article II — Purpose

Sec. A — This shall be a voluntary association of resident-taxpayers of the Town of Hamden, Connecticut (the “Town”), dedicated to the advocacy of reasonable and responsible methods of taxation and issues of Town governance.

Sec. B — The organization shall be strictly non-partisan.

Sec. C — The name of the organization shall not be used in support of any policy, program or activity unless the Steering Committee and/or the general membership has approved such an endorsement.

Article III — Membership and Dues

Sec. A — Any resident of the Town shall be eligible for membership in this organization. Any such resident who has signed a Statement of Purpose shall be considered a member.

Sec. B — As of the date of these by-laws, the organization does not require its membership to pay dues. However, provision is hereby made for the Steering Committee to establish a schedule of suggested annual dues.

Article IV — Steering Committee

Sec. A — The general management of the organization shall be vested in the Steering Committee and its major policy recommendations shall be brought before the membership for approval.

Sec. B — The Steering Committee shall be composed of five (5) active members, and one (1) alternate member, elected annually at the Annual Meeting. The alternate member shall serve in the event of the absence of any regular member of the Steering Committee.

Sec. C — Any member of the Steering Committee who is absent for two consecutive meetings of that Committee without good cause shall forfeit that office, the unexpired term of which shall be filled by the alternate member.

Article V — Officers and Duties

Sec. A — The officers of the organization shall be members of the Steering Committee, and their titles and duties established by the Steering Committee.

Sec. B — The CHAIRPERSON or, in event of absence, VICE-CHAIRPERSON (or his/her designate), shall preside at all meetings of the organization and of the Steering Committee.

Sec. C — The RECORDING SECRETARY (or his/her designate) shall keep an accurate record of the proceedings of all Regular and Annual meetings of the organization, and shall keep a current list of members and those eligible to vote.

Sec. D — The CORRESPONDING SECRETARY (or his/her designate) shall be responsible for all official correspondence between the organization and the public, and shall keep a permanent file of all publications, documents, papers, etc. issued or received by the organization.

Sec. E — The TREASURER shall collect all monies due to and received by the organization and deposit them in the name of the “The Hamden Alliance for Responsible Taxation” in a bank or trust company designated by the Steering Committee, and shall keep regular accounts and submit them to the Steering Committee whenever required. The Treasurer or, in event of absence, the Vice-Chairperson shall make all the disbursements of the organization. Prior to the Annual Meeting, the Chairperson shall appoint two members to audit the records of the Treasurer and these two members shall report their findings in writing at the Annual Meeting.

Article VI — Meetings

Sec. A — The organization shall meet at least six (6) times a year, including five (5) Regular Meetings and an Annual Meeting.

Sec. B — The fiscal year of the organization shall begin on January 1 and end December 31.

Sec. C — The Annual Meeting shall be held between April 15 and June 15 of each year for general organizational purposes, including, without limitation, the election of the Steering Committee.

Article VII — Voting

Sec. A— A simple majority vote of members present and voting at any meeting shall be sufficient to approve the activities of the organization.

Sec. B — To be able to vote on any question a member must have attended at least one Regular general membership meeting of the organization within the previous calendar year, excluding the meeting at which the question is to be considered.

Article VIII — Committees

Sec. A — The creation of standing or ad hoc Committees shall be determined by a vote of the general membership at a Regular or Annual Meeting.

Sec. B — The chairperson of each standing committee shall be appointed by the Chairperson, and with the approval of the Steering Committee.

Sec. C — Any member of HART can join the committee of their choosing.

Sec. D — The Chairperson, with the advice of the Steering Committee, shall set the date of the above meetings and the Recording Secretary shall give notice at least one week in advance.

Sec. E — The Steering Committee shall meet, as designated by the President, at least once prior to each Regular and Annual Meeting.

Article IX — Amendments

Sec. A — Any proposed alteration, amendment, repeal or additions to these By-Laws must be submitted in writing to the Recording Secretary. After being read by the Recording Secretary, or designated substitute, at a Regular Meeting, the proposed alteration, amendment, repeal or addition must be laid on the table until the next Regular or Annual Meeting.

Sec. B — A two-thirds affirmative vote of members present shall be required to authorize such alternation, amendment, repeal or addition.

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