Brian, there's some truth to both sides of the argument. Your board is not ideal for slalom as it's currently set up, but it could work OK with the right equipment. Whether you decide to upgrade some parts or to get an all-new deck may depend on how much you want to spend.
If cost is not a big deal, get yourself a new complete setup like the sk8kings Axe
www.sk8kings.com or the Bahne Blackhill
www.bahneskateboards.com or a Pocket Pistols E-series complete
www.pocketpistolskates.com . All are good setups for a decent price.
If cost does matter or you want to just upgrade some parts to make it a better slalom rig, try to find some Avalons, Manx or ABEC11 Grippins in a low-80s durometer, and a pair of Tracker RT-X/RT-S or Indy 101 trucks. Your board is a bit on the short side, but for learning to pump, a short wheelbase is actually easier than a long one. You can always upgrade later.
One final suggestion: See if you can contact Joe Iacovelli via this forum. He lives in Connecticut too, has tons of slalom stuff and always likes to help new riders. I'd bet he might have some lightly used stuff that he'd sell you for a good price, or heck, he might even lend you something to take home and try.