The Delaware County Democratic Party held a meeting on July 17th, 2025 at 7pm at Delaware Township Hall. Present at the meeting were 52 individuals, 41 of whom were members of Executive Committee. Chair Peg Watkins called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Pam McClelland led the pledge of allegiance. Elected officials in attendance included Westerville Mayor Ken Wright, Vice Mayor of Powell Heather Karr, Westerville City School Board Member Louise Valentine, and Olentangy School Board Member Brandon Lester. 

Roberts Rules Refresher

Parliamentarian Liz Osorio Jones provided a Roberts Rules refresher that included raising hands to be recognized for a question. 

Old Business

Minutes from the May meeting were previously posted on the website. Vice Mayor of Powell Heather Karr moved to approve the minutes from the May meeting and Executive Committee Member Suzanne Binau seconded the motion. Motion passed with no discussion.

New Business

Treasurer Lisa Saponaro presented a Quarterly Treasurer Report. She explained that General Funds are directed towards Candidates. The report included donations received from the Picnic in the Park event. Central Committee Member Chandler White moved to approve the budget and Westerville Mayor Ken Wright seconded the motion. The budget was approved unanimously.

Fundraising and Development Committee Chair Suzanne Binau invited everyone to attend the Catch a Rising Star Fundraiser on August 21st at Little Bear Golf Club. Suzanne reiterated that all Executive Committee members are asked to give or get a minimum of $100 (the price of a seat) toward the event’s success. The event will feature Dr. Amy Acton, candidate for Ohio Governor and Dr. Brian Hambley, candidate for Ohio Secretary of State. 

As year to date DCDP fundraising efforts are going well, Suzanne Binau made a motion to move $4,000 from the General Fund to Candidate Support and Vice Mayor of Powell Heather Karr seconded the motion. Following some discussion, Central Committee Member Tony Yankus moved to vote on the motion and the motion passed unanimously. 

Candidate Support Committee Chair Joyce Bourgault introduced other members of her committee. Joyce explained the committee’s process for researching candidates and making decisions on endorsements. She then presented the committee’s recommendations for candidates to receive endorsements and/or donations from the Delaware Democratic Party for the November 2025 election. Candidates would receive donations providing they are certified to the November ballot by the Board of Elections after the August 6th filing deadline. Central Committee Member Suzanne Binau moved to approve the list of endorsements and Central Committee Member Julie Houston seconded the motion. Following some discussion, the motion passed unanimously. 

Ohio Democratic Party Mobilization Manager Andrew Presser introduced himself to the group. He will be supporting suburban counties in Central Ohio.

Central Committee Member Mike Kabler moved to add Kim Kauth to Central Committee to represent precinct Harlem A. Vice Mayor Heather Karr seconded the motion and also moved to add Enas Yunis to Central Committee to represent Precinct Liberty N. Central Committee Member Vicki Huttenhoff seconded the motion. Both Kim Kauth and Enas Yunis were sworn in to Central Committee by Chair Peg Watkins. Chair Peg Watkins and Vice Chair Holly Hanson shared that the Delaware County Fair will be added to the sign up genius for volunteers.

Central Committee Member James Sipek  moved to adjourn the meeting. Chandler White seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 7:52 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jenny Yoder, Secreta