Central Committee & Executive Committee Meeting Minutes: July 16, 2026

Delaware County Democratic Party
Central/Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
July 16, 2026 – 7:00 p.m.
Concord Township Hall

The Delaware County Democratic Party held its Central/Executive Committee Meeting on July 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Concord Township Hall.

Present at the meeting were 52 individuals, including 43 members of the Executive Committee and 9 visitors. County Party Chair Peg Watkins called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. and welcomed those present. After establishing a quorum, Chair Watkins asked Nicholas Ginsberg to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lisa Saponaro presented the Treasurer’s Report for the first and second quarters (Q1 and Q2) of fiscal year 2026. John Schmarr moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Steve Schottel seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Louise Douce provided a brief review of Robert’s Rules of Order, explaining the “call to question” procedure. If discussion is ongoing, a member may call the question to request a vote on ending debate. The membership then votes on whether to close discussion.
Molly Yankus moved that the Delaware County Democratic Party sponsor a table at the Delaware County Benefit in the Barn. The cost is $500 per table. Tyler Fredrick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The 9th Annual Catch a Rising Star fundraiser will take place on August 20. Sponsorships are available at various levels.

The Ohio Democratic Party will host the Ohio on the Rise event on August 1 in Columbus. The County Party has reserved four tables and they are filling fast.

Jenny Yoder is serving as the volunteer coordinator for the Amy Acton campaign. Members were encouraged to contact Jenny if they are interested in volunteering.

Candidates in attendance spoke about upcoming events and shared ways members can support their campaigns.

Heather Karr moved to appoint Tara Talgar to the Central Committee, representing Concord H. Joe Bjorkman seconded the motion. Approved unanimously.

Members who were not present at the May reorganization meeting were sworn in to Central Committee and Executive Committee, as appropriate. Chair Watkins thanked everyone who was elected to serve in these important roles.

The Delaware County Democratic Party website continues to be updated, including landing pages for each region.

Nicholas Ginsberg spoke on behalf of the coordinated campaign, encouraging volunteers to participate in canvassing efforts. He noted that July 25 is a Day of Action for canvassing and that will mark 100 days until the November election.

The statewide coordinated campaign has partnered with the Delaware County Democratic Party to secure office space for campaign operations, canvassing, and candidate support through the November election. Karen Mittendorf is seeking volunteers to staff the office and encouraged interested members to contact her.

Joyce Bourgault and Chandler White presented recommendations from the Candidate Support Committee regarding endorsements and grant funding for state and national candidates. All candidates were endorsed by the Delaware County Democratic Party and state and local candidates were also recommended to receive grant funding from the County Party.

Chandler White moved to approve the endorsements and grant funding recommendations as presented. Heather Karr seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding the proposed grant amounts. Tony Yankus called the question, and a vote to close discussion passed unanimously. The motion to approve the endorsements and grant funding then passed unanimously.

Upcoming events were discussed. Members were encouraged to visit the Delaware County Democratic Party website for the most current event information.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lee