Executive Central Committee Meeting Minutes

April 16, 2026

Delaware Township Hall
2590 Liberty Road

The Delaware County Democratic Party held an Executive Committee meeting on April 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Delaware Township Hall. Present at the meeting were 94 individuals, including 40 members of the Executive Committee and 54 visitors. County Party Chair Peg Watkins called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and welcomed those present. After establishing a quorum, the Chair asked Vince McGrail to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

NEW BUSINESS

Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Lisa Saponaro presented the quarterly treasurer’s report and provided available copies at the sign-in table. She reported that there was low spending in January-February 2026, which accounted for 4% of the budget being spent in Q1. Chairman Peg Watkins gave remarks about a Political Opportunity Fund that will be a shared investment in office space for the 2026 Election with the Coordinated Campaign. Time for discussion and questions was provided. A motion was made by Steve Schottel to accept the treasurer’s report, and Eli Wenzel seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Vice Chair’s Report:
Vice Chair Holly Hanson presented that strategic planning for the Delaware County Democratic Party is currently in process. The bylaws of the DCDP are being followed to organize and create procedures for the following committees: Party Development, Finance, Diversity, Communication, Fundraising. Holly Hanson informed the group of the opportunities to serve on these committees, and gave information about using Sign Up Genius to volunteer.

Candidate Development Committee Report:
Co-Chairs Joyce Bourgault and Chandler White gave information about the updated Candidate Support Workbook that regional organizers can utilize when recruiting potential candidates. Next, it was presented that the endorsement questionnaire for existing candidates has been updated, and current candidates are encouraged to apply. The deadline to file for endorsement is June 15, 2026. The 2026 budget for candidate endorsements is $6000 for local candidates and $6904 for state candidates. DCDP members are encouraged to donate and volunteer for candidates in upcoming races.

Chair Announcements:
Chairman Peg Watkins announced the Ohio Democratic Party Endorsements, noting that the endorsed candidates are available to view on the DCDP website. There are no endorsements for US House Races or the Ohio Secretary of State race. ODP has endorsed John Kulewicz for Attorney General of Ohio.

Joe Bjorkman moved to endorse the candidates that have been endorsed by the Ohio Democratic Party. This was seconded by Chandler White. A discussion item was raised by Susan Dunn that Senate candidate Ron Kinkaid was not endorsed by the Ohio Democratic Party, and she was not informed that Sherrod Brown had been endorsed. It was also discussed that early voting had begun. Additional comments supporting Ron Kinkaid were made by Jim Hursey.

A motion to vote on the endorsements was made by Ed Helvey. The motion passed with 3 opposed.
Chairman Peg Watkins announced the Party Reorganization Meeting will be held May 28, 2026, at Brown Township Hall, 5555 State Route 521, after the results of the May 5, 2026 Primary are certified by the Board of Elections.

Candidates Remarks:
Candidates for both state and local offices were present and addressed the committee, including:
Vince McGrail, candidate for Ohio House District 61
Eli Wenzel, candidate for Ohio House District 60
Shelby Kimball, candidate for Ohio House 60
Ryan Grissiger, candidate for Delaware County Commissioner

Chair Peg Watkins reminded the attendees of the DCDP Goals of Challenge single party rule, Energize Democrats, and Elect Dems, then encouraged those attending to read and learn more about the candidates on the DCDP website, ohiodeladems.org.

Featured Guest Candidate
John Kulewicz – Candidate for Attorney General of Ohio. Mr. Kulewicz introduced himself as the Democratic Candidate for Ohio Attorney General, shared some of his life story, and outlined his goals to return accountability to the Ohio AG Office by working for the people of Ohio to fight corruption, fraud, and abuse.

Support of Delaware County District Library Fundraiser
John Schmarr gave remarks about the upcoming fundraiser (link below text) for the Friends of the DCDL, and motioned for the Party to donate $50 to be able to name two race horses in support of the Delaware County District Library. This donation will raise community awareness of the Delaware County Democratic Party. John Schmarr made the motion to donate $50 to the fundraiser. Stephen Schottel seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously. The horses will be named “Blue Wave” and “Stand Up”. https://www.delawarelibraryfriends.org/night-at-the-races

Jenny Yoder moved to adjourn the meeting. Eli Wenzel seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8.24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Valentino