Executive Central Committee Meeting Minutes

January 22, 2026

Brown Township Hall

The Delaware County Democratic Party held an Executive Committee meeting on January 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Brown Township Hall. Present at the meeting were 43 individuals, including 31 members of the Executive Committee and 5 visitors. County Party Chair Peg Watkins called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. and welcomed those present. After establishing a quorum, the Chair asked Sharon Avis to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Parliamentarian Liz Osorio Jones provided reminders regarding Robert’s Rules of Order, including the proper process for making main motions, moving motions, and holding discussion.

OLD BUSINESS
Approval of October and November Minutes.
Member Louise Douce moved to approve the October and November meeting minutes. Stephen Schottel seconded the motion. The motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS
Treasurer Lisa Saponaro presented the quarterly treasurer’s report. Time for discussion and questions was provided. Holly Hanson made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report, and Eli Wenzel seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Treasurer Saponaro and Chair Watkins then presented the proposed 2026 budget, which included increases for RAPID (Regions and Precincts in Development) and the scholarship fund. John Schmarr moved to approve the proposed budget, and Chandler White seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Candidates for both state and local offices were present and addressed the committee, including:

  • Eli Wenzel, candidate for Ohio House District 60
  • Vince McGrail, candidate for Ohio House District 61
  • Josh Kolasinski, candidate for U.S. Congress, District 4
  • Jerrad Christian, candidate for U.S. House, Ohio District 12

 

Chair Watkins reminded the committee of Ohio’s $50 tax credit for contributions to statewide candidates and thanked those who attended the petition-signing event on January 15. The event was successful, with over 100 people signing petitions for local and statewide candidates. Additionally, the Delaware County Democratic Party was represented with four tables at the Ohio Wesleyan University Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.

UPCOMING EVENTS – Highlights (See website for more)

Amy Acton Fundraiser in Powell – January 30
DelCo Divas meeting – February 11
Sherrod Brown fundraiser – February 12

The March Executive Committee meeting on the 19th will feature Justice Jennifer Brunner and Judge Marilyn Zayas running for the Ohio Supreme Court. Invite your lawyer friends.

Frances Strickland spoke as a special guest. Representing the Ohio Democratic Party, she emphasized the importance of contesting races across the state. She spoke about the national political climate and the need for Democrats to actively engage voters and ensure that people feel heard and represented. She is excited about the shift of the country toward Democrats, people have lost their voice because the Republicans have a system where they do not have to listen to the people. Democrats must work to get people to the polls.

Jenny Yoder moved to adjourn the meeting, and Chandler White seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Lee