The Delaware County Democratic Party held a meeting on May 16th, 2024 at 7pm at Delaware Township Hall. Present at the meeting were 59 individuals, 44 of whom were members of Executive Committee. Second Vice-Chair Holly Hanson called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Parker Scholarship Winner Eric Gitson led the pledge of allegiance.

Roberts Rules Refresher

The parliamentarian Liz Osorio Jones provided guidance on following Roberts Rules of Order to ensure decorum during meetings.

Old Business

Meeting attendees were asked to approve the minutes from the April party organizational meeting. Suzanne Binau moved to approve the minutes and Joe Diamond seconded the motion. Treasurer Lisa Saponaro presented her report which included an increase in the State Candidate Fund. Treasurer Saponaro explained that moving forward the budget report will be presented quarterly. Joe Bjorkman moved to approve the Treasurer’s report and Julie Houston seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote. Executive Committee Member Suzanne Binau presented a summary of the Catch a Rising Star event and thanked top supporters.

New Business

The Ohio Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign Field Organizer Dylan McIntosh spoke about the need for volunteers, especially canvassers for upcoming events. June 1st and 2nd will be a Weekend of Action that will support local House of Representatives candidate Rachael Morocco.

Vicki Huttenhoff discussed the Delaware Democratic Party’s upcoming merchandise fundraiser which will launch Memorial Day weekend and be available for two weeks.

Candidate Support Committee Chair, Joyce Bourgault, shared her committee’s process. She presented recommendations for endorsement and funding to support state and local candidates. Joyce moved to accept the committee’s recommendations as presented in writing to the Executive Committee. Don Swartwout seconded the motion. Motion passed by voice vote.

Local candidates Tonya Griffith, Garrett Sohnly, David Hogan, and Campaign Coordinator Tara Talgar for Rachael Morocco all presented campaign updates.

David Simmons introduced the Parker Scholarship winner Eric Gitson from Delaware Hayes High School.

Don Swartwout provided a communications update including new items on the Delaware County Democratic Party’s website.

Second Vice Chair Holly Hanson updated the attendees on upcoming events which included the annual picnic, local parades, and regional gatherings.

Other new business included Joe Diamond discussing Ohio Wesleyan’s new policies for admittance, Emma Jones sharing the Ohio Hispanic Latino Caucus, Rachael Espino sharing updates from American Families United and Joe Bjorkman sharing the AAPI Caucus information.

Finding no further new business, Emma Jones moved to adjourn the meeting. Pat Meter seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jenny Yoder, Secretary