It’s not just on the national level that political parties are getting ready for the 2016 elections. La Plata County Democrats are gearing up locally with new leadership and members on its Executive Committee.
Lifelong Durango resident Wanda Cason, former Southwest Colorado aide to Sen. Mark Udall and state Sen. Jim Isgar, will serve as chairman for the next two years.
Officers returning for another term include 1st Vice Chairman Darren White, Bayfield; 2nd Vice Chair Kathleen Adams and 3rd Vice Chair Tom Morrissey, both of Durango; and Treasurer Margaret Martin of Hermosa. Sarah Jacobson joins the committee as secretary.
Four new at-large members were elected: Tim Pankowski of Ignacio, Julie Ginter of Hermosa, and Bonnie Schmidt-Cabrera and Patrick Owens, both of Durango. They join incumbents Candace Richerson of Hermosa and Byron Kellogg of Durango.
“Preparing for the 2016 elections and boosting our fundraising dollars are our top priorities this year,” Cason said. “We have assembled a super team of people who bring a variety of skills to the table.”
The Executive Committee is responsible for organizing fundraising events, educational seminars, candidate visits, promoting the candidates and values of the Democratic Party in La Plata County and community philanthropic opportunities such as a monthly day at Manna Soup Kitchen on the second Sunday each month.
The committee will host its annual JJ Dinner on April 11 at the Henry Strater Theatre, with author and NPR contributor Craig Childs as guest speaker.
The Executive Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month in the meeting room at the La Plata County Courthouse, 1060 East Second Ave.
abutler@durangoherald.com
