Tom Harrington
Chair’s Corner – A Message From Tom Harrington
DISTRICT CONVENTION IN STORM LAKE A HUGE SUCCESS
What a terrific convention! We were essentially filled; only four delegate spots (out of the available 262) were not officially seated. We conducted a ton of business without a (serious) hitch and finished by about 3:30 pm, just in time for a delightful fundraiser for Chistie Vilsack at the lovely home of Diane and Steve Hamilton on beautiful Storm Lake.
On Friday night, 65 of us also had a great dinner in tribute to retiring Iowa Senate President Jack Kibbie, which included Christie Vilsack, IDP Chair Sue Dvorsky, Senators Daryl Beall, Herman Quirmbach, and Amanda Ragan, and Representatives Sharon Steckman and Jon Wittneben.
The convention was a huge effort by over 100 people, too many to name individually. But I would like to point out the leadership roles of Dennis Ryan and Penny Rosfjord, who played a big part in building our email lists, websites, facebook and other media. Communicating with 39 new counties was not easy, but we pulled it off!
For arrangements, Georgia Robertson showed great leadership, with major assists from Teresa Wolf and Dick Sokolowski , as well as Matt Pearson, Keith Moe, and many other Buena Vista County Democrats. Andy Bock was terrific with Credentials, with Dennis Ryan collecting delegate fees. Sue Seedorf-Keninger did an excellent job with the Platform.
The Rules and Nominations Committee did exceptional work in seeing that our elections were fair, open, and handled in record time, in spite of some unanticipated software problems (the Republicans should take a lesson). A special thanks to Penny Rosfjord for her leadership and Tom Hillson for his technical skill.
Kasey Friedrichsen was a big help with the projector, Dave Somsky and Dennis Ryan as Co-Vice Chairs, Karen Havlicek as Secretary, Jennifer Donovan as Parliamentarian, Robert Morck as Seargent of Arms, and Sherry Williams as Timekeeper.
I am extremely pleased with the leadership team we elected at the convention, as well as our representatives to the national convention and other posts. Congratulations to all!
As I rotate off as 4th District Central Committee chair in June, I am confident in our future. Please be sure that your county elects active participants in our central committee – each county has at least three slots, county chair and two others. When the committee forms after the June 16th state convention, someone will be contacting you.
Let’s bring our positive energy forward and continue our work to elect more Democrats in November! President Obama, Christie Vilsack, and our legislative and local candidates all need our support. That’s what it is all about.
Yours,
Tom Harrington
Chair, 4th District Central Committee
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