Roe "We, as a party, need to rekindle a desire for Carroll County Democrats to step up to the challenge of running for public office again," explained Dick Roe, Carroll County's Democratic Party chairman.

Roe said local Democrats plan to develop a response for the community, and for the party, after Carroll County Republicans choose candidates to occupy approximately 79 percent of the party's available seats for the November election or for completed races in last Tuesday's primary.

Roe stated his job duties are to oversee the activities of the party, keep in touch with the district and state Democrats and to appoint people to vacant offices when the need arises.

"I am the glue for the 19 precincts," he said. "I am the go-toguy."

As the go-to-guy it is Roe's responsibility to rally his party's potential to register candidates for the general election.

"We need to get competent people in offices," Roe said. "People need to recognize that Carroll County has a two-party system."

"Democrats are kind of gun-shy because of past elections," he continued. "We are all Carroll County people. It is important that we select people to fill slots for offices."

According to Roe, the races to focus on are commissioner, council and prosecutor. He said both Democrats and Republicans have approached him about running for each of those races.

However Roe is quick to point out that all races are important. He said he would like to see each slot filled in the general election to give voters a true choice.

"Democrats need to understand we are all residents of Carroll County and we all have the right to run for office," he said. "Right now, we have no Democrats in the courthouse. Democrats shouldn't be intimidated that Carroll County is perceived as a Republican county."

Roe said there will be a caucus in June and all Democrats who want to run for office should attend. Precinct chairs are responsible for their precincts. Roe urges them to talk to as many people as they can about running for an office, but only if the committee person feels they are competent to serve in a particular office.

"Candidates need to have a thorough understanding of the office they are seeking," Roe said. "They must have a true desire to serve in that capacity."

The party has until June 30 to file a slate of candidates with the county clerk's office.

"This is the time for us to step up to the task," Roe emphasized. "We need to take the bull by the horns and become a recognized party in Carroll County again."