Both political parties gear-up for the May primary
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Huffer

The Democratic Central Committee met Jan. 9 to choose a new leader after the resignation of Dick Roe. Former vice-chair Linda Huffer was chosen to head the party for the next year.

County positions to be filled in the November election include two commissioner seats, three council seats, the clerk, recorder, coroner, surveyor and three school board members in each school corporation.

Huffer said the night she was elected that she expects precinct committeemen to "shake the bushes" for candidates. She said she would be in contact with them to help organize the party and to fill ballots with qualified candidates.

"I hope the party can grow and become stronger again," she said.

Huffer said she understood how the Democrats could impact county government at this time in history.

"With all the problems in the courthouse, everyone is up in arms right now," she said.

The Democrats are not the only political group thinking and talking about county issues.

Republican Party Chair Sam Deiwert agreed there are problems in the courthouse and in county government. However, he added that he thought the current commissioners have gotten a "bum rap" about the county financial situation.

Deiwert

Deiwert said that the current county financial situation has signifi- cantly hurt the Republican Party. He said the problem "has fed into the public's dissatisfaction with performance" and that it has "increased discomfort" among citizens. Deiwert said the financial problems have "instilled a sense of fear and hopelessness" that is unfair, but real. He said those obstacles can, and must, be overcome.

Deiwart said it is the responsibility of the Republican Party "to make sure every office is filled with a competent candidate."

"The incumbent Republicans who run for office this time have a big job ahead of them. They are going to have to define themselves in such a way that restores confidence in the electorate," he said. "They must educate voters about their roles and must give a rationale for their decisions."

"I don't think it can't be done," he added. "But they are going to have to work to make their case to the public. Republicans have to convince folks why they should vote for them."

Deiwert said the community should look at the improvements in the last 12 months.

"They've hunkered down. It's been difficult to get through," he said. "They've stepped into the pail and there has been progress made."