Notes from the Frontlines

Posted by Earl on November 5, 2007:
It's time for me to put on my "Social Editor" hat.

Tonight the Bowling Green Democrats once again showed everyone how to do a fund raising chicken dinner the RIGHT way. It was the annual Election Eve "No Excuses" Chicken Dinner. It's called "No Excuses" because you don't have to sit through any speeches, you don't have to stuff any envelopes and since it's hosted by Sam B's Restaurant in downtown BG, the food is GREAT. It's their chicken dinner special with all the trimmings. Beyond that, you can eat in, carryout or even get a gift certificate good through the end of the year. Such a deal.

At left, are our genial hosts, Dinah Vincent and former BG council rep Sandy Wicks. (Sandy's shirt reads "You can lead a Republican to knowledge, but ya can't make 'em think!"

Dinah and Sandy have truly been the spark plugs for this event for years now.

As always, the turnout was great (despite the truly LOUSY weather.) A huge thank you to everyone who supported this event, which is our only annual fund raiser.

Here's Sandy with our next congressional representative, Robin Weirauch who took a break from getting her new campaign HQ open across the street at 116 S. Main.

The Democratic fellowship was great. Judge Arlene Singer attended with her husband, labor leader Jack Wilson, who have been faithful supporters of this event and of the Wood County Democratic Party for a LONG time. I got to chat with the Bretz clan from North Baltimore, with Phil Dombey from Grand Rapids, and with Dr. Neocles Leontis and his wife, Vassiliki .

All of our stalwarts were there, including John Zanfardino and his wife, Andy Newlove and his dad Richard, Robert Gilsdorf and Kim Sautter.

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention BGSU professor emeritus (and former Fifth District congressional candidate) Dr. Roger Anderson who attended with his lovely wife Betty Jean. Genuine wonderful folks.

I've tried to drop as many names as I could, just like how they do it in the "Society Column." I realize it's silly, but I was trying to make a point.

Politics, at least on OUR side of the aisle, isn't all work, sometimes it can really be fun.

If you weren't there tonight, you really missed a good time with a great meal.

As they say, a great time was had by all. We hope to see you next month for the Keystone donors reception.

August 17, 2007 from Mike Zickar:

2008 is going to sneak up on us before you know it; the filing deadline for candidates is January 4th, 2008. Next year is going to be a great year for Democrats. The public is fed up with the Bush Administration. Nationwide polls show that the average voter prefers Democratic candidates by a significant margin. Last year we showed local Republicans that we could carry Wood County for statewide Democrats and even came close to upsetting a long-time incumbent county commissioner. We need people who are willing to challenge local Republican rule and who are willing to consider running for office.

We have a need for candidates to run for the following offices (with salary information):

County Commissioner $63,833
Prosecuting Attorney $112,552
Clerk of Courts $67,026
Sheriff $90,572
Treasurer $59,579
Engineer $92,600
Coroner $49,814
Common Pleas Judge $118,050
State Senator $53,018

If you would be willing to consider being a candidate, please contact me at mikezickar@yahoo.com. Also, if you know somebody who you think would be a great candidate, please let me know as well. 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats!

August 17, 2007 from Mike Zickar:
A group of Wood County Democrats got invited to the Governor’s Mansion down in Bexley Ohio for a backyard garden party for activists from Northwest Ohio. There was a band playing country rock as well as lemonade, cookies, and hot dogs.

We got a tour of the Governor’s mansion which included many nice paintings (all done by Ohio artists) as well as well-crafted antique furniture. Fran and Ted Strickland were gracious hosts, spending time to talk with and take pictures with all attendees.

Ted was excited about the productive tone set between himself and the legislature during the recent budget cycle.

He thanked Wood County Democrats for his strong showing (59% in our county) and told me “you’re going to have fun in 2008!”

[l-r] Mr. Patrick Ng (Chair, Central Committee) Governor Ted Strickland, Dr. Mike Zickar (Chair Executive Committee) Ohio's First Lady Ms. Frances Strickland, and Dr. Lilly Lin (our own WCDP "First Lady.")

[l-r] Governor Strickland, our own indomitable DFA leader Ms. Lee McLaird and Ms. Strickland