WyCo Dems Plan for Fair, Candidates Brunch

Wyoming County Democratic Committee members (top, from left) Nadia Villanueva, Vicki Prekel, Peg Ball, Norm Ball, Sharon Neuman, Norm White, David Martin, Sandy Goodwin, and Cynthia Stevens prepare to start their Aug. 15 meeting, at which several new committee members were appointed, including (above, left) Jeffery Zimmerman, Patty Carbone, and (not pictured) Kevin Steele.

Photos and Story by Rick Hiduk

Highlights of the August meeting of the Wyoming County Democrats included the addition of three new members to the committee to cover vacancies in Nicholson, Falls and Tunkhannock Township; plans for the Wyoming County Fair and Nicholson’s Bridge Day; plans for a Meet the Candidates Brunch fundraiser in October; and a quick approval of proposed resolutions for the September meeting of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee.

The committee narrowed the fall fundraiser down to either Oct. 14 or 28, both Saturdays, with a brunch starting at 10 am at the Moose Lodge in Eaton Township. The menu was finalized, and the date will be finalized shortly. Tickets for the event will be sold at the Wyoming County Democrats booth at the Wyoming County Community Fair from Wednesday to Sunday, Aug. 30 to Sept. 4.

There are a number of municipalities in Wyoming County that are under-represented on the committee, and chairman Norm White asked for nominations and approvals to fill three of the seats. Kevin Steele of Nicholson will fill the only seat for that borough. Jeffery Zimmerman will fill the Falls Ward 2 seat. And Patty Carbone will fill the Tunkhannock Township Ward 1 seat.

Committee member Nadia Villanueva reported that she and Jean Harris attended the June meeting of the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee (PDSC) and managed to represent the county at every DEMINAR and caucus meeting. Villanueava recommended that someone should always be appointed in proxy if the committee’s state representative Laura Dickson and/or the chairman are unable to attend.

When White realized that he would not be able to attend the Sept. 8 and 9 PDSC meeting in Harrisburg, he asked Steele to attend in his place. Steele expressed an interest in helping to form and serving as a liaison for a Young Democrats Club in Wyoming County, a cause also supported by Villanueva. She noted that there would be contacts and information available for Steele in Harrisburg to learn what would be needed.

Laura Dickson was not in attendance but asked committee member Sandy Goodwin to ask for a general consensus on five resolutions she expects to be proposed at the PDSC meeting, relating through Goodwin that she wanted to adequately represent the committee. In order, the committee agreed that Dickson and Steele should cast “Yes” votes to support measures and candidates who agree to 1) increase the number of women in elected office, 2) repeal prohibition of cannabis, 3) move toward a single-payer health system, 4) oppose Republican efforts to control internet speed and access, and 5) establish a panel to oversee fair redistricting of congressional and senatorial districts in Pennsylvania. Most of the resolutions received unanimous approval, the exception being the cannabis resolution, which brought “No” votes from White and committee member Norm Ball.

The next meeting of the Wyoming County Democrats will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

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