Medina County Dem Chair Presents Arguments for Four Year Term for Central Committee Members

Common Sense-the Reason for 4-Year Terms

The question has been raised as to whether the Medina County Democratic Party should change the length of its membership terms from 4 years to 2 years.

First, let me reassure all those who were elected to the Central Committee on March 4th that you have been elected to a 4-year term and nothing can change that.

Second, I think it's helpful to review why the Party has 4-year terms. In the early 1990's, the State of Ohio changed its laws to allow the political parties to select either 2 or 4-year terms. At the time, both the Democratic Party as well as the Republican Party in Medina County changed to the 4-year system. The reason is simple: it makes for a much easier process in recruiting members and makes it easier for Central Committee members so they don't have to circulate petitions so frequently. Unfortunately, when Ohio moved its Presidential Primary to March it put a burden on people because the timing for the filing deadline is now in early January, at a time when most people's energies are devoted to holiday and family activities. This year, both parties in our County fell short on filling all their Central Committee spots (although we did better than the Republicans!). This is not unusual in any county.

As Chair, however, I take responsibility for this and know that we should begin much earlier and much more comprehensively 4 years from now to field a full slate for the Central Committee.

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee, as it has done in the past, will appoint or re-appoint members to the open slots. In fact, when positions fall vacant or new people step forward who could fill empty slots, we make appointments any time throughout the cycle. We already have a substantial list of those who for whatever reason did not get their petitions in but would like to serve, as well as others who have offered their services. Anyone who is interested should get in touch with me immediately (330-725-7487 or pam450@bright.net.

In conclusion, to shorten Central Committee terms from the current 4-years would be a step backwards and would only consume time and effort that would be better put to use in working to recruit and elect Democratic candidates in Medina County.

Pam Miller, Chair,
Medina County Democratic Party