Dear Young Dem,
As temperatures continue to rise across the Buckeye state, a number of our statewide races are also heating up. In the coming months, we'll be counting on your continued support to hold on to the gains we made in 2006 and 2008. In this month's OYD newsletter, we'll take a look back at our annual convention, held
earlier this month in Cleveland. Plus, you'll get to know our new president, Amy Groya, and
learn about her plans for OYD in this crucial election year. You'll also find out why Eric Brown was the right choice for the Chief Justice of the
Ohio Supreme Court. And finally, learn what you can do to help Governor Strickland keep Ohio moving forward! As we transition to new leadership in OYD, we extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing
president Sarah Saccany. In her two years at the helm, Sarah guided OYD through the historic 2008 campaign, oversaw the organization's highly successful Run2009 program and coordinated the annual convention in Cleveland. Best of luck to Sarah in all her future endeavors! As always, we welcome and encourage your suggestions. Regards,
Ohio Young Democrats In this edition:
Cuyahoga County Hosts OYD Convention
Groya Poised to Lead OYD into Election Season
Strickland Picks Brown for Supreme Court
Help Advocate for Democrats Online
Landers Named Ohio Young Dem of the Year Cuyahoga County Hosts OYD Convention This year, OYD's convention expanded to a two-day event, with a social in downtown Cleveland on Friday night, April 9, and the convention and awards banquet on Saturday, April 10. Many special guests joined us for portions of the weekend, including state Auditor candidate and Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper, Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Lieutenant Governor and Senate candidate Lee Fisher, Franklin County Clerk of Courts and Secretary of State candidate Maryellen O'Shaughnessy and Ohio Supreme Court candidate Mary Jane Trapp.
In addition to voting on new officers, convention participants took part in educational
sessions, including those focusing on financial compliance for OYD chapters and recruiting
and retaining members.
Cuyahoga County Young Dems president Curtis Thompson said the event was an unqualified success.
"A large number of young people cam from across the state for both nights, the mixer at
Anatomy on Friday and the Convention on Saturday. We had exceptional guest speakers from across the state and our congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge gave the welcoming address."
"This meant a lot to myself and our members. It showed how Our leaders truly care about the issues that young people in Ohio face daily and that our Congresswoman is willing to help fight for the future of our County and State."
During the awards banquet, Run2009 candidate Dan Langshaw was named Ohio Young Dem of the year. The Ottawa Hills High School chapter was named high school chapter of the year, and the Cuyahoga County chapter was named chapter of the year. Groya Poised to Lead OYD into Election Season During general session of the annual OYD convention, Cuyahoga County Young Dem Amy Groya won election to the OYD presidency. Having just finished a term as OYD's first vice president and chair of the campaign committee, Amy is ready to lead Ohio into the crucial 2010 elections. Here's a Q & A with our new president.
1. What does it mean to you to be president of OYD?
Being president of OYD means the world to me. Young people and youth politics are the most important things to me as a Democrat. Being president of the Ohio Young Democrats allows me to focus on the things that I am most passionate about which include training and encouraging young candidates and protecting youth voting.
2. What are you most looking forward to over the next two years?
Over the next two years I'm looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of guiding
OYD through an exciting mid-term election and then gearing up for what will surely be an
exciting Presidential election. I'm looking forward to showing the power and dedication of
Ohio's young people to not just Ohio, but the nation. I'm looking forward to working with
the party, the NextGen Dems, OYBD, CDO and other youth focused organizations to bring about a new era of youth involvement and ability.
3. What is the biggest challenge OYD faces?
OYD faces a challenge of resources to match our planned activism. This is a tough economy,
and OYD has to prove to potential donors not just our current worth, but our potential in
order to gain the finances to achieve the goals I have set for us for the upcoming years.
4. What steps will OYD take to help Dems during this critical election year?
The Ohio Young Democrats are going to mobilize to help our statewide ticket in every county in Ohio. We will also focus on State Representative races with youth candidates. We will hit doors, make phone calls, and engage in peer to peer campaigning to get out the vote like we did so successfully in 2008 for Obama. Strickland Picks Brown for Supreme Court Following the untimely death of Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Franklin County Probate Judge Eric Brown to fill the vacancy on an
interim basis beginning May 3. Brown remains a candidate for the post this November.
Brown's appointment demonstrates the Governor's commitment to expanding the diversity of the state judiciary. Over 50% of his appointments have been women, and he has appointed record numbers of judges from both the Latino and LGBT communities. Brown's appointment is the first step in balancing the previously all-Republican membership of the Court.
Brown brings significant experience to the job of Chief Justice, having previously served as
Assistant Attorney General.
"I believe that Eric is now the best person to serve as Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme
Court," Strickland said. "Eric's 30 years of public service combined with his management
experience and legal knowledge and expertise, inside and outside of government, make him uniquely qualified to lead the court." Help Advocate for Democrats Online Here's a note from our friend Rence Delino, director of the Strickland campaign's Grassroots Online Team:
The 2010 election is of vital importance in Ohio and we need every bit of help on every single battleground. Republicans, energized after being booted from power in the last two cycles, are using the internet effectively as a tool to try and bounce back.
That's why Strickland for Governor and the Ohio Democratic Party are putting together the Grassroots Online Team. Through the online team, you'll gain the tools and training to advocate for Democrats online. Joining the team is an easy and effective way to help advance Democratic causes and candidates to help win in November. Volunteers only need to commit to about an hour each week.
Click the link below to sign up to be a part of the Grassroots Online Team. Fill out the form, and we'll be in touch with you within a few days. Thanks for your support, and we look forward to talking to you!
http://www.tedstrickland.com/onlineteam Landers Named Ohio Young Dem of the Year Fresh off his victory in November, making him the newest member of Boardman's Board of
Education, Mahoning County Young Dem John Landers was honored as OYD's Young Dem of the year at the annual convention.
Landers, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and a Masters degree in engineering and management from Case Western Reserve University, served as a federal government consultant with CGI Federal. He remains active in his community through St. Charles Parish and the Mahoning Valley 20/30 Professional Society.
"Winning the Ohio Young Democrat of the Year award is a humbling honor from my peers across the state of Ohio," said Landers.
Campaigning for and serving on the school board taught Landers much about the area he now represents.
"I've learned that every vote counts and building relationships as I was campaigning across the township gave me insight into the state of the township and the schools, helping to
build a plan for improvement," said Landers.
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