Two leaders of the Livingston County Democratic Party are turning over the reins of party leadership in order to concentrate on their campaigns for state and local races.
Party Chair Matt Evans and Vice Chair Donna Anderson announced at the party’s monthly meeting on Thursday (June 26, 2008) that they wished to relinquish their duties. Evans is a write-in candidate on the Aug. 5 primary ballot for supervisor of Green Oak Township. Anderson is seeking the party’s nomination to replace term-limited Republican Chris Ward as state representative from the 66th District, which includes the city of Brighton, Milford and a portion of western Oakland County.
"I have a busy law practice, a wonderful wife, and a growing son that I want to see more of. And I want to campaign hard in Green Oak Township. There just aren't enough hours in the day. I thought I could go without sleep, but I’m a mere mortal, and I can't," Evans said.
Anderson said continuing leadership of the busy county party would cut down on the time she would have to get to know voters in her legislative race.
"I've enjoyed my time as vice chair. Our party is growing so rapidly that being an officer takes a tremendous amount of time. It’s just not possible to take on two heavy responsibilities at the same time and still have time to see my grandchildren," Anderson said.
Under the leadership of Evans and Anderson, the party has been aggressive in scheduling fund-raisers and other events. It has held movie nights to show films such as Michael Moore's "Sicko," hosted information forums on stem cell research and the Michigan Supreme Court, and landed prestigious speakers such as UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer.
The new chair and vice chair said they plan to continue those programs, while putting together a get-out-the-vote program to maximize Democratic turnout in November.
Judy Daubenmier, who was unanimously elected party chair, said she expects a smooth transition. "We want to pick up right where Matt and Donna left off. As Democrats, we are focused on the fall," she said.
Daubenmier, 58, of Genoa Township, has lived in Livingston County since 1989 and has been a member of the party executive committee since January 2007. She worked as a volunteer for the local party in the 2004 election. She has a doctorate in history from the University of Michigan and teaches part-time in the Program in American Culture at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She is a member of the Lecturers' Employee Organization, Local 6244 of the American Federation of Teachers, at the University of Michigan and of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Brighton. She and her husband, Michael, have one grown daughter.
Dave Buckland, 59, of Hamburg Township, was unanimously elected vice chair. Buckland and his wife, Debby, have lived in Livingston County since 1977 and raised three sons here. A graduate of Ohio State University, he is a quality engineer with ACH-LLC, (automotive components holding). Dave has been committed to the community, coaching 19 years for his children's youth soccer, baseball, and basketball teams, including 5 years as HCAA Youth Soccer Commissioner. He served three years on the Hamburg Parks and Recreation Committee and is in the 13th year on the Strawberry Lakes Joint Parks Committee and is currently the Treasurer.
Buckland has been on the party’s executive committee since January 2007 and ran for the Livingston County Commission for the 8th district in 2006.
No comments:
Post a Comment