I have been so excited about my opportunity to lead the Saluda County Republican Party. I so fervently believe in the wisdom and judgment of everyday Americans, that when I first learned about how the Republican party actually worked, I knew it provided the best way to bring those grassroots voices into the party for which I have voted since 1976.
The challenge here in Saluda is not only to create a well-functioning party organization that supports our traditional Republican values, but one that has continuity going forward. Saluda is a small county, and is often overlooked. That is no reason, however, that we cannot inspire our voters here and provide an example beyond our county lines.
I began a year ago with a handful of friends who shared my vison and enthusiasm for what our Saluda Party could be. They have all taken critical roles in our county party, and, I am happy to say, they have helped triple the number of members who are truly engaged. We are inspiring each other, and through the use of technology we plan to punch above our weight and make a positive difference in Saluda and beyond!
I have never led any sort of organization before, but my good friend, Paul Gilbert, has always spoken of the importance of strategic planning. With the help of a plan he laid out, I created a roadmap to give me direction as Saluda Chairman:
We have now held three meetings. The first was in late April and was for the purpose of meeting with our newly elected precinct Presidents and Committemen to give them basic information about their roles and responsibilities. The second meeting was in May, and was our first official County Executive Committee meeting. Its main purpose was to begin creating the offices we needed and filling them with qualified people. The gratifying thing is that so many wonderful people stepped up. Melinda Kneece as Secretary and Deb Camp as Treasurer; Kim Parigoris as 3rd Vice Chair for Marketing and Media will be managing our Facebook Page and our Social Media presence in general; Sherry Kirkland will be 4th Vice Chair in charge of Events. For me, as Chairman, this is was already an embarrassment of riches, but then came last night’s meeting where things got even better.
It began with a short business meeting in which we filled the position of 2nd Vice Chairman for Voter Education with Pleasant Grove precinct member, Jay Dunbar. Jay, a former chef, prepared the excellent pulled pork for our dinner. His wife, Michelle made potato salad and coleslaw. Gail Meyer, my indispensable friend who fled the blue state of Washington for Saluda County, made the desserts. Gail and Jay will be co-chairing the Hospitality Committee, one of two new committees created at last night’s meeting. The other was the finance committee, which will be chaired by our Treasurer, Deb Camp.
Last night, of course, was our first guest speaker. US Senate candidate, Mark Lynch, spoke to us about why he is running against Lindsey Graham for US Senate. We were honored to have him and gratified to have a number of guests join us.
Next month will be our last major organizational meeting. This will be the first meeting with almost all our offices filled, and our committees having met. The agenda will revolve around: Plans of Action!!
As it stands, our County Executive Committee is almost complete:
There are two things people hate when they join any organization. One is if the group does nothing. Two is if it does things, but only one or two people end up doing all the work. That will not be the case with this group! We are positioned to take on many worthwhile tasks, as citizens and patriots – putting our beliefs into action.
Check this website from time to time, and follow us on Facebook. We hope you will consider joining us!
