Be sure to check "My Reflection" at the end
Special thanks to Allen "the Elder cobweb" Ross
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From The Desk Of The Chair - Beverly G. Lockhart -
January 1, 2007
Reflections on a Viable and Worthy Structure
Folks:
In looking back through 2006 so much has happened and so many changes have come about within the architecture of our local party organizations. It is as if a breath of life has swept out the cobwebs, leaving clean pages, clean halls and nooks and cranny that were hidden - can now be seen.
As in all new and clean lines of architect there are always the gainsayers that want to hold onto the structures of the past and not grasp the new. There is something to be said for the beautiful traditional lines of bygone eras - they soothe, they give a sense of well-being and are favorable to the eye of the viewer.
You will note that in the new architecture there are many of the beautiful traditional lines of bygone eras incorporated within the new structure. You never throw out the old without keeping the great foundation that kept it firm for so long. In other words the old and new can and do meld very well together. It does take a skilled architect along with many talented and skilled craftsmen to work along side the architect to build a viable and worthy structure.
As well as, the lines of bygone eras that soothe us, give us a sense of well-being and in turn are favorable to our eyes - we have learned to look below the surface to make sure there is not any underlying problems with the structure that will not allow it to remain a viable piece of architecture or could cause destruction. We have learned through time to take care of those problems so that the natural structure will serve mankind for many years to come.
The structure needs to be pliable, yet resilient. The structure needs to be able to alter it's uses - so that all mankind of like persuasion can dwell within and find warmth, peace and comfort within it's walls. The structure does not just serve itself - it was built to service many - to reach out and draw all unto it. The structure never - ever picks and chooses who resides within or who benefits from it's haven. To survive the stress of time, the everyday wear and tear - the structure has to be well attended and cared for. The caretakers of this beautiful piece of architecture are each and every one of you. My self included. This wonderful and beautiful piece of architecture - it is our Republican Party!
We have watched many changes go across the face of the Republican Party here in Wood County, the State of West Virginia and in our Nation's Capitol. We, naturally, tend to balk at change and fight it every inch of the way. Change is and can be good. We could all be armchair quarterbacks and hash out the why and the wherefore, some of this is good for the soul of our party and does aid us in our paths to take. Yet we can become so entrenched in this that we ignore the bigger picture.
In reflecting back, since I was elected Chair on July 18, 2006, we have accomplished the following:
1. We have brought forth an event in the Parkersburg Homecoming - we actually were able to have a favorable event. We brought both Congressional Candidates in to be in the parade. The Homecoming Booth was put up, decorated and manned. We did Voter's Registration during that time frame. We had no documentation, no past work to look at to accomplish this event and by the grace of God we had a winner. To each Member of the Executive Committee, Republican Women and TARS, and also private individuals who are Republicans, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you.
2. Poll Workers - again with no prior documentation, lists to go from - in other words we flew this one by the seat of our pants - and I must say that we did a great job. I could not have done it without my Executive Committee Members, local officials and the aid of the Wood County Clerk's Office.
Please, let us not forget the Poll Workers who have served time after time in their Precincts throughout Wood County to make the democratic process a success. I would like to take this time to say that a lesson learned from the ground up - makes you savor the win - so much more. Also, no one can take knowledge away from you once you have been taught it. It is yours to fail at, if failure occurs.
I realized that I had never in all my years of appointing Poll Workers - ever gone to Poll Workers' School. Prior to the General Election I went to one of the last nights - which gave all three positions and what they are taught. I found that the Clerk's Office is very thorough in their education of our Poll Workers. I also learned more about the process than I ever knew. I was also afforded the opportunity to take part in the Canvass after the General Election. It also gave me an insight that was extremely valuable to me as a Chair. I would encourage each and every one of my Executive Committee Members to go to Poll Workers' School.
After much soul searching on my part a decision was made to send a Thank Y you to our Poll Workers who worked the General Election in 2006 - the Executive Committee approved of the same and we decided to include a Christmas Message also. The Executive Committee was so generous in allocating funds - the decision was made to not only do a Thank You/Christmas Greeting from the Wood County Executive Committee Members and their Chair, but also a pre-stamped postcard was included for them to send back to the Chair. The Post Card not only had whether or not they still wanted to work as a Poll Worker - it also enabled them to check their information, correct it if necessary, add an e-mail addresses, as well as, gave areas for them to check off which would enable them to be more involved with the Republican Party. We condensed our Poll Workers' list to 226 (people who shared addresses). The letter with the post card enclosed was mailed out December 12, 2006, and as of December 30, 2006, we have received back 131 post cards! This is so amazing to me and within the 131 post cards received - 76 marked wanted to continue as a Poll Worker in the future and 55 additionally marked several of the extra volunteer blocks! We look forward to taking this information and build a framework of volunteers - you know caretakers of the Republican Party - to prepare us to be Victorious in 2008! Where would our structure be without volunteer caretakers?
3. 2006 General Election - with no previous framework in place for the General Election in 2006 - the new Executive Committee Members who choose to be involved and their Chair, as well as, many dedicated Republicans within Wood County, worked tirelessly for 9 Candidates. Senatorial Candidate, John Raese, United State Congress Candidate, Chris Wakim, WV Senate Candidate - Frank Deem (unopposed), 8th Delegate District Candidate - Bill Anderson (unopposed) 9th Delegate District Candidate - Larry Border, 10th Delegate District Candidates, Tom Azinger, John Ellem and Fred Gillespie, and Wood County Commissioner Candidate, Blair Couch.
The Executive Committee provided a calendar of events to each candidate and their campaign and updated the calendar as events were posted. Also, through e-mails the candidates were kept aware of upcoming events within our area. The Chair assigned different individuals to aid our local candidates that requested aid, in providing help for their campaigns. All Candidates were treated equally and were afforded all opportunities to receive aid from the Executive Committee and their Chair in any help that was needed. We researched, put together and e-mailed information regarding the placing of campaign signs by the Candidates and their Campaigns. We periodically checked with the Candidates and requested a Wish List from them and acted on their individual Wish Lists. As we headed into the final phases of the Election your Chair was in periodic contact with our Candidates checking on their Campaigns and seeing if there was anything more needed.
The Wood County Executive Committee Members and their Chair worked tirelessly together to provide eventful days for the two Congressional Candidates. The Chair and the Committee Members contacted local businessmen, leaders within our Community, etc. and we set up full days for each Candidate and they were escorted from when they entered Wood County until they left by your Chair. Our focus was to get these gentlemen visible within our County - in business establishments, organizations, groups and media time - etc. so that the common every day voter would see their passion for our County and those who reside within. There were approximately 3 to 4 such visits provided for. Even though the nuts and bolts of Candidate Wakim's local race were run by Greg Smith, Mike Howerton, Bob Fish, Rocky Peck, and Allen Ross - he was also afforded the opportunity to be involved with the Wood County Executive Committee as much as he chose and his time allowed.
The Wood County Republican Executive Committee Members, local Republicans and their Chair did a 96 Hour G.O.T.V. - for the 2006 General Election - with the aid of the West Virginia Republican GOP - who provided Wood County with six (6) cell phones with minutes already paid for - to do telephone banking for all of the nine candidates! We were so lucky to be able to have this chance and look forward to being able to do events like this in the future.
The results and fruitation of all of our hard work was realized on the evening of November 7, 2006. Out of nine candidates - we won 7 seats! I am very proud of my Candidates, enjoyed working with them and so very proud of the Members of the Executive Committee who took the time and effort to make this election such a great success for the 7 Candidates. Again, caretakers made sure that the architect has the aid needed to insure the structure is still intact. Such wonderful craftsmen - are my caretakers.
It is always a desire of an architect to have the previous plans or blueprints on a structure that is being worked on. Yet, finding the strong beams - you know the weight bearing beams - within a structure may take longer without previous blueprints - you are as an architect still able to discern those beams.
It might take you as an architect a little longer to understand the total beauty of the structure you are working on without the benefit of blueprints. You know - those items which are a necessity to keep your structure sound - and those things which were added which took away from the initial architect's vision for the structure. You can, though, with the aid of skilled craftsmen take away those items which were added that do not add to the original flavor of the lines of bygone eras that soothed us, gave us a sense of well-being and in turn was favorable to our eyes.
It is this architect's desire to add to and enhance the original architect's vision for the structure. Our craftsmen will need to add to the structure those things which will enable all to enjoy the lines of the bygone eras.
To be an elitist today - and to not reach out to include all who seek haven in our structure - we run the risk of creating a haven that is not structurally sound! We need to provide a structure or haven of rest for those who seek to make the life of the structure sound, complete and whole. As craftsmen we can provide for the everyday care that our fine structure needs, and to be sure and look towards the future of our structure to enable it to surpass the passage of time and the elements that might try to destroy it.
In 2007 you will see the Wood County Republican Executive Committee prepare for all that 2008 will ask of us and more. We are looking forward now to those who will run in 2008, we are getting ready to provide informative packets and sessions for these individuals. There are Committees in place within the Wood County GOP to work towards our goals in 2008. Also, you will see that the Membership of our Executive Committee will start to be filled. It is the desire of the Executive Committee to embrace more individuals within our rank and file. Work towards that goal has already started.
Voter Registration has been and will continue to be important to the Wood County Republican Executive Committee Members and their Chair – it is a goal that will be reached and more Republicans will be registered that ever before.
The Wood County Republican Executive Committee and it's Chair will work towards placing viable candidates in the Primary of 2008 for the City of Parkersburg Elections - Mayor and 9 Counsel seats, the various Wood County seats that will come up for election, Legislative Candidates in the 8th, 9th and 10th Delegate Districts, State Senate Candidate, the Governor's Race, as well as, the State Board of Public Works Candidates, and of course, our Congressional and Presidential Candidates. Then upon the Primary being over we will double our efforts to bring home Victory In 2008!
In 2007, you will ask to be involved and share in the building up of our Republican Party, we will be heavily involved in the 2008 West Virginia Republican Presidential Convention! This is an opportunity that we look forward to with much anticipation. A chance to choose the Republican Candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America!
The Wood County Republican Executive Committee Members and their Chair are committed to aiding the West Virginia Republican Executive Committee and their Chairman, Dr. Doug McKinney, in reaching each and every goal set before us. We have great respect and honor our State Party Chairman and look forward to future endeavors with the State Party. In Dr. Doug McKinney you find an admirable architect.
Also, the Wood County Republican Executive Committee Members and their Chair are committed to networking with our Sister Counties that surround us and we have enjoyed sharing positive efforts that have played out in these Sister Counties with their Chairs and the Members of their Executive Committees. We are committed to the Third Senatorial District and the Counties comprised thereof. There are so many things that each County can share with their respective Counties.
Jointly, together, we can and will build a sound and solid structure. After all, we have the most famous Master Builder at the helm, our Lord. God bless each and every one of you and your Families this Holiday Season. God Speed to each and every one of you for the coming year. Lord, watch over each and every one of our Men and Women who are serving in the Armed Forces here and abroad. Touch their families and loved ones – ease their pain, their heartache and their concerns for their Husband, Father, Son, Daughter, etc. and Lord let no weapon fashioned against them by their enemies come up against them. Thank you Lord for your love and over sight of us. We give you the Thanks.
Respectfully,
Beverly G. Lockhart
Chair
Wood County Republican Executive Committee
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Thought I would share this with others who may not have received it either. Greg
FAQ:
It's 2629 words.
*************My Reflection*************
Having been a member of the Wood County Republican Executive
Committee for 13 years and currently serving my forth term with my 3rd chair let me simply say on behalf of the "cobwebs" that I would hope we can equal or surpass the
accomplishments of just the last 4 years:
- Raise another $42,000
- Gain another 2500 registered Republicans in the County
- Hold another 10 successful fundraisers
- Maintain all elected offices
We Deserve no less
We have 42 months!
