Small County Coalition Conference: Locals meet state candidates and other DEC members 

The Walton County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Jeremy Solomon was presented with its new charter by David Dew, Chair of the Small County Coalition, and Alison Morano, Democratic County Chairs Association,  at this week end's Small County Coalition Conference in Port St. Joe.  Ten members of the Walton County DEC were present. 

  "It was the most organized conference I've been to," said Hugh Marse, former Walton County State Committeeman.  "Zebe Schmidt, the Gulf County DEC Chair, did a fantastic job," agreed Grace Marse, former DEC Committeewoman.

Frank Day, local Democrat, said, "I went to learn, and WOW! I went to the right place.  .  .  many incredibly intelligent and passionate people there. . . ."  Frank spent a good deal of time with Attorney General candidate Dan Gelber and also with  Bud Chiles who was the keynote speaker and son of former Governor Lawton Chiles.  Thom Brooks echoed Day's sentiments, "There was a good agenda that made it a great opportunity to learn. I wish I could have attended every event."

"The conference itself was  quite successful," said Jeremy Solomon, DEC Chair.    "Our members had the opportunity to meet and get to know statewide candidates for Attorney General and Secretary of Agriculture. Equally important, the candidates had the opportunity to know us."   DEC member Stephen Brinker summed it up, "I was really impressed by the sense of family with just having met everyone and by the end of the conference I felt as if I'd know some of them for a long time."   "One of our missions," said Solomon, "is to become visible and significant.  I believe our turnout at this event and our active participation in the conference served us well in both areas." 

Walton County, with ten participants, had the largest turnout of any of the 38 county parties who make up the membership of the Small County Coalition.  Thanks to all of you!

(photo:  left to right - Senator Dave Aronberg, Demo candidate for Attorney General, and Walton County DEC Chair Jeremy Solomon)

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