Teton County Democrats elect new officers and urge support for Obama initiatives on health care, energy and education!

Marcia Kunstel of Wilson was elected Chair of the Teton County Democratic Party on Saturday, March 21 for the next two years.  Officers are elected by the Teton County Central Committee consisting of the precinct men and women and the officers.

Andy Schwartz was elected Vice-Chair.  Deb O'Neill continues as Secretary and Bonnie Koeln will continue as Treasurer.  Joe Albright was re-elected as State Committeeman and Becky Strout was elected State Committeewoman.  The Chair, Vice-Chair and Committeeman and Committeewoman will serve on the State Democratic Central Committee. 

Larry Hamilton was recognized for his excellent service as Chairman over the past two years.  Larry will continue with his public service on the Teton County Planning Commission and numerous other boards.  Mike Gierau was commended for his prompt replacement of Bush and Cheney pictures in public buildings with pictures of President Obama and Vice-President Biden.

Two other prominent Teton County Democrats are running for offices of the State Democratic Party, Leslie Petersen for Chair and Chuck Herz for Treasurer.  That election will take place in Casper on April 18th.

The meeting, held at the County Commissioner Chambers was well attended.  Marcia Kunstel spoke about the Organizing for America campaign which is a nation-wide effort to build support for the priorities of the Obama administration on health care, energy and education. "These are Wyoming issues too," agreed Representative Pete Jorgensen.  "We have to let Congress know that the Administration has it right" Marcia said.

Support pledges for Organizing for America were signed by many attendees.  The pledges will be forwarded to the campaign and then distributed to members of Congress and sent to the President.  Anyone wishing to endorse the broad goals for reform can do so at the web site http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject.

Attendees also heard excellent reports on the recent legislative session from Representatives Pete Jorgensen and Jim Roscoe.  County Commission Chair, Hank Phibbs and Melissa Turley of the Town Council, reported on county and town matters and Donna Baur, County Treasurer spoke on county economic issues.