Bonitati Elected Democrat Party Chair

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Jordan Fouts-

John Bonitati was elected chairman of the Kosciusko County Democrat Party Saturday.
Bonitati replaces Terry Bartley, who resigned May 1 citing a desire to devote more time to work and family. Bonitati previously served as party treasurer.
The treasurer position went by vote to Brian Smith, who earned a degree in economics from Valparaiso University and said he’s been active in the party for about six months. He told members he’s looking forward to building the financial framework for the party.
Bonitati praised the job Bartley did as chairman and relayed that the former chair plans to stay involved in the party. He also thanked other local party leaders, noting that “nothing gets done in a vacuum.”
“Government works best when you have two parties,” he said, noting the Democrats are a minority party in the county and he’d like to see their standing improve. “We need to get younger people involved, new voters, because a lot of people feel left out of the process.”
Also during the morning meeting, Heidi Nulf, of Leesburg, announced her candidacy for the Leesburg clerk-treasurer position vacated by Jan Carter. Nulf said she’s lived in the town most of her life, currently works as a nurse and has some experience preparing budgets.
Michael Searfoss also has expressed an interest in the appointment, party members heard. An appointee is expected to be named Friday.[[In-content Ad]]

John Bonitati was elected chairman of the Kosciusko County Democrat Party Saturday.
Bonitati replaces Terry Bartley, who resigned May 1 citing a desire to devote more time to work and family. Bonitati previously served as party treasurer.
The treasurer position went by vote to Brian Smith, who earned a degree in economics from Valparaiso University and said he’s been active in the party for about six months. He told members he’s looking forward to building the financial framework for the party.
Bonitati praised the job Bartley did as chairman and relayed that the former chair plans to stay involved in the party. He also thanked other local party leaders, noting that “nothing gets done in a vacuum.”
“Government works best when you have two parties,” he said, noting the Democrats are a minority party in the county and he’d like to see their standing improve. “We need to get younger people involved, new voters, because a lot of people feel left out of the process.”
Also during the morning meeting, Heidi Nulf, of Leesburg, announced her candidacy for the Leesburg clerk-treasurer position vacated by Jan Carter. Nulf said she’s lived in the town most of her life, currently works as a nurse and has some experience preparing budgets.
Michael Searfoss also has expressed an interest in the appointment, party members heard. An appointee is expected to be named Friday.[[In-content Ad]]
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