Democrats host Fall Forum

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Karen Bensonhaver (right) holds the microphone for Frances Strickland at the Pickaway County Democratic Party’s Fall Forum on Tuesday. Also pictured is Mike Boyle (left) of the Foothill Folk Society.

David Pepper, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, speaks to local Democrats at their Fall Forum this week in South Bloomfield.

Frances Strickland, wife of former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Ted Strickland, gives a lively presentation at the Democratic Party’s Fall Forum.

Local Democrats announced their intentions to run for office next year at the annual Fall Forum hosted Tuesday by the Pickaway County Democratic Party.

Speakers at the event, held at the Rick Brown Memorial VFW in South Bloomfield, were David Pepper, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, and Frances Strickland, wife of former governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Ted Strickland.

Pepper spoke to the group about the current goals of the Democratic Party and the importance of spreading their message and engaging voters beyond a single election.

Mrs. Strickland also spoke about the party’s goals and entertained the group with an original song about her husband’s platform and campaign.

Incumbents Joyce Gifford, Pickaway County Recorder, Chris Mullins, Pickaway County Engineer, and Robert Radcliff, Pickaway County Sheriff, all intend to seek re-election in 2016 for their respective positions.

Thomas Clark Zwayer also declared his candidacy for the position of Pickaway County Clerk of Courts, a seat currently held by incumbent James Dean.

In addition, two Democrats announced their intentions Tuesday to seek the position of Pickaway County Commissioner in 2016. Keith Peters will run for the seat currently held by incumbent Brian Stewart, and Warren Spangler will run for the seat currently held by incumbent Harold “Champ” Henson.

Declarations of candidacy for partisan candidates for the 2016 general election must be filed by 4 p.m. Dec. 16, according to the Pickaway County Board of Elections. The board must then certify the validity and sufficiency of candidate petitions for the primary election to be held March 15, 2016.

Tammy Bowers will appear on the November ballot this year in a bid to retain her seat as an at-large member of Circleville City Council.

Mike Boyle of the Foothill Folk Society provided music for the event and accompanied Mrs. Strickland for her song. Charlie Morrison served as auctioneer for the fundraising auction, and dinner was provided by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rick Brown Memorial VFW.