On Saturday March 29 at 6:30 p.m. the Curry County Democratic Party hosted its bi-annual dinner at the Docia Sweet Hall at the County Fairgrounds in Gold Beach. According to county Democratic Chair Mary Jane LaBelle, "The event was an opportunity to see old friends, meet new friends, hear an inspiring speaker, and support the efforts of the party in getting capable citizen leaders elected to office."

This year's speaker was Meredith Wood Smith, chair of the Oregon Democratic Party. Before becoming the statewide party leader, Mrs. Smith was party chair in neighboring Jackson County, chair of the Multnomah County Organizing Committee, and a leader in statewide efforts for rural political organizing, for training of party volunteers, and for the election of governors Kulongoski, Kitzhaber, and others. As party chair, she has led a movement to broaden the Democratic base of support, to address the needs of Oregonians in the most rural areas as well as in cities, and to inspire a whole new generation of people to become involved in our state's future.

County Chair LaBelle said, "Meredith really has her finger on the pulse of national politics. She's one of the most committed political leaders I've ever met and is one of the most inspiring public speakers I've ever heard. She brings solid knowledge, joyous enthusiasm, and an infectious sense of passion to the work she does-and that's the work that we do as well-trying to get the most competent people elected to public office."

With the theme of "Let's Rebuild America-For a Change!" local party leaders and Mrs. Smith detailed the challenges that lay ahead for our communities, our county, our state, and our country. The democratic dinner drew over 120 people from all walks of life, residents from all over the county, and newcomers to the area.

LaBelle noted, "Our dinner provided a good opportunity for people to support the direction that our party is taking to work for better education and health care, a sound economy, a healthy environment, and responsible government at all levels." She added, "Those who wanted to do something to support better government and the changes that we need to make in politics, shared this evening with us."

 A silent auction included art pieces from local artists and popular services from local businesses. "It netted over two thousand dollars for Curry County Democratic Central Commitee", said party treasurer David Pesonen. Live music and a no-host bar completed the atmosphere for our Jefferson Day event.   

Inside the Curry Democrats

The Curry County Democratic Central Committee is the official representation of registered Democrats who live within [Curry County, Oregon]. All voters legally registered as Democrats, and residing in Curry County, are members of this organization and of the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO)

Mission: Our vision is to restore an effective and efficient government that will respect your rights, count your votes, rebuild the economy, and restore accountability. We do that by organizing Democrats within the County to develop, adopt and support a party platform, with the goal of electing Democratic candidates to elected office. We also represent Democrats at the Congressional District and State Central committees.

We are active locally in numerous projects and issues, on a wide variety of interests and are dedicated to making people's lives better.

Charter: The Curry County Democratic Central Committee (CCDCC) is the highest authority in county party policies. This body has the authority to adopt rules or Bylaws or resolutions covering any matter of party government within the county. Additionally, this is the body that establishes the policies, articulates the beliefs and establishes the standard of all local Democratic candidates. These basic policies, beliefs and standards are then passed on to the State and National party for action