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Jackson County Republicans elect delegates, hear state party candidates

Staff reports

Jackson County Republicans and candidates for the North Carolina GOP chair and vice chair met on Friday evening March 13 for the annual Jackson County Republican Convention and Precinct Meetings.

After a covered dish supper, the convention opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and invocation by Bill Foxx. Chair Dodie Allen conducted the business agenda where members elected the organizations officers for a two year term.

Those elected were Dodie Allen, Chair; Ralph Slaughter, Cashier, 1st Vice Chair; Jim Mueller, Glenville, 2nd Vice Chair; Gregory Hirsh, Cullowhee, Secretary; and Judy Milkey, Sylva, Treasurer.
Delegates were elected to the District Convention scheduled for April 25 at Haywood County Community College and the NC GOP Convention to be held June 12-14 in Raliegh . Those delegates elected are Dodie Allen, Shirley Slaughter, Ralph Slaughter, Nancy Coward, Orville Coward, Sr, Orville Coward, Jr, Jim Nichols, Mark Meadows, Debbie Meadows, Malisa McKim. Jim Mueller, Grace Mueller, Charlene Blankenship, Jeannie Salyer and Kim and Bill Coward. The delegates represent geographic areas throughout Jackson County.

Candidates for NC GOP Chair, Tom Fetzer and Vice Chair, Tim Johnson spoke highlighting their qualifications for office and their vision for the state organization.

The featured speaker for the evening was Cornelia Cree a Cullowhee resident who lived and taught in China during the past year. Cree related her experiences and description of Chinese life and culture touching briefly on aspects of education, politics, industry and religion. She intends to return to China later this year to continue teaching rural Chinese students.The convention concluded with singing God Bless America and the final benediction offered by Clark Sheffield.

The monthly meetings of the Jackson County Republican Organization are held on the third Monday of each month at Republican Headquarters, 482 West Main St. in downtown Sylva at 6:30 p.m. Additional information can found at the organization’s Web site, www.jacksoncountygop.com or by calling 828 586.9895.