By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • [email protected]
The Spencer County Democrats welcomed party faithful from across the region for their annual fish fry Sunday afternoon at the Youth and Community Center in Chrisney. Democrats from nearby counties were well represented, coming out to support their fellows and enjoy the fried catfish prepared for the occasion.
Judge Jon Dartt began the proceedings by recognizing local leaders, supporters, friends, and family that have been lost recently. He emphasized the importance of those social connections for any successful candidate for public office, or any successful fish fry.
“All of us in public service know that none of us got here on our own,” he said. “It’s a family affair.”
Dartt then led the group in prayer, followed by a rendition of “God Bless America.”
The first guest speaker of the day was Alex Burton of Evansville, who is running for House District 77 in the statehouse. He was the first to mention the changing of the guard at the top of the party ticket, recalling the surprise announcement that President Joe Biden had opted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the national convention.
“I am so fired up,” said Burton.
That enthusiasm also carried over to the gubernatorial race. Gubernatorial candidate Dr. Jennifer McCormick, a former Republican who served as Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction, has chosen former school superintendent and Indiana House Minority Leader Terry Goodin as her running mate.
Burton was pleased to see educators in the running for top spots in the governor race. He joked that teachers would bring an excellent slate of skills for managing an unruly bunch.
“I am so excited this is our ticket,” said Burton. “They can control the crazy.”
Shifting gears to a more local race, candidate for Spencer County Council John Hurley offered remarks on the various issues facing local communities and the state at large, including property tax burdens, questions about economic development, and inaccessibility to local government operations. He pointed out that many are unable to attend public meetings due to work or obligations at home, making it difficult to recognize how things happen at the local level.
Hurley has become a common sight at public meetings over the last several years, when his career as an educator at South Spencer High School permits. His name has also been on the ballot before, and while he has not yet found success, some might have trouble believing it.
Hurley remarked that he has been approached by local residents with their concerns, some of whom took convincing that he was not, in fact, an elected official. He pointed out that while Democrats hold little power in the state, and relatively few positions locally, they can still catch flak for decisions they did not make by dint of being a part of the dialogue, especially if they’re more available to talk to.
“We’re the ones who show up,” said Hurley. “If we’re the ones get blamed, we’d better be the ones who get elected.”
Read more of this story in this week’s issue of the Spencer County Leader!
Featured Image: This year’s Democrat Fish Fry held quite the turnout of attendees on Sunday afternoon
Upper left to right: Democratic Party Candidates Bob Compton, John Hurley, and Terry Goodin speak at the Fish Fry on Sunday; Bottom: Lots of delicious food was available for attendees to feast on at the Democrat Fish Fry
