Democrats filled the American Legion Hall in Cardington Tuesday to hear candidates speak about the issues and priorities they value most. The evening opened with the presentation of colors and pledge of allegiance by Mount Gilead Boy Scout Troup 56 and Invocation by Deb Tudor of the Executive Democrat Committee.

Ed Albertson, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, 12th Congressional District spoke first and­­­­­­ was greeted with enthusiastic applause. He began saying he decided to challenge Pat Tiberi when he continued to see that Congress wasn’t getting anything done.

“It’s not about Pat Tiberi,” Albertson said about his race. “It’s about Congress not getting anything done.”

Albertson believes that there should be affordable healthcare for all Americans and we can fix what is wrong with our present healthcare system. He would work for equal pay for women and wants to simplify the tax system. He got the biggest applause when he suggested we need to emphasize the “can” in American. He is a veteran with 30 years of business experience.

Candidate for Morrow County Commissioner, Mike Porter said his issues were to continue the work getting our roads and infrastructure “up-to-speed”, working with the sheriff and law enforcement to fight crime and drugs and work to get more jobs that pay good wages. Porter has served nine years as Mayor of Mount Gilead as well as being a former business owner.

Earl Wise, candidate for Fifth District Court of Appeals noted that the judicial race is non-partisan. He spoke about his experience in the National Guard Helicopter Unit and said he went to law school classes at night while he held a full time job. He was Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Stark County and has been an attorney in private practice the last five years.

Tanyce Addison taught in Marion County public schools for 30 years and is a candidate for State School Board. She believes every child deserves an opportunity-filled, quality education. Tanyce wants to keep the focus on the child first, not test scores. Addison was in the Ohio State Marching Band and is an OSU grad. She has five children and lives on the family farm in Marion County.

Morrow County Democratic Chair, Susan Grundy introduced the Young Democrat of the Year, Jared Gandelot and thanked him for his leadership. Gandelot is active with the Marion OSU Democratic Club and is majoring in Economics environment development and sustainability.

Frances Strickland delighted Morrow County Democrats with a song at the end of the program as she gently spoofed the present day political scene in Ohio. Strickland, wife of Democrat candidate for United States Senate, Ted Strickland, was the icing on the cake for Democrats.

Frances, who was introduced as Ted’s secret weapon, spoke about his desire to fight for working people and to make sure they have a living wage to provide for their families.

Alberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel Democrat candidates at the JFK Dinner include from left: Earl Wise for Fifth District Court of Appeals, Frances Strickland, Candidate for Commissioner Mike Porter, Tanyce J. Addison for State School Board, Ed Albertson for U.S. House of Representatives Ohio 12th Congressional District and Susan Grundy, Morrow County Democrat Party Chair.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/08/web1_DSCN9912-1.jpgAlberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel Democrat candidates at the JFK Dinner include from left: Earl Wise for Fifth District Court of Appeals, Frances Strickland, Candidate for Commissioner Mike Porter, Tanyce J. Addison for State School Board, Ed Albertson for U.S. House of Representatives Ohio 12th Congressional District and Susan Grundy, Morrow County Democrat Party Chair.

Alberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel More than 100 Filled the American Legion Hall in Cardington to hear Democrat candidates at the 21st Annual John F. Kennedy Dinner.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/08/web1_DSCN9926-1.jpgAlberta Stojkovic | The Sentinel More than 100 Filled the American Legion Hall in Cardington to hear Democrat candidates at the 21st Annual John F. Kennedy Dinner.

By Alberta Stojkovic

The Sentinel

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