By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
Local Democrats opted to make a stand-in their official chairman for another year.
Delegates from around the county unanimously elected Genoal Russell, a retired Cannon Mills accountant, to lead the local party for the coming year.
The 75-year-old Russell moved up from vice-chairman in early 2008 following the death of Chairman Neal Smith.
Admitting she was a bit of a novice to politics and new to the Democratic Party, Russell pleased activists and regulars with her work and style.
Russell’s style was on full display Saturday morning as more than 50 Democrats gathered at the Cohen Administrative Offices Building for the annual convention.
She strayed from any formal session, repeatedly thanked everyone for their help and apologized for her self-described habit of sticking her foot in her mouth.
Russell and other party officials offered resolutions and praise for longtime Democrats.
Hall Steele admitted he dressed up in suit and tie to read a resolution honoring the late Jamima DeMarcus. ” I want to treat her with the utmost respect.”
Reading the resolution, Steele said DeMarcus broke the Rowan County glass ceiling when she won a seat on the China Grove Board of Aldermen in 1975 and in 1982 on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners where she served 12 years.
Steele, who served with DeMarcus, cited her work on land use policies, tourism, merging the city and county school systems, siting and opening a new landfill, a new jail and beginning the Emergency Services program.
Steele said DeMarcus dealt with bold issues and always looked forward.
DeMarcus died in February.
The resolution drew a prolonged standing ovation. Gigi Bringle, DeMarcus’ daughter, attended.
Steele was also the recipient of an honor.
Russell announced the new Lifetime Achievement Award with the names going on a large engraved plaque honoring Neal Smith, who was also a former State Senator.
She cited Steele for his service to the county as a county commissioner and as chairman of the party.
Bill Dover, a former party chairman, introduced potential candidates in the 2010 election including Karen Biernacki, an assistant district attorney, and Terry Julian and Michael Phillips, both candidates for the board of Commissioners in 2008.
Charlie Peacock, called the “Go-to Guy” and Sandy Reitz, a longtime party activist, were also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Several others were honored with certificates for their work on behalf of the party.
Beth Bowman drew the biggest laughs with her unofficial tribute to Nan Lund for her years of work and service to the party.
“She risked her life and the life of her grandchildren marching with Democrats in the Faith Fourth of July parade,” Bowman said.
And Lund topped that. Bowman said Lund worked Elizabeth Doles’ neighborhood on behalf of Kay Hagan.
Peacock also paid tribute to Jimmy Shoaf for his contributions and support. He ad libbed the official resolution offering up a mini-sermon on Shoaf’s long run of supporting the party, from providing chairs and tables to offering his business, Shoaf’s Wagon Wheel on U.S. 601, for party functions.
Along with Russell, other officers are: John Cowan, first vice chairman; Sandy Reitz, second vice chairman; Whitney Bost, third vice chairman; Steve Drinkard, treasurer; and Diann Sartiano, secretary.
Russell announced several upcoming party events:
– N.C. Secretary of Education June Atkinson will speak Saturday at a meeting of Democratic Women at 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church.
– May 19 ó Senior Democrats meet at 11:30 a.m. at Tower of Power Church.
– May 21 ó hot dog and auction fundraiser at Miller’s Ferry Fire Department;
– Aug. 27 ó annual picnic at Shoaf’s. Wagon Wheel at 6 p.m.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254.