LIMA, OHIO (WLIO) - The Allen County Democratic Party are celebrating their new home as they are gearing up for the general election. The party’s new headquarters is located at 1209 Allentown Road, close to Cole Street in Lima. Besides having information and yard signs for Democratic candidates for the November election, they will also be registering people to vote in it. The Allen County Democrats are excited to have a new place where they can connect with the community.
“Hopefully a message to people: they don’t have to hide anymore as Democrats. We are loud and proud; we are here. We have very strong values that we believe in, and we want to communicate that too. So if people have questions about issues, they can drop in; we will have issue papers. So, people will get real information,” says Rochelle Twining, Executive Chair of the Allen County Democratic Party.
Shelby County Democratic Chairman Chris Gibbs was the guest speaker for the event. Gibbs was the chairman for his county’s Republican Party before switching to Independent, and eventually to Democrat, when he saw the direction the GOP was going in under former President Trump. He says the first step for the Democratic Party is letting people know what their values are.
"Because, in my view, the Democratic values are no different than are legacy Republican neighbors. And all we need to do is demonstrate those values. Whether it’s freedom, whether it’s justice, opportunity, equity, and empathy. All of those values we share as Americans. And as Democrats continue to demonstrate those, we will continue to bring more people—more independents—to the voting booth,” says Chris Gibbs, Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party.
The Allen County Democrats will be holding their monthly meeting this Tuesday at 6 p.m. at their new headquarters.
