Highland County Democratic Party picnic Aug. 4 at VFW Post 9094

By Pat Lawrence

Highland County Democrats have a lot on the menu for this year’s indoor picnic at the VFW Hall, Sunday, Aug. 4. In addition to opening remarks from congressional candidate Samantha Meadows, and a presentation from featured speaker Justice Melody Stewart, the group will hear from Hillsboro’s Yvette Clark, candidate for state representative, and staffer Jamie Castle for Sherrod Brown.

Although hosted by local Democrats, the event is open to all who are interested in promoting good government. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The buffet, including pulled pork, fried chicken, side dishes and desserts, opens at 4. Freewill donations are welcomed. The evening will conclude with a live auction. The VFW Hall is at 1000 West Main Street, behind the Hillsboro Dairy Queen.

Samantha Meadows, the Democratic Nominee for U.S. House of Representatives in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District, is a lifelong rural Southern Ohioan who has lived her life in service to others as a former Advanced EMT-I, AmeriCorps Member, and End of Life Companion. She is committed to fighting for women’s reproductive rights, workers’ rights and protections, and socioeconomic justice. 

Her unwavering support for lower and middle-income workers has garnered endorsements from prominent union organizations including the Ohio AFL-CIO, UMWA, USW and many others. 

“I’m running for Congress because I believe politics is about people, not money," Meadows said. "We need new members of Congress who look like, act like, and talk like us. I know the issues in Southern Ohio intimately and want to work on legislation that will improve the lives of the folks in our region. We value freedom and we deserve opportunities, and socioeconomic justice in District 2. I will level the playing field.”

Justice Melody Stewart, born and raised in Cleveland, where she still lives, received her law degree from Cleveland State University and her Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to being  elected to the Ohio Supreme Court, the justice served 12 years on the Ohio Court of Appeals, served as a law professor, and, the classically trained pianist earned her bachelor of music degree from the University of Cincinnati. She speaks publicly often about the role of the judicial system and the court in particular. 

“I strive to find consensus with colleagues and to author opinions that are well-grounded in the rule of law, educational and easily understood," Stewart said. "I believe the judicial system functions best when it is transparent and accountable to the public and that the court should remain an independent and co-equal branch of government, protecting the rights of all Ohioans.”

For more information, please call Highland County Democrats headquarters at (937) 509-2206.