
Steve Shine has given 16 years of hard work and dedication to the Allen County Republican Party, and we are grateful for his service. However, we think it’s time to hand the reigns over to a new generation of republicans.
Ric Runestad is already acting the role of party chair, and whether he wins or not, will bring significant financial gains to the local GOP.
[update - I had some numbers wrong] Ric has already negotiated a new location for party headquarters for $500 a month, $350 a month which includes utilities and is literally a 3 minute walk from current headquarters. We currently pay $2200 a month in rent, plus utilities, which we estimate to be in the area of $300 a month an . Our current expenditures are approximately $24,330 a year for rent, taxes, maintenance, etc. That would be a savings of around $20,000 a year.
Ric has local support.
Included are Todd Freeland..
Friday, March 6, 2009
Dear friends,
As a small business owner in the Fort Wayne area, it is very important to me to see our community do well. I firmly believe a pro-business environment of low taxes and responsible regulation are the best means to ensure a strong local economy.
It is this belief that has led me to be a Republican. As a conservative, it is personally important to me that we maintain quality leadership of the Party to ensure our Party stays strong far into the future.
One of my primary concerns is that the Party hasn’t done enough on the grassroots level, especially regarding its outreach to young people. At a recent Bean Dinner, I looked around and realized that at age 46, I was one of the youngest people in the room. We aren’t going to be a powerhouse in the future if we allow our involvement with the young people to fade away. I want the Party to be even stronger than it is now when my 14 year old son is my age.
If elected Chair of the Allen County Republican Party, Ric is committed to doing the following:
Be fiscally responsible with all of the money the Party takes in, including saving the party over $16,000 a year on the party headquarters
Renew the Party grassroots by paying attention to the Precinct committeemen
Restore unity to the Party by working with the different factions of the Party
From time to time, changes in leadership are needed to keep an organization fresh and heading in the right direction; this is one of those times. It is for this reason I am asking you to support Ric Runestad for the Allen County Republican Party Chairmanship.
Sincerely,
Todd Freeland,
Owner, Audio Video Lifestyles
And New Haven Mayor Terry McDonald.
Friday, March 6, 2009
It isn’t very often that you meet a person and, after a few minutes, you can tell who he is. After meeting with Ric Runestad, I quickly realized that Ric and I have a shared passion for servant leadership in our community.
During our conversation, Ric spoke passionately about his desire to see our Republican party recommitted to the grass roots organization and conservative values of the past. He also expressed a strong desire to bring the party together across Allen County and foster commitment and cooperation between the different factions.
Ric and I share not only a passion for servant leadership, but we also share a deep concern for the youth of our community. By bringing all sides of the party back together, Ric will help to build the next generation of GOP leadership.
We need a leader who is committed to a plan of action that will restore our party to the place of importance (that we all know in our hearts) it should be. I believe Ric Runestad is that leader who will bring the Allen County GOP back together and restore the true conservative values of the past for everyone in Allen County.
These are the days of great challenges. We must step up to those challenges and not be afraid to be who we are and support those who will unite us in our commonality. I believe the time is now for a new leader, and that is why I am asking you to join me in supporting Ric Runestad as our next GOP Chairman.
Respectfully,
Terry E. McDonald
Mayor
And there are many more, but to lengthy to list in one post.
There is no need to go into detail here about Ric’s additional plans. If you’re a precinct committee person, you’ll get your chance to hear from Ric tomorrow.
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There is no better time for a Conservative Republican like Ric to take the helm. My support to you Ric.
Denise,
That may be true. All lot of people don’t want Shine to know how they’ll vote until after it’s all over. If he knows they voted against him and wins, they’ll lose their committeeman seat, or maybe worse yet, lose some business!!
Exactly.
The very fact that someone/anyone was afraid to RUN was the very REASON somebody needed to run.
Hats off to Ric, Sheldon, Ken, and Paul for stepping forward.