History

Young Dem Origins in Lorain County
Lorain County has had a long history of Young Democrat clubs. Many office holders and leaders in the local Democratic Party were once members of past Young Dem clubs. However, until very recently Lorain County has struggled to keep an organized Young Democratic presence. Throughout the 1990's the Lorain County Democratic Party tried numerous time to help establish a new Young Democrat club, but with no success. Their efforts continued with an attempt in the major presidential election year in 2000, but this attempt also ended with no lasting organization. After all of this, the party was determined to help foster a sustainable Young Democrat club and nearly a decade of disappointments were not going to stop them.

2002 - Founding

In the summer of 2002 the men who would become the organization’s founding president and vice president, Chase Ritenauer and Derek Feuerstein, met with various party leaders about founding a Young Democrat club. Their talks eventually led to the first LCYD meeting in the summer of 2002 and the adoption of the first LCYD constitution. Meetings started out small, but a regular meeting schedule was established and elections for officers was held. By the end of 2002 the Lorain County Young Democrats were a stable, functioning, and growing organization.

2003 - Becoming Established

By the spring of 2003 the organization had been able to organize its first fundraiser, a brunch at Deluca’s Place in the Park. The Young Dems were able to use this money to begin to build a treasury that over the past few years has only grown even larger. In the summer of 2003 preparations were underway for the first annual LCYD Awards banquet. Major guest speakers at the banquet were Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Denny White and State Senator Eric Fingerhut. The banquet was a success even though, because of the east coast black out, there were no lights and candles lit the room. August of 2003 also saw the second elections to be held by the new organization. Founding President Chase Ritenauer chose not to seek re-election and Vice President Derek Feuerstein was elected as the organization’s second president. This election and change of office market the first time in over 20 years a Young Dem president in Lorain County was immediately succeeded by another. In December of 2003 the organization began drafting a new, more thorough constitution. Overall only minor changes were made and the general body approved the new constitution the following month.

2004 - Changing of the guard and Rebuilding

2004 was a very busy year for the LCYD and it also marked a crucial turning point. The approval of the new constitution, at the January Meeting, called for new elections in February. (elections had been set for Aug.) In January President Feuerstein announced he would not seek re-election in the new elections, however fully supported the return of the former president, Chase Ritenauer. Chase faced Greg Holcomb in the 2004 officer election and defeated him. Chase returned as president and lead the organization until the summer of that year.

In the spring of 2004 the LCYD hosted a spring fundraiser with former Cincinnati Mayor, Jerry Springer. The event gained news coverage and critical editorials in the Morning Journal and the Chronicle.

Due to commitments at college Chase resigned as President in August of 2004. Upon his resignation Vice President, Paul R. Adams, became the 3rd President of the LCYD. The organization began a rebuilding phase as many founding members were now headed off to college and the new president was now faced with rebuilding an organization in the middle of a massive presidential election year. Work was slow, but by the end of the year a strong leadership team once again had been established to lead the LCYD.

2005 - Growth and Development

Now entering the LCYD’s 4th year of sustained existence there was a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look back on. Of course there were still issues to be solved and room for improvement, but the fact the club sustained itself after a major presidential election was a feat in its own right. The LCYD’s counterparts, the Lorain County Young Republicans, were not as lucky.

LCYD Elections in February of 2005 saw President Adams re-elected and a new treasurer was elected that year in a contested race. Eva Wolkowitz became the new LCYD Treasurer, an office she went on to hold for nearly two years. In 2005 the LCYD became more successful in fundraising efforts and the Campaigns & Elections committee, chaired by Greg Holcomb, planned the first targeted campaign plan for the LCYD. Members canvassed areas in Amherst, Lorain, and Elyria that fall. As the year drew to a close the organization was poised and ready for the busy 2006 election year.

2006 -

Entering 2006 President Adams and Treasurer Eva Wolkowitz were re-elected and Brandon Rutherford and Brandi Mitchell became new Vice President and Secretary, respectfully. With his election Brandon became the first LCYD officer to be elected from the City of Elyria. 2006 also saw the establishment of the first paid position within the LCYD. An internship program was established in the summer of 2006 making the LCYD the only county Young Democratic organization in the state to establish a paid staff position.