Nationally, we have seen the media frenzy surrounding a void in leadership of the Republican Party, most notably a clash between Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele and radio show host Rush Limbaugh. While the national party fights to find its way, the same battle has been taking place in Lucas County for several years. The Lucas County Republican Party has lost its way, and the younger generation needs to step up and take the reins.

I joined the University of Toledo College Republicans in 2006 to make a difference in local politics. I felt that helping at the local level would be the best course of action for effecting change in an otherwise left-leaning campus and city.

I volunteered for the campaign of then-state Rep. Mark Wagoner, as well as other state and local candidates I deemed worthy. Wagoner came to a few of our meetings that year, and as we helped stamp envelopes for campaign materials and volunteered to walk in parades on his behalf, I felt that this was what politics was all about: grassroots activism that informed the community of conservative ideals.

I was later named chairman of the UT College Republicans for the 2007-08 school year, and that led to helping the campaign of Toledo Municipal Court Judge Michael Goulding. Just before graduation in summer 2008, I was presented with the opportunity to be the campaign manager for state Rep. Barbara Sears, a journey that brought many lessons and great experiences.

And yet throughout all these things, one thing remained the same: conservative ideals distributed through grassroots efforts.

The Lucas County Republican Party has lost its core principles in recent years. Local Republican standard holders are fighting new party leadership, candidates are weighing the options of accepting help from the local party or doing it on their own, and party leaders are feuding through local newspapers rather than face to face. This is not what the Republican Party stands for.

Conservatives in Lucas County should have a collective voice of principle and character. They deserve that voice.

The first step to solving this dilemma is calling a meeting of all Republican Central Committee members and elected officials in Lucas County. Nothing will be accomplished until grievances are put on the table and debated.

We cannot continue as a party if candidates are faced with the decision of running as a Republican or an Independent.

Candidates should not be afraid of the Republican label in our community.

It is the job of the next generation of Republicans to move forward. Support local politicians who uphold the Republican voice. Encourage your local central committee member to request a meeting of the group. Organize conservative campus rallies to help build the next generation of Toledo Republicans. Invite media to events to show that conservatism is alive and well in the youth of Lucas County.

Lucas County Republicans have been waiting for a change from the bickering politics of late. It’s time that the younger generation shows them how to take action.

Contact columnist Joseph Pellman at letters@toledofreepress.com.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 20th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Opinion, Young Guns.
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