Becky Vaughn era comes to an end for Oconee Democrats

Becky DeLozier Vaughn, two time political office candidate and chair of the Oconee County Democratic Committee, resigned her committee membership unexpectedly at the end of the monthly meeting Thursday at the Oconee Government Annex citing personal reasons. Her annual Christmas parties were a welcome distraction from the usual drudgery of political committee meetings.

Vaughn ran unsuccessfully against Bob Smith for State Representative in 2006 and also lost against Brian Kemp for State Senate in 2004. She has been working in Washington, D.C. as a lobbyist for a drug education PAC State Association of Addiction Services while maintaining a residence in Bogart at Jennings Mill. She had worked for many years in a similar capacity in Atlanta lobbying state leaders of both parties. She has three daughters and a son.

Vaughn was instrumental in the resurgence of the Oconee County Democratic Committee along with Bill Yarborugh, starting up monthly meetings after the mass exodus to the Republican party between 1994 and 1998.

Minutes
Oconee County Democratic Committee Meeting
June 18, 2009
Oconee County Government Annex Watkinsville,

Committee members present: Jonathan Veit (5-3) Chair; Ann Stoneburner (1-3) Vice Chair; Rita Bennett (3-2) Secretary; Dan Matthews (2-2); Sarajane Love (2-3); Vicky Moody (4-1); Robert Wyatt(6-1); ); Erika Ferrari.

Committee members absent (excused): Tony Glenn (1-2); Herb West (5-1); Myrna Adams West (5-2); Diana Jeffreys (6-2).

Committee members absent (unexcused): Violet Dawe(1-1) Treasurer; Linda Elkins (3-1); Bill Yarbrough (4-2); Pat Adams (6-3); Liz Goodroe.

Others: Pat Priest

Jonathan called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Minutes: The minutes from the May 21st meeting were approved unanimously after a motion by Robert Wyatt and seconded by Dan Matthews.

Financial Report: Treasurer Violet Dawe was absent so there was no report at this time.

OLD BUSINESS

Report on Watkinsville Litter Pickup: Thirty Democrats and five Republicans were present for the city litter pickup. More information was given in the Athens Banner-Herald than the Oconee Enterprise about this event.

Report on Jonathan's Discussion with Rob Peecher and Maridee Williams: Jonathan talked to a genial Rob Peecher from the THE LEADER about covering our events. Jonathan will be watching if any changes will come in the near future. He will be talking to Maridee later.

Report on Watkinsville Walking Tours: Pat Priest gave an update on the walking tours of Watkinsville . There will be several prominent people in the community volunteering to give these walks starting July 11. The proceeds will go to a charity of the presenter's choice.

NEW BUSINESS
Farmer's Market Presence: Liz Goodroe was not present so there was no report at this time.

Ideas for Future Events: The seminar on bankruptcy will be give at a later date. More details to come on the septic seminar.

Griffin Billings: www.griffin5k.blogspot.com Griffin has been diagnosed with leukemia. There will be a walk/run in Oglethorpe County on July 18th to raise money for him.

Miscellaneous : Regretfully, Becky Vaughn will resign her Committee Post (5-3) due to personal reasons.
The Yard Sale will be Oct. 17th.

Next Meeting: As there was no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 16th at 7:30 PM at the Oconee County Annex Building.

Respectfully submitted,

Rita M. Bennett