[Yakima Democrats] Election of YCDCC, LD Officers

[yakdems-announce at yakimademocrats.com]

*PAUL GEORGE ELECTED YAKIMA COUNTY PARTY CHAIR
LESLIE WAHL, TOMAS VILLANUEVA TAKE DISTRICT POSTS*

Former Yakima Mayor Paul George was elected chair of the Yakima County 
Democratic Central Committee Saturday (Dec. 2, 2006) when precinct 
committee officers gathered in Yakima’s Carpenters’ Hall for biennial 
reorganization meetings.
Leslie Wahl of Yakima was elected to a full two-year term as chair of 
the 14th Legislative District. She has been chair since June when Ron 
Bonlender stepped down to run for the State Legislature.
Tomas Villanueva of Toppenish is the new chair of the 15th Legislative 
District, succeeding Wendall Hannigan of White Swan. Active in State and 
Lower Valley Latino activities, Villanueva was a State Senate candidate 
in the last election.
Patricia Whitefoot of White Swan was elected 1st vice chair and state 
committee woman; and Russell Shjerven of Toppenish was elected state 
committee man.
George said in his acceptance speech, “We have to work harder in the 
next two years to build our ranks and revive the two-party system here. 
Sadly, November’s Blue Wave missed Yakima County and with it a great 
opportunity to send a Yakima Democrat to the State Legislature for first 
time in 18 years.
“However, we are happy that our party regained control of the Congress 
and built super majorities in the State House and Senate to support 
Governor Gregoire. The Yakima Democrats intend to be active in the 
upcoming legislative session pushing programs that will benefit our area.”
In returning to the post he held in 2003-04, George succeeds Ellen 
(Leni) Skarin, who will continue party involvement as secretary of the 
14th LD.
Jo Ann Tollefson was elected 1st vice chair of the Central Committee; 
Ron Bonlender, 2nd vice chair; Dany Adolf of Wapato, state committee 
man; and Mary Stephenson of Yakima, state committee woman.
PCOs elected Rockey Marshall vice chair of the 14th LD; Aaron Case, 
state committee man; and Joyce Hart, state committee woman.
Many of the new officers will be in Olympia Jan. 26-27 for the 
reorganization meeting of the Washington State Democratic Central Committee
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