By Matt B. Walen
Debi Friede was unanimously approved as the new chairwoman of the Hill County Democratic central Committee Tuesday night .
Friede replaces Owen McDonagh who didnt want to be nominated due to health problems. Friede was the lone candidate and was recommended by the nomination committee.
Friede said her first task will be to help a search committee select quality Democratic candidates for the upcoming city council election.
We do have a challenge ahead of us, she said.
Other officers unanimously elected to positions include Ray Peck, vice chairman; Patsy Sheldon, secretary; Judy Badgley, treasurer; Walt Dion, state committeeman; Betty Peck, state committeewoman; Frank Hayes, congressional committeeman; Rose Goar, congressional committeewoman; Millie Rambo, rural vice chairwoman; Lyle Lossing, first alternate state committeeman; Emily Mayer-Lossing, first alternate state committeewoman; Warren Taylor, second alternate state committeeman; and Pauline Peterson, second alternate state committeewoman.
Former county chairman Jim Pasma said he wanted to thank McDonagh for his two years of dedicated service to the party and encouraged the chairwoman to continue where McDonagh left off.
Pasma also encouraged Friede to continue taking the political fight to the Republicans.
Newly elected Hill County Republican Chairman Brad Lotton recently stated that he will strive to educate the voters about candidates in upcoming city and state elections. Lotton also challenged his party members to work harder to promote Republican ideas.
Pasma encouraged the new chairwoman to accept the challenge.
Madam chairwoman I want you to pick up that gauntlet and tell him what to do with it, Pasma said.
Of the 19 elected partisan positions in Hill County, the Democrats hold all 19 and Pasma said he wants the central committee to work hard in maintaining that perfect record.
Its up to you as leaders to make it happen, he said.
Members of the Hill County central committee will attend the state convention in Helena on June 25-26.
