Ottawa County Republican Party Chairman Jill Stinebaugh cuts the ribbon at the Grand Opening of the OCRP headquarters inside Commodore Perry Inn and Suites. Behind her are, left to right, Rep. D.J. Swearingen, 89th Ohio House District; Charlie Sulek, 6th District Court of Appeals judicial candidate; Ottawa County Republican Women’s Club President Toni DeLuca; Ohio State School Board candidate Sarah McGervey; 9th District congressional candidate JR Majewski; Ottawa County Municipal Court Judge Lou Wargo; Ottawa County Republican Women’s Club Secretary Stephanie Kyle; Catawba Island Township Trustee Diane Belden; Oak Harbor Mayor Quinton Babcock; and Ottawa County Commissioner Mark Stahl. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

The Ottawa County Republican Party (OCRP) hosted the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of its Port Clinton headquarters on Tuesday, Aug. 16. The headquarters is located inside Commodore Perry Inn and Suites and serves as a resource for information and merchandise.

An overflow crowd packed the room to get a first glimpse of the headquarters and listen to Republican candidates talk about their plans and hopes for the future. Among them were Rep. D.J. Swearingen, 89th Ohio House District; 9th District Congressional Candidate JR Majewski; 6th District Court of Appeals candidate Charlie Sulek, Ottawa County Auditor Jennifer Widmer and Ohio State School Board candidate Sarah McGervey.

Attendees were impressed with the headquarters’ new venue at Commodore Perry Inn, noting its large space and ample parking. Inside, visitors can purchase a variety of merchandise, including shirts, hats, flags, buttons and bumper stickers.

The Ottawa County Republican Party headquarters is inside Commodore Perry Inn & Suites at 255 W. Lakeshore Dr., Port Clinton. A second headquarters will open in Genoa in mid-September.

“Once word gets out that it’s here, people will swing it to grab swag and ask questions,” said OCRP Central Committee Treasurer Lisa Slobodzian.

ORCP Central Committee member David Baker and his wife, Jan Baker, expressed appreciation for the political involvement of the young people attending the event.

“Today, at least in Ottawa County, kids are involved,” David said.

Luke Stinson, 18, was one of the youngest members in the crowd. He hopes to one day run for office, but for now, he is supporting local politics with his time and his vote.

“I’m here because I’m concerned about the direction the country is going,” Stinson said.

The biggest response to the new headquarters was gratitude to Jeremy Fitzgerald, owner of Commodore Perry Inn and Suites, for opening his business to the OCRP.

“Jeremy Fitzgerald has been so good to us,” said OCRP Chairman Jill Stinebaugh. “We wouldn’t be here if not for him.”

Swearingen expressed his gratitude that Fitzgerald created a space for the public to learn about candidates, and Majewski was impressed with Fitzgerald’s generosity.

“I think it is fantastic that the Fitzgerald family has opened up their business to support our local Republican Party. They are leading the way and setting the standard,” Majewski said.