A group of 30 charter members held an organizational meeting of the Democrat Gun Owners of Marion County on Thursday at the Kimball Activities Center.
The group’s total membership is currently at 64 and growing daily.
Jim Lewis said, "Everyone present expressed excitement at the formation of the group. Several mentioned that other friends and neighbors wanted to join as soon as possible."
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lewis. The invocation was given by Jerry Don Case. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Lewis.
James Lockhart of Griffith’s Creek was nominated and elected as the first president of the Democrat Gun Owners Association of Marion County. He is also president of the Chattanooga Area Labor Council and the Training Director for the Ironworker’s Local 704 Apprentice Program in Chattanooga.
Other officers elected were Vice-President Jerry Don Case of Kimball, Treasurer Mack Reeves of Whitwell and Bryan Tate of Kimball. Jimmy D. Nance was elected chaplain and Ray Bradford was elected ergeant-at-arms.
There were six directors elected for two-year terms: Fred Greeson, Cindy Greeson, Shawn Henson, Jimmy D Nance, David Kirk and Winfred Haggard.
Shelia Kennedy, Eric Chanin, Tabaitha Bradford and Sue Blevins were elected for four-year terms on the board of directors. Two other directors are to be elected at the next meeting.
A discussion of objectives and goals of the organization was led by President Lockhart and the April meeting was set for the 15th at 7:30 p.m. at a location to be determined later.
The charter of the group makes the association an affiliate of the Marion County Democratic Party.
The objective of the association is to promote the “safe and responsible” ownership of firearms. The association’s insignia bears the motto “Safety and Responsibility”.
Mr. Lewis said, "For the last 30 years Democrats have been attacked as “…people who want to take your guns away” by various groups. We, as Democrats, have decided to fight back against those untruths. Democrats have not wanted to take guns away from hunters, sportsmen and women, or those who need protection, but we do want laws which allow us to keep guns away from terrorists, criminals, rapists, thugs, murderers and child molesters.
"In order to protect safe and responsible gun owners, the association will promote laws and regulations which make good common sense. These common sense laws must come from gun owners themselves who desire to protect their constitutional privileges and make America a safer place."
The Democrat Gun Owners Association of Marion County offers charter membership for those whose applications are taken by March 31.
The charter members will elect the following: 12 directors for the association board, chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, treasurer, sergeant-at arms, and chaplain.
Initial yearly dues are set at $10.
Contact Jim Lewis
Phone: 423 903-9724
e-mail: lewis217@bellsouth.net