Jeremy Jones
The Catoosa County Republican Party held a special election to elect new leadership after several recent resignations. Jeremy Jones of Ringgold was elected as chairman. Denise Burns was elected as first vice chair and Diana Jost was elected as third vice chair, filling the position vacated by Mr. Jones upon his election.
Mr. Jones said upon his election he plans to make the Catoosa County GOP more visible and relevant in the community. His plans include a larger presence in social media. You can now follow the Catoosa County Republican Party on Twitter by searching @CatoosaGOP. The Catoosa County GOP can also be found on Facebook at Catoosa County Republican Party. Their website is www.CatoosaCountyGOP.com.
Mr. Jones said there is a misconception within the public about what the local GOP organization does. "So often people assume the county party is simply a 'yes' stamp for the state or national party. This is not the case and we will take the lead in correcting the misconception. The Catoosa County Republican Party will hold all elected officials accountable for their actions, Democrats, Republicans, Independents or any other affiliation. We have our core values as a party. When a candidate works against those values we will make sure the members of our community know it."
Mr. Jones also said the Catoosa County GOP will be more vocal in local issues and elections. "We cannot endorse a candidate in a Republican primary but we will ensure the public knows the views of the candidates and how those views line up with the values of the Republican Party."
When discussing the local school board, positions that are not elected by party, Mr. Jones said that when those elections come he has no problem evaluating the candidates, the record of the incumbent, and allowing the party to vote on which candidate(s) most reflect the values of the Republican Party. "We seem to be stuck with this notion that the school board is non-partisan," said Mr. Jones. "While the ballot may not note with which party a particular candidate affiliates, every person has his/her core values and those values will lean toward one party or another. The public has a right to know a candidate's values and we will be sure to make this information available to the voters of Catoosa County."
The Catoosa County Republican Party plans to meet monthly in Catoosa County. With several contested elections in Catoosa County upcoming as well as statewide elections, the meetings will provide an opportunity for citizens to talk to the candidates one on one in a close setting. Meeting dates, times, and speakers will soon be posted on the Catoosa County Republican Party webpage, as well as Facebook and Twitter updates.