A New Beginning For Republicans in Los Angeles County
By Nicole Ingram
Today I write to the FlashReport community as a proud Young Republican from Los Angeles. Last night in the county in America with the most Republicans, we elected a new Republican Party executive board. Over the past six months there has been a lot of worry, a lot of confusion, and a lot of division about the direction of what we the party should be doing next. Glen Forsch, who had been elected Chairman earlier this year, honorably stepped down as did his executive board, and I want to thank them for their courage and poise. It is not always easy facing a crowd of people who disagree with your politics and they can not be commended enough.
Being a native Angeleno and life long republican, it means the world to me that we elected a board that represents all Republicans throughout the county. Our board represents the diversity of Los Angeles County in many aspects — economically, culturally, religiously, and through different political philosophies we all found a way to come together as Americans, Californians, Angelenos, and Republicans to unite for a general cause…. Reinstating our conservative principals, being active in our community, and electing Republicans in 2010!
I am pleased to announce that the new Chairwoman of the Los Angeles County Republican Party is long-time GOP activist and leader Jane Barnett. Jane brings more than thirty years of experience as both a legislative staff member and as a party activist. Jane has served as mentor to myself and many other young republicans, and I am proud to look up to Jane as a strong female role for other women looking to get involved in the political process.
Gary Aminoff, our new Vice Chairman brings years of experience as well in grassroots activism, having served as RPLAC Treasurer, and being President of the largest independent Republican club in the county.
John Cozza our new Second Vice Chairman is a passionate South Bay Republican with years of working for the City of Los Angeles under his belt and lobbying on behalf of local issues.
Alex Burrola, our new Secretary is also a young republican with wonderful organizational skills, a strong sense of community, and a great knowledge of how the county political process works.
Leonard Lanzi, our new Treasurer, ran for State Senate last cycle and has many years of political treasury experience and an immense knowledge of political finance laws.
Filling out the Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer positions are Davina Keiser, a Long Beach High School teacher and CTA member looking to reform education here in our state, and Gwen Patrick also a teacher from Compton who is passionate RPLAC raising funds to start an extensive Voter Registration program.
In the recent past, the Republican Party of Los Angeles County has gained notoriety for its acrimony. Last night, after over two-thirds of the committee members voted to elect new officers, I saw people talking, arguing respectfully, and having a laugh together. Something I haven’t seen in years. The mere sight gave me real hope for the future. I know that Los Angeles is a trend- setter for many different things in our state and now with a County Republican Party that will function on a unified front, I know that we will make huge waves in our community.
The Democrats think they have this county locked down. They won’t have that advantage for much longer once they see us fundraise, rallying up activists, and getting Republicans to the polls to vote for viable Republican candidates. Here is my official message to the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, quote me on it if you’d like! I hope you aren’t too comfortable with your “lead” in our county because there are millions of Republicans on the road to taking this county back!
It’s a new board, a new cycle, and new Los Angeles County Republican Party. RPLAC, make your community proud. I can’t wait to serve our county as the new executive director. Onward and upward!
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