County Watch, the local bi-partisan Government Watchdog group will meet Saturday, January 5th at the Denny’s Restaurant on S.R. 436 at Lake Underhill Road at 8:00 AM for its first meeting of the New Year. Bill Cowles, the Supervisor of Elections will be the featured speaker for the first meeting of the New Year. He is expected to face tough questioning about issues regarding the long ballot, voting lines and administration of the voting process. In the past, he has answered by referring to the constraints imposed on his office by state laws passed by the Republican legislature. County Watch members may get a more definitive set of explanations as they seek to understand the approach and the issues which remain unresolved and how they will be addressed. County Watch Chair Doug Head said that Members will want a “way forward” from the Supervisor.
County Watch was formed in 1992 by leaders of the Democratic and Republican Parties to look at County Government and increase citizen participation through a bi-partisan process. Over the years, leaders of the Democrats and Republicans have traded leadership while playing a significant role in bringing issues to the attention of the elected leadership of the County in a bi-partisan manner.
This year, the Democrats will take their bi-annual hand at the helm after two years of Republican leadership under outgoing Chair Rae Capen. The new Democratic Chair is former Orange Democratic Chairman, Doug Head. Other officers include former County Commissioner Lew Treadway (R) and Eatonville City Councilman Alvin Moore (D). The Treasurer is Todd Catella (R) and the Secretary Rick Montilla. “We have had great women mostly leading in the past years”, said Head, “and now it is time for us to see if the men can keep up the pace”.
At a December meeting, members asked the new leadership to consider a wide variety of issues affecting county residents and voters. By Board vote the membership dues annually were reduced to $20 for the year 2012. Meetings are held in the restaurants meeting room to allow for breakfast to be ordered during the sessions. All citizens interested in Orange County Government are urged to participate.
Looking forward to excellent program.