Fifth District Chair David Crawford, Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek and Ashe County Party Chair Melba Jones take a moment for a photo. Democratic Party Leaders Visit Ashe Despite a surly wind, flying snow and chilly temperatures, Ashe County Democrats gathered Saturday evening April 2nd at Family Central for their annual FDR Dinner to listen to Democratic Party leaders describe a vision for the future of the North Carolina Democratic Party. Enthusiasm filled the hall as the party heard from Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek, Fifth District Chair David Crawford, Senior Democrat officer Matilda Phillips, and Ashe County Party Chair Melba Jones speak on rebuilding the party, starting with the precincts. Ashe County School Board Member, Rev. A.B. Weaver gave the invocation for the assembled group. Jefferson Post Editor Jim Thompson introduced the keynote speaker, giving a brief description of Meek’s political career. Thompson also discussed FDR’s legacy, citing New Deal programs that helped the working poor in our nation. Meek spoke on the need for aggressively training leadership, extending technology to all counties, running a 100 county campaign and building a strong precinct organization. Meek stated that the Democratic Party needs to work to bring local issues to elected officials to solve local problems. He also said that the party intends to build a statewide email network, tying different parts of state together to send information out quickly. Crawford stated that the Democratic Party would be inclusive so that all groups would have a voice in the party. Crawford stated that he will actively work to build the local party and that prime objective would be to elect a Democratic representative to congress. Phillips brought greetings to Ashe Democrats, and outlined the strategies her organization is employing to build the party. Jones reported that the local party had organized several new precincts and that the party was having good attendance at meetings. She stated that the Convention would be held April 16th at 1 p.m. at the Ashe County Courthouse in Jefferson. Democrats from Surry, Wilkes, Alexander, Forsyth, and Watauga Counties were present for the festivities. The Ashe County Democratic Party meets each 4th Tuesday at Smokey Mountain Barbecue in West Jefferson at 7 p.m. Jones invites all interested citizens to attend. Call 336-846-9068 for more information.