The Ohio Green Party will hold its state political convention in Columbus this weekend, where it will make decisions on several important issues.
Among the business that will be conducted at the convention is changing the organization's official status from a political action committee (PAC) to that of a minor political party.—-
The change involves presenting an organizational plan that must be approved by the membership and submitted to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. By-laws will be revised and candidates and procedures will be reviewed in preparation for the first Green Party primary election ballot in May.
Also, several progressive candidates will seek the party’s endorsement at the convention. They include Youngstown resident Dennis “Spike” Spisak, who is running for Ohio governor with Anita Rios of Toledo as his running mate for lieutenant governor. Vaughn Stull of Kent will be a candidate for State House representative in Ohio’s 61st District.
The Green Party’s coordinating committee will be expanding under the new organizational plan, and dozens of candidates will appear on the ballot for positions as party officials at the state and local levels.
More leaders are needed in all areas of the state and Ohioans who support the Green Party’s values are encouraged to run for a position, officials said. For questions about becoming a Green Party candidate, contact Logan Martinez via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at 740-824-3828.
The convention will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in Room 100 of the Northwood Building, located at 2231 N. High St., Columbus. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the event is open to the public.
Anyone who wants to vote on the issues and decisions that will be presented to the membership must join the Green Party by 10 a.m. on Friday, 24 hours before the convention begins.
To join or ask questions about membership status, contact Secretary Tim Kettler by telephone at the number listed above or via e-mail at [email protected].
