Submitted by Katie Pritchett
The General Membership Meeting for the Cumberland County Democrats was held at the Mechanicsburg Middle School. Sixty-two committee members were in attendance, as well as seventy-nine guests. This was the first full meeting since the 2024 Election. County Chair Matt Roan offered welcoming remarks to attending Precinct Committee Persons and guests, encouraging attendees that it is okay to be outraged about the current political climate. Roan also encouraged attendees to get more involved at a local level and working to reach friends and neighbors who may not be as politically involved so that Democrats can win more elections.
Roan also encouraged attendees to pay attention to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Race and to vote to retain current Democratic Justices and to consider running for office or get involved with one of the existing subcommittees within the Cumberland County Democratic Committee. Current 2025 candidates were offered an opportunity to speak during the meeting, and petitions were available for attendees to sign. During her report, Comissioner Jean Foschi asked attendees to keep an eye on further plans for the I-83 bridge, as there may be plans moving forward to make this a toll bridge.
Nate Davidson, State Representative for the 103rd District provided a legislative update for bills he is working on in the state house, including one which would increase the window for survivors of sexual assault to press charges on their offenders, one which would offer assistance to low income households for water utility bills, and a homebuyer tax credit bill.
Reports for the various subcommittees, including finance and strategic planning were provided during the meeting as well. The CCDC reports that this year will be a “research year” as they are looking into a software database to store information to use in the future. Attendees were also encouraged to sign up for the CCDC’s newsletter and mailing list and to consider joining a subcommittee to help turn Cumberland County blue.