'Gathering of the Blue' event featured office holders, music and pizza

About 60 local Democrats gathered Saturday at the Yellow House Community Arts Center in West Plains to welcome Missouri Democratic Party vice-chair Yvonne Reeves-Chong; MDC Secretary and Chairman of the Rural Caucus, Joshua Dunne; and 8th District Committee Chair, Randi McCallian. 

 

The annual event hosted by the Howell County Democratic Committee, featured live music by local trio, Porch Mud, and several candidates for office were also present, including Frank Barnitz, Democratic Candidate for 8th District Congress; Quentin Wilson, Democratic Candidate for State Auditor; and Joanna Stewart, Democratic Candidate for Missouri State Representative, 154th District.

 

Upcoming ballot issues were discussed with emphasis on issues four and five. Amendment 4 would change the process by which voters can change the state constitution, making it significantly more difficult for measures voters place on the ballot to pass. Amendment 5 contains a plan to incrementally eliminate state income taxes and give state lawmakers the ability to broadly raise sales taxes.

 

Democrats welcomed the opportunity to hear from office holders and each other while enjoying music pizza, and snacks.