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The Cook County G.O.P. elected four new officers at its recent BPOU meeting. From Left to right, Deidre LaRock- Muggley was elected Secretary; Andrew Smith, Chair; Linda Waterhouse, Treasurer and Brad Sillman, Vice Chair. Staff photos Brian Larsen
Cook County Republicans held their Basic Operating Political Unit (BPOU) meeting on Tuesday, March 7, at the Hub (senior center) with about 20 people in attendance.
This was the last meeting that Mary Petz, Treasurer, will assist in setting up and running because she announced her retirement. Mary has been a stalwart in the local G.O.P. since the 1990s, holding every elected position except vice-chair at one time or another.
Addressing those on hand, Mary said, “I wish to thank you for your Republican values and my being able to be involved with helping others know that we represent what we think is best for our fellow citizens.
“It is with lots of gratitude for helping me do the job(s) that I have been elected to do over the past many years and doing it with many of you also serving on the local level.
I plan to be here to support you as we further our vocations.”
With this being an odd-numbered year, an election for Executive Committee members is held, for two-year terms, by a majority vote.
Mary Petz is wearing the Pete Stauber shirt. Her husband Ben is wearing a white shirt to her left.
With Cook County Republican Chair Trent Spry away on military assignment and his term up, Andrew Smith was elected to chair the party. Brad Sillman was Elected Deputy Chair, Deidre LaRock-Muggley Secretary, and Linda Waterhouse Treasurer.
As Chair, Andrew Smith will represent Cook County Republicans at the State Central Committee meeting. If he cannot attend, Vice Chair Brad Sillman will take his place, or Deidre LaRock Muggley or Linda Waterhouse will serve as alternates if needed. In addition, Smith will attend the upcoming District 8 convention in Brainerd on April 1.
Due to the 2020 census, one more precinct was added to the Cook County BPOU, rounding out to a dozen, which was noted in the local constitution.
A lengthy discussion was held about the local party leaders’ duties, roles, and misconceptions. Plans are to continue holding monthly meetings to build the party base and keep members informed about state and national politics.
No suggestions were made during a review of convention rules, and the current rules were adopted through resolution.
Kate Miller from U.S. Representative Pete Stauber’s office was on hand to address the group. Miller talked about Pete Stauber’s legislative work in Congress for the area.
A lengthy discussion was held about the March 4 Drag Queen Story Hour held at the Grand Marais Public Library. Of concern was the possibility that taxpayer dollars might have been spent to host the event. An outside legal group, the “Alliance Defending Freedom,” will be contacted to see if an opinion can be gained about whether this event broke the law.
As Treasurer, one of Mary Petz’s last official acts was to ask for more donations to the local party, noting that party members can fill out the Minnesota Political Contribution Refund form and receive a rebate for their donation of up to $50 for an individual or $100 for a married couple. To receive a refund from the state, you must fill out the 2023 Form PCR, Political Contribution Refund application, and apply for it by April 15, 2023.
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