Lorain County Rural Democrats
We are the Democrats of Rural Lorain County
The Rural Dems meet on the second Monday of each month in locations throughout Lorain County.
The April meeting will be on Monday May 11th, 2026 at the Historic Grafton School located at 111 Elm Street in Grafton. Social time at 6:30 pm and the meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
Guest Presenter, Lisa Maatz spoke about Progressive Advocacy in Changing Times at the April meeting.
Lisa is the former Vice President of Government Relations and Advocacy at the American Association of University Women. She spearheaded the campaign that led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and other crucial women’s rights, education, and civil rights legislation during her 15 years with the organization. Lisa worked for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and has represented women’s rights groups on Capitol Hill for more than 20 years. When she returned to Northeast Ohio, Lisa became the senior advisor at Ohio Citizen Action, a non-profit that mobilizes people to protect public health, improve the environment, and strengthen our democracy. She is now an independent consultant working nationwide, specializing in gender equity issues, grassroots advocacy, and nonprofit management.
Get Involved !
Attend a Protest
Event Details
When: Saturday, April 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Protest Location: In front of Harbor Freight (Sheffield)
Parking: Please park at the Drug Mart plaza.
What to Bring
Signs: If you have your own signs, please bring them! We will also have extras on hand for anyone who needs one.
Water, coffee, rain gear (although I hope we won't need it ), sunscreen if it is sunny, you know you love spring in Ohio!
Important Reminders
Peaceful Action: We are committed to a peaceful, inclusive, and productive protest.
Photos/Videos: We want to capture the energy of our movement! Please share any photos or videos you take so we can use them for social media and outreach
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S.
The Lorain County Civic Engagement Coalition invites you to attend the Spirit of '76 Speakers Series as part of Lorain County Ohio’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The May speaker is Bishop William Barber, II, Professor at Yale Divinity School. Bishop Barber is an activist and founder of Moral Mondays. His presentation will be at a location and date in May yet to be determined.
Each event is free to attend, however you will need to register attendance.
RSVP Here: www.LorainCounty.com/e/spiritof76
Meet the Candidates
Candidates at the LCRD March Meeting included:
Scott E Tabor candidate for Ohio’s Congressional 5th District in the Primary
Lil Sandler candidate for State Central Committee - Democratic - Woman
Brenda Buchanan candidate for Ohio House Representative in the 54th District
Scott E Tabor is a retired sheet metal worker from Eaton. His concern about the current political atmosphere has motivated him to run for office.
Lil Sandler from Oberlin comes from a family of activists and has a long personal history of community involvement. The is seeking office to better serve the community and represent them at the state level of the Democratic Party.
Brenda Buchanan, long time resident of Columbia Station, has eight years of School Board experience. She wants to bring her common sense experience and passion for public service to the Statehouse.
Learn About the Issues
History of Townships in Ohio
The Pilgrims brought the township form of government to America in 1620. This unit of local government eventually spread as far west as the Rocky Mountains. Today, it is found in 20 states, known as the town or township.
In the early years of statehood, the Ohio township government cared for the poor, maintained the roads, and preserved peace.
Today, just as in 1804, the township is a political subdivision of the state. To keep pace with the demands of changing times, the township's functions, duties, and obligations have changed over the years. Demands for increased or different services have prompted the state legislature to grant Ohio's 1,308 townships the authority to fulfill these changing needs.
Three trustees and a fiscal officer, each elected to a four-year term, administer our townships today. Additionally, some townships now appoint a township administrator, whose duties are defined by the Ohio Revised Code and the individual township. The township administrator typically helps plan, coordinate, and implement township goals.
Elected officials fill their roles on a part-time basis. Their intimate knowledge of their community, its needs, and its citizens enables them to offer more personal service than any other unit of government. Excerpted from https://www.ohiotownships.org/townships101
To learn more about Townships & Taxes, visit the Ohio Township Association at: https://resources.ohiotownships.org
Participate in a Fund Raiser
April showers bring May flowers!
Now is the perfect time to refresh your flower beds for spring.
Place an order through http://ruralloraincountydems.fpfundraising.com/ and the Lorain County Rural Democrats will receive a donation, and you will get a beautiful flower garden in return.
If you have questions, contact Renelle via email at: ruraldemssunshine@gmail.com
Help support RLCD member, Brenda Buchanan, candidate for Representative in the Ohio 54th
Attend the Kickoff Fundraiser May 16th at The Lodge in New Russia Township.
An ALL-Ohio Artist Silent Auction to further support Brenda will also be held.