Clinton County Commissioner Angela Harding and Joan Heller were named the 2023 Democrats of the Year during the local party’s Fall Dinner on October 12, which also featured local candidates seeking election this November.
Approximately 65 people turned out for the event, held at the Dunnstown Fire Hall in Woodward Township.
Pictured, from left: Joan Heller and Angela Harding hold their respective ‘2023 Democrat of the Year’ plaques.
Clinton County Democratic Committee (CCDC) Co-Vice Chair Adam Coleman presented the award to Harding, noting that she has been a strong leader since he first met her. He praised her ability to stand up for values important to Democrats. Caught off guard by the surprise award, Harding said she is proud to serve Clinton County and that she was honored to be recognized by the Committee.
Rose Reeder, immediate past chair of the CCDC, presented the award to Heller, who is the CCDC Committeewoman for Bald Eagle Township. Reeder highlighted Heller’s past as a well-known professional vocalist before saying that Heller has likely logged thousands of miles by foot just from her door knocking and literature dropping efforts. Heller, who was also surprised by the award, said she was glad to have found her place within the Democratic Party when she returned to Clinton County after 50 years out of the state and that it’s teamwork that makes it all possible.
Pictured: Democrats seeking office in Clinton County in 2023 who were present for the Fall dinner include, from left: Rich Fitzgerald, Mary Ann Clark, Kerry Stover, Tami Brannan, Angela Harding, Heather Alexander, Joel Long and Alex DiConstanzo.
Candidates who were present for the event and took a few moments to speak to the crowd include:
- Angela Harding, seeking reelection as Clinton County Commissioner
- Kerry Stover, seeking reelection as Clinton County Sheriff
- Mary Ann Clark, who is running for Keystone Central School District’s Board of Directors in Region I, which serves Loganton Borough and Green, Logan, and Porter Townships
- Joel Long, seeking reelection as Mayor for the City of Lock Haven
- Heather Alexander, running for Lock Haven City Council
- Tami Brannan, running for Lock Haven City Council
- Alex DiConstanzo, running for Lock Haven City Council
- Rich Fitzgerald, running for Bald Eagle Township Supervisor
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Dan McCaffery, candidate for PA Supreme Court; and Jill Beck, candidate for PA Superior Court, all sent video messages for the event.
In addition to candidates, PA Dems Regional Political Director (West) Dianne Gregg also spoke about how important it is that all Democrats cast their ballots this election. She noted that margins matter even in rural areas typically viewed as red strongholds.
Catered by Good Neighbor Craft House, the dinner featured roasted chicken, pasta primavera with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, corn, peas, salad, garlic bread and dessert.
The event also entailed a silent auction and a raffle drawing to raise funds for the local party.
See more photos from the event on Facebook here.
To learn more about Democrats seeking office, local Democratic Party events, or to donate, visit www.ClintonCountyPaDemocrats.com.
Clinton County Democratic Party 