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Republicans host big dinner

JANELLE PATTERSON The Marietta Times Marietta Councilwoman Cindy Oxender, R-at large, left, and Sharon Adams share a laugh during the dessert auction at the Washington County Republicans Reagan Dinner Tuesday.

She’s only missed two Washington County Republican Dinners since she was 16 years old.

“And those were only for two illnesses,” said recently retired Washington County Treasurer Dorothy Peppel, 80, of Marietta. “Ever since I started at the treasurer’s office, I worked under a Republican and I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to vote.”

In that time, she explained, she served on many committees for candidates as they campaigned for office.

“They recruit you to help at these dinners and I can’t tell you how many campaigns I’ve worked for over the years,” she said, laughing. “I hope the party can recruit a few more young people and can do better to work together in the years to come.”

During the Reagan Dinner Tuesday at the Marietta Shrine Club, the mood was light-hearted with laughter throughout dinner and beelines for the dessert table before the likes of apple cobbler, Oreo pie and other delights were snatched up.

JANELLE PATTERSON The Marietta Times Belpre City Council Fourth Ward Candidate Penne Riffle elicits bids in the dessert auction at the Washington County Republican Party Reagan Dinner at the Marietta Shrine Club Tuesday.

“The primary reason of the night is fellowship,” said the county’s party chairman Michael Webber. “In the fall you already know who you’re going to vote for by the time you arrive here so really if you’re a candidate here you’re to mingle and recruit people here to work for your team.”

Most of the party’s local Marietta candidates to appear on the ballot were present Tuesday alongside two candidates for Belpre’s City Council: Penne Riffle and Joshua Campbell.

“I’m doing my rounds making sure I say hello to everyone,” said Cindy Oxender, the incumbent Republican candidate for Marietta’s City Council at-large.

Likewise Cassidi Shoaf, Stan Lang, Glen McCabe and Stephen Harper, who all have Democratic opposition on the November ballot were seen talking with members of the more than 150-person crowd.

“Campaigning has been going great,” said Shoaf. “I’ve enjoyed going door to door to get my name out there.”

At a glance

2017 Republican candidates on local ballots:

≤ Washington County Municipal Court Judge: Paul Bertram.

Belpre:

≤ President of Council: Will Neff.

≤ Auditor: Leslie Pittenger.

≤ Treasurer: Drew Smith.

≤ City Council At-Large:

≤ Susan Abdella.

≤ Judith Drake.

≤ Donna Miller.

Marietta:

≤ President of Council: Joshua Schlicher.

≤ Treasurer: Cathy Harper.

≤ City Council At-Large:

≤ Stephen Harper.

≤ Cindy Oxender.

≤ Cassidi Shoaf.

≤ City Council Third Ward: Stan Lang.

≤ City Council Fourth Ward: Glen McCabe.

Source: Washington County Republican Party Executive Committee.

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