As a current leader within the Lewis County Republican Party, I am deeply disappointed with the small faction of individuals who not only neglect their elected responsibilities but actively strive to sow division within our party by creating an exclusive "conservative leaning" third party-like group.
The precinct committee officers, who are referenced in the latest Republican conflict story, ran as representatives of the Lewis County Republican Party. While some emerged victorious in the county's record-breaking PCO election, others experienced defeat. Such outcomes are determined by the will of their constituents, rather than the party itself.
I want to point out that it is the duty of elected Republican officials to attend central committee meetings as representatives of their respective precincts. Regrettably, many members of this newly-formed group have consistently exhibited a disregard for their important Republican committee obligations, depriving constituents of their presence and their crucial votes in important party matters.
To be clear, every one of the PCOs in the new "conservative leaning" group are welcomed to every meeting and encouraged to attend. Whereas anyone from the Lewis County Republican Party (LCRP) who tried to attend or join their group has been given their money back and told no.
It's essential to know we are all volunteers, putting in substantial effort without financial gain to support the party.
However, within this new group, there are individuals who have associated themselves with harmful figures that have actively damaged the reputations of dedicated local Republicans. This has unfortunately led to job losses, missed opportunities and even intrusions into our personal lives, as they exploit public records requests to gather information with the intent of causing harm and gaining sick, sadistic pleasure from our suffering.
This unfortunate situation is disheartening, as it undermines the unity and shared goals the LCRP strives to uphold.
I am thankful for The Chronicle bringing light to the struggles within the party because it seems the only way to sanitize this unfortunate situation.
Erin Volz
Centralia
