To the editor:
Over the last few weeks, we’ve heard a position from and a rebuttal to GOP precinct committeeman (PC) Ben Phillips and his vice-PC Jenni Voris regarding the disturbing article posted to the GOP’s now defunct Facebook page in April and the lack of response from party leaders on the matter.
If you don’t know what a PC is, in a nutshell, a PC is responsible for representing the views of the party members in a voting precinct and make up the majority of the county party organization. Importantly, they are elected by citizens to do this job. Oftentimes, a PC also holds other elected or appointed government positions. Several of our GOP PCs and vice-PCs are also county council members, county commissioners, township trustees, and even the prosecutor and highway superintendent. These are not novices to the political process or people who lack political influence in this county. They have the sole ability to officially address the concerns of Phillps/Voris and refuse to do so.
Instead, the county party is moving to take the drastic step of removing Phillips (and Voris by default) from his elected position. Why? For representing an opinion on behalf of their GOP constituency? Or for telling the truth about the way the county party is currently run? If the Republicans of Van Buren precinct disagree with Mr. Phillips and his methods of trying to force the conversation that county party leadership is unwilling to have, then they can vote him out of office next time around. That’s how our system is supposed to work. Blind allegiance to leaders is not.
If Mr. Phillips is removed from office, his replacement would be picked by the county chairman. According to party rules, that new appointed PC “serves at the pleasure of the county chairman.” In other words, less representation from citizens and power consolidation for those in charge. I can’t think of anything less American.
On April 27, Chairman Bowman told this paper when backlash over the post started that “People’s feelings and ideas are all over the place, even in the Republican Party, and I would never try to take a position for all of them.” If he allows the removal of Mr. Phillips to move forward, I think we can all see the emptiness of that sentiment. This has to stop.
If you’re a Republican interested in running for office, but aren’t sure how to start, feel free to call me. I’d love to help you restore democracy to our party.
Alex Miller, Town Hill Road
