It’s hip to be a square

A vote of conscience has brought the Young Republicans of Okaloosa County back together after a four year hiatus.
YROC had a kick-off bash at Fudpucker’s on May 1 to get things rolling. About 20 new members joined.

With the reorganization under way, YROC had their first official meeting Friday at Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach to socialize and hear from keynote speaker Chris Hughes, Okaloosa County Tax Collector.

“Republicanism is a conviction,” Hughes said, addressing members of YROC and other local Republican organizations in attendance.

With this notion in mind, YROC was started by young professionals from the Destin and Fort Walton Beach communities that wanted to bring back together a like-minded body of conservatives in our area.

The founders of YROC are Melanie Smith, Kris Handsel, Natalie Simpson, Matt Gaetz, Dolly Tullidge, and Haley Martin. YROC has also elected their officers. They are: Jonathan Scott, president; Dolly Tullidge, vice president; Natalie Simpson, secretary; and Brian Rosales, treasurer.

The organization is supported by a more experienced Republican presence in Okaloosa County.

“It’s (YROC) a place to start to learn the Republican platform and learn ways to represent their own personal values,” said Mitzi Henley of Republican Women of Okaloosa Federated.

“It’s very encouraging,” Henley said, who mentors YROC. “It ignites us at RWOF because we all started this way.”

 With an emphasis to unify all types of Republicans, YROC targets registered Republicans in Okaloosa County who are 40 and under. They also have associate memberships available for those outside of the age range that still wish to be affiliated.

In addition to being a social organization, YROC will also put effort into campaigning for Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

A part of YROC’s existence is to educate their young members in the fundamentals of fundraising and developing election strategies.

The organization plans to participate in the Billy Bowlegs Festival and a Republican rally to be held at Liza Jackson Park on June 14.

“I’d like to see a lot of outgoing people join and turn out at events,” Scott said.

For more information about membership and events, visit www.yrokaloosa.com.