Tipp. Co. Democrats and Republicans introduce new leaders

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Tippecanoe County Democrats and Republicans have some new faces leading the parties.

After Tippecanoe County Republican Party chairman Bob Hicks announced he was stepping down Dave Heath was elected. The former mayor of Lafayette and former Sheriff said he's excited for this next chapter in his life.
    
"I'm just looking forward to working with everybody and looking forward to where we can take the party," Heath said.

The state requires both parties to hold reorganization meetings every four years. Along with a new chairman, the Republican party has a new vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

The Tippecanoe County Democratic Party saw some changes too. Chairwoman Heather Maddox said the new vice-chair, secretary and treasurer have a lot to offer.
    
"They all bring a different set of skills, they're all young, have a lot of ideas," Maddox said. "I think it says a lot about our party and where we're heading."

Both chairs say heading into the upcoming months they'll be focusing on utilizing social media sites.

"You need young people to get involved or else you just fizzle away, so we're going to use the technology that a lot of them have expertise in that I don't and a lot of us older people that have been involved don't," Maddox said.

"Get out on Facebook and Twitter and just make sure that everyone that wants to be involved in the party is involved and can keep up to date of what's going on," Heath said.

New positions:

Tippecanoe County Republicans:

Chair: Dave Heath, Vice Chair: Christa Coffey, Secretary: Vicki Burch, Treasurer: Ryan Munden

Tippecanoe County Democrats:

Chair: Heather Maddox, Vice Chair: Brad Rhorer, Secretary: Michael Childress, Treasurer: Eddie VanBogaert