ST. CLAIRSVILLE — During the Belmont County Democratic Party’s 61st annual dinner set for Thursday, Democrats will honor a recently retired, longtime representative of Eastern Ohio.

“This year will be exceptional because the Democratic Party will be honoring former state Representative Jack Cera of Bellaire,” said Phil Wallace, chairman of the Belmont County Democrat Party.

The event will kick off with a social hour starting at 5 p.m and dinner to follow at 6 p.m. at Undo’s West, St. Clairsville. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Call Wallace at 740-296-0011 or email him at ovprint@hotmail.com.

Wallace said Cera represented Eastern Ohio in the 96th House District for a total of 30 years, having served between 1983 and 1996 and then again between 2011 and 2020.

“During his time as state representative, Cera sponsored many bills that impacted people and communities in Eastern Ohio,” Wallace said. “Cera was on special committees which included the Coal Technology Advisory Board, Board of Unreclaimed Strip Mined Lands, Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the 2020 Tax Study Committee, and the Energy Mandates Study Committee.”

Wallace added Friday that he wants to encourage everyone to come out — including Republicans and Independents — as Cera, he said, served the entire district, not just Democrats.

“This is not a straight Democrat thing. Republican or Independent or whatever can help recognize what Jack did,” Wallace said. “Let’s make this bipartisan as far as I’m concerned. I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of talk of politics or ‘beat up’ the Republicans. I think it’s going to be all about Jack Cera, I really do.”

Wallace said, as of Friday, 124 people had RSVP’d to attend, but he’s hoping the number reaches at least 150.

“I wish everyone would come and support Jack,” he added.

Wallace said he doesn’t believe anyone has concerns about attending because of COVID-19. He said the banquet room is spacious, and each table seats about eight people.

“Nobody has mentioned it to me when buying a ticket. … I don’t think it will be tight at all,” he said.

Wallace said there will be several different organizations there to present Cera with plaques honoring his service, along with a card and gift from the county party.