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County Dems dedicate dinner to three deceased members

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — When Belmont County’s Democrats come together for an annual meal on Thursday, they also will be remembering three men who made important contributions to the party.

The 60th Annual Belmont County Democratic Party Dinner is scheduled for a 5 p.m. social hour with dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday at Undo’s West in St. Clairsville. The event is dedicated in memory of the late Roger Conroy, John Mattox and William Shubat.

Conroy worked for the Ohio Auditor’s Office for many years before retiring and returning to Belmont County. He was then appointed assistant auditor for Belmont County, during the term of former Auditor Andy Sutak. Upon Sutak’s retirement, Conroy stepped into the auditor’s role. He filled the remainder of Sutak’s term and was then elected to the post. The Jacobsburg resident died in June while still in office.

Mattox, best known as founder and curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing where he also lived, was a military veteran and a retired insurance agent. He also founded and operated for many years the local chapter of A SPecial Wish Foundation. He served on numerous local boards and councils and worked for several years as a precinct committeeman for the Belmont County Democratic Party. He died in July.

Shubat, a Bellaire resident, worked for U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in the 1980s and ’90s and then returned to the local area to work for the Belmont County Board of Elections, where he served as director for 24 years until his retirement. In addition, he was a party committeeman and secretary and treasurer of the local party for many years.

The Belmont County Democratic Party “greatly acknowledges the life and service” of these men in dedicating the annual dinner in their honor, the event program states.

State Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire, will serve as the speaker for the event. Cera represents Ohio House District 96, including Monroe and Jefferson counties and parts of Belmont County. Cera is known for advocating for better jobs, increased economic opportunity, community development and the elderly, among other causes.

“Jack feels strongly that repairing and maintaining our roads, bridges and waterlines are important necessities in maximizing our area’s economic benefits and encouraging job growth,” according to information provided by the party.

Cera serves on the State Controlling Board, is the minority leader on the House Finance Committee and also serves on the House Tax Committee and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

Tickets for the event are available by calling party Chairman Phil Wallace at 740-296-0011.

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