Chairman Will Be Missed

It is with deep sorrow that we members of the Southern Oneida County Democrats mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Richard Meili.

Among his other roles, Dick chaired the Bridgewater Democratic Committee but also met routinely with fellow Democrats in Sangerfield, Marshall, Kirkland and Augusta and participated wholeheartedly in our events.

A week before his passing, Dick climbed the back steps of the Waterville Historical Society, oxygen gear and all, and shucked corn for the Sangerfield Democratic Committee’s chicken barbecue fundraiser.

Frequent readers of this and other newspapers will remember his well-reasoned letters to the editor.

Those who attend rallies protesting injustice will recall seeing his tall, thin frame, usually holding an American flag.

More important than that, Dick was an avid believer in talking to people—knocking on doors, circulating petitions, introducing candidates and discussing the issues of the day, things he did well into his 80s.

In an era when politics has come to depend on bitter, impersonal television advertising and sniping shielded by the anonymity of social media, Dick still championed the idea that our democracy is best served when we approach each other with respect to discuss not only differences but also our shared values and concerns.

All of us, regardless of party, would do well to follow Dick’s example.

On behalf of the Southern Oneida County Democrats,

Benjamin Wood, chair, Sangerfield Democratic Committee Katherine Collett, chair, Kirkland Democratic Committee Virginia Keith, chair, Marshall Democratic Committee Deidre Purdy, chair, Augusta Democratic Committee