Bailey steps down

After a total of 19 years as chairman of the Jay County Democrats, Fred Bailey is stepping down.
Bailey announced his resignation today, saying he wanted to allow “a younger, more energetic individual” to take his place.
Serving 18 years as chairman from 1972 to 1990 and then also taking on the role again in the past year, he sees it as time to hand over the reins to another.
“I just finished a campaign and got another one starting in February,” said Bailey this morning. “That would be a better time for a new individual to get their feet wet.”
His party recently went through the general election with only one affiliated candidate winning a contested race at the county level. Democrat incumbent Wes Schemenaur, a previous party chairman, was elected to a second term as prosecutor.
Beyond being chairman of the party, Bailey also served on Jay County Council from 2006 to 2010 and as county treasurer for three years.
The Democrats will hold a reorganization meeting in December where party members will elect a new chairman.