Streamlining for Strength: A Call to Simplify Lorain County's GOP Structure

The party of smaller government should also be one of a small and efficient party dynamics to drive passion for the party through being more engaged and more responsive.

Dear Friends and Members of the Lorain County Republican Party,

As someone who's spent a fair bit of time discussing both the simple and the complex, I find our current party structure warrants a fresh, straightforward approach—kind of like how you'd tackle a stubborn bolt: if it’s not turning, change the tool.

We’ve historically segmented our efforts across seven different areas in Lorain County, each operating independently. Initially, this might've seemed like a good idea, as it aimed to cater to local needs distinctly. However, this division has led us down a path of inefficiency and, frankly, a kind of sluggish bureaucracy that hampers our actual job: getting things done.

Consider the U.S. Senate, a model of representation not bound by population but rather equal representation from each state. What if our party's executive committee took a similar approach? One or two representatives from each of our seven areas, irrespective of their population. This could streamline decision-making and sharpen our focus, rather than diluting our efforts across too many fronts. We already have a body that is representative of population - that is the central committee. That’s us! We have to ask ourselves do we really need two representative bodies based on population.

For Executive Committees around the nation, it is normal for them to meet bimonthly and traditionally those on the Central Committee are expected to run the day to day operations of the committee. A committee of over 40 members is like herding cats to get anything done! And, did you know, that the executive committee despite what its name implies is subservient to to the central committee? The central committee gives the executive committee the guardrails to work within and then sets it loose to get work done. With this knowledge do we need a steering committee on top of this?

Our Central Committee I am glad to report is destined for more meetings under new leadership. Historically, they met once every four years which to many that are knowledgeable of the law and the way that successful parties work was an unforgivable sin. Imagine if a baseball team met just once a season—how would they ever win a game, let alone a championship? Regular meetings are crucial; they keep us nimble and responsive.

Let us embrace the old adage of “Together we can move mountains - but apart we are lucky to be able to move ourselves.”

Also, let's talk about utilizing modern tools to reduce backbiting within the party and to give a voice to all members. Online forums and online petitions can facilitate discussions and decisions without the need for lengthy, contentious meetings that drain our energy and enthusiasm. We're in an era where efficiency is at our fingertips, and we should embrace it. I don’t know how many of you like going to a meeting that is obsessively long and complex - only to have your time of discussion limited because there is just too much to address. Many successful central committees have a prominent Republican speaker that is there to boost morale before the meeting begins

I believe in the effectiveness of simplicity. Having too many cooks in the kitchen—or too many captains on a ship—just doesn't work. We need clarity, unity, and a shared sense of purpose. We must ask ourselves: are we truly achieving more with our current structure, or are we just adding layers of complexity that slow us down?

Let's streamline our operations, focus on what truly matters, and rekindle the passion and efficiency that can drive the Lorain County Republican Party forward. It's time to bring our full force to bear on the challenges and opportunities ahead, not get bogged down in procedural quagmires.

Looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting back to work—with all hands on deck.

Best, Jon Morrow Sheffield Lake 1-A

Cell Phone Number (419) 602 - 4425

THE ACTION ITEMS

I’m reaching out today not just as a fellow member of the Lorain County Republican Party, but as someone who’s seen what happens when County Parties make things overly complicated. It’s like trying to fix a leak with duct tape; it might hold for a bit, but eventually, you’re going to need a real solution.

Right now, our party’s set up across seven different areas, each paddling their own canoe. It’s a system that was supposed to make us more responsive and engaged at the local level. Noble, but it’s led to some unintended snags. We’re fragmented in my opinion – more like a fleet of rowboats than a streamlined battleship.

Here’s What’s Bugging Me:

We've got these seven areas, right? Each one's doing its thing, which sounds great for local flavor but ends up causing confusion and duplication of efforts. We're tripping over our own feet, missing opportunities to speak with one voice on the big issues that we all care about.

So, What’s the Fix?

Think about the U.S. Senate – two senators per state, no matter the size. What if our Executive Committee worked like that? One or two folks from each area, tops. It cuts down the crowd and makes it easier to get things done.

And then there’s the Central Committee, meeting once every leap year, or so it seems. If a team only huddled once a season, how would they ever win a game? We need to meet more often, stay sharp, and be ready to act. In fact, rather than calling meetings on the spur of the moment we should have a four year calendar when each of our meetings are so everyone can better plan.

Using the Tools We've Got:

We’re living in the age of technology where discussions can happen online and decisions can be voted on at our meetings. Let’s use these tools to our advantage. Less time in meetings means more time doing, and that’s what we’re here for, right?

Big Picture Time:

It's not just about making meetings shorter or less frequent. It’s about making our time count. A simpler, leaner structure means we can react swiftly, strike while the iron's hot, and not get bogged down in red tape.

What’s Next?

This isn’t just me talking; it’s an invitation. I’d like to hear from my constituents, my fellow central committee members, and you, to get your take, and see if we’re ready to make a change that in my opinion just makes sense. Let’s streamline our approach, focus our energies, and get back to the business of doing instead of just discussing.

Looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and simplifying how we operate. We’ll talk more at the next meeting, but until then, let me know what you think. It’s our party, let’s make it work for us.

Call or text me most anytime Cell (419) 602 -4425 or email me at jonpaulmorrow@gmail.com