Wyenandt Elected Butler County Democratic Party Chair at Party Reorganization

The Butler County Democratic Party has a new leader and a new vision.

Kathy Wyenandt of Fairfield Township, Ohio was elected chair of the Butler County Democratic Party in a party reorganization meeting last night.

Wyenandt is a long-time Democratic Party and Lakota School District volunteer and activist.

“Our goal is to re-establish government for the average Ohioan and eliminate from office corrupt legislators who accept bribes in exchange for the passage of laws that line big corporations’ pockets and ignore the rights of citizens,” said Wyenandt. “We want to build a bigger tent with the Butler County Democratic Party and let voters know that Democratic candidates are ethical, experienced, and able to win the future for Butler County and Ohio.”

The party announces two Democratic candidates running for county office this fall. Latisha Hazell of West Chester is running for Butler County Commissioner against longtime Republican Party incumbent Cindy Carpenter.

Mike Dalesandro of Oxford was appointed to fill a vacancy on the ballot caused by Butler County Auditor candidate Dave Spurrier’s withdrawal from the race. Dalesandro faces Republican incumbent Roger Reynolds. Reynolds is under criminal indictment on bribery and corruption charges for allegedly using his elected position for personal gain. His trial is set for August, and he faces up to seven years in prison if found guilty on all charges.

Hazell has been a human resources leader for more than 21 years, with experience in state and local government. She is deputy director and chief talent acquisition officer of human resources for the City of Cincinnati. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

“It’s time for change. The people of Butler County deserve better than the status quo,” said Hazell. “As commissioner I pledge to work to reestablish, reinvent, and reinvest in government that works for the people. I’ll ensure that county policies, services, and economic development are future-focused and centered around keeping everyday workers and their families first.”

She and her family have lived in West Chester for six years. She is conducting a “listening tour” throughout the county to learn about voter concerns at the county government level.

Dalesandro moved from Washington state to Butler County a year ago, bringing with him years of public service experience. A supply chain professional, he and his family moved to Oxford from Battle Ground, Wash. There he served as Battle Ground mayor and city council member for eight years.

“The current county auditor has been indicted on felony corruption, bribery and conflict- of-interest charges,” said Dalesandro. “It’s embarrassing and costing us money. He’s betrayed our trust and it’s time for a change.

“I’m running for Butler County auditor to restore integrity to the auditor’s office by improving transparency; advocating for consumer protections; and ensuring tax assessments are fair. As a former mayor and city council member, I have a clear record of leadership on accountability, fairness and building public trust. My approach is simple: good government is responsible, accessible and open. I’ll bring those values to the auditor’s office.”

They and other Democratic Party candidates are going through a screening process. Democratic Party candidate endorsements are expected in July.

For more information about Hazell, visit https://www.latishahazell.com.

For more information about Dalesandro, visit https://www.mikeforbutlercounty.com.

To learn more about the Butler County Democratic Party, visit https://www.butlercountydems.org; call (513) 896-5201; email the office at butlercountydems@gmail.com; or access its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/butlercountydems.