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Democratic Party leader resigns after OVI arrest
COMMENT: How will this impact the Democratic Party?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
HAMILTON — The head of the Butler County Democratic Party has resigned after being arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
The party announced Tuesday, April 29, that Ron Wardrup had resigned as head of the party, effective immediately.
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Ron WardrupWardrup, 48, of Taylor Trace Lane in Hamilton, was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated shortly after midnight Sunday, April 27, according to court records.
Police said Wardrup ran the red light at Third Street while traveling east on High Street in a 2006 Chevy Impala. When they pulled him over, police said, Wardrup smelled of alcohol and his eyes were glassy and bloodshot.
Wardrup admitted to drinking three beers but refused a test for blood alcohol content, police records show. Police said Wardrup was cooperative, but failed one or more sections of the field sobriety test.
Wardrup has led the party since February 2007, when he was voted in unanimously after Dan Gattermeyer stepped down to run for judge.
"This year's elections are going to be exciting for the Democratic Party both nationally and locally. I do not want my personal actions and these pending charges to detract from the party's positive movement," Wardrup said in a statement.
Wardrup recently requested that the Ohio Ethics Commission investigate a proposed $4 million retirement buyout plan for county employees. He also called for investigations into the pay increases given to two county employees — the ex son-in-law of county Commissioner Charles Furmon and the wife of county Administrator Derek Conklin.
Until a new chair is selected, the party will be led by Executive Committee Vice Chairwoman Glenda Smith and Central Committee Chairman John M. Holcomb.
Holcomb said he doesn't see Wardrup's arrest and resignation hurting the party. While the allegations against Wardrup are serious, Holcomb said they don't involve any malfeasance or "discharge of the public trust."
"I hope that the allegations are not true. That's for a court of law to decide. I certainly respect Ronnie's decision to step down, so that the publicity surrounding these charges doesn't interfere with the party's business," Holcomb said.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.
Comments
By J
May 3, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Ronnie is a good person regardless of his recent actions. Leave the personal attacks at home, its not worth it to hurt him or his family anymore than they are right now.
By GH
May 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Ronnie Wardrup is a good, fine man whether the subject is politics, ethics or common decency. He has taken the steps his conscious and ethics required him to take, and he will continue to do so.
Hang in there, Ronnie. We’ve got your back!
By Instigator
April 30, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
DUI is a personal issue that Ronnie needs to deal with. The corruption in this republican ran county needs to be addressed. People must realize by now that you can not have a one party system. Vote Democrat and get the crooks out of the county.
By Ronnie Bennett
April 30, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is read the latest on the REAL corruption in Butler County……….FBI obtains records on Fox Agent asks for copies of deeds pertaining to Fox’s Fairfield Twp. home.
By ks
April 30, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
While I am not a registered Democrat, I do regret situations that cause humiliation for innocent family members. I trust Mr. Wardrup now feels the same. That being said, there is no excuse for driving impaired, and he was right to step down. I am just thankful that no one was injured, or even worse. As for the politics in Butler County, there is plenty of blame and soul-searching to go around.
By R.G
April 30, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
This is a personal matter for him and his family. Politics has nothing to do with it unless he was targeted…..nah,couldn’t happen! Any way I know several Republicans that can’t throw stones on OVI charges.
By Tracey Lawson
April 30, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Don’t speak for me. I am a tax paying resident of Butler County and a born and raised proud Democrat. This may be Republican territory for some, but not for all.
By Amy
April 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
So, what does the Butler County Democratic Party do anyway? For that matter, what does the Butler County Republican Party do?
By JJ
April 30, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
In the now famous words of the Reverend Wright, “The Chickens have come Home to Roost”. This was a fine person to be lecturing others on ethics, when he is a dangerous drunk and violator of the law.
By sherry
April 30, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
who cares how this affects a noneffective party in this county. this is about a good man and his family. no two people ever agree about every thing. no matter what you think of his political affiliation. this is a good man who has done nothing but good things in his life. i hope every one can look at their lives and see that they never made a mistake. but just as i would expect of him even during this, he took it all upon his self and tried to save every one else including a small dem party.
By GOPGirl
April 30, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
I have to say that I’m totally shocked our Journal News is allowing readers to comment on a story regarding a Democrat.
If you grew up in Butler Co. during the 50’s-60’s and still reside here, you know we are Republican territory and always have been. Remember all those years when the late Prosecutor John Holcomb was the sole Democrat elected to a county seat?
The Good Ole Boys have ruled for years.
By MAURICE
April 30, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
One less leader in the Butler Co. Democratic Party. I think they can have their meetings in a phone booth at the corner of Second and Ludlow.
By Sid
April 30, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Just seen Ron’s line up picture, he don’t appear to be glassy eyed or drunk to me, comparing it to the picture on this page. Maybe they were bird dogging you think. Na, the good ole boys would not do such a thing, would they.
By Sid
April 30, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
If, Ron would have stayed they would have butchered him to pieces. It will never be seen or heard of that the good ole boys will be accused of driving while impaired, but if the State Trooper were to do the patrolling in the city you might catch a few of the good ole boys. As for ethics the people have no idea.
By cathy
April 30, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
He is human and so are we. So he failed as a human. Haven’t we all? I am a conservative Republican, if you are asking your self. This is a personal situation for him not a political one. When something happens like this, why bring into the mess, a person’s job, a person’s political stand, etc. Let’s watch out for our selves, not crucify another for there short comings. It seems people love controversy and to gloat on another’s pain.
By VietVet
April 30, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Don’t let this incident stop you Dems from going after the Repubs and their little games of nepotism. Keep the pressure on and take as many Repubs down as you can. Love to see Furmon, Jolivette and other problem children in Hamilton embarassed and politically ruined.Would make my day to see the once powerful fall.
By Jamie
April 30, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Anyone remember back in 2005 when three officials in the Butler County GOP assaulted the bartender at Putter’s bar? Did they resign? No.
And people acting like it’s because the Democratic party is corrupt - all I got to say to you is: Kay Rogers.
By Matt Hurley
April 30, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Unbelievable.
You Democrats amaze me.
Your response is “Don’t let ANYTHING get in the way of our partisan witch hunt.”
Good luck with that…
By J.C.
April 30, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
I think that the Democratic Party is still no solid ground. Ron Wardrup took responsibility and stepped down. It’s called having a conscience. I admire that. After all, there have been plenty of people who have had not so “youthful indiscretions.”
By J.C.
April 30, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
I think that the Democratic Party is still no solid ground. Ron Wardrup took responsibility and stepped down. I admire that. After all, there have been plenty of people who have had not so “youthful indiscretions.”
By Paul
April 30, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Wow! Finally a Democratic “scandal” in Butler County. What makes this case different is that the Dem party did not attempt to cover any of it up AND the offender did the “honorable” thing.
By gl
April 30, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
I don’t think this one personal action will affect the Democratic Party. This one action does not compare to what we have been reading with about the unethical actions of the Republican Party who keeps dipping into out pocketbooks.
By mary lou
April 30, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
It won’t, and he was making progress into the Good Old Boys in Butler County and just forgot to keep his house clean before looking under stones of others, but I hope the investigation continues into the goings on at the courthouse, there is alot more than what anyone thinks….Keep diggin……