The Berkley Democratic Club Welcomes You








Upcoming Meetings

Sept. 10, 2008
Oct 15, 2008
Nov 12, 2008
Dec 3, 2008

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Anderson Middle School
3205 Catalpa, Berkley
in the Media Center

Berkley Dems Kick A**

Rock the Vote

About the Berkley Democratic Club

2008-2009 Club Officers

At the February 7, 2008 meeting, the Berkley Democratic Club elected the Officers for 2008-2009. The Club Officers are:

  • Chair: Dr. Phil O'Dwyer
  • Vice-Chair: Marilyn Stephan
  • Treasurer: Ralph Conklin
  • Secretary: Steve Baker
  • Club Trustees: Polly Haggis and Laura Gogola

Berkley Democrats on other Democratic Party Boards:

  • OCDP Recording Secretary: Cathy King
  • OCDP Executive Committee: Steve Baker, Cathy King
  • 9th Congressional District Corresponding Secretary: Steve Baker
  • 9th Congressional District Executive Committee: Ralph Conklin
  • State Central Committee: Cathy King

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About our Precinct Delegates

The City of Berkley is divided into six precincts, each of which is represented at County and State conventions. The delegates are elected by the residents of the Precinct and serve a two-year term. Their role is to represent the issues of the residents to the party and its elected officials. They also represent the party in the local community.

In this capacity, they keep their neighbors informed of the implications of national and state initiatives, and help explain the Democratic Party's position on these matters. Precinct delegates are key to advocating the principles of the Democratic Party that protect children in the dawn of life, the poor in the pit of life, and the elderly in the sunset of life.

- Phil O'Dwyer

Congratulations to our 2008-2010 Precinct Delegates:

Precinct One
• Philip O'Dwyer
• Timothy O'Dwyer
• Daniel J. Terbrack

Precinct Two
• Susan Mooney
• Mary E. Spinney

Precinct Three
• Nicole Artanowicz
• Dan Colton
• Cathy King

Precinct Four
• Dorothy Mirk
• Marilyn V. Stephan

Precinct Five
• Susan Richardson
• Nicole M. Smithson

Precinct Six
• Ralph O. Conklin
• Maureen Kalahar Burgess

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Club History

The end of the 1940's saw the completion of the housing stock that is the city of Berkley. However, it was not until the rising tide of enthusiasm that followed the election of John F. Kennedy that the Berkley Democratic Club came into existence. The optimism and turbulence of the 1960's saw the fledgling club nurtured into place by Berkley resident Sandy Levin. Others helped for the next ten years but Sandy provided the drive and inspiration that set the club on a secure footing.

By 1971, Roy Daniel became the club chair and held that role for the next two years. The chairmanship of the club changed hands for the next three years as Bob Sawyer took over the leadership position. From 1975 to 1986 former Berkley Councilman Ralph O Conklin steered the ship with diligence and attention to detail. When Conklin was elected to City Council he turned the reins over to Solomon Frusto who served as Chair for the next two years. In 1990 Dr. Phil O'Dwyer was elected club chair, a position he has held for the last 15 years.

A review of club history reveals that several others served in a variety of offices. Among these were: James Brennan, Pat Salamanca, Arthur Currivean, Don Oleksinski, Karen White, Jim Mirk, Henry Gram, Judge Bill Sauer, and David Marriott. One servant of the club and party is distinguished by years of service: Dorothy Mirk served as secretary from 1975 to 1997. Her service to the city, county, and state party is truly exemplary.

There were others, too, who worked hard to advance the principles of the Democratic Party. In this respect we are especially proud of our association with Congressman Sandy Levin whose personal service to our country continues to be an inspiration.

Over the years the club has been an active Democratic presence in the community. It has maintained an enthusiastic cadre of dedicated people committed to the principles that made America great. We are confident that those who have gone to their eternal reward have heard the comforting words: "Well done good and faithful servant..."

To those who continue to strive to promote a nation of tolerance and respect; a nation that cares for the poor and the elderly; a nation that values and funds education; a nation that seeks to lead in the world and not impose its will on others; a nation that seeks justice and peace we say welcome to our ranks. Your cause is our cause; together let us work to create a secure city, a vibrant state and a tolerant nation. It is what those who went before us worked to implement; let these values not pass from the land on our watch.

- Phil O'Dwyer

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Berkley Democratic Club
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