DGTDO
Honors Volunteers
Each year, the Downers Grove
Township Democratic Organization selects a member to nominate for the
Democratic Party of DuPage County William Redmond Precinct Committeeperson of
the Year Award and the Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey Pioneer Award. These awards honor
members who have shown exemplary volunteer service to the Democratic Party William Redmond was a Democratic State
Representative from Bensenville from 1959-1981, who also served as Speaker of
the Illinois House. Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey was a long time Precinct
Committeeperson in Downers Grove, Chair of the Democratic Party of DuPage
County, Chair of the Downer Grove Township Democratic Organization, State
Central Committeewoman and Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. This
year, DGTDO added local awards, the Red Brownson Organizer of the Year Award
and the Chris Johnson Volunteer Award in memory of two volunteers who were
devoted to the Democratic Party.
Reid McCollum, a Hinsdale
resident, is the recipient of the Precinct Committeeperson of the Year Award.
He was instrumental in recruiting and training new PCs in Hinsdale. Due to his
persistence, his home precinct turned out a Democratic majority in 2018. As a
leader in the Coalition for a Better Illinoi 6th District, he worked
with many organizations to plan and promote events to raise awareness of the
need for a congressional representative who reflected the district. He also
volunteered countless hours for the victorious Sean Casten Campaign. His work
is truly inspirational.
Beth Brownson, a Downers Grove
Precinct Committeeperson, is the recipient of the Kathryn “Tinker” Harvey
Award. She has been the Secretary for the Downers Grove Township Democratic
Organization since 2004 and was previously the Secretary for the Democratic
Party of DuPage County. She is a Precinct Committeeperson in Downers Grove and
was previously elected to that role when she lived in York Township. She has been
a candidate for office and has actively recruited Democratic candidates for
ballot slots in DuPage County. Her long-term commitment to electing Democrats
in DuPage County is exceptional.
Maryann Vazquez, a Downers
Grove Precinct Committeeperson, is the recipient of the Red Brownson Organizer
of the Year Award. Maryann supervised phonebanks and canvasses during the 2018
campaign for the Pritzker campaign and the Casten campaign. She also
coordinated events and canvasses for Tom Chlystek’s campaign. She currently is
the Volunteer Coordinator for the DGTDO and works with the Events and Outreach
Committee to organize events in the office. Maryann has a great capacity for
connecting with volunteers and making the work “fun”.
Sue Sitton, a Downers Grove
Township Precinct Committeeperson, is the recipient of the Chris Johnson
Volunteer of the Year Award. In addition to coordinating several precincts in
the township, Sue is co-editor of the DGTDO monthly newsletter, is the website
manager and a regular office volunteer. She is usually the first person to step
in to fill an open spot in the office schedule and can often be found working
on various projects in the office when she is not the official volunteer for
the day. Sue’s dependability is a great
asset to Democrats in the township and the county.
DGTDO has many other
outstanding volunteers and we value the contributions that they offer. Thank
you to all of our volunteers and donors for your persistence in working to
elect Democrats.
