CHENANGO COUNTY – Monday night, the Chenango County Republican Committee held its annual reorganizational meeting and re-elected Thomas Morrone as committee chair. In his 28th year as the Chairman of the Chenango Republican Committee, Morrone is now the longest-running party chief in New York State.

The committee chairman is responsible for maintaining contact with elected officials and trying to do things to help the people in the area they represent. “There are times when people here have problems with the government, and I can pick up the phone and call someone to see what can be done,” Morrone said.

When asked how he maintained the role of chairman for so long, Morrone credited the rest of the committee and the people of Chenango County. Monday night, Myrna Wessels was elected vice chair of the committee, Garth Gray was elected treasurer and Harriet Jenkins was elected as secretary.

“As a chairman, you’re only as good as your committee,” Morrone said. “We have a great committee. I’ve been made successful by the people who surround me.”

Morrone said committee chairs are responsible for working with people on both sides of the aisle. “One thing I always find is, once the elections are over, both sides of the aisle always work well together for the betterment of Chenango County. I look forward to doing that,” Morrone said.