MOUNT VERNON — For a party coming off a terrible statewide election in 2010, the Knox County Democrats who gathered for the annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner were anything but discouraged or depressed.
Part of that was due to the fact that they were honoring two long-time public servants who are retiring from Mount Vernon City Council, each after having served more than 30 years on that body — John Booth and Chuck Dice. Each was greeted with a standing ovation, and presented with a plaque and commemorative gavel honoring their service. Booth also took the opportunity to announce he had decided to run for county commissioner in the 2012 election.
Local candidates were introduced and enthusiastically applauded.
Two featured speakers were sandwiched around the honors presented to Booth and Dice. Former U.S. Rep. Zack Space and former Hamilton County Commissioner and 2010 candidate for state auditor David Pepper both focused on the fight to repeal Senate Bill 5 by voting against State Issue 2.


