Donyelle Robinson
Contributing Writer

The patriotic colors of red, white, and blue filled the Osgood Town Hall Monday evening, January 23 as the Ripley County Republican Women’s Club held their monthly meeting. The room was packed as the crowd awaited the arrival of State Representative Randy Frye, who was scheduled to announce his re-election campaign for Indiana House of Representatives, District 67.

The speaker that stole the vote for the evening was Debbie Frye, Randy’s wife of 36 years. Unfortunately, Rep. Frye was not able to make the meeting due to a long night at the Statehouse where the controversial Right To Work legislation passed in the State Senate.

Debbie Frye read a pre-written speech from her husband that included that he supports the passage of a balanced budget without a tax increase, pro-life legislation including the defunding of Planned Parenthood and a constitutional amendment defining marriage between one man and one woman.

Rep. Frye is currently working in the state office to pass legislation that will result in job creations for Indiana citizens. “I am continuing to get Hoosiers back to work and I will not be bullied,” noted Frye. He thanked the Ripley County Republican Women’s Club for their hospitality, prayers, encouragement and support.

There were several other speakers at the meeting who spoke on behalf of the representative, including, friends, previous co-workers and former State Representative Cleo Duncan, who served in that position for 16 years.

Duncan stated this heartwarming message of Frye to the crowd, “I am so pleased that the person that has you under his wing now, has you in his heart, and is working so hard for all of you. Support him, love him, and God bless you.”

Representative Frye, who was first elected in November of 2010, has made several accomplishments in completion of his first term. He authored House Enrolled Act 1133, which assisted the agri-tourism industry by limiting their liability. He serves on the Financial Institutions Committee and the Agriculture Committee and is vice chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee.

Since his election, Frye has not missed a quorum call and continues to assist his father with the family farm. He actively attends the New Point Christian Church where he has served as the Chairman of Mission Committee, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, deacon and elder.
Frye is a retired Indianapolis firefighter and in 2011 was given the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Association Honor Award at their annual state convention.

If anyone would like to meet State Representative Randy Frye or has any questions for him, he will be at the Tyson Library in Versailles at a ‘town hall’ meeting this Saturday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m.
In other news:

• Donations were collected at Monday night’s meeting for the Live, Laugh, Learn Scholarship in memory of Emily Huntington.

• The Ripley County Republican Women’s Club voted to have member dues and associate dues increased; previously they were $15.00 for members and $5.00 for associates. This amount has now changed with members now paying $20.00 and associates paying $10.00.

• On Thursday, March 29, the Ripley County Republican Women’s Club will be having a Lincoln Day Dinner at the Knights of Columbus in Batesville.

• The next meeting for the club will be held on February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Republican party in Ripley County is invited to these meetings.