With the November 2024, election less than 15 months away, a group of Washington County conservatives say they are focused on promoting like-minded values through an informed, active electorate.

According to a Thursday news release, a monthly gathering of friends began this summer where participants contemplated ways to develop, elect and support conservative political leaders. As a result, an Advisory Council recently formed Republican and Other Conservatives of Washington County (ROC-WC).

ROC-WC says they have a solid foundation of Republican history and leadership of Washington County. On Aug. 14, former state Sen. John Ford and former state Rep. Earl Sears signed on as founding Advisory Councilmen, as did Joe Beffer, Alexander Johnson, John Kahre, Juli Merciez and Quinn Schipper.

The Council has expanded to include Adam Bulleigh, Todd Cone and Jessica Krause. Serving Ex Officio are state Sen. Julie Daniels, Reps. John B. Kane and Judd Strom, County Commissioner Mike Dunlap and City Councilor Billie Roane.

The Advisory Council appointed a Leadership Team comprised of Administrator Schipper, Vice-Administrator Krause and Community Relations Coordinator Merciez.

"Our motto is A Storied Past, A Strong Future," Schipper said. "The bridge between the two is the present story told by motivated individuals and groups willing to engage proactively in the political process."

To that end, ROC-WC says their values include promoting political education and activity and encouraging people to register and vote in all elections. ROC-WC says they will have a booth at the Washington County Free Fair Sept. 7-9 at the Dewey Fairgrounds.

ROC-WC will host its launch party on Sept. 18 with Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell as the guest speaker. The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. in The Garage at Crossing 2nd in Bartlesville.

For more information, visit the Republican and Other Conservatives of Washington County Facebook page or email info@ROCWC.com.