Back when county chairs were really important, always in the news, with powerful precinct organizations slating nominees.
Back when, if the governor was of the same party, chairs could manage license bureaus as their own private enterprise, operating in shabby low-cost facilities, legally pocketing profits from fees paid by motorists.
Back when chairs wielded patronage power, with applicants for fire and police departments and even for summer internships in the parks requiring party blessing.
In citing how things have changed, with less patronage, less power and less public recognition, Iâm not seeking to belittle the big win of Stan Wruble as Democratic chair.