The Seminole County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) has elected George Curcio as its new vice chair. Curcio was unanimously elected at the May 26, 2005, DEC meeting to fill the vacancy created when former Vice Chair Carol Cox was recently elected as Chair.

"It's an exciting time in Seminole County," said Curcio. "Demographics within the county are changing, creating new needs that are not being addressed by our current elected officials. The Republican leadership here has continually failed to meet the challenge of serving the public interest.

"While many Republican leaders may have personally benefited from the runaway growth and development, they have at the same time allowed that same growth and development to run roughshod over the lives of the people who live here in Seminole. Our residents are paying the price every day in terms of increased traffic and declining quality in schools and public resources, such as libraries.

"The residents of Seminole deserve responsive and responsible government. They not only deserve it but are entitled to it, and we are going to make that happen."

Longtime party member Patrick Westerfield is enthused about the recent changes in party leadership that have placed Cox and Curcio atop the party. 

"We have two young, dynamic leaders with a vision that is based on the principles that have defined American greatness," said Westerfield. "They have the spirit of optimism that we have lost in recent years and that we need to reclaim, both in Seminole and throughout our nation. And they are clearly the people who can impart that spirit and optimism to others.

"They see that it is time to give control of Seminole County government back to the residents of Seminole County, and there is no doubt that they will make that a reality."

Curcio, 45, first moved to Seminole County in 1973. He is an honors graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in Political Science.