Thank You to the Contributors of the RPMC Bylaws

The Republican Party of Merced County (RPMC) extends its sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who generously contributed their time, experience, and expertise to the development of the current version of the RPMC Bylaws. This document is the result of a collaborative effort spanning multiple years, involving leaders from Republican organizations, elected officials, subject-matter experts, and dedicated volunteers. Their collective commitment ensured that these bylaws reflect sound governance, transparency, and adherence to Republican principles.

Contributions in 2024

We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals for their leadership and input during the 2024 phase of the bylaws development process:

·     Lisa Moreno, Past CAGOP Valley Vice Chair (Acting Chair who used the 2021 bylaws to revitalize the RPMC in 2025. Special thanks to Lisa Moreno.)

·     Joseph Day, CAGOP Valley Vice Chair (CAGOP representative who witnessed the transition.)

·     Michael Wood, Vice Chair, Stanislaus County Republican Party (Dedicated countless hours in 2024 revamping the 2021 bylaws and developing the 2025 bylaws.)

·     John Duarte, Former Congressman, California Congressional District 13 (His financial contributions were key to resolving past penalties and fees owed to the state. Thank you, Congressman Duarte.)

·     Lloyd Pareira, Merced County Supervisor, District 4 (Provided valuable insights that helped shape the newly formed 2025 bylaws.)

·     Bert Crane, RPMC Vice Chair (Invested extensive time building and formatting the 2025 bylaws.)

·     Ben Crane, Crane Ranches (Shared experiences with other committees and bylaws that informed the 2025 bylaws.)

·     Barbara Lewis Jensen, Former UC Merced English Professor (Assisted with editing and refining the tone of the 2025 bylaws.)

·     Molly Analla, President, Fresno County California Republican Assembly Chapter (Her insights left a lasting impression on the 2025 RPMC bylaws.)

Their experience across party leadership, public service, education, and grassroots activism provided invaluable perspective in shaping the foundation of this document.

2025 Bylaws Committee

The 2025 revision and finalization of the 2026 bylaws was carried out by the RPMC Bylaws Committee. Sincere thanks are extended to:

·     Dave Hunsuck, Parliamentarian and Bylaws Chairman

·     Glenda Small, RPMC Treasurer

·     Dolly Wright, RPMC Caucus Chair

·     Gene Johnson, Chair, Republican Party of Merced County

This committee worked diligently to refine, organize, and ensure the bylaws meet both party standards and the long-term needs of the RPMC.

Organizational Acknowledgments

We also extend special thanks to the following organizations and leaders for allowing the RPMC to reference their bylaws as guides during the 2025 drafting process:

·     Joel Campos, Chair, Stanislaus County Republican Party

·     Mark Wright, Chair, Placer County Republican Party

·     Paula Whitsell, Chair, Republican Party of San Diego County

Your willingness to share resources and best practices strengthened this effort and exemplifies the spirit of cooperation within the Republican Party.

Closing Statement

The RPMC is deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed to this important work. These bylaws stand as a testament to collaboration, institutional knowledge, and a shared commitment to building a strong and effective Republican Party in Merced County.

Role and Purpose of the 2025 RPMC Bylaws Committee

The 2025 Bylaws Committee of the Republican Party of Merced County (RPMC) was convened to oversee the revision, refinement, and modernization of the party’s governing document. Building upon the foundational work completed in 2024, the committee’s mission was to ensure that the bylaws not only reflected Republican principles of transparency, accountability, and sound governance, but also addressed the evolving needs of the organization as it prepared for the future.

Purpose and Responsibilities

·     Review and Update Existing Bylaws: The committee carefully examined the 2021 and 2025 versions of the bylaws to identify areas requiring clarification, modernization, or structural improvement.

·     Ensure Compliance: Members worked to align the bylaws with California Republican Party standards, state election laws, and parliamentary procedure.

·     Institutional Strengthening: The committee sought to create a framework that would support long-term organizational stability, effective leadership transitions, and consistent operational practices.

·     Collaborative Refinement: Through consultation with party officers, elected officials, and community stakeholders, the committee incorporated diverse perspectives to ensure the bylaws reflected both grassroots input and institutional knowledge.

·     Preparation for 2026: The committee’s ultimate task was to finalize a version of the bylaws that would serve as the governing document for 2026 and beyond, ensuring continuity while adapting to new challenges.

Legacy

The 2025 Bylaws Committee’s work represents a bridge between past and future. By refining the bylaws for adoption in 2026, the committee has provided the RPMC with a durable, principled, and forward-looking foundation for governance. Their efforts stand as a testament to diligence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening the Republican Party in Merced County.

-- Gene D. Johnson Jr., Chair, Republican Party of Merced County