Duane Fulgham of South Whidbey was elected chairman of Island County Democrats by precinct committee officers from across Whidbey and Camano islands at their meeting on Jan. 6.

Also elected to the new executive board of Island County Democrats were Mary Hughes, Camano Island Vice Chairwoman; Sharon Franzen, Whidbey Island Vice Chairwoman; Jane Jaehning, Treasurer; Ria Claassen, Secretary; Tom Riggs, State Committeeman; and Sue Tingstad, State Committeewoman.

Fulgham said Island County Democrats will now focus on the 2012 elections, and party officials said a planning effort will continue for the next few months as they explore ways to accomplish the party’s goals.

“We need to recruit and train more volunteers, develop our message about good government and support our Democratic candidates the best we can,” Fulgham told his fellow Democrats after last week’s election.