The Heart of the Party: Celebrating Our Dedicated Volunteers
Behind every lawn sign, every community event, and every organized meeting in Columbia County is a team of neighbors who believe in the power of action. This month, we are shining a light on two individuals who have spent years building the foundation of the Columbia County Democrats: Mary Arnold and Dick Baker.
While they have both recently transitioned out of their roles on the Executive Committee, their stories serve as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—and why your involvement matters more than ever.
Mary Arnold: A Lifetime of Local Leadership
For Mary Arnold, Columbia County isn’t just where she lives—it’s home. Born and raised here, Mary’s journey took her across the country, from California to Vermont, before she returned to her roots in 1985. Since joining the CoCo Dems in 2010, Mary has been a cornerstone of our organization.
Mary’s leadership has been defined by her willingness to step up whenever the community needed her. From serving as Chair and Co-Chair for a combined nine years to running for the State Assembly, she has lived by the principle that local politics is where real change starts.
Mary’s Perspective: Mary highlights that our year-round office at 315 DeWitt St. is more than just a headquarters; it’s an opportunity for anyone to contribute. Whether you are interested in event coordination or office management, Mary’s message is clear: there is a place for you here.
Dick Baker: Finding Purpose in Challenging Times
Dick Baker’s path to the CoCo Dems began in 2018, driven by a simple but profound realization: he didn't like the direction the country was heading and decided he needed to "do something."
After moving to Columbia County to enjoy retirement on the Wisconsin River, Dick found a community he loved—and a cause worth fighting for. Having served as Secretary, Chair, and Co-Chair, Dick has been a vocal advocate for protecting our democratic way of life.
Dick’s Call to Action: Dick doesn't mince words about the stakes of the upcoming 2026 elections. He views this as a "dark time" where democracy itself is under threat. His advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the news? Step up. Get involved in whatever way you are capable of helping.
Lessons from the "Columbia County Progress" Podcast
If you want to hear more from these two incredible leaders, we invite you to listen to the first episode of our brand-new podcast, "Columbia County Progress." In this debut episode, Mary and Dick share a candid look at their experiences, their accomplishments, and their hopeful—yet realistic—outlook on the challenges we face in the coming year.
How You Can Follow Their Lead
You don't need to run for office or serve as Chair to make a difference. As Mary and Dick have shown, democracy is built on small, consistent acts of service. You can start today by:
Volunteering at the Office: Stop by on a Thursday or Saturday to help with administrative tasks.
Joining a Committee: Our Events and Communications committees are always looking for "creative types" to help us tell our story.
Spreading the Word: Follow us on social media and share our updates with your friends and family.
To Mary and Dick: Thank you for your years of commitment, your mentorship, and your tireless work to move Wisconsin forward. We are honored to carry your mission into 2026.