Receiving awards at the annual Kosciusko County Democrat Jefferson/Jackson Dinner were John Bonitati, Hall of Fame Award, left, and Bill Morton, the Democrat of the Year Award. The men are shown with county chairman David Kolbe. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

SYRACUSE — Two local Democrats were honored Saturday evening, Oct. 3, at the annual Kosciusko County Democratic Party Jefferson/Jackson Banquet.

Bill Morton, Syracuse, was presented the Democrat of the Year Award and John Bonitati received the Hall of Fame Award.

Lee Ann Brown, party vice chairman, stated both recipients are active in their community and working toward the goal of a better tomorrow. “They exemplify ‘We Can Do Better.’ ”

“As we look at the work around us, we know we can do better. This is not just a slogan for us. We know it’s just not politics and policy that makes the world around us a better place, but the actions we take toward a better tomorrow. We look around and know we need to do better and we pick up where others stop to continue to make a difference …” state Brown as it was with that in mind they decided upon the award recipients.

Morton, who grew up in Elmhurst, Ill., and his wife of 33 years, Vicky, have two children, Kathleen and Andrew. “He is a life long Democrat,” she stated adding his first take in the party was working the “Door to McGovern,” in 1968. In 2008 and 2012 he worked for President Barack Obama campaign going to Indianapolis and Madison, Wis. “While not a Kosciusko County resident long, he and Vicki both jumped in to work on the campaigns of Joe Bock and David Kolbe,” she said. His first county campaign activity was walking the Nappanee Apple Festival Parade in 2014.

“Bill’s commitment doesn’t stop with the party but continues on to his community.” Brown stated Morton is involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and teaches classes at Junior Achievement.

“My success, prior to moving to Kosciusko County, was greater. I’d feel a lot better about this if we’ve gotten our candidates elected in the last election,” stated Morton.

The Hall of Fame Award has had many names. Brown stated it was once known as the Dale Tucker Award, it has become the Hall of Fame Award or Lifetime Achievement Award. It honors someone who has worked in the party for many years.

Bonitati, former county party treasurer and chairman, has worked for the party as a long time supporter. “John grew up in upstate New York, but has lived in Indiana for 24 years,” said Brown. Bonitati and his wife Eva, for 28 years, raised three daughters, Janelle, Susan and Elizabeth. He has worked in the orthopedic field for 25 years. Along with working with the party, Bonitati has been a candidate for Wayne Township Trustee and in 2012 ran for the State House, District 22.

“He still finds time to work in our community,” said Brown. “He sits on the Warsaw Housing Authority (board) in addition to being an OrthoWorx Diversity council member, yet he strives for more.” Bonitati is also on the Special Olympics Board as well as a coach and a volunteer. “John exemplifies ‘we can do better’ and it is for this and more we give John this award.”

The evening also included hearing from Democratic candidates in the 2016 elections: Todd Nightenhelser, U.S. 3rd District candidates; John Dickerson, U.S. Senate candidates; and Lorenzo Arrenondo, retired judge, running for Indiana Attorney General. While John Gregg, representative as a gubernatorial candidate, was not present, Carmen Darland, District 3 Democrat Chairman, read remarks from the candidate.

The evening also included the announcement of a candidate for Indiana House District 22 — Brian Smith, treasurer of the county party. He is a graduate of the Indiana Democratic Party’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Approximately 45 individuals attended the annual dinner, held at South Shore Golf Club, Syracuse.