By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The first Shelby County Young Republicans chapter recently elected its officers, and is planning to reach out to local registered voters to share information about political issues.

During a recent meeting, the chapter elected Andrew Plaster as chairman, Matt Fridy as vice chairman, April DeLuca as secretary, Ben Fridy as treasurer, Jason Deluca as state committeeman and Amy Johnson as state committeewoman.

“I am very excited to have a Young Republicans organization for Shelby County, one of the most Republican counties in Alabama,” Plaster said. “We currently are looking to build our membership base and get more young adults involved in Republican issues.”

Those interested in becoming involved with Young Republicans should contact Plaster at acplaster@gmail.com or 368-7249.

The group is aimed toward registered Republicans ages 18-40, and is the oldest young political organization in the United States, according to the Pelham-based Shelby County Republican Party.

The Young Republican chapter will help its members “develop their leadership skills, meet key public figures, impact elections and meet like-minded individuals at home and across the nation,” according to the Republican Party.

“The new Young Republicans chapter in Shelby County is exciting and long overdue, especially considering our county’s impact in advancing the Republican cause in Alabama,” said Shelby County GOP Chairman Freddy Ard. “The charter members are already impact players within the county party mainstream, providing an experienced and dynamic core to expand our outreach in this critical demographic.”