Redfern returns to active role in Democratic politics

CATAWBA ISLAND TWP. — Former politician Chris Redfern likes having time to attend his 9-year-old daughter's softball games."I have not missed one," he said.Private life has other advantages for Redfern, who runs the Red Fern Inn, a condominium-style hotel, and Rocky Point Winery."I've enjoyed not reading my name in the newspaper, honestly," Redfern said.But Redfern, 53, the former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and a former state representative, is back in politics.During May's primary, he was elected to a seat on the Ohio Democratic Party's executive committee.And last week, the Ottawa County Democratic Party elected Redfern without opposition as the county party's new chairman.Redfern, an Ottawa County commissioner before he was elected to the Ohio House, said it is "highly unlikely" he will run for public office anytime soon."I just don't know I have the time to commit at this particular time," he said.But Redfern said he listened when friends running for office this year asked him to help by taking posts in the Democratic Party."Politics, like journalism, is something that isn't turned off and on. It is something that is omnipresent," he said.Redfern said distaste for the White House's current occupant is another motivation."The president is misguided and his policies are dividing the country," Redfern said.Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.Chris Redfern has been involved in state issues, but he's also interested in local matters. In this 2015 photo, he's speaking about a zoning issue in Catawba Township. Chris Redfern