Somerset County
Democratic Committee
...building a better future for all Somerset County residents
Our2010Candidates
Back
Joe DeMarco for Freeholder
Richard Arline for Sheriff
Benjamin Laves, Esq. for Surrogate
Joe DeMarco and Richard Arline
clean store windows in Bound Brook.
What's Going On
Reorganization Meeting
Congratulations to Chair Peg Schaffer and Vice Chair Zenon Christodoulou on their recent reelection. The Somerset County Democratic Committee held its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, June 15th at the Manville VFW. Over 120 party members were in attendence, making the evening a smashing success!
06/15/2010
Somerset County, NJ Communities:
Get Involved
Read Alex's farewell
speech to the SCDC
Contribute
How to join the
Somerset Dems
Got Talent!
Our outgoing Executive Director Alex Radus addressed and performed for party leaders, candidates and supporters at his going away party at the Brook Arts Center - a fundraiser in support of the SCDC's candidates. Alex will attend the Beasley School of Law at Temple University this fall.
07/28/2010
Read the speech here
Watch Alex's farewell song
Join us!
Become a committee member, run for office, register voters, host a house party, apply for an internship - there are many fun ways to become involved with the Democratic Party in Somerset County.
Learn more about how to get involved
Make a Donation
Purchase Event Tickets
Clinton Club Membership
Millstone
Bedminster
Montgomery
Bernards
North Plainfield
Bernardsville
Bound Brook
Peapack-Gladstone
Raritan
Branchburg
Bridgewater
Rocky Hill
Franklin
Somerville
South Bound Brook
Green Brook
Hillsborough
Warren
Watchung
Manville
About Us
In accordance with our bylaws, the purpose of The Somerset County Democratic Committee is to promote the welfare and progress of the official Democratic Party of Somerset County, and to advance the welfare and progress of the people of Somerset County and the State of New Jersey (Article 1).
But if you were to ask individual members about their purpose in participating with the SCDC, you would get many different responses: to make a difference in the community, meet new people, support a family member who is an elected official, and many more.
The SCDC has a robust and active membership. We are doctors, educators, union workers and attorneys; we are senior citizens, high school students and all ages in between; we are lifetime New Jersey residents, transplants from other states, and immigrants from Africa, Europe, Asia and South America.
Under the leadership of Chair Peg Schaffer, Esq. and Vice Chair Zenon Christodoulou, the SCDC has expanded its membership, conducted voter outreach and education, kept a close eye on Somerset Countys one-party government, and, of course, helped elect many dedicated Democrats to local office.
Whether you are a new registrant, a recently converted Republican or Independent, or come from a long line of proud Democrats, we thank you for being a Somerset County Democrat. We encourage you to learn about the many ways you can get involved with the SCDC. We are here to make sure that anyone who aspires to advance the welfare and progress of Somerset County has the support of an organization of dedicated volunteers. We hope you will join us.
SCDC Chair - Peg Schaffer
Vice-Chair - Zenon Christodoulou
Recording Secretary - Peggy Glicklich
Corresponding Secretary - Mike Goldberg
Treasurer - Jinnee DeMarco
Assistant Treasurer - Ben Auletta
Regional Vice Chairs
Bev Pranzatelli (Warren, Watchung, North Plainfield, Bound Brook, Green Brook)
Paul Drake (Hillsborough, Montgomery, Branchburg)
John Clyde (Franklin, South Bound Brook, Rocky Hill, Millstone, Manville)
Joe DeMarco (Bernardsville, Bernards, Far Hills, Peapack/Gladstone, Bedminster)
Joan Pritchard (Somerville, Raritan, Bridgewater)
Executive Director - Alex Radus (908) 953.9300
Contact your
municipal chair
Calendar of Events & Meetings
Get Involved!
It may seem far away, but Election Day will be here before we know it. Success for our candidates means active participation and early preparation. It also means reaching out to our fellow Somerset County Democrats to tell them how they can get involved. The Somerset County Democratic Committee (SCDC) is expanding, setting new goals and taking on new responsibilities. There are many opportunities for dedicated Democrats to work for better government in Somerset County.
Heres how to get involved:
1.Run for office: Open, responsible government is vital for the future of Somerset County, and its only possible through the hard work and dedication of our residents. If you are committed to service and want the opportunity to shape your community for the better, we want to hear from you.
2.Become a committee member: Every voting district in Somerset County (263 in all) requires two committee members, one male and one female. While our membership is robust, we still have vacancies to fill. Committee members are the primary building block of our organization, and are therefore asked to be active party members. Responsibilities include attending municipal meetings, supporting Democratic candidates and building the Democratic Party.
3. Volunteer for a campaign: Staff the office, register voters, canvass door-to-door, host a house party, make phone calls - there are many ways to show your support for Democratic candidates. Contact our office at 908.953.9300 for more details. Also, visit the homepage and find your town's website for information on municipal candidates.
4.Work on a special subcommittee: The special subcommittees of the Executive Committee engage in meaningful work in support of the SCDC and its candidates.
African American Caucus, Hispanic American Caucus and Asian American Caucus: Represent the issues and perspectives of your community; build support for Democratic candidates through events and outreach.
Council of Elected Officials: Help plan and staff educational events for Somerset County Democratic elected officials, party leaders and candidates.
Labor Council: Facilitate Democratic commitment to organized labor through events and outreach.
Finance: Help plan and staff events to raise money for SCDC candidates.
Media: Keep your pen moving with press releases and letters to the editor; help Somerset Democrats stay informed of the local issues that affect them.
Membership: Conduct outreach through events and issue campaigns to engage Democrats in local politics.
Rules and Bylaws: Be an active voice in the government of the SCDC.
Voter Issues Task Force: This think tank researches and advises the SCDC on voter rights, election ethics and transparency.
4.Join an affiliated organization:
Somerset County Young Democrats: Democrats age 35 and younger are encouraged to participate in the events, outreach and activities of the SCYD.
Somerset County Federation of Democratic Women: Sponsoring events, conducting outreach and empowering women candidates and elected officials are just a few of the many important tasks this organization undertakes.
Introducing
The Clinton Club
Support our 2010 candidates
and get FREE admission to SCDC events!
Individual Membership
Membership for Couples
Membership Details:
Clinton Club membership rates:
Individual - $25/month
Couple - $45/month
Benefits of membership:
FREE General Admission access to all county events and fundraisers
15% off VIP Admission for all county events.
Membership details:
Not valid for any candidate committee or municipal committee events
Cancel anytime
Thank you for your support!
Unlike many political organizations, we did not screen our candidates simply for their political connections and ability to raise money. We screened them for their experience, work ethic and passion for public service. Our candidates will be the most qualified people on the ballot this year, but we need your help to make sure that their message reaches the voting public.
That is why the SCDC is making it even easier to support our candidates by creating The Clinton Club. Membership in The Clinton Club is an easy and convenient way to show your support. In return, your membership is rewarded by free General Admission access to county events and fundraisers, and preferred rates for VIP tickets.
To become a member, click the links above to join as an individual or couple.
Thank you for
your support!
Our candidates sacrifice time with their friends and families to make Somerset County a better place to live. Please show them your support with a generous financial contribution. They can't do it without you. Thanks!
Contribute Now
Somerset County Democratic Committee Internship Opportunities
Executive Campaign Assistant Internship
The Somerset County Democratic Committee is seeking highly-motivated individuals for our Executive Campaign Assistant Internship Program. Our internships are fast-paced, fun, demanding and rewarding. Participants will directly assist the Executive Director of the SCDC, immersing themselves in the exciting world of campaigning, and building their skills in a variety of areas.
Interns will gain experience in campaign planning and strategy, voter outreach, media relations, issue research, event planning and much more. Interns will develop a strong familiarity with how a political organization operates on a day-to-day basis.
Most importantly, interns will have the opportunity to affect positive change in their communities by helping Democrats win state-wide, county-wide and local elections.
General Information
The SCDC is currently accepting applications for internships.
Interns should expect to spend at least 12 hours per week during the semester. Internships are unpaid. Interns are encouraged to apply for academic credit.
Applicants for internships should have an interest in public service, politics and government.
Many volunteer opportunities exist for those unable to commit to 12 hours per week. Please contact Alex Radus at aradus_shainlaw for more information on volunteering.
How to Apply
Please send a resume and one-page writing sample to the SCDC. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide references and an unofficial transcript. Electronic submissions are strongly preferred.
Via e-mail: jdemarco_shainlaw.com
Via fax: 908.953.2969
Via mail:
Somerset County Democratic Committee
Attn: Executive Director
150 Morristown Road
Suite 105
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Finance Assistant Internship
The Somerset County Democratic Committee is seeking highly motivated individuals for our Finance Assistant Internship Program. Our internships are fast-paced, fun, demanding and rewarding. Participants will directly assist the finance committee of the SCDC, immersing themselves in the exciting world of fundraising and building skills in a variety of areas.
Interns will gain experience in fundraising, event planning, donor outreach and much more. Interns will develop a strong familiarity with how a political organization operates on a day-to-day basis. For anyone interested in non-profit work, experience in fundraising is a big plus on your resume.
Most importantly, interns will have the opportunity to affect positive change in their communities by helping Democrats win statewide, countywide and local elections.
Applicants for internships should have an interest in fundraising, public service, politics and government.
Please send a resume and one-page writing sample to Executive Director Alex Radus. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to provide references and an unofficial transcript. Electronic submissions are strongly preferred.
Via fax: 908-953-2969
Volunteer for a campaign: Staff the office, register voters, canvass door-to-door, host a house party, make phone calls - there are many ways to show your support for Democratic candidates. Use the form below to contact us for more details. Also, visit the homepage and find your town's website for information on municipal candidates and elected officials.
Sign up to volunteer
Position: Executive Director
Organization: Somerset County Democratic Committee
Location: Bernardsville, New Jersey
Type: Full Time
Start Date: July 2010
How to Apply:
•Submit a resume, writing sample and salary requirement, attention Jinnee DeMarco, to:
Email jdemarco_shainlaw.com
Fax - 908.953.2969
Mail - Somerset County Democratic Committee
Attn: Jinnee DeMarco
Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
Electronic submissions are strongly preferred.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director, working with the Chair and Executive Committee, develops and implements the Somerset County Democratic Committees strategic plan and oversees the administration and programs of the party, including political affairs, personnel, membership, fundraising, communications, and technology.
Responsibilities:
County Committee Affairs
Schedule and facilitate meetings for the Chair, executive and finance committee meetings, nominating conventions and re-organization meetings; maintain SCDCs calendar of events. Oversee compliance and other administrative requirements, meet filing deadlines.
Political Affairs
Develop and implement a plan to strengthen and expand the SCDC; develop the SCDCs election strategies; assist state, county and municipal campaigns with election needs; conduct coordinated field operations and GOTV.
Office & Scheduling
Staff campaign headquarters and conduct general office work, maintain organization files.
Personnel & Internship program
Responsible for all aspects of internship program including promotion, recruitment and management, recruiting and coordinating volunteers for events, office headquarters and campaign work.
Fundraising
With a finance committee chair, create a yearly fundraising plan and oversee its execution, plan events and assist treasurer with compliance.
Communications
Create a comprehensive communications plan, including messaging, media outreach, press releases, web and email, and oversee its execution; develop and maintain professional relationships with national, state and county elected officials and organizations.
Technology
Develop and maintain organization web presence via website, Facebook and Twitter.
Experience:
•Minimum 2 cycles as paid staff in county, state or federal elections. Minimum 5 cycles as staff at municipal level.
•Experience supervising and managing a professional staff.
Education:
•Bachelors Degree; political science degree a plus
•Campaign training a plus
Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics:
•Strong communicator in writing, presentations and in interpersonal communication.
•Highly developed, demonstrated teamwork skills.
•Strong knowledge of campaign strategy, public policy, municipal, county and state government. Knowledge of New Jersey and Somerset County politics a plus.
•Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment, prioritize a large work load and effectively delegate responsibility.
•Able to direct the efforts of a team including elected officials, party officials and supporters. Ability to recruit and motivate volunteers and communicate respectfully and productively with a wide variety of people.
•Demonstrated ability to increase organizational efficiency and continuously improve methods and programs while being cost-sensitive. Commitment to continuous learning.
•Familiarity and skill with Microsoft Office and Voter Access Network.
Contact Your Municipal Chair
Bedminster - Charles Eader cpeader_att.net
Bernards Twp - David Ferdinand david_onedreamsound.com
Bernardsville - Mariel O'Brien mari.hob_verizon.net
Bound Brook - Karen Carroll karenecarroll_hotmail.com
Branchburg - Joe Pranzatelli jpranzatelli_njworkforce.org
Bridgewater - Rick Simon rjslcc_att.net
Franklin - Joe Danielsen jdanielsen_networkblade.com
Green Brook - Melonie Marano mkmarano_optonline.net
Hillsborough - Mike Goldberg mikegold722_gmail.com
Manville - Joe Lukac skypat3_optonline.net
Millstone - Ray Heck rheck42_aol.com
Montgomery - Keith Hovey klhovey_yahoo.com
North Plainfield - Tom Fagan tj109_prodigy.net
Raritan - Victor Laggini vjlag_optonline.net
Rocky Hill - Bill O'Brien billobrien_comcast.net
Somerville - Rob Wilson rob_trombadorelaw.com
South Bound Brook - Marie Scanell mariescan_verizon.net
Warren - Joyce Hendricks jhendricks_winants.rutgers.edu
Elected Officials
Councilman Joseph DeMarco, Esq.
Franklin Township
Not Pictured: Deputy Mayor, Kimberly Francois; Councilman Daniel Glicklich; Councilman Phillip Kramer;
Coucilman Carl Wright; Councilman James Vassanella
Committeewoman Graciela Diaz
Committeeman Edward Pfeifer
Councilman Lou Fischer
Councilman Ed Komoroski
Mayor Ray Heck
Not Pictured: Councilman Sal Cuirleo; Councilwoman Maryanne Devoti
Committeewoman Louise Wilson
Not Pictured: Committeeman Brad Fay
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Not Pictured: Councilman Ken Utter; Councilwoman Pat Webster
Not Pictured: Councilwoman Caryl Shoffner
Somerset County Candidates
Benjamin Laves, Esq.
Surrogate Candidate
Richard Arline
Sheriff Candidate
Joseph DeMarco, Esq.
Freeholder Candidate
Joseph DeMarco is a councilman in Bernardsville where he was the first Democrat elected in over thirty years. He is an attorney and currently serves as the municipal prosecutor in Somerville and Franklin Township. He is a graduate of Boston College and Fordham University School of Law and specializes in dispute resolution.
Donate
Volunteer
County Surrogate
Benjamin Laves, of Franklin Township, is an attorney and has operated a solo practice for over twenty five years that focuses on estate planning, elder law and estate and trust administration. Prior to opening his practice, Mr. Laves served in New Jersey's Department of the Public Advocate as Deputy Public Advocate and Director of the Essex County Regional Office. Mr. Laves has lectured on estate planning at many New Jersey universities and institutes including Rutgers and Seton Hall.
Benjamin Laves has been a lifelong resident of New Jersey, growing up in Maywood and graduating from Bogota High School. He and his wife Mary, a nurse practitioner, have been married for more than 25 years. Ben received his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Temple University in 1968 and in 1971 was awarded a Juris Doctor degree from the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D. C.
Ben has been an active volunteer in many professional and community organizations, helping to bring various services to the residents of New Jersey. He has helped bring legal assistance to residents who couldnt afford private attorneys. Ben has also promoted the improvement of mental health services for both patients and their families and served on the Board of the Mental Health Association of Essex County.
Richard Arline is a member and former vice president of the Franklin Township school board and is a retired law enforcement officer with thirty three years experience. He has been a police officer, deputy sheriff and a supervisor with the United States Postal Inspection Service. Mr. Arline served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam where he earned five combat medals and ribbons. Richard is a 25 year resident of Franklin Township and has been married for 42 years. He is a graduate of University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA.
This video, from the 2010 Nominating Convention of the Somerset County Democratic Committee, shows Richard Arline accepting his nomination for the position of the Somerset County Sheriff.
Michael Pock and John Graf, Jr.
For Bedminster Township Committee
Campaign Site
Reverend John Graf, Jr. is a 1981 graduate of The American University in Washington, D.C. and has been performing non-denominational weddings, baptisms and funerals/memorial services throughout the metropolitan area (New Jersey/New York and beyond) for more than ten years.
His 30-year career in public relations and fund-raising has garnered him many awards and recognitions including the Somerset County Business Partnerships Citizen of the Year (2002) and Business Volunteer of the Year (1999) while helping to raise more than $45 million for countless non-profit, education, government, and cultural arts organizations. John was recently named a 2009 National Jefferson Award recipient for his 30 years of public service and will be named to the South Plainfield High School Hall of Fame on June 7, 2010. He has also been recognized for his volunteer service by Alternatives, Inc., Somerset Valley YMCA, New Jersey Jazz Society, Somerset Treatment Services, Bridgewater-Somerville Rotary (Paul Harris Fellow), to name just a few of the many organizations he has been engaged with over the years. John was also recently appointed by former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to serve as a member of the Raritan Valley Community College Board of Trustees.
A resident of Bedminster Township for the last 16 years (originally born and raised in South Plainfield), Reverend Graf has officiated more than 1,000 weddings, baptisms, funerals and civil unions.
John lives by the words his Mother taught him: Its nice to be important, but, its important to be nice!
Michael Pock has announced his candidacy for Bedminster Township Committee. Although he has only been a local resident for over five years, he has made New Jersey his state for all of his life. Mr. Pock and his wife, Pamela, and his daughters, Samantha and Alyssa, enjoy their lifestyle in The Hills. Mr. Pock brings his vast experience in community affairs to this job by being a senior member of United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg's staff. He has gained extensive experience dealing with statewide constituency issues throughout his ten-year political career. But, now he is more interested in channeling this energy to the local level as he seeks a seat on the Township Committee. His interest in public service began even before he graduated college doing volunteer work and giving back to the community. Mr. Pock has always enjoyed challenges and with New Jersey's current budget situation in its present state, he looks forward to real solutions rather than perpetuating problems. The Bedminster Democratic Committee has endorsed Mr. Pock for the 3-year term of this office. He has been a Bedminster Democratic Committee Representative for the past several years.
Linda Kragie
For Bernardsville Mayor
Linda has lived in the Somerset Hills area for almost 18 years. She moved to Bernardsville in the summer of 2002; before this, she resided in Gladstone for over nine years. She is married to John Bacci, a retired Johnson & Johnson executive, who has lived in the Somerset Hills area since 1981. They are the parents of two boys, ages 14 and 16, who attend public schools.
Linda is currently Bernardsvilles representative on the Somerset Hills Regional School Districts Board of Education. She is in the third year of her term of office. During the past two years, Lindas focus has been on developing and implementing energy conservation initiatives and broadening the Boards outreach to all of the communities that make up the regional district.
As an appointed member of the Borough of Bernardsvilles Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, Linda was recently involved in the successful application for the County grant that is funding the current roof renovation of the historic Olcott Building.
Linda is also an attorney with experience in both labor and municipal law. She graduated from law school with high honors from IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law. Following law school, she clerked for a federal district court judge in Illinois. After her clerkship, she worked in Washington, D.C., as an attorney in private practice and then for the United States Department of Labor in the area of employee benefits litigation. Her legal experience included extensive analysis of pension plan transactions and investment returns, as well as management of complex federal litigation. In 1992, she moved to New Jersey, where she worked for a prominent labor law firm until her first son was born. She then served as Of Counsel to an attorney specializing in retiree pension, disability and health benefit litigation. Recently, however, Linda changed the focus of her legal work to municipal law. She developed expertise in land use and civil rights litigation, as well as municipal governance issues, while working for a law firm that is counsel for several municipalities neighboring Bernardsville. Presently, she is not practicing law.
Linda has enjoyed many volunteer opportunities while living in the Somerset Hills area. For several years, she was a volunteer involved with fundraising for the Somerset Hills Education Foundation (SHEF). Also, she served on the Somerset Hills YMCA Risk Management Committee. As a member of the Unity Day Committee of the Bernardsville Chamber of Commerce, she helped solicit corporate donations. She donated her time to several of the Somerset Hills VNA Rummage Sales. She coached the Bernardsville High School mock trial team. She also co-chaired the Bedwell Elementary Schools country fair. Linda also volunteered as a board member for the Westmont Montessori School in Mendham, where she helped to create a strategic plan.
S. Lynn Sutcliffe
For Bernardsville Township Council
Tony Pranzatelli and Karen carroll
For Bound Brook Borough Council
•Bound Brook Historic
Commission member
•Bound Brook Democratic
Municipal Committee Chair
•Public Relations Director,
NJ League of Women Voters
•Board President & past Assoc. Director,
Womens Health & Counseling
in Somerville, NJ
•Former Vice President for Historic Restoration,
Precision Building & Construction
•Project Manager, Van Horne House Restoration
•Chair, Hurricane Floyd Commemoration Committee
•Founding Partner, Featherworks Alternative Healing Center
•Karen has one child.
•Borough Council 2007-2010
•Council President 2010
•Council Liaison to the Brook Theater, Economic
Development Advisory Committee,
Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown
Steering Committee
•2010 Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year
•Chair of the Economic Development Committee
•Member of Bound Brook Rotary & the Moose Club
•Owner, Pranzatellis Audio Outlet Bound Brook's oldest surviving business
•Tony is married with three children.
Louis Cain
For Branchburg Township Council
My education (MBA) and work experiences taught me how to solve problems and create opportunities. I have lived in Europe, worked in Africa (2 years), volunteered and served 4 years in the US Military (Japan and Viet Nam).
I have 30+ years of work experience at Bell Labs/AT&T/Telcordia Technologies and NJIT in Budgets/Financial Management, Human Resources, Methods and Procedures, Economic Development, and Career Counseling. I have worked with Presidents of corporations and universities, US and Foreign Government Officials, and lead committees of the largest US engineering education association (ASEE). I managed budgets of $900,000+ and diverse groups of 13+ employees.
John Rooney
For Bridgewater Township Council
John Rooney has been a Bridgewater resident for over 30 years. He attended Bridgewater-Raritan schools and received a B.A. in Political Science from Kean University in 1990. After graduation, John worked in Washington, DC as a special assistant to U.S. Representative Tom McMillen (D-MD) for several years. Subsequently, he served as special assistant to the chairman of the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Upon returning to Bridgewater, John was a facilities manager at Ethicon, Incorporated in Somerville. He is currently transportation manager for Resource NJ in Denville. John feels his management skills and his long connection with Bridgewater Township will make him an effective councilman.
Anthanasi Tom Tsivgas
For Green Brook Township Committee
Anthanasi Tom Tsivgas, of Spruce Hollow Road in Green Brook, will run a write-in campaign for Township Committee at the June 8th Democratic Primary. Tsivgas is CEO of Yesterdays Business Computers, a global computer asset management company with operations in New Jersey, Florida, Texas, London, South Africa, Australia and Canada. He is the president of the Green Brook Little League and has been a board member since 2006.
I am looking forward to continuing my service to the community and reaching out and meeting fellow residents over the summer and fall, Tsivgas said.
Tsivgas is a Vietnam Era Veteran and a retired Army Airborne Paratrooper that was stationed overseas in the early 70's. He, his wife and two children have resided in Green Brook since 1998.
Paul Drake
For Hillsborough Township Committee
For Mr. Drake, of Balmoral Court, running for his former committee seat is about trying to improve the township for the future and bringing his professional planning, environmental knowledge and education to the work that needs to be done in Hillsborough.
The township seems content with maintaining the status quo, he said. This is not good enough. I believe that our town leaders need a clear vision for our future, otherwise, we will all look back and continue to ask ourselves, what happened?
Mr. Drake said he is concerned about the number of vacant stores on Route 206 and changes that have been made through the townships Economic Action Plan, which led to the elimination of the Architectural and Site Design Subcommittee and the Grants and Shared Services Commission.
These volunteer groups could have easily been empowered with the Economic and Business Development Group to advance the proper long-term planning for the downtown main street and to focus on ways to head off the unintended economic consequences of major highway projects that led to the term ghost town, he said.
Among other issues, Mr. Drake said, is the Route 206 bypass, which, while he is in favor of building, he believes the townships Economic Action Plan does not look at how the realignment of the highway will affect small businesses.
The vacant storefronts on Route 206 are symptomatic of our economic malaise, he said. The township has responded with an action plan of modest proportion compared to the bold actions that are required.
In running for another term on the committee, Mr. Drake said he believes his education and past experiences in the township will enable him to make the right decisions and know how best to help the township.
My education, which has enabled me to work in the public and private sector, has provided me with a diversity of valuable life experiences, he said. As I have in the past, I have challenged the majority Republican party to make the proper decisions regarding property taxes, land use zoning and municipal ordinances.
As for campaigning strategies, particularly as he comes against a familiar opponent, Mr. Drake said he would be in favor of holding a hometown televised public debate on Hillsborough issues. He said he also would like to find a way to discontinue the release of any negative campaign literature.
Let the voters decide who has the broader vision for the township and who can best represent their interests, he said.
Ed Komoroski and Frank Jurewicz
For Manville Borough Council
Frank has been involved with, and led many community organizations as both a volunteer and an elected official dating back to 1981. Frank and his wife, Karen, are both life-long residents of Manville and have been married for 32 years. Both are graduates of Manville High School and they currently reside in the Weston area of town. They have 3 children, Kevin, Scott and Kelly who all graduated from Manville High School.
Frank served on the Board of Education for 15 years holding, at various times, the positions of President and Vice-President. On the Board, Frank worked to prepare successful annual budgets and multiple bond referendums. He worked with the representatives of the federal government in the clean-up of Superfund sites (J-M asbestos, Rustic Mall creosote). Frank is also a former member of the borough council. While serving on the governing body, he worked to replace the former borough hall with the new Police Station and Borough Hall at a minimal cost to the taxpayers. He was also on the council during the difficult times of Hurricane Floyd and worked to bring federal aid to Manville. Frank has over 30 years of experience and leadership working in the IT industry, the last 29 years at Johnson and Johnson Corporation. He is currently a Computer Systems Engineer.
Ed is finishing his first term on the borough council He and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for 28 years and currently reside in the Weston area of town. He is a graduate of Manville High School and they are the parents of two teen-aged children. Ed has been active in various organizations as a member, elected official and/or business sponsor. Ed was the 2006 recipient of Manvilles Citizen of the Year Award.
As a member of the borough council, Ed has served on various council committees including Finance, Public Works, Progress & Development, Policy Planning & Personnel, the Beautification Committee and Youth Services. He has also served as the council representative on the Planning Board. As a volunteer in Manville, Ed was on the original planning committee for the Manville Street Fair. He has served on the committees organizing the Manville Community Day, the Relay for Life Cancer walk and the Manville Fright Night. Ed has enjoyed being involved with the Manville Santa program for the past 20 years. Ed is also an active member in various community organizations. He is a member of Sacred Heart Church and the Manville Knights of Columbus.
For Millstone Township Committee
Sal Cuirleo
Louise Wilson and Neena Singh
For Montgomery Township Committee
Neena is a senior partner at Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty in Montgomery. She is a founder and past President of Milan Montgomery International Ladies Association an organization of women dedicated to community service, outreach and cultural enrichment. Neena is also active in the PTA and has co-chaired the publicity and grants committees. She serves on the Multicultural Outreach Committee, a joint committee among the PTAs to promote awareness of the rich cultural diversity in our school district.
In 2009 Neena Singh received the Wynona M. Lipman Synergy Award, given by the State of New Jersey to recognize an individual or organization for making distinct and definitive positive change in their community. Montgomery is a great town and has provided our family with great opportunities, says Neena. I cant wait to work for its progress and bright future.
Neena and her husband PJ Singh have three children, ages 26, 20 and 12.
Louise has been a member of the Montgomery Township Committee since 2001. She served as Mayor for six of those years, from 2002-2006, and in 2009. She was a member of the Montgomery Planning Board from 2002-2009.
Louise's nine years on the Township Committee have been marked by progress and achievement: she implemented ethics reform, environmental best practices, road improvements and innovative land use planning, and has been a champion for open space preservation, tax reform, education and volunteerism. Louise also shepherded the 256-acre NPDC/Skillman Village property through the acquisition and environmental clean-up process and led Montgomerys successful fight against the Hillsborough Bypass that would have bisected Pike Run and vastly increased traffic in Montgomery.
Louise has received the Innovation in Government Award, Service to the People Award and the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for public service. Louise and Cliff Wilson have two children, ages 18 and 21.
