Millstone
Peapack-Gladstone
Rocky Hill
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
Doug Singleterry (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 - (908) 953.9300 ext 24
Contact your
municipal chair
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 2011 candidates
and get FREE admission to SCDC events!
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.
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!
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 Joseph Kostecki at jkostecki_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: jkostecki_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 Joseph Kostecki. 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
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.
Contact Your Municipal Chair
Bedminster - Charles Eader cpeader_att.net
Bernards Twp - David Ferdinand dave_onedreamsound.com
Bernardsville - Bob Frawley mari.hob_verizon.net
Bound Brook - Karen Carroll karenecarroll_hotmail.com
Branchburg -
Maureen Papke abby.rutka_gmail.com
Bridgewater - Rick Simon rjslcc_att.net
Far Hills - Laura Neff
lauraneff2003_yahoo.com
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
