Washington Borough NJ Democrats

washborodems.org

[washborodems]

Announcement

Hello! As of July 7th I have resigned the municipal chair for the Washington Borough NJ Democratic Committee. I thank the county and Borough Democrats for the opportunity, and look forward to what is next.

All the best,

Chris Vitalos

[washborodems]

This censure resolution passed on July 6th, 2021, with Mayor Higgins, Deputy Mayor Conry, and Council Members Noone, DuChemin and Heinrich voting in favor, Cox abstaining and Norris was absent. Council member Heinrich also brought a motion up for a vote of no confidence in Cox, which passed along the same lines. Mayor Higgins asked Cox to resign. Cox refused.

Click on the links below for media reaction after the meeting:

Councilwoman who criticized Juneteenth recognition hit with vote of no confidence

Washington Borough Council also unanimously voted Tuesday night to censure Councilwoman Louann Cox for comments she made on June 1.

Washington Borough councilwoman censured for remarks over Juneteenth

The Washington Borough Council has censured a councilwoman for disparaging remarks she made last month over Juneteenth.

Wondering what this is about? Click HERE.

[washborodems]

Thanks for this turkey award, Councilwoman Cox !

Councilwoman’s Juneteenth rant damaging to Warren Co. community | Turkeys & Trophies

Washington Borough Council was considering a resolution calling for the borough to formally recognize the June 19 holiday.

TL;DR

"We’ve reported on local politicians making a lot of ignorant statements from the dais in recent years. But in terms of poor timing and complete disregard for the feelings of her colleagues and constituents of color, Washington Borough Councilwoman Louann Cox’s June 1 remarks about Juneteenth ranks up there with the worst."

What is this all about ?

Click HERE to listen to the audio recordings of Washington Borough NJ Councilwoman Louann Cox's commenting on why should Washington Borough commemorate Juneteenth, and news media reporting on the reaction to her comments.

What can I do as a Borough resident ?

Borough council will have its next open public meeting tomorrow night July 6th at 7 PM. On the agenda is a resolution to censure Councilwoman Cox over her remarks. Residents can participate in person, or call in via Zoom (see instructions further down on THIS post). Residents should urge council to adopt Resolution 2021-94.

Washington Borough councilwoman’s Juneteenth remarks are appalling | Letter

Resolutions such as Juneteenth mean something and that honor should not be diminished by unsympathetic comments, writer says.

[washborodems]

Palmieri condemns Washington councilwoman over Juneteenth comments

Warren County Democratic Chairman Tom Palmieri condemned Washington Borough Councilwoman Louann Cox for statements she made during a vote on

TL;DR

Warren County Democratic Chairman Tom Palmieri condemned Washington Borough Councilwoman Louann Cox for statements she made during a vote on a resolution to recognize Juneteenth early this month. [June 2021]

“We can’t keep giving elected officials a pass by chalking their remarks up to ignorance. Remarks like this aren’t ignorant, they’re racist,” Palmieri said. “Elected officials need to be held accountable for the words they say. Words hurt. And Black Lives Matter.”

What is this all about?

On June 1st, Washington Borough NJ Council adopted Resolution 2021-75 "RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH ON JUNE 19TH IN THE BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON"

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States that commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves.

Before the roll call vote, Councilwoman Louanne Cox asked for clarification on what Juneteenth was, which resulted in this exchange on public record:

Councilwoman Cox later clarified her statement during her closing remarks:

Deputy Borough Mayor Ethel Conry provided her statement:

All audio clips were created from an digital audio file provided via an "Open Public Records Act" request. This Washington Borough NJ Open Public Meeting was conducted June 1st 2021.

To better understand the full context of the meeting, you can obtain a recording of the entire meeting by contacting the Borough Clerk's office.

Juneteenth Resolution Triggers Mayhem in the Borough of Washington - Insider NJ

When the Borough of Washington council in Warren County took a vote on a resolution to denote the day slavery ended in the United States, al

‘Why do we need this?’ Councilwoman’s Juneteenth remarks opens old wounds in Warren County.

“A white man … got rid of slavery. So we gotta give credit,” Washington Borough Councilwoman Louann Cox told the Black deputy mayor in a pub

[washborodems]

Critical Mass

Tom Tomorrow, Copyright 2021 - The Nib

[washborodems]

Thinking Critically

Kendra Wells, Copyright 2021 - The Nib

[washborodems]

The polls are OPEN!

Today June 8th 2021 is the day of this year's New Jersey's primary election.

If you prefer to vote by mail (VBM) and still are holding your VBM ballot, you can drop it into a secure ballot box until 8 PM today.

If you prefer to vote in person, please note the location where you need to go to vote.

Click HERE to find polling sites and drop box locations across southeastern Warren County.

[washborodems]

Get to know us better!

Our 2021 New Jersey Legislative District 23 candidates mingled with other public leaders from Western New Jersey, and Trenton, during a recent gathering at Winemakers of Somerset, Hillsborough.

Click on their last names for more information about them.

(from top left, going clockwise)

Hope Kaufman, NJ State Assembly Candidate, District #23

Shelia Oliver, Lieutenant Governor, State of New Jersey

Denise King, NJ State Senate candidate, District #23

Nick LaBelle, NJ State Assembly Candidate, District #23

Janice Kovach, Mayor, Town of Clinton NJ

Denise King with U.S. Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-NJ7)

[washborodems]

Introducing Hope Kaufman for New Jersey Assembly

I am firmly committed to the community in which I live. After my family and I moved to Tewksbury in 2013, I became a reliable, consistent, and knowledgeable asset to my community and beyond.

Through my involvement and commitment to Tewksbury, I have built a reputation as a dedicated, thoughtful, and collaborative leader on the various Boards and Commissions to which I have been appointed. I have served on the Tewksbury Scenic Roads and Bridges Commission and the Tewksbury Forestry Advisory Board.  I have chaired the Parks Committee to name a few. I am also on the Board of Directors at the Barat Foundation a nonprofit educational corporation dedicated to expanding creative opportunities.

I have always taken a careful and balanced approach to bringing functional policies and initiatives forward and to completion. For over 15 years I have utilized my expertise in strategic planning and program management to execute over 450 million dollars in environmental, parks, and infrastructure projects.  I possess a diverse set of skills that has prepared me to take on the role of an Assemblyperson in LD23. For too long, members of the community have been underserved by representatives who have operated under the style of “business as usual.”  I know that we have to have a game plan for the challenges that lie ahead and to re-think how things have been done in the past.

It’s time to think outside the box.

My mission now is to make sure your hard-earned tax dollars are spent effectively as we organize through the recovery from COVID-19.  I will fight to bring every possible resource back to LD23.  I believes we must take every opportunity to preserve our small-town spirit. We also need to ensure viability in our downtown areas and support small and local businesses. We must find creative ways for economic growth and look for opportunities to enhance the quality of life for every resident. This must be our top priority. These are not unattainable goals; they are realistic and achievable with the right experience and voices advocating on the district’s behalf.

My running mate Nick LaBelle and I look forward to working for, and representing YOU in Trenton next year. You can learn more about me by following our campaign's social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely,

Hope Kaufman

Hope Kaufman appears on the Democratic Primary Ballot for voters who are affiliated with the Democratic Party and who reside in New Jersey Legislative District 23. Curious if you live in that district? Click here to learn which municipalities are included.

[washborodems]

Introducing Nick LaBelle for New Jersey Assembly

I credit my family for my passion for public service.  My mother especially instilled in me from an early age to ‘think of others, before yourself.’ To me, these were more than just words. It has become a way of life for me. As a young boy I volunteered at my local church, and later in high school participated in the YMCA civic engagement programs. As a proud Eagle Scout, I took on the project of restoring the Landsdown Trail in Clinton that so many of us enjoy hiking today.

I am well prepared to take on the challenges that face LD23. In addition to my business and economic studies at Rutgers University, I have taken on many roles working at my family’s textile business that my grandfather founded in 1946. Whether I was needed in the warehouse or in the office preparing invoices, I learned all aspects of the business.  I understand the meaning of a hard day's work.  I, like other small business owners, am aware of the importance of having elected officials that you can depend upon for help and assistance in times of trouble, especially like the ones we experienced in 2021.  I will utilize my business skills when making sound and rational decisions as your Assemblyman.

This past year during the COVID-19 pandemic, I took on a monumental challenge while serving as Rutgers University Student Body President.  I was instrumental in creating the first COVID-19 student government relief program in the nation, acting before Congress, which has provided emergency relief to students needing assistance with rent or facing food insecurity.  But I didn’t stop there.   I decided to take on an environmental challenge by encouraging the University through a student referendum to divest its endowment from fossil fuel investments.  Together by helping to empower and connect a coalition of stakeholders, I played a key role in encouraging the University to take proactive steps towards Carbon Neutrality and Climate Resilience.  I will bring the values of service from our state university to the state house.

My running mate Hope Kaufman and I look forward to working for, and representing YOU in Trenton next year. You can learn more about me by following our campaign's social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sincerely, Nick LaBelle

Nick LaBelle appears on the Democratic Primary Ballot for voters who are affiliated with the Democratic Party and who reside in New Jersey Legislative District 23. Curious if you live in that district? Click here to learn which municipalities are included.

[washborodems]

Introducing Denise King for New Jersey Senate

I am Denise T. King. I am looking forward to representing you in the New Jersey legislature as your Senator.

Professional Background

I have worked for almost forty years in the state system and private sector of health care and know how to navigate the ins and outs of the healthcare industry.

For the past 12 months I have headed up a Covid response team for Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ; for almost 400 clinicians, to assure patients and staff were safe during active COVID. After which I coordinated the staff and patient testing program and then the COVID vaccination program for all 600 staff, 130 patients, volunteers and families. We recently completed over 1200 vaccinations without wasting any of the precious vaccine! I saw staff be furloughed, even in healthcare, people lose lives (both patients and staff) and people wondering will there be a future This experience has made me look at our elected representatives of the 23rd legislative district and what they were doing for residents of the 23rd ?.

They were doing nothing. Nothing. Now I know, you can assist people with getting COVID vaccines when they can’t navigate the system; you can support people with monies during a pandemic so that people can survive after the pandemic is over.

If I know this, why don't they?

Leadership Experience

As a CEO I have 30 years managing budgets for large state developmental centers and private healthcare organizations across three different state systems. For (16) of those 30 years I was CEO of Woodbine Developmental Center, then CEO of Oak Hills Of Somerset, KY, then CEO of Central Virginia Training Center, Lynchburg, VA. During these roles I answered to the Commissioner of the Departments of Human Services in those states, thus two ranks down from the Governor. As CEO of these large healthcare facilities, I oversaw the operations of 300- 500 patients and 800- 1200 staff; I was responsible for $40-60 million dollar Budgets which were developed with the General Services Administration of those states’ Fiscal Offices. I learned during these years how to make the most of the state dollars during good times and lean times. So, I do know how to squeeze a nickel!!! The majority of my career has been advocating for the public welfare for people with developmental disabilities. I now want to take it to the next level and advocate for the people of LD 23.

Community Focus

I have always been involved in my professional associations to assure that there we were building capacity in the community for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association; New Jersey Hospital Association ; APDDA- Association for Public Developmental Disabilities Administrators.

Jersey Roots

I am a Jersey born girl, I am the youngest of (5) children, was raised on a farm in Milmay, NJ in Atlantic County, NJ. . My father died at 59, when I was 16 and from then I and my sisters cared for my mother til she was (90) I attended University of Pennsylvania- School of Nursing on a scholarship. I was raised as a Catholic and still practice- ( I do believe in Woman’s rights) I am a member of the Metuchen Diocese, and attend Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Annandale, NJ. I am married with (4) children, and (7) grandchildren. I was married initially for 28 years and am now happily married for (5) years. My husband was my colleague at Matheny Medical and Educational Center; we found our values and goals in life were the same, and the rest is history. I am an avid dog lover and have rescued over 16 dogs in the past 40 years- I owned (6) acres in South Jersey with my own kennels. Currently rescued a (2) year old American Bull dog/ Staffordshire Terrier.

Watch this space

I will be posting about issues that effect, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties individually, thus my campaign is not a one size fits all campaign. Each of the (3) counties have issues unique to them, and needs to be advocated for as such.

Sincerely,

Denise T. King

Denise King appears on the Democratic Primary Ballot for voters who are affiliated with the Democratic Party and who reside in New Jersey Legislative District 23. Curious if you live in that district? Click here to learn which municipalities are included.

[washborodems]

Come meet our New Jersey Assembly and Senate candidates

Please join us Sunday April 25th 2021 for the campaign launch of our Democratic assembly candidates for Legislative District 23. Also joining Hope and Nick will be Denise King, our New Jersey Senate candidate.

Masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

We ask for your RSVP, please click here.

[washborodems]

He receives his first salute, from his father

A heartfelt video that shows USMC Master Sgt. Michael Fisher giving to his son his first salute upon commissioning as a second lieutenant.

A notable moment if you look at the racial diversity within the officer corps of the U.S. military.

[liberalbutnotpartisan]

Voting. It Matters.

I’ve been eligible to vote since 2000.

That’s right, my first election was Bush-Gore. And…I’ll admit, I got that one wrong. But I’ve voted in every election since. Federal, state, local, referendums, state Constitution amendments…I haven’t missed an election since I turned 18. Turnout be damned, I make a point of voting every chance I get.

It’s too damned important not to. See, as a white dude, my right to vote has been automatic, assumed. It likely would’ve been no matter what era of America I had been born into. Unlike so many others in this country, I’ve never had to fight for my right to vote.

So to not exercise that right–to not do the one thing other people have literally bled and died for–feels like a slap in the face.

The late John Lewis had his skull bashed in trying to fight for African Americans’ right to vote. What message would I be sending to Lewis and those who fought alongside him from Selma to Montgomery and everywhere in between if I just sat on my ass and twiddled by thumbs?

Besides (and I’ve said this before), if your vote didn’t matter, we wouldn’t see an entire political party doing its absolute damnedest to make sure you can no longer exercise it. Georgia is the most public example, but Republican lawmakers in 43 states have introduced, debated, and/or passed legislation designed to suppress the vote in the last few months.

Republicans know that people voting–particularly those who are not white and male and some bastardized flavor of Christian–is bad for them. But instead of trying to tweak their policies to favor an increasingly diverse electorate, the GOP has just decided those people shouldn’t be voting.

Modern-day Jim Crow. On steroids.

Meanwhile, Virginia has gone the other way when it comes to voting. Virginia has become increasingly blue since it went for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election; the commonwealth has been blue in every presidential race since; both of Virginia’s Senators are Democrats; an increasing number of our Congressional representatives are Democrats, and four of Virginia’s last five governors have been Democrats (including Ralph Northam, who currently holds office).

And as of 2019, Democrats have controlled both chambers of the Virginia legislature. The result?

Virginia has abolished capital punishment. Virginia has raised its minimum wage. Virginia has worked to give teachers throughout the commonwealth raises, in spite of COVID-19 budget issues. Virginia is in the process of decriminalizing marijuana. Virginia has restored the right to vote to thousands of convicted felons (and is working to expunge criminal records for non-violent and misdemeanor offenders). Virginia has enacted police reforms.

(Source for all.)

Oh, and Virginia recently passed its own Voting Rights Act. A fully blue Virginia is working to make voting easier, while almost every other state is working to make it harder.

Tell me how the parties are the same, again?

Elections have consequences. The national ones, sure–look at how much more competent we are in battling COVID-19 now as opposed to last September, and we don’t get the latest round of COVID relief without winning those two Senate runoffs in Georgia–but the state and local races, too.

Republicans know that. And they’ve decided if you’re not voting for them, then you don’t need to be voting. Democrats, meanwhile, want everyone to vote. Yes, it helps Democrats; higher turnout always does. But there’s also the amazingly simple concept of…letting everyone vote! One person, one vote. Count them all up, and the person with the most votes wins. No matter what letter comes after their name.

What a concept, huh? It’s a concept countless people fought and died for.

I’ve never had to fight for that right. It’s been my right by default, through no virtue of my own (just some dumb luck genetic lottery I “won”). So to not exercise that right, a right the GOP is working so feverishly to strip from people, would be such a waste.

Your vote matters. The GOP working so hard to take it away is all the proof you need.

[washborodems]

The right of all eligible Americans to vote in free and fair elections, with ready access to the ballot box, must be assured, if we want to preserve the American democratic experiment for future generations.

The Senate must take up HR-1 and pass it. If the filibuster gets in the way, reform or abolish it. This is too important.

[washborodems]

2021 Primary Election Vote By Mail Applications Required!

Mail-in ballots will only be mailed to voters, who have applied to receive them by mail, beginning April 24, 2021.

Registered voters in New Jersey WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY receive a mail-in ballot for the June 8th Primary Election unless they have previously applied for Vote By Mail for “all future elections.”

In order to get a mail-in ballot for this year’s Primary Election, you must have an application on file with the County Clerk.  To learn about voting by mail and how to apply click HERE.

Warren County NJ residents can download the application (click HERE), complete it by hand, and then must

mail it back via USPS, or

hand deliver it to the County Clerk’s office in Belvidere

All regularly operated polling places will be OPEN for all voters who wish to cast their ballots on the voting machines.

[washborodems]

New Jersey Democrats back Gen Z candidate for State Assembly

Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset county committees endorse Rutgers senior's primary election ambition.

Rutgers senior gets party backing for Assembly run: ‘There’s not a strong voice for our generation within Trenton’

Nicholas LaBelle has won party endorsements in the three counties that make up the 23rd Legislative District, where he is running.

Nick LaBelle will be on the June 2021 Democratic Primary Ballot, along with his running mate Hope Kaufman, for New Jersey Legislative District #23.

You can learn more about Hope and Nick by visiting their social media feeds on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Support their cause! Please consider donating to their campaign.

[washborodems]

No, the two USA political parties ARE NOT the same.