BTDC Endorses 2 Candidates For Bernards Township Committee

BASKING RIDGE, NJ – On Monday night, the newly reorganized Bernards Township Democratic Committee (BTDC) officially kicked off with at least 50 residents in attendance including 26 appointed district representatives.

During its first meeting, the BTDC officially reorganized, elected its leadership, and endorsed two longtime residents of Bernards Township as Democratic candidates for the Township Committee.

A sizeable crowd of supporters was in attendance at the Bernards Township Library, where the event was held. Leaders from the Somerset County Democratic Committee, Chair Peg Shaffer and Executive Director Rich Wilkins, guided the reorganization and election of the executive committee.

“We are very excited to see the energy and excitement in places where the party has been stagnant,” said Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer. “This organization has grown up organically in light of the actions of the Trump Administration in Washington and the Christie Administration in Trenton."

“People are angry and demanding government that reflects our progressive values and celebrate diversity, not punishes it.”

The organization elected Nancy D’Andrea as their chair, Gregory Begg as their vice chair, Catherine Santaiti as their secretary and Ana Duarte-McCarthy as their treasurer. In addition, the committee approved 17 new members, more than doubling their ranks up to 32 members.

“I am very excited about what we can offer Bernards Township,” said Nancy D’Andrea, the BTDC’s elected chair. “We are building up our township’s Democratic Committee. Many here tonight are brand new to politics, but they have energy, enthusiasm, and they want to make a difference.”

Endorsed for Township Committee are Democratic candidates Sally Dunlap Booth and Joan Bannan Harris.

Booth is a lifelong resident of Bernards Township. She has served on our Board of Education, Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse, and is a public-school teacher of English and history in the Somerville Public School District.

When asked why she wants to serve on the Township Committee, Booth responded, “I am running because Bernards Township needs to have new voices on the Township Committee advocating for the growing diversity in our town.”

Joan Bannan Harris is an experienced civil trial attorney and former assistant prosecutor. Harris has served on the Bernards Township Board of Health since 2015 and is also currently serving on the township’s Municipal Alliance Against Substance Abuse.

“I am running for Township Committee to serve our diverse population and to bring a new perspective to local government,” she said. “I intend to use my experience to resolve the many issues facing our community, including the mosque litigation and mental-health issues affecting our children and families.”

The committee opened the floor to discussion of township concerns. Some of the issues raised included redevelopment of the quarry, resolution of the mosque lawsuit, youth wellness, business development, safer pedestrian walkways and the sewage authority committee.

D’Andrea added, “By reforming the Bernards Township Democratic Committee, we are giving the people of Bernards Township another option at the polls. We want to bring forth fiscally responsible and socially inclusive agendas. The policies of the township should reflect the changing nature of our town. We will reach out to the people of Bernards Township, and listen and respond to their concerns.”

Monday evening marked a milestone achievement of grassroots engagement in civic matters that has taken hold in Bernards Township since the 2016 presidential election.

“There is a stronger demand now to have give more Democratic voices equal representation in our local government and to challenge the status quo,” stated BTDC Vice Chair, Mr. Gregory Begg. “The Bernards Township Democratic Committee is motivated and determined to work toward resolving township concerns as a unified force, and invites you to join its efforts.”

Residents interested in joining the committee are encouraged to contact BernardsTownshipDems@gmail.com.

— By Bernards Township Democrats

(Image via Bernards Township Democrats)

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