By Robert P. Baker
Bright sunshine and blue skies added to the festive atmosphere of the premiere Hillsborough Democrats 2012 Community Day held Saturday, April 14th. More than 100 Democratic supporters, community residents and the generally curious made their way to the Hillsborough Point Clubhouse throughout the day.
“Community Day has far exceeded our expectations,” stated Michael Goldberg, Chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization and candidate for one of the two vacant seats on the Hillsborough Township Committee this year. After leading the day’s opening ceremonies, Goldberg served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing the many dignitaries, local and state elected officials and candidates in attendance.
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of the NJ General Assembly, commended the Community Day leaders for their planning and execution of the visionary program. He also encouraged guests to get involved and do their part to push for Democrat victory at all levels of the political realm in 2012. ”We face many challenges in this global economy and we need a problem solving approach instead of constantly saying ‘No’ to the views of our citizens,” he insisted. “We need a balanced approach to continue our greatness as a nation.”
Obama State Campaign Director; Jackie Cornell-Bechelli was also on hand and provided an update on the Presidential campaign. She reminded guests that President Obama needs the same grassroots support that existed in 2008 – including all of the volunteers and supporters in Hillsborough. “We have a President who is fighting for the security of middle class families and he needs our support,” she told the audience.
Also attending the event were Tony Pranzatelli and Will Galtieri, Candidates for Somerset County Freeholder and Joan Pritchard, Candidate for Somerset County Clerk.
Event organizer Sonya Martin and her team really put a lot of effort into making sure that attendees got everything they needed to be “pumped up” about the strength and activities of the Democratic Party this year. “We did what we set out to do and that was to bring valuable information to the public,” she emphasized. “I overheard a woman talking with some guests who were watching The Road We’ve Traveled’(the newly released 17 minute documentary that highlights President Obama’s first term accomplishments) and was excited to hear a young woman state that she didn’t know what to expect when she stopped by the community day. She was really glad she did, though, because not only did she see the documentary for the first time but she also got a chance to briefly talk with Candidates, fill out the Hillsborough poll and grab enough meaningful handouts to share with her friends. I know that this event has empowered people to be smarter in their 2012 election choices, and we’ve gained new volunteers and supporters too.”
Three panel discussions, focusing on issues confronting voters in the upcoming election, sparked numerous conversations and discussions that continued beyond the allotted timeframe. The first panel, led by Maureen Vella, a Family Attorney and Hillsborough resident, focused on The Impact of Legislation on Women’s Health. “To combat the ‘War on Women’ currently being waged by Republicans, especially as it pertains to women’s health, we need to elect strong Democratic women to office,” Vella insisted. “Creating awareness of the negative impact of proposed legislation on health care services provided to women is the first step in winning this battle.”
Marie Corfield, Candidate for the NJ State Assembly in the 16th Legislative district, a school teacher and panelist on both the Public Education & Legislative Updates and Women’s Health Forums commented,“The more we can engage voters and inform them about the proposed cuts in funding for women’s healthcare and public education, the more they will make their voices heard on Election Day.”
The third panel, led by Rob Wilson, an Attorney and candidate for re-election to the Somerville Borough Council, focused on Voter Rights, Suppression and Lawsuits. “It was a pleasure to help educate the public about their rights as voters and their ability to contribute to the democratic process by volunteering as Poll Challengers and Poll Workers,” said Wilson.
“Hillsborough Democrats 2012 Community Day was a huge success and the community can expect to see similar programs in the future,” said Goldberg. To learn more about the Hillsborough Democratic Organization or how to become an integral part of the Democratic Party, call Michael Goldberg at (908) 295-8992, e-mail him at mikegold722@gmail.com or log on to the Hillsborough Democratic Alliance website at www.hdaonline.org.
