HILLSBOROUGH: Township Democrats organize political club

   Hillsborough Democrats have organized a community club that will work closely with the official party structure.
   The announcement says the club says will support Democratic candidates, promote open and fair elections, encourage voter participation and avoid voter suppression and interference by any means.
   ”The Hillsborough Democratic Community Club will provide the opportunity and point of entry for all Hillsborough Democrats who wish to get to know their fellow Democrats and decide to become more active politically,” said Michael Goldberg, chairman of the elected township Democratic Committee.
   ”The HDCC will form an integral part of our party development plan by sponsoring fun and exciting events, informational meetings and fund raising to support the election efforts of our local candidates and to increase awareness of issues that are important to Hillsborough residents,” he said.
   William Kole was elected president of the new club. A Hillsborough High School graduate, Mr. Kole ran for Board of Education and for the state Assembly in the 16th Legislative District.
   Aldo Martinez was elected vice-president. Mr. Martinez was a 2012 candidate for Board of Education, as well as for Hillsborough Township Committee in 2011.
   Susan Martinez, currently treasurer of the Hillsborough Democratic organization, was elected treasurer. Longtime Hillsborough residents Bob and Betty Ann Baker were elected, respectively, as corresponding and recording secretaries.
   Other founding members of the club are leaders of the party in Hillsborough including:
   • Maureen E. Vella, vice chair of the Hillsborough Democratic organization and former candidate for state Senate and Township Committee;
   • Sonya Martin and Paul Drake, former Township Committee members;
   • Christian Mastondrea, former candidate for Somerset County Freeholder and Township Committee and sergeant-at-arms for the township Democratic organization;
   • Ida Ochoteco, secretary of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization. She is also co-chair of the Somerset County Democrats Latin American Caucus and received the Somerset County 2012 Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Leadership, and
   • Jim Farley, former school board member and Hillsborough fire chief and candidate for Hillsborough Township Committee in 2012.
   Joining Mr. Goldberg as members of an advisory board are Hillsborough Democrats Dr. Agber Ifan and Zanenge (Zee) Ifan, Bonnie Kole and David Kole, Chris Ochoteco, Al Ojeda and David Singer.
   The first event — sponsored jointly by the elected organization and the club — will be an “inaugural gala” on Jan. 21, the day President Obama is sworn in to begin his second term.
   The evening at Roycebrook Country Club will feature food, camaraderie, music and refreshments. Details will be announced.
   Hillsborough cast a majority of its votes for President Obama on Nov. 6.
   For information, contact Mr. Goldberg at 908-722-9672 or [email protected].