Bright sunshine and blue skies added to the festive atmosphere of the premiere Hillsborough Democrats’ 2012 Community Day on Saturday.
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,” said Michael Goldberg, chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization and candidate for the Hillsborough Township Committee. After leading the day’s opening ceremonies, Mr. Goldberg served as master of ceremonies, introducing dignitaries, local and state elected officials and candidates.
Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, the party’s candidate for Congress in the 7th District, commended Community Day leaders for planning and executing the program. He also encouraged guests to get involved to push for Democratic victory at all elective levels 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 said. “We need a balanced approach to continue our greatness as a nation.”
Obama State Campaign Director Jackie Cornell-Bechelli gave an update on the presidential campaign. She told guests that President Obama needs the same grassroots support as 2008.
”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 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 put a lot of effort into making sure that attendees got everything they needed to be “pumped up” this year.
Shown throughout the day was “The Road We’ve Traveled,” a 17-minute documentary that highlights President Obama’s first term.
Attendees got a chance to briefly talk with candidates, fill out a Hillsborough poll and grab handouts to share with her friends.
’”Three panel discussions on issues sparked conversations and discussions.
A 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’ being waged by Republicans, especially as it pertains to women’s health, we need to elect strong Democratic women to office,” Ms. Vella said. “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 state Assembly in the 16th Legislative District and a school teacher, was a panelist on both the public education/legislative updates and women’s health forums.
A panel led by Rob Wilson, an attorney and candidate for re-election to the Somerville Borough Council, focused on voter rights, suppression and lawsuits.
Mr. Goldberg said the Hillsborough community can expect to see similar programs in the future.
To learn about the local Democratic organization, call Mr. Goldberg at 908-295-8992, e-mail him at [email protected] or log on to hdaonline.org.
