UPDATE FROM CHAIR AMALIA DUARTE
Dear MCDC Friends - It was wonderful to see so many County Committee members at our special election last week. Thank you for electing me as the new Chair and supporting the entire slate of officers.
I am grateful to the work of outgoing Chair Chip Robinson, and his team, and am excited to build upon their success.
Together, we are turning a new chapter in MCDC history. I am the first woman, Latina and elected official to serve as Chair. And, the new leadership team also reflects greater diversity. It includes more women; people of color; LGBTQ+ representation; a high school student; and elected officials and candidates who have run for local, county and state-wide office.
The other elected officers are: Vice Chair Michael DeLamater; Secretary Darcy Draeger; Treasurer Michael Thompson; and Sgt. at Arms Cara Parmigiani.
In addition, I have named an Executive Board+ – Morristown Councilwoman Tawanna Cotten; Mount Olive Chair Andy Meissner; Parliamentarian Jason Navarino of Morris Township; Chatham Borough Councilman Len Resto; and West Morris Mendham High School sophomore Ava Lozner.
As we begin our work together, I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to grow the Democratic Party in Morris County; run competitive races; and win more seats.
The Republican Party has become a party of extremists who want to overturn Roe v. Wade and roll back women's rights. They want to ban books in schools and libraries; and oppose common-sense gun ownership measures. They refuse to condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection and continue to spread lies about the 2020 election.
Their viewpoints are extreme and out of step with New Jersey and most of Morris County.
On the other hand, I see Democrats in Morris County caring about our communities. Democrats are organizing Pride Celebrations and flag raisings; launching food and clothing drives; and speaking out against extremism at school board meetings.
We are protecting the environment; standing up for women’s rights; supporting common-sense measures for gun ownership; rallying for universal health care, domestic workers rights and fair wages.
I see Democrats welcoming those fleeing persecution or war, whether it’s from the Ukraine or Central America; condemning lies about election fraud; and supporting our teachers who have one of the most important jobs – educating the next generation of Americans!
We share a spirit of caring and compassion for others. We want to lift up, not tear down. To borrow a line from Hamilton, "Democrats - We get the job done!"
In the coming months, I look forward to partnering with all of you to build the Morris County Democratic Party and make a difference in our communities! Let’s do our part to Hold the House – re-elect Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Rep. Tom Malinowski – and support candidates from local councils up to the County Commissioners.
