PRESS RELEASES | Cape May Democrats

Local Democratic Groups Announce Support for Township Committee Candidate

March 30, 2021

Committee to Elect Quanette Vasser-Mcneal

The Middle Township Democratic Club and Cape May County Democratic Committee announced today their support for Quanette Vasser-McNeal’s candidacy for a seat on the Middle Township Committee.

During their February virtual meeting, the Middle Township Democratic Club discussed Vasser-McNeal’s candidacy and agreed to enthusiastically support her run for Township Committee. Brendan Sciarra, Chairman of the CMC Democratic Committee, has also pledged to support Quanette, and stated that her leadership, community involvement, and activism illustrate her ability to represent Middle Township.

Quanette has identified this year as the right time to run, saying “I’m here to do the work. I am dedicated to helping evolve the Township Committee into a leadership group that reflects the makeup of our community and a more thorough vision of what issues are important to our entire community.

A longtime resident of Middle Township, Quanette Vasser-McNeal and her husband have raised their blended family of biological and adoptive children in Whitesboro for over 20 years. She earned a degree in Social Work from Stockton University while building a business and raising a family as a single mom. Currently, she is a state certified social worker and active realtor. Quanette is a business owner and has operated a hair salon in Cape May County for 18 years. She currently serves as an executive board member for Habitat for Humanity, Vice President of Middle Township Democratic Club and advises on the Middle Township Law Enforcement Engagement Committee, County Prosecutor’s Social Justice Committee and Cape May County NAACP. Her involvement allows her to be in tune with the needs of Township residents.

Quanette Vasser-McNeal is no stranger to politics or community leadership: for 27 years, her grandfather Jack Vasser served as mayor of West Cape May. Quanette said, “My grandfather taught me that living in a community requires that those of us with a shared vision for bettering our community, also share in the responsibility of doing the work. I look forward to working for that betterment and serving all residents of our Township.”

Contact: Melisha Anderson: Campaign Manager

(609) 305-8817

ms.anderson484@gmail.com

Nina Ranalli: Press, PR, & Communications

(609) 425-7650

nina.ranalli@gmail.com

Cape May Dems Mission: Organize. Engage. Advocate. Elect.

October 3, 2020

Insider NJ

The Cape May – Cumberland counties Young Democrats started on September 29th , a virtual celebration with guest speakers and special guest.

Brendan Sciarra and Liz Casey Kick Off Campaign for Freeholder

July 28, 2020

Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization

(Wildwood, NJ) – Contending county government needs a major dose of common sense, Brendan Sciarra and Elizabeth “Liz” Casey are kicking off their campaign for Cape May County Freeholder. A visionary leader in business, Sciarra is a lifelong resident of Cape May County whose roots run deep. A third generation Caper, he is a self-made small businessman. Friends describe his work ethic as “unparalleled.” Casey, a graduate of Drew University and The Dickinson School of Law, is a former Senior Counsel to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. In addition, Casey served as alternate State Ethics Liaison Officer for the Commission. Her love of the Jersey Shore brought her to Cape May County over 25 years ago. She is a successful small business owner and active member of numerous civic and charitable organizations.

“As a lifelong resident of Cape May County and small business owner, I have seen firsthand how a well-connected few have used the Freeholder Board to benefit friends and family to the detriment of county taxpayers,” said Sciarra. “The Board needs a major dose of common sense. Expect to hear a lot from Liz and me during this campaign about a new way forward. We want to turn the page on the past and usher in the future.”

As Freeholders, Sciarra and Casey’s top priorities will be to find ways to combat the scourge that is the opioid crisis and end homelessness, improving the overall quality-of-life by taking immediate steps towards sustainability and diversifying the county’s seasonal economy. They will also work to modernize our transportation infrastructure prioritizing bridge and road repairs as well as support our veterans and first responders. Sciarra and Casey are determined to fix the past by leading the future with a new Board mandate to treat county employees fairly by eliminating favoritism. They hope to raise the ethical standards of the Board and put an end to the never-ending lawsuits that limit the effectiveness of the Board and send our tax dollars down the drain.

“Being a public servant is an honor, we entrust our elected officials to make decisions based on merit and fairness,” said Casey. “Sadly, the Freeholder Board continues to be plagued by a lack of imagination, favoritism, and constant dysfunction. Business as usual has led to a complacent, less efficient, and less transparent county government with no real forms of checks and balances. We must add new voices to the Freeholder Board to provide common sense solutions.”

As the owner-operator of three landmark businesses, including Wildwood’s only brewery, Sciarra has been credited with fostering the revitalization of Wildwood. He and his wife Robin reside in Wildwood Crest with their three young children Michael, Kai, and Brendan. Casey is the sole proprietor of Liz Casey Law, with an office in Ocean City. A lifelong swimmer and occasional surfer, Liz and her husband Dr. Jerry Horowitz reside in Upper Township. They are the proud parents of college students Samantha and Peter.

To learn more about Brendan and Liz please visit their campaign website SciarraCasey.com and be sure to Like and Follow their Facebook Page @SciarraCaseyForFreeholder to stay up to date with the campaign.

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Paid for By Sciarra and Casey for Freeholder PO Box 1551 Wildwood, NJ 08260

Bob Jackson is running for Middle Township

July 13, 2020

Bob Jackson for Middle Township Committee

Showing significant support in last week’s primary, candidate Bob Jackson is kicking off his campaign for Middle Township Committee.

(Middle Township, NJ) – Showing significant support in last week’s primary, candidate Bob Jackson is kicking off his campaign for Middle Township Committee. No stranger to elected office, Jackson served as Mayor of West Cape May from 2001-2005. During his tenure in office, Jackson’s character, integrity and courage were tested beyond the typical public servant, especially in a small-town community. He was offered a bribe if he would illegally share a bid package so a competing vendor could get a contract.

After the encounter, Jackson immediately contacted the FBI. The subsequent series of events would be too daunting for most elected officials. For months, he worked undercover wearing a wire and having frequent meetings with the offenders. Jackson met them one last time where they gave him an envelope of cash. After turning the money over to the FBI, he continued to provide assistance and testimony to help have the criminals convicted.

Jackson also stood by his principles while serving as a Commissioner on the Pinelands Commission from 2008 to 2015. Despite fierce political pressure, Jackson refused to support a project he believed would cause excessive environmental harm and undermine the sanctity of the Pinelands.

Jackson has a consistent record of putting constituents above special interests. “I’ve always believed and have taught my kids that you stick to what you believe is right, regardless of the consequences. Sometimes being on the right side of an issue can be lonely. But that’s a small price to pay to keep your head held high,” Jackson said.

Jackson was a former President and Legal Redress Chairman for the Local NAACP as well as President of the Board of Cape Human Resources. He is a volunteer on the Lighthouse Church Board of Ministries and the New Jersey Natural Areas Council. He was also a Middle Township Recreation Assistant from 2009-2017.

“It would be an honor having the opportunity to represent the hardworking people of Middle Township. And I believe my extensive experience as a citizen, small businessman and public servant would be a valuable asset to township committee,” concluded Jackson.

To learn more about Bob’s campaign for Township Committee visit his website BobJackson4Middle.com and be sure to Like and Follow his Facebook page Bob Jackson for Middle Township Committee to stay up to date with the campaign.

RENEE PETTIT & JEFFREY TROUT TEAM UP FOR DENNIS TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE

April 1, 2020

Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization

Jeffrey Trout and Renee Pettit, current members of the Democratic Executive Committee for the Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization, are officially running as a team on the Dennis Township Committee ticket.

Renee Pettit is no stranger to local politics. Her father, Wayne Tozer, served on the Dennis Township Committee and Board of Education and helped establish the Dennis Township Rescue Squad. That sense of public service was passed down to Renee, who is currently the webmaster for Atlantic County Government, served for years as a Dennis Township Board of Education member and is a member of the Cape May County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Advisory Board. When asked why she is running, Renee responded that “Township Committee helps shape the community in which we live, therefore, it is important for this group to represent all of us!”

Jeff Trout is a current member of the Dennis Township Board of Education and Principal Library Assistant for the Cape May County Library. He is an active member of the community who goes above and beyond for his Township and Cape May County.

Both Renee and Jeff are Dennis Township natives. They went to Dennis Township schools, worked for local businesses throughout high school, and are now raising children here as well.

We will bring a common sense approach to maintain our quality of life. While in office we pledge to work on the following issues facing Dennis Township:

• Evaluate our spending and privatization to bring back local jobs.

• Make sure we treat all Township employees fairly.
• Expand our business community well beyond seasonal tourism.

• Keep our community spirit and preserve our lifestyle.

Renee and Jeff are prepared to take their hometown commitment to the next level and serve Dennis Township in a greater capacity.

Lenora Kodytek for School Board

March 20, 2020

Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization

I would like to personally congratulate former Cape May County Special Services School Board Member Lenora Kodytek

I would like to personally congratulate former Cape May County Special Services School Board Member Lenora Kodytek for becoming a Democrat Delegate Nominee for District #1 (Legislative Districts 1 and 3). Her years of experience and dedication make her an excellent addition to represent the Biden Camp and the whole District! I look forward to all these positive changes giving us what we need to support and grow our community!

Christopher South Files Petitions to Run for Mayor of Lower

March 18, 2020

Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization

With no fanfare, and no audience due to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus, Democratic mayoral candidate Christopher South filed his petitions March 20, at Lower Township Hall, for the primary election.

South filed his petitions in the drop box, located near the front door, due to the building being closed to the public. For the time being, citizens are expected to leave payments or other documents in the after-hours drop box.

“It takes away from some of the tradition of filing petitions for public office, but you have to respect the actions being taken by some local governments to reduce the chance of spreading a virus that has claimed the lives of over 10,000 people worldwide,” South said.

With even stricter restrictions looming, South decided to get ahead of tighter restrictions and file the necessary petitions for the Democratic primary.

“The decision was made to act now rather than wait until the end of the month because no one knows how a shutdown will affect local campaigns,” South said. “Our nation is facing a huge crisis with COVID-19, and regardless of our political affiliations, we all hope and pray for the United States to get a handle on the pandemic in order to protect the lives of all Americans.”

South, who spent nearly two decades as a news reporter covering Lower Township government and school events, decided to run primarily to give voters a choice in the 2020 election. Lower Township currently has a mayor, deputy mayor and Ward 2 councilman — all appointed by the same political party.

“When people step into the voting booth in November they at least deserve to have a choice of who they would like to be mayor. I will provide them with a choice at getting a new voice in Lower Township government,” South said.

Wildwood Van Drew Trump Rally Response

January 7, 2020

Greater Wildwood Democratic Club

There is nothing more important to the democratic party than its values, principles, and unity, all necessary to accomplish the agenda of the people we represent.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2020
CONTACT - Walt Deegan (609) 224-4253

Greater Wildwood Democratic Club President Responds to Announcement of Planned Trump Rally at the Wildwoods Convention Center with Rep. Van Drew

(Wildwood, NJ) - Walt Deegan President of the Greater Wildwood Democratic Club issued the following statement in response to the scheduled Trump rally at the Wildwoods Convention Center with Rep. Van Drew

"In a cynical act of political opportunism Jefferson Van Drew turned his back on not only Democrats but Republicans and Independents alike. No longer can he claim to be the maverick voice we thought he was. It"s clear the only thing that matters to him is the spotlight and holding onto political power by any means necessary. By pledging his "undying support" to the most corrupt and obscene President in our nation"s history he has proven his loyalty lies not with the constitution, his constituents, or the future of our democracy but his political future. Now he thinks a ridiculous rally with an impeached President will guarantee him a primary victory but I believe South Jersey Republicans see this man for what he is, a fraud. Nobody likes a turncoat, shame on you Van Drew!"