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Verona Democratic Committee

Your district leaders represent  Verona's 11 voting districts and actively engage with the Essex County Democratic Committee. District Leaders are responsible for registering new voters, educating the community on Democratic values, and mobilizing voter turnout during elections.

 

These individuals are engaged members of the Verona community, known for their commitment to Democratic principles and their active involvement in advocacy and previous Democratic campaign efforts.  Each District has two representatives. 

Contact the Committee at veronademcommittee@gmail.com.

 

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District 1: Claridge House II

Herbert Ford

I run for the Verona Democratic Committee to participate more directly in democracy and to help our country become the "good" country it can be where there is real equality and all have the opportunity and means to achieve happiness. America needs to be "good" before it can be "great."

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    District 1: Claridge House II

    Jeffery Kaszerman

    I want to serve on the Committee so that I can participate more directly in the democratic process and help promote policies and candidates that will benefit Verona, Essex County, and the state at large.

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      District 2: Brookdale Ave School

      Janine Augustus

      Every family deserves the benefit of not having to worry about essential living expenses especially in a hard working community like Verona. As a county committee member my intention is to help elect Democratic candidates that provide relief for the Verona working class.

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        District 2: Brookdale Ave School

        Gleb Drobkov

        I seek office because I have experience with organizing and data, and I want to leverage this experience to improve Verona. I am also really into bike lanes -- please reach out to discuss.

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          District 3: H.B.Whitehorne

          Charles Gray

          Politics starts locally, and that's exactly why I'm involved with the Verona Dems. From municipal races to national elections, this work keeps me connected to what matters most: making sure our government honestly and fairly represents all of us.

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            District 3: H.B.Whitehorne

            Stephen Pope

            I am running because Democracy is important. It's not perfect, but I prefer it to the alternatives. I don't the like idea of paying taxes without representation.

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              District 4: H.B. Whitehorne

              Jonathan Fairchild

              I have been a Verona resident since 2019 and I see this position as an opportunity to take a small part in building active connections within our party and the Verona community. The foundation of a strong and responsive democracy begins with neighbors at the most basic community level.

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                District 4: H.B. Whitehorne

                Andrea Lacotte

                I'm proud to serve as a Democratic District Leader, representing and advocating for the Verona community. I care deeply about building a positive, engaged political environment by encouraging people to get involved, stay informed, and participate in our democracy. 

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                  District 5: Forest Ave School

                  Christine McGrath
                  Chairperson

                  The Verona Democrats have worked hard to improve turnout in every election – county, state, and national – and build a positive political community based on Democratic values.  I am excited to keep building on our momentum in the year ahead.

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                    District 5: Forest Ave School

                    Toral Patel

                    I firmly believe my lived experiences as a second-generation South Asian/Indian/and Hindu-American mom have helped me to show up as a strong advocate for all communities. Representation at all levels of government matters in helping individuals feel their voice is valued and that they belong.

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                      District 6: Forest Ave School

                      Rebecca Delgado

                      Having grown up and built my life here, I care deeply about our community and its people. I am running to help protect our democracy by fostering connection, participation, and trust at the local level.

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                        District 6: Forest Ave School

                        Kate Hartwyk

                        I'm strongly committed to good government and public service. Through my work in the Essex County Park System, I have focused on serving residents with integrity and accountability. As Democratic District Leader, I will continue working to strengthen our community and our party through voter registration and neighborhood engagement.

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                          District 7: F.N. Brown

                          Kayla Lombardo

                          I'm running for Verona Democratic District Leader because it's a way for me to make a positive difference in my community and set an example of service for something bigger than myself that I want my daughters to grow up seeing.

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                            District 7: F.N. Brown

                            Lonna Murphy
                            Treasurer

                            I'm running because I want to support Democrats since they have our best interests at heart. Health, guns, choice, etc.

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                              District 8: Brookdale Ave School

                              Wendi Caplan-Carroll
                              Secretary

                              I have been an involved Democrat since I was a child. Being an active voice in the process is important to me, and I am honored to help Democrats get elected, both locally and nationally.

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                                District 8: Brookdale Ave School

                                Kate Kelly

                                I’m committed to strengthening our local democratic community by encouraging civic engagement and voting. I have lived in Verona for over 15 years and helping neighbors feel more connected to one another and informed about the issues that shape our shared future is important to me.

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                                  District 9: VHS

                                  Carrie Hayter

                                  The Democratic party promotes policies that help people and protect our future. Democracy takes work, and being on the committee helps me live out my values. 

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                                    District 9: VHS

                                    Deborah Salanon
                                    Vice Chairperson

                                    I am running for Democratic District Leader because I want to get fellow democrats excited again to take part in our democratic process, so that we all feel like we have a voice and will be heard.

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                                      District 10: Laning Ave School

                                      Valerie Brahver

                                      I am running for Democratic District Leader to improve voter engagement and help elect the best leaders for a better Verona for everyone.

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                                        District 10: Laning Ave School

                                        Vacant

                                        Reach out to the Committee to learn more about the District Leaders.

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                                          District 11: VHS

                                          John Callari

                                          I am a candidate for District Leader in District 11 to help ensure that Democratic values and ideals are represented in Verona and beyond.

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                                            District 11: VHS

                                            Tovah Kopan

                                            Reach out to the Committee to learn more about the District Leaders.

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