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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.
District 1: Claridge House II
Katherine Rollo
I'm running because it is important to take responsibility for the democratic process.
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."
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 hmu to discuss.
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.
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.
District 3: H.B.Whitehorne
Charlie 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.
District 4: H.B. Whitehorne
Branka Kurta-Ali
Having lived and raised a family in Verona for the past 16 years, I have developed a deep sense of relationships and community. I believe in the Democratic Party's values and core beliefs and want to help grow and nurture our presence in our community.
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.
District 5: Forest Ave School
Toral Patel
Vice-Chairperson
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.
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.
District 6: Forest Ave School
Kate Hartwyk
I am running to represent District 6 at the Democratic County Committee because I want to introduce Democratic candidates to my fellow Verona residents.
District 6: Forest Ave School
Brian Caravello
I'm running for Democratic District Leader to help bring awareness during an important election year, to help unregistered residents register to vote and to increase participation at the ballot box this year
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.
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.
District 8: Brookdale Ave School
Rob Gottstein
I'm running for Democratic District Leader to preserve democracy for our kids and grandkids. I support civil rights, women's rights, worker's rights, LGBTQ rights, and human rights, and the Democratic Party is the only party that is advancing those rights.
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.
District 9: VHS
Carrie Hayter
I am running because the Democratic party promotes policies that help people and protect our future.
District 9: VHS
Deborah Salanon
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.
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.
District 10: Laning Ave School
Dilys Burke
Reach out to the Committee to learn more about the District Leaders.
District 11: VHS
Tovah Kopan
Reach out to the Committee to learn more about the District Leaders.
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.