District Leader Candidates 24

Verona Democratic Committee

June 4th is our Primary Election. For those in Verona, this is more than just a national or state election day—it's also an opportunity for Democratic voters to elect your District Leaders for the Essex County 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.

We are proud to announce a list of candidates endorsed by the Essex County Democratic Committee. 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.

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

I am running because I want to do more to support good candidates for office and to keep our government honest, fair, and committed to helping all of our citizens.

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 running for Democratic District Leader because I'm passionate about representing and advocating for the needs and concerns of the Verona community.

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.

District 5: Forest Ave School

Christine McGrath

I am excited to engage with Democratic voters to improve turnout in every election – county, state, and national – and build a positive political community based on Democratic values

District 6: Forest Ave School

Kate Hartwick

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

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.