Few people embody the true spirit of public service like Joan Bannan. A trailblazer who became the first Democrat to serve on the Bernards Township Committee in decades, as well as the first female Democrat ever elected to the governing body, Bannan’s resume reflects a tireless commitment to community and to breaking down partisan walls.

 

by Laurie Saloman

 

 

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy swore in reelected Somerset County Commissioners Paul Drake and Doug Singleterry on Friday, January 5th, at the annual reorganization meeting of the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners. At the meeting, the commissioners again selected Commissioner Shanel Y. Robinson to serve as Director and Commissioner Sara Sooy as Deputy Director. This is now the first time, ever, that all five sitting county commissioners have been reelected Democrats. Present were many dignitaries, including Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, state senators Andrew Zwicker, Jon Bramnick, and Bob Smith and assembly members Linda Carter, Joe Danielson, Mitchelle Drulis, and Roy Freiman, among others.

 

 

We are so incredibly proud. On January 2, 2024, Ana Duarte McCarthy was sworn into office by Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy. Bernards Township gained an incredible, compassionate leader. Congratulations, Committeewoman Duarte McCarthy!

 

Watch the swearing in on our YouTube Channel.

 

 

In 2023, the BTDC generated a groundswell of support for its candidates along and across party lines. (This, in an “off year” election, with no statewide or national contests to motivate voter turnout.) Ana Duarte McCarthy’s historic first-place showing, and newcomer Lily Wong’s eight-vote shortfall revealed an open-mindedness to transparency, balance, and fresh thinking among the Bernards Township electorate.

 

 

Turning now to 2024, it’s time to build on the momentum of the McCarthy Wong campaign. To do this, the BTDC is appealing to district representatives, to Democratic-leaning friends and neighbors, and township residents who might be able to energize our effort and actively build on a renewed Democratic presence in local politics by running for office.

 

With a well-oiled BTDC in place to support candidates, and an election year that will feature weighty contests driving turnout up and down the ticket, please think about the progress you could help the BTDC realize. Be it experience in business or education, key relationships in the community, a skill set driven by collaboration and a can-do spirit, consider what you might have to offer as a candidate for Township Committee.

 

In looking ahead, will the 2024 election be high energy and hard fought? It’s very likely. Are we poised to make history by electing candidates who could sit beside Ana Duarte McCarthy in 2025? Absolutely! It’s clear that Bernards residents want to be heard, leveled with, and feel included, and it’s also clear that the BTDC is primed to deliver for the community.

 

Please consider becoming a candidate. And when you’re ready, we encourage you to submit your interest via this form. The deadline is March 1, 2024. If you have questions and would like to discuss a possible run, please reach out to Jane Conklin via email.

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

Paid for by the Bernards Township Democratic Committee