Formally Vice Chair of the Union County Democratic Committee Colleen Mahr, the mayor of Fanwood, said she does not intend to be muscled out of the chairmanship, now that Jerry Green has resigned.

As Acting Chair, she will run to serve in a permanent capacity as chair of the party, she said in a statement, issued simultaneously to that of state Senator Nick Scutari (D-22), who’s also running for the position.

“Jerry Green’s legacy as our County Party Chairman is defined by his commitment to the issues that have helped communities throughout Union County and his strength and determination when it came time to do the hard work,” Mahr said. “I have been proud to fight to further our county party over these last years as his running mate even as his health has declined these recent months.  It has been an honor and a privilege to stand on the front lines as his elected Vice-Chair and work with Democratic committee people throughout Union County to advance our Party’s priorities.  I wish him a speedy path to recovery.”

The Vice Chair of the Democratic Party organization in Union said she, according to the rules, should assume the chairmanship – and she intends to formally pursue the chairmanship at a scheduled convention. 

“Upon his resignation, our County Party by-laws leave no doubt that the Vice-Chair assumes the role of Acting Chair of the Union County Democratic Committee,” Mahr said. “This is not an appointed position, it is an elected one. In that role, I will work with our County Committee to facilitate a Convention in order to fill vacancies, per the by-laws of our Committee. I will also be asking our County Committee for their vote for the position on a permanent basis at that Convention so that we may continue forward with the great work our Party does so well.”