Cumberland county Democrats defy Chair to halt undemocratic County Convention

On the evening of March 7th, 2024 the Cumberland County Democratic Party Chair Kevin McCann attempted to hold the 2024 Cumberland County Democratic Party Convention using undemocratic rules that multiple Municipal chairs and members objected to at the previous meeting held on February 6th.

After the previous county meeting on February 6th members attempted to improve the County Convention endorsement process but all attempts were rejected by the chair. Eventually the chair issued his own preferred rules for the convention that did not differ in a substantive way from the previously flawed process.

Vineland Municipal Vice Chair Dr. Joeigh Perella says, “Despite an honest attempt from members of the ad hoc rules committee to create an open convention our Chair chose the same corrupt system we are tired of.”

To ensure an open, transparent, and fair democratic process, multiple Municipal chairs along with rank and file members within the party introduced motions to vacate the chair and amend the county bylaws. This includes: Bridgeton Chair Damita White-Morris, Commercial Chair LaRae Smith, Downe Townships Chair Karena Wilson, Millville Chair Wanda Cortes, Upper Deerfield Chair Sandy Acevedo, Millville Vice-Chair Rachel Green, Vineland Vice Chair Joeigh Perella, former County Commissioner Donna Pearon, and former candidate for County Surrogate NIc Acevedo.

At the convention Dr. Perella obtained the floor after being recognized by the County Chair and introduced motions giving notice to remove the County Chair and Vice-Chair and amend the by-laws to create a democratic county convention. Chair Kevin attempted to table the motions but it was voted down by the general body. Then the Chair attempted to rule Dr. Perella out of order, which was immediately appealed but ignored. The chair proceeded to try carry the meeting forward out of order but when challenged Chair McCann adjourned the meeting and left.

Commercial Chair LaRae Smith said, “When the party next meets, we will introduce and pass changes to our bylaws so our conventions are finally open and fair!”

The amendments proposed would structure the County Convention so that all present members of the Cumberland County Democratic Party are able to cast a vote directly for the candidates they wish to receive the line. The by-laws will also be amended so that the Chair no longer has the authority to award the party endorsement.

Millville Chair Wanda Cortes and Vice Chair Rachel Green say, “In a democracy, the people have a right to pick who their candidates should be, period!”

Members feel that a more democratic process will engage more committee members, who currently feel voiceless, and lead to a more democratic Cumberland County Democratic Party!

Wanda Cortes Millville Municipal Chair
LaRae Smith Commercial Township Chair
Damita White-White Bridgeton Township Chair
Karena Wilson Downe Township
Sandy Acevedo Upper Deerfield Township\
Rachel Greene Millville Vice-Chair
Joeigh Perella Vineland Vice-Chair
Donna Pearson Former Cumberland County Commissioner
Nic Acevedo Former Candidate for County Surrogat