SCDC UNIFIED SLATE, LEAD BY HEATH, ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR LEADERSHIP

The Sussex County Democratic Committee is an organization of determined, like-minded individuals with a singular goal: promoting democratic values and fostering those ideals in our community. This is no small feat, as Sussex has always been a conservative stronghold in the State of New Jersey. The many years of  fiscal mismanagement and leadership failures by our elected Republican officials have taken their toll on our county. We love where we live, and it is up to us to fight for our county and its residents

It is time that the SCDC had leaders ready to rise to the challenges we face as an organization. It is time to create a powerhouse that is seen as a true force in northwestern New Jersey. A force that will break down the one-party rule of the GOP, making Sussex County a place people will want to live – not leave. A force with the ability and knowledge to fundraise, to find local candidates that are attuned to local issues and actively support them by providing the tools they need to win.

My name is Zoe Heath. I am the founder of Sussex County Pride, the chair of the Sussex County LGBTQ+ Democrats Caucus and the Chair of the Hamburg Democratic Municipal Committee. I have lived in Sussex County my entire life, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Chairperson of the Sussex County Democratic Committee.  As an experienced field organizer who has worked in NJ5, NJ7 and LD24 the last 3 election cycles, along with countless other candidates and campaigns from gubernatorial to local, I have seen first-hand the need for strong party leadership in Sussex.  I am a proven fundraiser who has raised thousands for the LGTBQ+ community and charitable organizations as well as democratic candidates and other nonprofits. I have the honor of running with some of the most hardworking, capable, experienced Democrats in Sussex County.

Neill Clark, Sparta Township Deputy Mayor, will be running alongside me as my Vice Chair candidate. Neill is one of the history-making candidates who, along with his running mates, swept the last Sparta Township council race. His experience in government, diplomacy and the law will be integral to our administration’s success.

Michele Van Allen, former Hardyston Board of Education member and current State Democratic Committee representative for the Sussex Democratic Committee, is running for Secretary. Michele’s previous experience as a candidate for County Commissioner, Board of Education  and Town Council will be invaluable to our plans to overhaul the committee’s campaign structure while finding ways to improve communication with campaigns and candidates.  Her passion and knowledge in grassroots organizing will ensure we are effectively competing in races up and down the ballot.

Mark Heftler, Attorney and announced candidate for Vernon Township Council, will be running for Treasurer. Mark’s no-nonsense, detail-oriented approach to politics and the law will be vital in helping to  achieve our  new fundraising goals  for the committee, while staying in compliance with regulations.

We need strong, steadfast leadership who will engage and inform our voters about our positive, well-informed candidates, their policies and their platforms. Our slate plans to effectively reorganize and rejuvenate the SCDC so that we can be the effective force against the out-of-touch and ill-informed politicians and policies that currently dominate Sussex County. It is time to unify the Sussex County Democratic Committee, move forward into this election cycle with the determination and grit needed for our candidates to succeed. . It is time to lead the Democratic Party to victory and make our voices heard throughout Sussex County and the State of New Jersey. Neill, Michele, Mark and I are excited to speak with our fellow committee members and we look forward to the reorganization meeting in June.

The SCDC Unified slate humbly asks for your support as we move forward and take on the challenges ahead for the success of our Candidates in Sussex County.