Wirths’ event most successful in LD-24 history

Assembly candidate Hal Wirths’ kick-off fundraiser was the most successful for a first time legislative candidate in District 24 history – raising well over $50,000 before the event was over, with thousands of more dollars in commitments to be collected.  The 200 or so people who attended the event, held at The Barn at Perona Farms on Thursday evening, included civic leaders and representatives of the business community in Sussex, Warren, and Morris counties. 

“I was overwhelmed by the support,” said Wirths, who served as a Sussex County Freeholder and as the state’s Commissioner of Labor — a cabinet-level position.

Among the elected officials in attendance were the three Warren County Freeholders — Rick Gardner, Ed Smith, and Jason Sarnoski — as well as current and past Freeholders from Sussex County — Sylvia Petillo, Phil Crabb, Rich Vohden, and Dennis Mudrick. 

The most popular elected official in Sussex County — Sheriff Mike Strada — was also present, as was the Republican Chairman of Sussex County, Jerry Scanlon.  Former Sussex County Chairwoman Ailish Hambel, former New Jersey State Chairwoman Ginnie Littell, and current NJGOP State Committeewoman and Donald Trump for President Chair Jill Space.

Other notables who attended included Herb Yardley, a former Mayor who ran the county’s Health Department, Hopatcong Mayor Mike Francis, Hardwick Mayor James Perry, Newton Councilman Dan Flynn, Vernon Council members Pat Rizzuto and Dick Wetzel, and Sparta Councilman Jerry Murphy.

Wirths was introduced by his running mates, Assemblyman Parker Space and Senator Steve Oroho. 

“Parker and Hal are a very strong ticket.  ‘Space’ and ‘Wirths’ are household names throughout Northwest New Jersey,” said Oroho.

He added:  “We have already surpassed our team’s April 1st goal of $250,000 and we have several events scheduled for March yet.”