Democratic Candidates Encouraged by Large Turnout at Meet & Greet

Many enthusiastic Hillsborough residents came to the home of Dr. & Mrs. Agber Ifan, 43 White Meadow Road, Hillsborough, to meet the Democratic candidates for local, county and state political office. The event ran from 3:00PM to 6:00PM on Saturday, September 22. Special guests included: 

• Marie Corfield – Candidate for NJ Assembly District 16 
• Mike Goldberg – Candidate for Hillsborough Township Committee 
• Tony Pranzatelli and Will Galtieri - Candidates for Somerset County Freeholder 
• Joan Pritchard – Candidate for Somerset County Clerk 
• Peg Schaffer – Somerset County Democratic Chair 

Jim Farley, Candidate for Hillsborough Township Committee and Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Candidate for U.S. Congress District 7, were unable to attend because of conflicts with other scheduled events, but Chivukula was represented by his campaign manager, Joey Novick, Chairman of the Flemington Democratic Party. 

“Hillsborough represents the heart of the 7th Congressional District,” Novick insisted. “Upendra chose Hillsborough to kick off his campaign because of the passion and energy of its residents. We look forward to campaigning with Mike, Jim and Marie.” 

Corfield was grateful for the opportunity to communicate her message to the attendees.

“I want to go to Trenton to fight for the middle class, for women, children, the poor, minorities, seniors, everybody who has had to share more of the sacrifice than others in this state,” she said. “There is a sore lack of concern for the middle class constituents in the 16th Assembly District right now." 

Pranzatelli was impressed by the vibrant community spirit evident among the attendees. “It’s really wonderful to see the enthusiasm of Democrats in Hillsborough,” he commented. “I have a really good feeling about our chances in November.” 

Galtieri agreed.

“Our special thanks to the Ifans for hosting this event,” he said. We are really gratified that so many people came out to offer their support. Both Tony and I, as well as the other candidates, are looking forward to victory in November.” 

Goldberg, who is Chairman of the Hillsborough Democratic Organization as well as a candidate for Township Committee, was also pleased with the turnout.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Hillsborough Democrats and share with them our thoughts and ideas,” he said. “It was particularly gratifying to see a number of the long time stalwarts of the Hillsborough Democratic Party join with us. We are all looking forward to November 6th when we will have an opportunity to vote straight down Column A.” 

As the candidates were taking advantage of the opportunity to meet potential voters, “The Road We Travelled,” a video documenting the many accomplishments of President Obama during his first term in office, was playing on a large flat screen TV as attendees enjoyed light refreshments and friendly conversations with each other.

“It’s great to be a part of the camaraderie that is rapidly growing among Democrats in Central New Jersey,” said Maureen Vella, Co- Campaign Manager for Goldberg and Farley for Hillsborough Township Committee and Vice Chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Committee. 

“As a true Democrat, I am privileged and honored to be chosen as the host for this event,” said Dr. Agber Ifan, at whose home the event was held. “I am excited that so many of my fellow Democrats turned out. We are all looking forward to victory in November.” 

For more information about the candidates and the election, visit the Hillsborough Democrats 2012 Campaign website at www.hillsboroughdemocrats2012.com.