How seriously are Morristown Democrats taking a GOP challenge in the Second Ward?
Seriously enough to enlist Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) for a “Get Out the Vote” rally there on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, at 2 pm.
Booker’s hour-long appearance is scheduled for the Church of God in Christ, on 3 Rowe St., according to the Morris County Democratic Committee.
Traditionally a Democratic stronghold, the Second Ward council seat is being contested by Republican Sidney Williams Jr., pastor of the Bethel AME Church. He’s facing Democrat Hiliari Davis Oyesanya.
They are vying for the seat of retiring Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid, a Democrat. Smith-Reid and another council Democrat, Michelle Dupree Harris, are backing Williams.
Harris has announced plans to challenge Mayor Tim Dougherty, also a Democrat, in two years.
WATCH THE 2015 MORRISTOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM
What matters is that a teacher can spell privilege.
Who Matters in the End?
Morristown will welcome Senator Cory Booker to the 2nd Ward Community on Saturday, October 24, 2015, once again supporting the Democratic team. My concern is, WHAT HAS CHANGED in the 2nd Ward COMMUNITY since his last visit, and what will change once he leaves this time.
Senator Booker made a speech on January 19th earlier this year at the MLK breakfast and said:
“I want to give you a message this morning that is not about adulation and celebration, but about urgency. That we get onto the field, as King did,” Booker said.
“The movement was great not because of him. It was foot soldiers, blacks and whites, Christians and Jews, who were marching, who were doing freedom rides and voter registrations… making sacrifices for forward progress.”
It’s wonderful to have him present to support a candidate in an election which has caused Democratic voters to re-think their support of a local Democrat and LOOK AT THE INDIVIUAL and NOT THE PARTY. Yes, Mr. Booker is right in the words he chose on January 19th and the FOOT SOILDERS have to decide who is best qualified and committed to serve their community, and to work across the table to move the 2nd ward forward. Many of us think that it’s Pastor Williams and not the handpicked Democrat.
I thank Mr. Booker for his presence and his past support in both my past campaigns for Council at Large. But, nothing has changed in the Second Ward. Why not?
FOOT SOLIDERS IT’S YOUR TIME TO STAND AND VOTE FOR THE MOVEMENT THAT THE ENTIRE WARD DESERVES. NOT JUST A PRIVELEDGED FEW.
Michelle Dupree Harris
Town Council At Large