Montgomery County Democrats

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1 July 2010 Vol. 4, No. 3 Montgomery County Democrats The Newsletter of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee MCDC Holds Re Organization Meeting (l r) New MCDC Officers: Recording Secretary Olivia Brady; Treasurer Kelbin KC Carolina, First Vice Chair Joanne Olszewski, Chairman Marcel Groen, Corresponding Secretary Greg Philips, Second Vice Chair Joe Foster. Plymouth Meeting, 17 June. On Thursday evening, 17 June, 301 Democratic committee people (31 proxies) made their way to Colonial Elementary School in Plymouth Township for Montgomery County Democratic Committee s quadrennial reorganization meeting. Chairman Marcel Groen called the meeting to order at about 7:40 PM and was followed by Rich Haaz and Greg Holt who gave the Rules and Credentials reports, respectively. Joe Hoeffel spoke elegantly on behalf of Dan Onorato, and Josh Shapiro gave a rousing speech on behalf of Joe Sestak. At that point, Marcel Groen handed the gavel to Representative Mike Gerber, who discussed the need for the party to win across the state this year as redistricting will be a key issue over the next two years. Gerber then called for the nomination of chair, to which several motioned and seconded Marcel Groen, who was reelected chairman unanimously. Groen returned to the podium, and conducted the unanimous elections of Joanne Olszewski as first vice chair; Joe Foster as second vice chair; Kelbin Carolina as treasurer; Olivia Brady as recording secretary; and Greg Philips as corresponding secretary. Arlene Smuckler, who had stepped down as recording secretary, was presented a bouquet of roses by the Committee for her past service to the party. The meeting adjourned at about 8:30 PM, and the relieved committee people happily vacated the un air conditioned auditorium for the cooler evening breeze. Onorato Makes Debut in Montgomery County East Norriton, 6 June. On a recent Sunday afternoon over 100 Montgomery County Democrats welcomed Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Onorato to the county at a picnic held at the Norristown Farm Park. Arranged with the help of the East Norriton Democratic Committee, which held a park cleanup community service project earlier in the day (see page 6), the afternoon event offered guests the opportunity to meet Dan Onorato and enjoy the park grounds. Hosting the unity event was special guest and former candidate for governor Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, as well as local elected officials, including State Treasurer Rob McCord; State Senators Daylin Leach, Vincent Hughes, and LeAnna Washington; State Representatives Matt Bradford, Tim Briggs, Larry Curry, Mike Gerber, Josh Shapiro, and Rick Taylor; and MCDC Chairman Marcel Groen. Many Area Leaders, Municipal Chairs, committee people, and interested and active Democrats shook hands with our gubernatorial candidate and talked about the upcoming election. Onorato arrived a few minutes after the start of the event and was escorted through the crowd by our continued on page 3

2 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 2 Primary Election Results UNITED STATES SENATOR Joe Sestak GOVERNOR Dan Onorato LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Scott Conklin REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS 2 nd DISTRICT Chaka Fattah 6 th DISTRICT Manan Trivedi 7 th DISTRICT Bryan Lentz 8 th DISTRICT Patrick J. Murphy 13 th DISTRICT Allyson Schwartz 15 th DISTRICT John Callahan SENATOR IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 4 th DISTRICT LeAnna Washington 10 th DISTRICT Cynthia Philo 12 th DISTRICT Ruth Damsker 24 th DISTRICT Bill Wallace 44 th DISTRICT Matt Stehman* REPRESENTATIVE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 53 rd DISTRICT Jack Hansen 61 st DISTRICT Mary Lou Readinger 70 th DISTRICT Matt Bradford 146 th DISTRICT Mark Painter 147 th DISTRICT Bob Dodge 148 th DISTRICT Mike Gerber 149 th DISTRICT Tim Briggs 150 th DISTRICT Andrea Baptiste 151 st DISTRICT Rick Taylor 152 nd DISTRICT Bob McGuckin 153 rd DISTRICT Josh Shapiro 154 th DISTRICT Lawrence H. Curry 157 th DISTRICT Paul J. Drucker 170 th DISTRICT Brendan F. Boyle 194 th DISTRICT Pamela DeLissio STATE COMMITTEE Scott Brown Richard Haaz Patrick Costello D. Bruce Hanes Deborah Crowe D. Gregory Holt Shirley Curry Murray Levin Mary Jo Daley Caren Moskowitz Ruth Damsker Beth Suchsland Penny Gerber Wendell Young, IV Vince Gillen *denotes write in winner Chairman s Corner By Marcel Groen, Chairman Montgomery County Democratic Committee Summertime and the livin is easy I hope you are all enjoying your summer, and getting some much needed relaxation. However, while the summer is certainly a time for kicking back, we can t totally forget our political responsibilities. Before we know it, the days will be getting shorter, the nights a little cooler and the fall campaign season will be upon us. Before going into what we should be doing and thinking about over the summer, I would like to thank the Montgomery County Democratic Committee for granting me the honor of leading this party for the next four years, and congratulations to the other officers who were also elected, especially our new officers, Recording Secretary Olivia Brady and Corresponding Secretary Greg Philips. Congratulations and thank you also to all of our new and continuing committee persons. I know it is a cliché that committee people are the foot soldiers of the party, but clichés exist because they are true. No party chairman, no area leader, no candidate can be successful without the dedication and hard work of our committee people. I look forward to working with you to elect our legislative and statewide candidates in November. On that note, I would like to urge you to take some of your time this summer and volunteer on one of our excellent candidates campaigns. While everyone is vacationing, they will be knocking on doors, holding fundraisers and doing everything they can to get elected in November. So, knock on a few doors, stuff some envelopes, make some calls, hold a fundraiser or host a house party. The effort will pay dividends this fall. Information on our gubernatorial, senatorial and legislative candidates is available throughout this newsletter, or call the MCDC offices at Finally, MCDC s biggest fundraiser of the year is our annual golf outing, and I urge you to support it by playing, coming to dinner or taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities. Once again this year, the golf outing will be held at Talamore Country Club on August 2, and it offers more fun than ever including morning or afternoon golf, a swing clinic, a three hour golf instruction package, lots of prizes and an excellent banquet. I hope to see many of you at what promises to be our most successful fundraiser ever. Stay cool! At the Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee Meeting on June in Harrisburg, the following members of our delegation were elected to a state party office: Penny Gerber Vice Chair of the State Party D. Gregory Holt Executive Committee Member Caren Moskowitz Vice Chair of the South Eastern Caucus Congratulations!

3 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 3 continued from page 1 Chairman, who introduced him individually to almost everyone in attendance. Onorato stayed for the entire two hours taking the opportunity to meet and listen to the concerns of Montgomery County Democrats. Those attending heard from many of the hosts, who praised Onorato s service as Alle gheny County Executive and his record of job growth and economic development. For more information about Onorato s campaign visit: Photo credit (Onorato picnic): Napoleon Nelson Onorato speaks to part of the assembled crowd. Former Gubernatorial Candidate and Commissioner Joe Hoeffel in a show of unity discusses Onorato s strengths and encourages Montgomery County Democ rats to support his candidacy for governor. (l r) Bill Wallace, candidate for the 24th State Senate District; Representative Josh Shapiro; and Jack Hansen, candidate for the 53rd State House District. On left, (l r) Norristown Municipal Chair Gary Simpson and MCDC Treasurer Kelbin KC Carolina.

4 Montgomery County Democratic Committee (l r) Limerick Committee people Frank and Denise Burstein. (l r) Area 8 Leader Michael Barbiero, MCDC Chair man Marcel Groen, and Onorato. Chairman Marcel Groen (left) addresses the crowd and is pictured with Onorato and various hosts of the event. (l r) Doug Pike with Steve and Deb McCarter. July 2010 page 4 (l r) State Committee Members Penny Gerber and D. Gregory Holt. State Senator Daylin Leach addresses the crowd. (l r) Gilda Kramer and MCDC Sec ond Vice Chair Joe Foster. (l r) Lee Soltysiak, Commis sioner Joe Hoeffel, and candidate for the 61st House District Mary Lou Readinger.

5 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 5 (l r) Lori Schreiber, Beverly Hahn, Kathleen Joyce, and candidate for the 6th Congressional District Manan Trivedi. Onorato speaks to part of the assembled crowd. (l r) Candidate for the 12th State Senate District Ruth Damsker and David Schurz. Callahan Shines in a Visit to Pennsburg Pennsburg, 19 June. Former Area 2 Leader Joan Smith and her husband, Win, hosted a meet and greet event for John Callahan, candidate for the 15th Congressional District and current mayor of Bethlehem, at their home in Pennsburg. The initially planned two hour event saw almost 50 people attend or stop by to meet Callahan, who stayed well over two hours and talked with Montgomery County residents of the 15th District. Callahan addressed the assembled group about his childhood in Bethlehem, his experience as mayor in a (l r) Joan Smith, candidate for the 15th Congressional District Mayor John Callahan, and Win Smith. At left, Callahan answers questions from the crowd. strong mayoral city, and the importance of job creation and a balanced budget. We have the resources to sell the story, Callahan declared about his campaign, and a district that wants to hear it. He stressed the importance of consolidating the Democratic vote in the 15th District and getting them out to the polls in November. The 15th District encompasses all of Northampton County, most of Lehigh County, and a portion of Berks and Montgom ery counties, including Douglass, East Greenville, Franconia, Green Lane, Marlborough, Pennsburg, Red Hill, Salford, Upper Hanover, and Lower, Upper, and West Pottsgrove. At right, a large group of attendees discusses significant issues in the 15th District.

6 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 6 East Norriton Democrats Hold Farm Park Beautification Day East Norriton, 6 June. East Norriton Democrats hosted the First Annual Norristown Farm Park Beautification Day on June 6, during which they helped out with trail maintenance at the Norristown Farm Park. The Farm Park is a 690 acre public, multi use, passive recreational park that straddles East Norriton, Norristown, and West Norriton. Volunteers spread woodchips and cleared brush, providing needed maintenance to the trails, and helping both to beautify the space for the community and to enhance its accessibility to visitors. The volunteers overcame the oppressive heat and humidity of the day, and successfully completed the restoration of four usable paths for visitor recreational use. The East Norriton Democrats would like to thank everyone who helped with this community service project. Following the event, the East Norriton Democrats joined numerous co hosts, including statewide and local elected officials, in welcoming Democratic Candidate for Pennsylvania Governor Dan Onorato for his Montgomery County campaign kick off picnic. The morning volunteers enjoyed BBQ with over 100 fellow Democrats from across the county. MCDC would like to thank East Norriton Supervisors Harris Dainoff and John Zurzola for securing the use of the Farm Park for the Onorato picnic. Story and photos submitted by: Beth Dainoff (l r) East Norriton Supervisors Harris Dainoff and John Zurzola. (l r) East Norriton Supervisor Harris Dainoff; Deputy Field Director Drew Albert (Trivedi campaign); East Norriton Supervisor John Zurzola; and Manan Trivedi, candidate for the 6th Congressional District. Shapiro Hosts Fundraiser at the Elkins Estate (l r) Laborer s Local 135 Business Manager Dan Woodall and Representative Josh Shapiro. Elkins Park, 6 June. State Representative Josh Shapiro (153rd District) hosted a well attended fundraiser at the historic Elkins Estate, designed in Democrats from across the state and the five county SEPA area turned out to support Shapiro s reelection effort. Many people who attended the Onorato picnic, trekked to Shapiro s event in Elkins park from East Norriton, including the gubernatorial candidate. Local representatives and candidates were also in attendance to show their support. Photo credit: Mike Mountain (l r) State Representative Eugene De Pasquele, Cheryl Austin, MCDC Chairman Marcel Groen, and former Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham.

7 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 7 Damsker Opens Willow Grove Headquarters Willow Grove, 12 June. It was a bright and breezy June day in Willow Grove, perfect weather for the opening of 12th District State Senate candidate Ruth Damsker s campaign office on Easton Road. An eager crowd of elected officials, party members, and supporters gathered to show their support for the Damsker campaign. Attendees toured the candidates office and enjoyed refreshments and music. Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel offered wise words in his introduction of the event s special guest, Congressman Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania s 8 th District. Murphy then gave an impassioned speech, that both introduced State Senate candidate Damsker, and reinforced the ideals and goals of the Democratic Party. Unless we invest, we will fall behind, and investment in Montgomery County has been tremendous, Murphy stated. As evidence, he cited the government s continued investment in local school districts, scientific education, and the nation s economy through stimulus funding. That s what we have done and that s what they re against, Murphy added, in a reference to the Tea Baggers, facts for them are inconvenient. In his introduction of Damsker, Murphy outlined her strong leadership skills and experience in office as important qualities. People are hungry for leadership, he declared, and that s what Ruth brings to the table. The crowd welcomed Damsker to the podium with a round of applause, and she convincingly and confidently discussed her abilities as a leader, and as a fighting force in the State Senate for additional revenue and a united and vigorous party. We have the right values and the right ideas to be able to do the right thing for our communities, she said in closing, giving hope for a powerful and energetic campaign. Story and photos: Elliah Heifetz, MCDC Intern At right, Congressman Patrick Murphy with Ruth Damsker, candidate for the 12th State Senatorial District. At right, (l r) County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, Uppe r Me rion Committee people Joe Kossey, and Gian Singla. At left, Upper Dublin Committee pe rson Marjorie Berlinghof with Bill Wallace, candidate for the 24th State Senatorial District. At left, (l r) Catherine Crowe, daughter of State Committee Member and Area 6 Leader Deborah Crowe, Abigail Cooley, daughter of Ambler Committee person Matt Cooley, and Congressman Patrick Murphy.

8 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 8 (l r) New Area 1 Committee people Anne Jones and Joseph Jones. (l r) New East Norriton Committee People Sue Wendt and Don Benn. Former MCDC Recording Secretary Arlene Smuckler was honored by the party with a bouquet and gift for her years of service. (l r) New Area 9 Leader Sean Kilkenny, Springfield Municipal Chair Kevin Shaw, and former Area 9 Leader Penny Cutler work the Area registration table. (l r) State Senate candidates Ruth Damsker (12th) and Bill Wallace (24th). (l r) Area 4 Committee people at the registration table Jesse James, Frank Burstein, and Denise Burstein. (l r) Area 1 Committee person Jim Derr, new Area 1 Leader Jim Prendergast, former Area 1 Leader Betty Swavely, and Area 1 Vice Chair Eugene Harding. MCDC Interns Dave Maltz and Elliah Heifetz prepare committee person packets for the Re Organization Meeting. (l r) Lower Merion Committee person Bob Rovner and Abington Committee person David Floyd.

9 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 9 Democratic Committee people check in and mingle in the foyer of Colonial Elementary School prior to the MCDC Re Organization Meeting. (l r) New Area 2 Deputy Leader Candy Walters, MCDC Executive Committee Representative Betty White, and new Area 2 Leader Elaine DiGilio Hannock. (l r) State Committee Member Scott Brown and County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel. (l r) Abington Commissioner Lori Schreiber and Committee person Marge Sexton. (l r) Committee person Ruthann Dobnak and Bob McGuckin, candidate for the 152nd State House. Photo credit (Re organization): Elliah Heifetz Join Us on Monday, August 2 for the MCDC 2010 Golf Outing! MCDC would like to thank Dave Nasatir, Jonathan Hugg, and Gilda Kramer for conducting another successful Committee Person Training Session at the AFSCME 88 District Council on Walton Road on May 12. Over 60 people attended the event and received valuable information about their role on Election Day. Be sure to check the MCDC website calendar for future committee person training sessions. The Committee Person Handbook is also now available online at our website. For more information about what it means to be a Committee Person, call MCDC at NEW THIS YEAR MORNING GOLF! Find all the information you need on our website ( and reserve your foursome now.

10 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 10 MCDC would like to thank the following volunteers for helping to observe the official vote count at the County Tabulation on Friday, May 21: Jill Stein, Jody Marcell, Charles Philip Meyers, Deborah Gaylor, Matt Stehman, Bob Hart, and Steve McCarter. The official County Tabulation begins the Friday after each election. The next County Tabulation is Friday, November 5. Please call MCDC if you would like to volunteer to take part in this unique experience, where the county tabulates the machine count, write in count, and absentee and provisional ballots for each precinct. Upcoming MCDC Events July 15: MCDC Leadership Meeting Areas Reorganize, Elect New Leaders Jim Prendergast Area 1 Elaine DiGilio Hannock Area 2 Jeanne Bland Area 3 Kevin Dunbar Area 4 Dave Fritz Area 5 Deb Crowe Area 6 Howard Rovner Area 7 Michael Barbiero Area 8 Sean Kilkenny Area 9 Jason Salus Area 10 Olivia Brady Area 11 Tom Kohler Area 12 Bill Leopold and Jill Stein Area 13 Shelly Waldman and Sibby Phiambolis Area 14 Arthur Fairclough Area 15 August 2: MCDC 2010 Golf Outing August 19: MCDC Executive Committee Attention Committee people! Find the New Committee Person Handbook online at Wayne, 16 June. State Senator Daylin Leach recently held a fundraising reception and discussion of the Pennsylvania State Budget at his home. State Senator Jay Costa, the minority chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was the special guest speaker. Many local candidates and state and county elected official attended the event. Pictured above (l r) Andrea Baptiste, candidate for the 150th House District and Mary Lou Readinger, candidate for the 61st House District. Photo credit: Andrea Baptiste Philadelphia, 6 April. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz hosted her 20th Annual Women in Politics event at the Warwick Radisson Hotel in Philadelphia. The guest speaker was Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. Chairman Marcel Groen attended, along with many Democrats from Montgomery County. Pictured above (l r) Committeeperson Antoinette Kraus, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Area 11 Leader and MCDC Recording Secretary Olivia Brady. Photo credit: Olivia Brady

11 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 11 Valley Forge, 29 April. Over 200 Montgomery County Democrats attended the 2010 MCDC Spring Reception held in the gorgeous Waterford Room of the Radisson Valley Forge. United States Senator Arlen Specter spoke to the crowd, as did Richard Sestak on behalf of his brother Joe Sestak. MCDC also announced the creation of the Bob Cooper Democratic Labor Award, to remember our friend Bob Cooper, director of AFSCME 88, who died of leukemia. This award honors Bob's memory, and pays tribute to the strong relationship between labor and the Montgomery County Democrats. A special presentation was made to Bob's widow, Bunnie Cooper, and the Committee members collected $500 to donate to the Light the Night/Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Bob's memory. In 2011 MCDC will present the first Bob Cooper Democratic Labor Award at its Spring Reception and each year thereafter. (l r) Ernest and E. Pearl Smith; candidate for the 150th State House Andrea Baptiste; Rick Saunders; and MCDC Treasurer KC Carolina. Photo credit: Matt Hinton, Tom Kohler, and Steve Urban. (l r) Area 7 Leader Howard Rovner and Bob McGuckin, candidate for the 152nd State House. (l r) Candidate for 61st State House District Mary Lou Readinger and candidate for the 24th State Senate District Bill Wallace. (l r) State Committee Members Beth Suchsland and Vince Gillen. At left, (l r) Clerk of Courts Ann Thornburg Weiss and Abington Committee person Linda Hee. (l r) MCDC First Vice Chair Joanne Olszewski, State Committee Member Scott Brown, and Murray Kalich, At right, (l r) Upper Merion Supervisor Greg Waks, Upper Merion Committee person Sandra Moskowitz, and Bridgeport Committee people Joanne Gadzicki and Nick Ray.

12 Montgomery County Democratic Committee July 2010 page 12 The large crowd at the MCDC Spring Reception. (l r) Bunnie Cooper, widow of former AFSCME 88 Director Bob Cooper, with new AFSCME 88 Director Tom Tosti. (l r) Worcester Committee person Elaine Syres and Bev Hahn. MCDC Chairman Marcel Groen introduces United States Senator Arlen Specter, pictured with his wife Joan Specter. (l r) Candidate for lieutenant governor Scott Conklin and State Representative Tim Briggs. (l r) Valerie Arkoosh and UFCW 1776 Director of Legislation John Meyerson. (l r) E. Pearl Smith and Susan Morrison Bellamy. (l r) Former Area 9 Leader Penny Cutler and Area 10 Leader Jason Salus. At right, (l r) Ed Cheri, Area 3 Leader Jeanne Bland, and MCDC Treasurer KC Carolina.