Congratulations ... and Thanks
Congratulations and thank yous are in order this month. In fact, two people get both simultaneously.
Emerson Ellett, our former county Vice Chair, was elected Chair of the NJLP at our recent state convention. John Taylor of Highlands was elected the new Vice Chair for Monmouth.
Naturally they're to be congratulated, but they should be thanked as well. As our party grows there's an increased amount of maintenance that needs to be performed. We're fortunate to have members like Emerson and John who are willing to shoulder the work.
It should also be noted that both have volunteered to run for public office as well. Emerson, of course, was our US Senate candidate last year and John has agreed to run for the State Legislature this year.
Additional thanks go to all who responded to the recent fundraising appeal. Donations are still arriving, but to date we've raised a little over $300 as a direct result of the mailing. When you factor in donations which accompanied membership renewals last month the total is close to $400 to date.
I'm pleased to report the state party put in place a new dues-sharing procedure whereby, once a year, qualified county organizations would receive $5 for every state member residing in the county. Hopefully this will be an incentive for organization and recruitment at the county level.
The help will be greatly appreciated here in Monmouth. But we must remember that money is a tool, however basic and necessary a tool. We need to use it to continue building the LP.
What do you think? What do you think the NJLP should do? What should we do in Monmouth? Better yet, what would you be interested in doing? Let me know. With a dedicated group of activists, the possibilities are endless.
Pat Bontempo
County Chair