MOUNT OLIVE TWP. - There have been only a handful of Democrats elected in town in recent decades and the last one, Richard DeLaRoche, didn't work out very well as he was booted from office in a recall in 2006.
A new Democratic group formed within the last two weeks called "Morris Democrats for Change" and members hope they can promote local candidates with better results.
They have no easy road ahead in a town where Republicans far outnumber Democrats. The latest figures show 15,159 registered voters including 4,930 Republicans or 32.5 percent and 2,984 Democrats, or 19.7 percent. The largest bloc is the 7,226 unaffiliated voters, accounting for 47.7 percent of the total voters.
The local group is one of many grass roots efforts that have sprouted in the wake of President Donald Trump's election and in opposition to Republican plans ranging from eliminating the Affordable Care Act to defunding Planned Parenthood. Other Democratic groups in the area include Indivisible and NJ7Forward.
Leading the local effort is Shelly Morningstar, a freelance communications consultant and single mother from Budd Lake. She and her daughter, Lucy Niderman, 15, has lived in town since 2012.
The group has 14 members, after starting as five friends and neighbors who met informally to talk about issues both in town and nationally. The next meeting is planned for 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at the Mount Olive Public Library, Flanders-Drakestown Road, Budd Lake.
Enthusiasm Noted
"We started to realize that there was great enthusiasm and a real commitment to bring independent voices to the Mount Olive community," Morningstar said. "There has been groundswell of engaged citizens in every community who want to ensure that working families are supported, healthcare is affordable and the school systems continue to provide for all residents."
Morningstar said the group will help register voters, encourage Democrats and Independents to run for the Township Council and Board of Education and to be named to various municipal committees. Morningstar said she will not be running for office but that several members of the new group have indicated interest.
The group also will focus on having the town designated as a "Welcoming Community" for immigrants and may host a "rally for justice and peace."
"We support immigrants coming here," Morningstar said. "We want to celebrate our uniqueness.'
The group also is backing state and county Democratic candidates. They include Rozella Clyde of Denville for Morris County Freeholder; and Kate Matteson and Gina Trish for Assembly and Jennifer Hamilton of Sparta for state Senate.
A meet and greet with Clyde is planned for 6 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, at Adam's Restaurant, Route 46, Budd Lake.
Morningstar has a diverse background. She said she was a subcontractor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, working to increase organ donations in the workplace. She also worked for a mental health association in southern New Jersey and has advocated for arts in schools.
"Grass roots efforts are part of my nature," Morningstar said.