President's Message
The Franklin Township JFK Democratic Club supports the Somerset County Democratic Committee initiatives and is an active organization that represents the Democratic values of our large multi-ethnic and racially diverse Franklin Township community.
We hold monthly meetings at the Community Senior Center at the Franklin Twp. Municipal Complex, 505 DeMott Lane, where we have had experts and elected officials speak on a variety of topical issues to our members and guests. We sponsor numerous events, including an annual summer picnic at Middlebush Park and a holiday party. Esteemed guests such as Governor Phil Murphy, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Senator Bob Smith, Assemblymen Joe Danielsen and Kevin Egan, our Somerset County Commissioners, our Somerset County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Marguerite “Peg” Schaffer have been attendees and our local leaders – Mayor Phil Kramer and our Franklin Twp. Council members routinely attend.
There are a variety of opportunities to be involved in the Club – not only by attending meetings but by participating in activities including organizing events as well as serving on Club committees. We need you to help us accomplish our goals! Most important are our “get out the vote” (GOTV) activities that we do to support the Democratic Party and elect Democratic candidates. We work with our municipal and county committees in a variety of ways – phone banking, texting, voter registration, and canvassing – to encourage area residents to vote.
The outcome of this year’s November elections will impact our nation for years to come. The federal government has weaponized ICE to not only go after immigrants but also US citizens. ICE is using guns, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to attack protesters for using their First Amendment rights. At risk are environmental regulations and social issues including women’s reproductive freedom, LGBTQI+ rights, racial equality, voting rights and more. Donald Trump and his cabinet members, with the help of Republican lawmakers and conservative judges on the Supreme Court and lower courts are demolishing constitutional norms.
County leaders along with congressional seats are up for election and re-election next week. We must do everything possible to turn the Senate and the House of Representatives BLUE so we can start holding the current administration accountable!
It is more important than ever to stand united as Democrats. Our Club’s programs this year and moving forward will focus on building solidarity, resilience, and resistance. We will continue to represent the party of hope and the future of democracy and to do our best to fight for our values.
Please join us to keep Somerset County and New Jersey blue. We need everyone’s help in our efforts to GET OUT THE VOTE!
I thank all who have participated in our initiatives and invite those of you who are not members to consider joining the JFK Democratic Club of Franklin Township. Annual dues are $25 per person. Membership is FREE for students and young adults through age 23. Guests are always welcome to attend meetings before joining. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Democratically yours,
Arnold W. Schmidt
JFK Club President