President's Message
I have enjoyed being the JFK Club President since January 2020. Over that time, our membership has grown to well over 100 members, many of whom are Democratic committee people or representatives from the state and county government. New guests attend each meeting and are eager to join the Club. Kudos to Bob Hudak and his membership committee for recruiting new members in a variety of ways. The Club, an arm of both the Franklin Township and Somerset County Democratic Committees, is an active local Democratic organization that represents the Democratic values of our large multi-ethnic and racially diverse Franklin Township community.
We hold monthly meetings at the Senior Center at the back of the Franklin Twp. Municipal Complex on DeMott Lane. Expert speakers have been invited to present valuable information on a variety of topics of interest to our members. In concert with the Franklin Twp. Democratic Committee, we co-sponsor events including an annual picnic at Middlebush Park which has been attended by several esteemed guests including Governor Phil Murphy, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Senator Bob Smith, Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, our Somerset County Commissioners, our Somerset County Democratic Committee Chairwoman, and, of course, our local politicians, Mayor Phil Kramer and our Franklin Twp. Council members.
There are numerous opportunities to be involved in the JFK Democratic Club – attending meetings, participating in activities, and organizing events as well as serving on one of the Club’s many committees. Most important is our “get out the vote” (GOTV) work that we do to support the Democratic Party and elect endorsed Democratic candidates. We work with the municipal and county committees in a variety of ways – canvassing, phone banking, texting, and voter registration – to encourage area residents to vote.
The 2024 elections will determine the next US president as well as who has control of the House and Senate, governorships, attorneys general, and secretaries of state across the country. It does not stop there. Elections in counties, municipalities, and boards of education will also be decided.
The outcome of these elections, especially the Presidential election, has the potential to impact our nation as we know it for years to come. Many social issues are at risk – women’s reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, voting rights, and others. With many conservative judges on the Supreme Court and lower courts, more rights are being decimated with the help of conservative lawmakers across the country with their state-by-state efforts. Also at risk is progress on climate change and environmental regulations put into place by Democrats and President Joe Biden.
The 2024 election is one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime. It is more important than ever to stand united as Democrats. The choice before us is existential: Do we elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz who represent the party of hope and the future of democracy and who will fight for our values? Or do we elect Trump and Vance who represent the party of fear, division, chaos, and fascism?
Please collaborate with us to keep Somerset County, the Senate, and the White House blue. Let us return the House to Democrats, as well. There is no turning back to the dark days of Trump and the January 6th insurrection. We need everyone to help in our efforts to GET OUT THE VOTE!
I thank all those who have participated in our initiatives over the past few years, and I ask those who are not yet members to consider joining the JFK Democratic Club of Franklin Township. Annual dues are $25 per person and membership is free for young adults through age 23. Guests are always welcome to attend a meeting before joining.
We look forward to seeing you soon and, because your voice matters, we invite you to get involved!
- Deana Luchs