A NEW VOICE FOR PROGRESS
MOUNT OLIVE DEMOCRATs
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We are passionate about equal opportunity, equal rights and equal justice. We want to build a middle class that works for everybody.
Congratulations President-Elect Joe Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Tom Malinowski!
President-Elect Joe Biden
November 7th Statement:
“My fellow Americans —
The people of this nation have spoken.
They have delivered us a clear victory. A convincing victory.
A victory for “We the People.”
We have won with the most votes ever cast for a presidential ticket in the history of this nation — 74 million.
I am humbled by the trust and confidence you have placed in me.
I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify.
Who doesn’t see Red and Blue states, but a United States.
And who will work with all my heart to win the confidence of the whole people.
For that is what America is about: The people.
And that is what our Administration will be about.
I sought this office to restore the soul of America.
To rebuild the backbone of the nation — the middle class.
To make America respected around the world again and to unite us here at home.
It is the honor of my lifetime that so many millions of Americans have voted for this vision.
And now the work of making this vision real is the task of our time.
As I said many times before, I’m Jill’s husband.
I would not be here without the love and tireless support of Jill, Hunter, Ashley, all of our grandchildren and their spouses, and all our family.
They are my heart.
Jill’s a mom — a military mom — and an educator.
She has dedicated her life to education, but teaching isn’t just what she does — it’s who she is.
For America’s educators, this is a great day: You’re going to have one of your own in the White House, and Jill is going to make a great First Lady.
And I will be honored to be serving with a fantastic vice president — Kamala Harris — who will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent, and first daughter of immigrants ever elected to national office in this country.
It’s long overdue, and we’re reminded tonight of all those who fought so hard for so many years to make this happen. But once again, America has bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice.
Kamala, Doug — like it or not — you’re family. You’ve become honorary Bidens and there’s no way out.
To all those who volunteered, worked the polls in the middle of this pandemic, local election officials — you deserve a special thanks from this nation.
To my campaign team, and all the volunteers, to all those who gave so much of themselves to make this moment possible, I owe you everything.
And to all those who supported us: I am proud of the campaign we built and ran. I am proud of the coalition we put together, the broadest and most diverse in history.
Democrats, Republicans and Independents.
Progressives, moderates and conservatives.
Young and old.
Urban, suburban and rural.
Gay, straight, transgender.
White. Latino. Asian. Native American.
And especially for those moments when this campaign was at its lowest — the African American community stood up again for me. They always have my back, and I’ll have yours.
I said from the outset I wanted a campaign that represented America, and I think we did that. Now that’s what I want the administration to look like.
And to those who voted for President Trump, I understand your disappointment tonight.
I’ve lost a couple of elections myself.
But now, let’s give each other a chance.
It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric.
To lower the temperature.
To see each other again.
To listen to each other again.
To make progress, we must stop treating our opponents as our enemy.
We are not enemies. We are Americans.
The Bible tells us that to everything there is a season — a time to build, a time to reap, a time to sow. And a time to heal.
This is the time to heal in America.
Now that the campaign is over — what is the people’s will? What is our mandate?
I believe it is this: Americans have called on us to marshal the forces of decency and the forces of fairness. To marshal the forces of science and the forces of hope in the great battles of our time.
The battle to control the virus.
The battle to build prosperity.
The battle to secure your family’s health care.
The battle to achieve racial justice and root out systemic racism in this country.
The battle to save the climate.
The battle to restore decency, defend democracy, and give everybody in this country a fair shot.
Our work begins with getting COVID under control.
We cannot repair the economy, restore our vitality, or relish life’s most precious moments — hugging a grandchild, birthdays, weddings, graduations, all the moments that matter most to us — until we get this virus under control.
On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.
That plan will be built on a bedrock of science. It will be constructed out of compassion, empathy, and concern.
I will spare no effort — or commitment — to turn this pandemic around.
I ran as a proud Democrat. I will now be an American president. I will work as hard for those who didn’t vote for me — as those who did.
Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end — here and now.
The refusal of Democrats and Republicans to cooperate with one another is not due to some mysterious force beyond our control.
It’s a decision. It’s a choice we make.
And if we can decide not to cooperate, then we can decide to cooperate. And I believe that this is part of the mandate from the American people. They want us to cooperate.
That’s the choice I’ll make. And I call on the Congress — Democrats and Republicans alike — to make that choice with me.
The American story is about the slow, yet steady widening of opportunity.
Make no mistake: Too many dreams have been deferred for too long.
We must make the promise of the country real for everybody — no matter their race, their ethnicity, their faith, their identity, or their disability.
America has always been shaped by inflection points — by moments in time where we’ve made hard decisions about who we are and what we want to be.
Lincoln in 1860 — coming to save the Union.
FDR in 1932 — promising a beleaguered country a New Deal.
JFK in 1960 — pledging a New Frontier.
And twelve years ago — when Barack Obama made history — and told us, “Yes, we can.”
We stand again at an inflection point.
We have the opportunity to defeat despair and to build a nation of prosperity and purpose.
We can do it. I know we can.
I’ve long talked about the battle for the soul of America.
We must restore the soul of America.
Our nation is shaped by the constant battle between our better angels and our darkest impulses.
It is time for our better angels to prevail.
Tonight, the whole world is watching America. I believe at our best America is a beacon for the globe.
And we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.
I’ve always believed we can define America in one word: Possibilities.
That in America everyone should be given the opportunity to go as far as their dreams and God-given ability will take them.
You see, I believe in the possibility of this country.
We’re always looking ahead.
Ahead to an America that’s freer and more just.
Ahead to an America that creates jobs with dignity and respect.
Ahead to an America that cures disease — like cancer and Alzheimers.
Ahead to an America that never leaves anyone behind.
Ahead to an America that never gives up, never gives in.
This is a great nation.
And we are a good people.
This is the United States of America.
And there has never been anything we haven’t been able to do when we’ve done it together.
In the last days of the campaign, I’ve been thinking about a hymn that means a lot to me and to my family, particularly my deceased son Beau. It captures the faith that sustains me and which I believe sustains America.
And I hope it can provide some comfort and solace to the more than 230,000 families who have lost a loved one to this terrible virus this year. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Hopefully this hymn gives you solace as well.
“And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His Hand.”
And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.
With full hearts and steady hands, with faith in America and in each other, with a love of country — and a thirst for justice — let us be the nation that we know we can be.
A nation united.
A nation strengthened.
A nation healed.
The United States of America.
God bless you.
And may God protect our troops.
Joe Biden
November 7, 2020
Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris
Transcript of November 7th Victory Speech
“Good evening. So Congressman John Lewis, Congressman John Lewis, before his passing, wrote: “Democracy is not a state. It is an act.” And what he meant was that America’s democracy is not guaranteed. It is only as strong as our willingness to fight for it, to guard it and never take it for granted. And protecting our democracy takes struggle. It takes sacrifice. But there is joy in it, and there is progress. Because we the people have the power to build a better future.
And when our very democracy was on the ballot in this election, with the very soul of America at stake, and the world watching, you ushered in a new day for America.
To our campaign staff and volunteers, this extraordinary team — thank you for bringing more people than ever before into the democratic process and for making this victory possible. To the poll workers and election officials across our country who have worked tirelessly to make sure every vote is counted — our nation owes you a debt of gratitude as you have protected the integrity of our democracy.
And to the American people who make up our beautiful country, thank you for turning out in record numbers to make your voices heard.
And I know times have been challenging, especially the last several months — the grief, sorrow and pain, the worries and the struggles. But we have also witnessed your courage, your resilience and the generosity of your spirit.
For four years, you marched and organized for equality and justice, for our lives, and for our planet. And then, you voted. And you delivered a clear message. You chose hope and unity, decency, science and, yes, truth.
You chose Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America. And Joe is a healer, a uniter, a tested and steady hand, a person whose own experience of loss gives him a sense of purpose that will help us, as a nation, reclaim our own sense of purpose. And a man with a big heart who loves with abandon. It’s his love for Jill, who will be an incredible first lady. It’s his love for Hunter, Ashley and his grandchildren, and the entire Biden family. And while I first knew Joe as vice president, I really got to know him as the father who loved Beau, my dear friend, who we remember here today.
And to my husband, Doug; our children, Cole and Ella; my sister, Maya; and our whole family — I love you all more than I can ever express. We are so grateful to Joe and Jill for welcoming our family into theirs on this incredible journey. And to the woman most responsible for my presence here today — my mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, who is always in our hearts.
When she came here from India at the age of 19, she maybe didn’t quite imagine this moment. But she believed so deeply in an America where a moment like this is possible. And so, I’m thinking about her and about the generations of women — Black women, Asian, White, Latina, Native American women who throughout our nation’s history have paved the way for this moment tonight. Women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality, liberty and justice for all, including the Black women, who are often, too often overlooked, but so often prove that they are the backbone of our democracy. All the women who worked to secure and protect the right to vote for over a century: 100 years ago with the 19th Amendment, 55 years ago with the Voting Rights Act and now, in 2020, with a new generation of women in our country who cast their ballots and continued the fight for their fundamental right to vote and be heard.
Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision — to see what can be, unburdened by what has been. And I stand on their shoulders. And what a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exists in our country and select a woman as his vice president.
But while I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they’ve never seen it before, but know that we will applaud you every step of the way.
And to the American people: No matter who you voted for, I will strive to be a vice president like Joe was to President Obama — loyal, honest and prepared, waking up every day thinking of you and your family.
Because now is when the real work begins. The hard work. The necessary work. The good work. The essential work to save lives and beat this pandemic. To rebuild our economy so it works for working people. To root out systemic racism in our justice system and society. To combat the climate crisis. To unite our country and heal the soul of our nation.
And the road ahead will not be easy. But America is ready, and so are Joe and I.
We have elected a president who represents the best in us. A leader the world will respect and our children can look up to. A commander in chief who will respect our troops and keep our country safe. And a president for all Americans.
It is now my great honor to introduce the president-elect of the United States of America, Joe Biden.”
Cory Booker
Re-elected to the United States Senate 2020
New Jersey, I’m once again humbled by the faith you’ve placed in me. Thank you for standing with me and allowing me the honor of representing my home state in Washington.
Our work is far from finished.
Tom Malinowski
Re-elected to the House of Representatives 2020– Statement 11/19/20
“I’d like to thank Senator Kean for calling me this evening and for graciously congratulating me. “
“In a close race like this one, every bit of effort is a difference maker, and I could not be more grateful to everybody who supported our campaign, especially the volunteers who spent countless hours reaching out to their neighbors, knocking on doors and making calls. I received more votes in this election than any candidate in the history of our Congressional District. So did Senator Kean. The record turnout is a sign of how seriously we take our civic responsibilities in the 7th District, and is good for our democracy.”
“Voters have sent us a message that they want leaders who will defend our country’s principles, while working together, irrespective of political party, to solve our country’s problems. Our attention must now turn to the work that I know unites the overwhelming majority of us, beginning with defeating the pandemic, helping the individuals and businesses it has harmed, and restoring a strong economy. I look forward to working with the incoming Biden Administration, and with colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle, to move our country forward and deliver for New Jersey.”
“In doing this work, I will continue to do my best to be accessible and accountable to the people I serve, and to represent the interests of all, whether they voted for me in this election or not. I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to continue representing the 7th District and will do everything in my power to keep earning my constituents’ trust.”
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Meet our Executive Committee
We are passionate about building our democratic party and improving Mount Olive.
Andy Meissner
Chairperson
Andy Meissner and his wife Christine have lived in Mount Olive since 1984, first on Flanders-Drakestown Road and then beginning in 1995, in Flanders Crossing. Andy and Christine raised a daughter and son in Mount Olive and are now proud grandparents. Andy retired from AT&T last year after 35 years in leadership positions in Marketing, Program Management and Information Systems.
Andy’s passion for politics began in 1968 when his family saw both Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey campaign for president at a local airport on Long Island. As a teenager, Andy canvassed with local assembly and town council candidates and was elected to several positions in high school and college. Since 2008, Andy has been actively involved in voter registration, phone banking and canvassing. Andy’s priorities for the Mount Olive Democrats are to continue to build our organization, provide a home for people to share their passions for our country and our democratic values, re-elect Congressman Tom Malinowski, and provide opportunities to participate and contribute in as many ways as possible. Andy would like to meet with as many people as possible either over coffee or while canvassing through each of your districts (his real passion!) to talk about our experiences, unique talents and suggestions on how we can all be successful in 2020 and beyond.
Irene Sergonis
Vice Chairperson
Irene and her husband Sergio have lived in Mount Olive since 1980. We have raised two daughters and a son and now have four beautiful grandchildren. Irene has worked as a Payroll Coordinator at Ronetco Supermarkets since 1997. Irene also helped her husband open & run an electric motor repair business from 1990 to 2018. Irene has served as a volunteer for the Girl and Boy Scouts of America, Mount Olive Park Partners, League of Women Voters and St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church. Irene also founded the Mount Olive Volleyball Association and served as the President for 10 years. Irene has been involved with the Mount Olive Democrats since 2017 and ran for a Town Council in 2019. Irene is proud of her contributions to the successful 2018 Malinowski campaign and is thrilled with the excellent work Tom Malinowski is doing to represent our district. She looks forward to building the Mount Olive Democratic Committee and celebrating a winning 2020 for all of our candidates.
Judi D’Alessandro
Treasurer
Judi and her husband Robert moved to Mount Olive in 2015, after residing in Califon, NJ for twenty-five years. They have two daughters, a son and nine adorable grandchildren. Judi worked in the healthcare industry for thirty years, ranging from veterinary medicine to certified ophthalmology assistant.
While always interested in politics, Judi’s passion began with the Barack Obama campaign and has grown with time. Being a part of the Mount Olive Democrats since 2017 has been informative and exciting. The experience has provided the opportunity to meet and engage with our neighbors and their concerns.
Judi is proud of the work that was accomplished in the successful election of Tom Malinowski in 2018. She is looking forward to helping the Mount Olive Democratic Committee grow and winning 2020 for our candidates.
We Come Together
We come together because we are optimistic about what we can achieve together. We come together because we work as a community to achieve our goals. We come together because we work towards opportunity for all in a prosperous, healthy, well-educated, clean and safe country. We come together because we serve the community and respect those who do serve and have served. We come together because we are united. We come together because we can do this together.
Contact us to get started
We want to hear from you
Mount Olive Democrats
37 Mount Olive Road
Budd Lake NJ 07828
Email: [email protected]
