Former West Windsor councilman Franc Gambatese has announced the formation of a new Democratic Club of West Windsor, which passed its bylaws on September 4.##M:[more]##
The club, which has about 50 members so far, is looking to attract new members. Gambatese, who was elected as the club’s president, said he decided to begin the club after residents called upon him to do so.
“There have been rumors that there actually was one, but we could never find it,” said Gambatese, who lost his bid for a Township Council seat in May, 2007. “People have been asking me to put some kind of club in place.”
Gambatese said he and a group of Democrats worked over the summer to receive nonprofit status and obtain county recognition. The club began taking membership a couple of weeks ago, and passed its bylaws soon after.
Kamal Khana, a township resident for 30 years, was elected as the club’s vice president. Kathy Brennan was elected as treasurer, and James Moeller was chosen as the recording secretary. All terms expire in January, 2010.
Gambatese said the club’s most immediate goals are to make people aware that the club exists and also to assist with the Barack Obama campaign. He says the club is also looking to help people learn more about government and how they can be a part of it. This includes finding candidates to run for office — local and beyond.
In accordance with the bylaws, the club can only endorse Democratic candidates, and when it comes to finding candidates to run for local office, like the council, “we’re going to be looking for a diversity that reflects the overall community,” he says. He said a search committee would be set up to find candidates, and members of the club will vote on the candidates to endorse. “It’s really got to be somebody who is looking out for the interests of West Windsor.”
The form of government in West Windsor is nonpartisan, which means candidates cannot bring parties into the conversation when they decide to run, but a partisan group can endorse a candidate, Gambatese explained.
Gambatese says that the club is working on setting up the structure of the organization and is looking to hold quarterly meetings. “This is a social club, to give people a social outlet as much as anything else,” Gambatese said. He said the club will be looking to hold banquets and festivals to support not only the party, but also local charities. The club is also working on developing a website.
All Democrats are invited to join, as well as those looking to change party affiliations, or those who are undecided, said Gambatese. The annual dues for a single person to join the club is $15, and for a family it is $20. In order to join the club, those interested should e-mail demclubww@gmail.com.
