County Democrats Celebrate Wins in Middle, Dennis

MAYVILLE – County Democratic Chairman James Pickering told the Herald on Election Night that despite the overall tough year for his party nationwide, he thought some Democratic candidates in this county “bucked the trend.”
He noted wins for Mayor Susan DeLanzo in Middle Township and John Murphy in Dennis Township as well as very close races in Dennis Township and North Wildwood.
“Our candidates did well considering how bad the atmosphere was for Democrats throughout the country,” he said. “I think this is not only a credit to our candidates, but also to the voters of Middle Township.”
He said his county freeholder candidates Bob Jackson and Patrick Morley worked hard to get their message out, but faced too steep a climb to defeat their Republican challengers.
“I can’t say enough good things about those guys,” Pickering said. “They’ll be back.”
At a Democratic function at Atkinson’s Tavern, her family’s business, DeLanzo told the Herald that she wanted to thank the
voters, her family and other supporters.
“I’m truly humbled and honored. It’s a blessing to have the voters realize what you’re trying to do and giving you another chance to continue,” she said.
After a difficult race with Independent candidate and former Mayor Mike Voll, DeLanzo said she was glad the election was over and wanted to get back to focusing on the 2011 budget.
“I want to continue on the track that we’ve been moving,” DeLanzo told the Herald, noting that the township has been able to cut its operating expenses and downsize its workforce through attrition, no layoffs. “We’re going to do this together with a goal of preserving the things that make Middle Township the place we love to live.”
DeLanzo’s campaign manager Bob Noel told the Herald that DeLanzo’s victory was a “victory for the people of Middle Township because good people should be working in local government.”
“She’s the most honest and generous person I’ve ever met,” Noel said. “She’s really just a business person that’s giving something back to the community that she loves. It’s good to see the community has recognized that and wants her to continue her mission to help the township through these difficult times.”
Regarding the national losses for Democrats in the House of Representatives and Senate, Pickering said he was “praying for his country.”
“I hope we’re making the right decisions,” he said. “I support the President and the things he’s done in his positive legislative agenda, but the country clearly rejected these ideas. I think this is a giant step backwards, but I have faith that our country will move forward together.”