Gloucester County Democrats Endorse Joe Chila for Surrogate, James Lavender for Freeholder;
Fred Madden Re-Elected as Chairman

WOODBURY – On Tuesday, June 12, the Gloucester County Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed Freeholder Deputy Director Joe Chila for election to the office of Gloucester County Surrogate. The Surrogate position will be added to this year’s general election ballot as a result of a vacancy created upon the passing of former Surrogate Helene Reed.

“Helene Reed was a phenomenal person who represented the very best in public service,” said Deputy Director Chila. “Beyond being exceptionally smart and competent, she always made sure that every person who came into her office was treated with compassion and kindness. To follow in her footsteps would be a tremendous privilege, and I promise to do my best to honor her memory and carry forth the standards of excellence she achieved throughout her tenure as Surrogate.”

The Committee also unanimously endorsed Kingsway Regional Schools Superintendent and former Woolwich Township Deputy Mayor Dr. James Lavender to succeed Chila as a candidate for the Gloucester County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Chila and Lavender join a countywide ticket that includes Sheriff Carmel Morina and Freeholder Director Robert Damminger, both of whom were endorsed by the Committee in March of this year.

“I am honored and humbled to have the Gloucester County Democratic Committee’s support in running for the Board of Chosen Freeholders this November,” said Dr. Lavender. “From my beginnings as a public-school teacher to my present-day advocacy for full and fair school funding as Kingsway Regional Schools’ Superintendent, service to others has always been my life’s cause. Working within what I believe to be the best county government in the State of New Jersey, I will utilize my experience and skill sets to provide the highest quality of life for the lowest-possible cost to the residents of Gloucester County.”

In addition to these endorsements, the Committee re-elected State Senator Fred Madden to a fifth term as Gloucester County Democratic Chairman in a unanimous vote.

“I am grateful to the Gloucester County Democratic Committee for placing their confidence in me to continue leading our great party,” said Senator Madden. “While I am extremely proud of the political and electoral successes we have achieved as a team during my eight years as chairman, I am most thankful for the friendships I have forged with the many extraordinary individuals who comprise this organization. Working alongside all of our members to advance the cause of good government and make a positive difference in our communities has been an immensely rewarding experience for me, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the months and years to come.”

###