FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2023

Dear Chairman Scanlan,

The conduct and plans for the upcoming election for Chairman are deeply disturbing and possibly illegal.

First, state law provides that notice of a county committee reorganization meeting must be mailed to each member.  I have received no such notice and know of no other member who received such notice.

Second, while an email was sent at the beginning of the year indicating that there would be a meeting of some kind tomorrow, it was not mailed and there was no indication that there would be an election.  (Why would there be; you weren’t arrested until February?)

Third, it has been reported that you intend to exclude rank and file Sussex County Republicans whom we represent from the meeting.  This is also a violation of state law as anyone can run for and be elected chairman.

Fourth, I understand that the list of voters is being kept secret until tomorrow night and that there are no plans to provide the list to currently announced candidates.  Are you packing the vacancies with last minute appointees?  Even the highly controversial Morris County Convention held in March required that the list of electors be locked in and made public weeks ahead of time.

Fifth, you have apparently designated the Sussex County Clerk to administer the election.  However, no elected official can be a dispassionate referee of this process as all of them rely on the Chairman to be awarded the Sussex County Republican slogan.

Sixth, you have circulated rules which you say will prevail, but which have not been voted on by any member.  Further, you have given no indication that there will be a vote on the rules; just that they will be explained to the members.

As planned, this election will be completely invalid and presumably result in costly litigation.  Consequently, I suggest you use the meeting tomorrow to discuss and propose rules for a subsequent, lawful election meeting and that you properly notify every member of that meeting by mail and the general public through commonly circulated newspapers or blogs.

Very Respectfully,

Kelly Ann Hart

Vice Chair

Sussex County Republican Committee