LD10 Dem Assembly Candidates Della Volle And Wheeler Announce Support For Ocean Pride Celebrations, Condemn Anti-LGGBTQI Hate Speech
LD 10 DEMOCRATIC STATE ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR OCEAN COUNTY PRIDE CELEBRATIONS
Eileen Della Volle & Erin Wheeler Condemn Anti-LGBTQI Hate Speech Targeting Pride Events
BRICK, NJ (June 6, 2019)—Eileen Della Volle and Erin Wheeler, the Democratic candidates for the New Jersey State Assembly’s 10th legislative district, announce their support for Pride events planned by the Ocean County Library and the Lakewood Blue Claws baseball team—and are denouncing efforts by an out of town clergy member to organize protests against the celebrations.
Rabbi Yesuda Levin has posted several videos to social media calling on local residents to protest the events and condemning the LGBTQI community. Flyers being circulated throughout the community refer to homosexuality as an “abomination” and the events as “anti-family brainwashing.”
“There is no room in our community for this kind of hateful rhetoric and ignorance, and we stand by the Blue Claws and the Ocean County Library in their efforts to promote tolerance and acceptance and do their part to educate and enlighten the public,” Eileen Della Volle said. “Given the dark history of LGBTQI people being the victims of violence, the language in these videos and flyers is unacceptable and endangers the safety of our citizens. This is why it is important to elect leaders who will represent the rights of all people,” Della Volle said.
“As a high school teacher who works with young people every day, I commend the Blue Claws and the Ocean County Library system for raising awareness about these important issues and working to ensure the rights of every human being to live their lives with authenticity and truth,” Erin Wheeler said. “Rabbi Levin’s language is an offense and insult to the people of Ocean County. We all must speak out against this hate in our community, and make sure our elected leaders support the rights and protection of all members of our society,” Wheeler said.
The month of June is recognized as LGBTQI Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots of June, 1969, promote acceptance and tolerance, and recognize the contributions of the LGBTQI community to society. The Lakewood Blue Claws will be hosting “Pride Night” on Saturday, June 8th. The Ocean County Library has planned a series of Pride-themed exhibits, speakers and film screenings at its branches throughout the month of June.
##########
ABOUT EILEEN DELLA VOLLE
Eileen Della Volle is is a business development executive in the commercial engineering industry. She is widely recognized for her expertise in building small businesses into larger firms and advocating for improvements in state contracting processes to support women and minority owned businesses. Her extensive background in building public-private partnerships, forming coalitions across vast sectors of business, government and community stakeholders, fostering community relations and advocating for diversity representation has made her a sought-after expert in public policy development and a leader for women in the construction and engineering industries.
Eileen served on the boards of the Southern Jersey Development Council, Women Build Council, Women Transportation Seminar, and is a member of the Society of Marketing Professionals. She was named one of the “Top 50 Women in Business” by NJBIZ Magazine and was the recipient of its “40 Under 40” award; earned the SMPS New York City Chapter Marketing Achievement Award; was named “Outstanding Woman” by the Women’s Building Council; and received an “Award in Excellence” in recognition of her commitment to maximizing contracting opportunities for woman and minority owned firms.
A resident of Brick, Eileen serves on the board of the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey, on the Brick Planning Board, and is a former member of the Brick Board of Adjustment. She has a Bachelor’s degree in public administration from Kean University.
ABOUT ERIN WHEELER
Erin Wheeler is a career educator who has taught high school chemistry and physics for 14 years. She currently teaches at the Monmouth County Vocational School District, where she is the president of the Monmouth County Vocational Education Association, her local teacher’s union. She is the chairperson of the NJEA Vocational Career and Technical Education Committee and is a member of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association and the Association of Chemistry Teachers. Erin has a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of New Jersey and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Georgian Court University.
As the president of her local, Erin represents teachers on issues ranging from disciplinary matters and health care concerns to contract negotiations, arbitration hearings and Donaldson hearings. In addition to be an advocate for teachers, Erin is extremely active in advocating for vocational and technical education that offers students alternative career opportunities than college, promoting science education, and helping students navigate the current campaign of fake news undermining science. She also advocates for encouraging students to take an interest in government.
A resident of Brick, Erin is a member of Clean Ocean Action and currently serves as secretary of the Democratic Club of Brick.
