In 2020, I was asked to take on the role of peacemaker and stabilize this committee. Once elected, my executive team and I worked diligently to do just that. It was, however, far from an easy task. The circumstances of the last three years, from the pandemic to the lawsuit, have been difficult to navigate. This administration has done an incredible job getting through them, all while restoring the committee’s respectability. This committee owes them thanks, as do I.

I’m incredibly grateful for the remarkable people whom I’ve gotten to know during my three years at SCDC, and fortunate that I’ve formed such deep friendships, ones that will long outlast my work here. They have become invaluable to me, particularly in the last six months.

Special thanks go out to Leslie Meyer, Scott Fadden, Leslie Boen, Diane Wexler, Joan Jacobsen, Lisa Anderson, Bill Hart, and Sally Larson for all of their help and support. I couldn’t have done any of this without them.

Sadly, we were not able to step out from under those that sought to continue to divide us. Indeed, the internal turmoil continuously diverts the committee from our real battle, the one against the MAGA Republicans. Furthermore, it has become increasingly obvious that this
ongoing turmoil will result in another divisive election and another divided committee.

So, in the best interests of the SCDC, I will not be seeking another term. Neither will the members of my executive board.

My last meeting as SCDC chair, the reorganization meeting, will take place on Tuesday, June 13 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. The information to join the call will be sent out just prior to the meeting. Please note that only members elected on the primary ballot on Tuesday, June 6 will be eligible to vote.

Moving forward, we have now arrived at a point to build on the substantial progress our administration has made, as we continue our battle for the democratic values we all cherish.

Thank you.

Dawne Rowe
Chair, Sussex County Democratic Committee