Cumberland County Regular Democratic Organization
Nancy Sungenis
Chairwoman Cumberland County Regular Democratic Organization
Send Inquiries to: sungenis560@aol.com
Contact: Rick Dawson, 856-305-0356
Monday, May 10, 2021
Press Release
Cumberland County Democrats Endorse County Commissioner and LD-1, 3 Candidates
Bridgeton, NJ, March 19, 2021 - Last night, Cumberland County Democrats endorsed their picks for this year's slate of County Commissioners and State Legislative District 1 and District 3 Candidates. Here's a quick rundown:
The Democrats are defending their 6-1 majority on the Board of Commissioners starting with Incumbent Commissioner Director Joseph Derella, who will seek re-election to his fourth term to continue the great progress and success he and his team have accomplished for County residents with their majority over the past several years.
Dr. Priscilla Ocasio-Jiminez will run to replace incumbent Commissioner James Quinn, who is giving up his seat to return to Millville to run for his old job as City Commissioner. Dr. Ocasio-Jiminez is a dedicated public servant who is currently Principal at the Norma Elementary School in Pittsgrove. Prior to becoming a Principal, she was Spanish teacher. She has spent countless hours doing community outreach and volunteers her time with numerous community organizations. "We're really excited to welcome Dr. Priscilla to our team, as she will contribute greatly to one of our campaign cornerstones of improving education and technology for our constituents" stated Director Joe Derella.
In the 1st Legislative District, Democrats awarded their organization line to attorney Yolanda Garcia Balicki to challenge freshman State Senator Michael Testa, Jr. (R-Vineland). Garcia Balicki, the wife of former Cumberland County Democratic Chairman Robert Balicki, is an associate attorney with Helmer, Conley, & Kasselman, P. A. in the firm’s Bridgeton and Vineland offices. She is fluent in Spanish and practices immigration law representing immigrants in pursuit of lawful permanent residence and citizenship in the United States. She also has many years of experience working with the State Parole Board prior to joining the law firm. As a proud working mother of three sons, she also found the time to volunteer for the many curricular and extracurricular activities her children were involved in within the Vineland Public Schools District, and is a member of a number of professional associations and boards.
To take on the first term Assemblymen Antwan McClellan (R-Ocean City) and Erik Simonsen (R-Upper) in District 1, Democrats are running Chris Wilson and John Capizola, Jr.
For over a decade, Chris Wilson has served as President and Coach of the Vineland Midget Football League, serving over 300 Vineland area youth and their families. He also serves as Vice-President of Midtown Resources, which provides financing services for small businesses. He's an advocate with a track record for connecting and mobilizing small businesses, local organizations, teams and people from all walks of life with the human and financial resources they need to breakthrough.
John Capizola is a small business owner in Vineland and has been a Physical Education teacher for nearly 20 years in South Jersey, mostly in Vineland. He is dedicated to his community, and has volunteered his time as a coach for baseball, basketball and soccer at all levels, as well as serving as Treasurer for the Vineland Midget Football League.
In the 3rd Legislative District, Democrats endorsed incubments Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Deputy Speaker John Burzichelli and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro.
"The Cumberland County Democratic Organization is proud to endorse this well-rounded slate of candidates who we believe truly represents the diversity of our community and exemplifies our dedication to the community, it's children, businesses and progress for all" said County Chair Sungenis.