McMillan and Zipprich Announce Planned Parenthood Endorsement in Assembly Race

Candidates Tout Support for Women's Health Care

Today, Kevin McMillan and Ed Zipprich, Democratic candidates for the New Jersey Assembly (NJ-11), announced that they received the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. McMillan and Zipprich are running against Republican incumbents Mary Pat Angelini and Caroline Casagrande.

Angelini and Casagrande have repeatedly voted to allow funding cuts to women's health care and have prevented 80,000 women from gaining access to health care coverage across New Jersey, while McMillan and Zipprich support restoring nearly $7.5 million that has been cut out of budget and expanding health care coverage for women.

"Planned Parenthood provides vital services to women across New Jersey, and I am humbled by their endorsement," said McMillan. "I strongly believe that every woman deserves access to health care like cancer screenings and prenatal care, and as an Assemblyman I will always support fully funding these health care services."


"I am proud of the endorsement of Planned Parenthood," said Zipprich. "I will always stand up and protect access to women's health care, and I will not only fight to restore the cuts to the budget, but I will support expanding access to health care coverage for tens of thousands of women across New Jersey."

Zipprich Outraises Assembly Opponents-Has More Cash on Hand than Both Combined

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday July 2, 2013

Ed Zipprich

RED BANK– Today, Ed Zipprich, candidate for New Jersey Assembly (NJ-11), announced that he has outraised his opponents, Mary Pat Angelini and Caroline Casagrande, over the last two fundraising periods. Zipprich raised a total of $21,793 during the pre and post-primary reporting periods while Angelini and Casagrande combined to raise a total of $12,200. Additionally, Zipprich has $42,819 on hand compared to Angelini and Casagrande's combined $37,873--$23,966 on hand for Angelini and 13,907 for Casagrande."

"I am humbled by the amount of support I've received across the 11th district," said Zipprich. "It shows our campaign is building momentum and that voters are starting to pay attention to the differences between myself and my opponents. Whether it's on raising the minimum wage, ending special tax breaks for millionaires, or finally bringing marriage equality to New Jersey, the residents of the 11th district know I will fight for them."

District 11Democratic Candidates Ready to Win in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Democratic Senate candidate Dr. Michael Brantley along with Assembly candidates Ed Zipprich and Kevin McMillan officially became the party’s candidates in the 11th Legislative District after being elected in Tuesday’s primary election. These candidates are very optimistic about their chances November 5th and look forward to reforming government in Trenton.



Dr. Michael Brantley, 68, is the Deputy Mayor of Neptune and has a dental practice in Asbury Park. “The 11th District and all those affected by Superstorm Sandy need better representation in Trenton. I will work to ensure we receive support from our State government to rebuild and recover our businesses, our homes and our economy” said Brantley.









Ed Zipprich, 53, Councilman of Red Bank who sits on the board of trustees at the Count Basie Theater, the Borough Planning Board and serves as President of the NJ Stonewall Democrats said “Our State government needs to focus on what New Jersey residents really need- a growing economy with more businesses and more jobs. Let’s put New Jersey back to work.”







Kevin McMillan, 51, is a Neptune Councilman and works as a pharmaceutical sales rep. “New Jersey is becoming too expensive to live in for middle class families. The cost of the poor decisions and financial mismanagement of our State government is now being passed down to us- New Jersey residents. We need to make New Jersey affordable  gain and fix the problems that got us in to this mess.”




To learn more about all three candidates and their plans to improve New Jersey government,
please visit www.NJDistrict11.com.

Zipprich Calls Out Angelini's No Vote On 'Samaritan Act'

Red Bank Councilman and Candidate for the NJ State Assembly (D-11) Ed Zipprich, called out Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini for voting against "The Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act" with yesterday's featured letter in the Asbury Park Press.

Zipprich took issue with the fact that Angelini was one of only two State Assembly members to vote against the act that was signed with much fanfare last week by Gov. Chris Christie and states, "...when someone calls herself “pro-life,” she should vote in favor of saving lives, and no one should have to choose between saving someone’s life or ruining their own".

Here's the full letter:

The Good Samaritan Emergency Response Act eliminates criminal liability for persons who seek medical assistance for anyone in a drug overdose situation.

Gov. Christie set an example of good public policy taking precedence over political calculations when he signed this bill. Both parties reworked it to ensure that it saves lives.

Passage has given comfort to families who have lost a loved one to overdose, and it gives people involved in a difficult situation a second chance at life. It also spares a family the pain of having to bury loved ones who overdosed by encouraging people to call 911 before it’s too late.

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, R-Monmouth, was one of only two Assembly members to vote against it. Her first vote against this bill put her in alignment with Christie’s original position.

I applaud the governor’s change of heart. I ask Angelini to explain why she voted against something that saves people who are overdosing or protects those witnessing overdosing from arrest and prosecution if they call for help.

This new law saves lives, and parents are being spared the horror of a call from the emergency room with the ultimate bad news. As a constituent and candidate for this Assembly seat, I want to know why Angelini voted against the Good Samaritan Act.

When there is a chance to save a life, I believe that’s the right path. Mistakes happen. Emergencies happen. Life happens.

I believe when someone calls herself “pro-life,” she should vote in favor of saving lives, and no one should have to choose between saving someone’s life or ruining their own.

Edward Zipprich

Three Red Bank Candidates File Ballot Petitions Zipprich, Lee and Horgan will appear in Democratic Column

For Immediate Release:

Democratic candidates from Red Bank will be running together again after yesterday’s Election filing deadline.

The Red Bank Democratic Organization announced that petitions were filed with the Division of Elections in Trenton by Councilman Ed Zipprich to seek an Assembly seat in the 11th Legislative District and by Councilwomen Sharon Lee and Kathy Horgan for re-election to the Borough council.

Councilman Zipprich received his party’s nomination at the Monmouth County Democratic convention in late February. Councilwomen Lee and Horgan received their nominations at the Red Bank Democratic nominating convention last month.

Councilwoman Sharon Lee of East Westside Avenue is seeking her fourth term on the governing body and Councilwoman Kathleen Horgan of Branch Avenue is seeking her third term.

Lee states that “running again with Councilwoman Horgan reinforces my lifelong commitment to serving Red Bank. We are working together with our Council colleagues for the betterment of our town.” Horgan says “I am excited to campaign again with Sharon. Our community has recognized our hard work in trying economic times and realizes that Red Bank continues to prosper under Democratic leadership.”

Zipprich of River Road is running with Neptune Township Committeemen Kevin McMillan for the General Assembly seat and Dr. Michael “Doc” Brantley for Senate.

“It is exciting to again be running with Sharon and Kathy on the same ballot” said Zipprich “and Kevin and Doc bring similar strengths to the ticket, making our entire team more committed to revitalizing our economy and doing the hard work for our constituents, many of whom are still recovering from Sandy in the district’s area.”

Lee, Horgan and Zipprich first ran together for Council in 2007. McMillan and Brantley are both former Mayors of Neptune Township.

All of these candidates will appear on the June 4th Primary Election ballot along with other Monmouth County Democrats seeking election as Freeholder and Sheriff.

Congratulations To Ed Zipprich, 1 of 11 LGBT Leaders Picked For Harvard Fellowship

I wish to congratulate my friend, Red Bank Councilman Ed Zipprich, for being chosen this year to attend the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute, located at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, this summer in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Zipprich is 1 of 11 openly gay leaders in government and non-profit organizations that received a  scholarship to attend the Victory Institute as a 2012 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellow.

According to the announcement posted on gaypolitics.com, more than 100 Bohnett Fellows have been chosen for the program since its inception a decade ago. “Graduates of this program include some of the country’s most visible and successful openly LGBT public leaders....". Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Arizona congressional candidate and former state legislator Kyrsten Sinema; Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez and San Francisco City Treasurer Jose Cisneros are just a few.

Joining the Honorable Ed Zipprich as a 2012 David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellows are:

Hon. James Cappleman – Alderman, Chicago City Council

Hon. Sally Clark – President, Seattle City Council

Dennis Coleman -  Executive Director, Equality Texas

Masen Davis - Executive Director, Transgender Law Center

Hon. Adam Ebbin - State Senator, Virginia

Helmi Hisserich - Assistant General Manager, Los Angeles Housing Department

Mark Kelleher – Human Rights Commissioner, San Francisco

Hon. Steven Kirkland – Judge of the 215th Civil District Court,  Harris County, Texas

Hon. Donna Nesselbush – State Senator, Rhode Island

Hon. Mary Washington – Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates

Over 130 County Committee People Came Out To Show Support For Vin Gopal At DFA Rally With Jim Dean

Packed house at IBEW local 400 for DFA rally in support of Vin Gopal

It was standing room only this past Sunday when Democrats from around Monmouth County showed up at the IBEW Local 400 Union Hall in Wall Township to attend a Democracy For America (DFA) rally in support of Vin Gopal's candidacy for Monmouth County Democratic Chairman.


The event featured national DFA Chairman Jim Dean, who gave Gopal the organization's endorsement for the Monmouth County Chair position. Joining Dean in endorsing Vin were Monmouth County Mayors,  Matthew Doherty (Belmar), Julie Shreck (Bradley Beach), Mike Ryan (Lake Como), Randy Bishop (Neptune), Ed Johnson (Asbury Park) and many other elected officials.


It really was quite an event. In recent memory, I can't remember being in a room, surrounded by so many vocally supportive people. It was refreshing to hear all the enthusiastic hooting and hollering taking place in support of not only Vin Gopal  but also for the many progressive ideas and principals mentioned by those that stood in front of the crowd to speak and show support for Vin. It kind of reminded me more of gospel revival meeting than a political rally in support of a candidate.


I am glad that I was able to attend the DFA rally and show my support for Vin Gopal's candidacy, if the enthusiasm that was shown in that union hall is any indication of things to come, Vin shouldn't have any problems winning the Chairmanship of the Monmouth Dems and Democrats in general, should make out very well county wide this November.


Here are a few pictures that I took at the event:

Mayor Mike Ryan ( Lake Cuomo)

Mayor Randy Bishop (Neptune)

Mayo Julie Shreck (Brady Beach)

Mayor Matt Doherty ( Belmar)

Mayor Ed Johnson (Asbury Park)

Vin Gopal

DFA National Chairman Jim Dean and myself

Monmouth County DFA Chapter President Ed Zipprich, Jim Dean and Vin Gopal

Video: Re-elect Red Bank's Juanita Lewis and Ed Zipprich

Red Bank Democratic Candidates for Town Council Juanita Lewis and Ed Zipprich have released a short campaign video that they would like everyone to see. It explains who they are and their vision for and commitment to Red Bank's future.

Red Bank's Ed Zipprich and Juanita Lewis announce their plans to run for reelection

Posted from Redbank-Shrewsbury Patch.com

Red Bank Council Members Ed Zipprich and Juanita Lewis announced their candidacies for reelection to the borough council at a recent celebration of Red Bank’s 103rd birthday.

The reception, held Sunday at the Red Bank home of Zipprich and his longtime partner JP Niccolaides, drew more than 100 supporters from across Monmouth County, including the borough’s other council members, Mayor Pasquale Menna, and other county officials.

County Freeholder Amy Mallet championed the accomplishments of both Zipprich and Lewis, lauding them for presenting balanced budgets in consecutive years for the borough. She encouraged them to remain focuses on their record of fiscal responsibility and commitment to Red Bank’s community and future prosperity.

Lewis said she looked forward to continuing the commitment she and Zipprich made to the people in Red Bank when they were elected in 2008.

“We will continue to work on issues that affect our town’s families and stand by our pledge for greater transparency and accountability in our town’s government.”

Zipprich said that the borough’s council doesn’t always see eye to eye, but that’s a positive quality in local government. And, as the only African American and openly gay candidates running for borough council this year, “Juanita and I love this town and proudly represent the diversity here.”

Democracy For America Canvassing in Red Bank Tomorrow, Oct. 2nd

As everyone may know, we are entering the homestretch of the 2010 campaign season and progressive candidates need your help.

The best way to stop the Republicans from erasing all the gains we, as Democrats, have made in the past two years is to get out there and get involved. You can do that by hooking up with the local chapter of Democracy for America(DFA) for Democracy for America's National Day of Action this Saturday, October 2.

Red Bank Councilman and local chapter president for Democracy for America, Ed Zipprich will be hosting a Day of Action event starting at 1 PM.

They will start by meeting up at the Zebu Forno, Broad Street, in Red Bank and will be canvassing the Red Bank area to support Congressman Pallone's re-election. They will be working for our county candidates Eric Brophy for Monmouth County Sheriff, Councilwoman Janice Venables who is running for the Board of Chosen Freeholders with incumbent Freeholder (Judge) John D'Amico, as well.

This DFA Day of Action will also add gusto to local municipal candidates' campaigns for re-election -- Red Bank Councilwomen Kathy Horgan and Sharon Lee.

Volunteers are welcomed to join and participate in tomorrow event.