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The Asbury Park Democratic Committee has unanimously voted in two new district representatives. Each of Asbury Park’s nine voting districts are represented by two city residents.

Monmouth County Democrats bylaws allowed Chairman Joe Grillo to make the recommendation to appoint Linda Phillips and Andrew Chambarry, who replace Lynn Wilson and Joseph Pepe in the 7th and 8th districts, respectively.

“It’s a tribute to both Linda and Andrew that they received unanimous votes from our municipal committee,” Grillo said in written statement. “Linda has been at the forefront of LGBTQ equality issues, while Andrew is the premier advocate in fighting for greater and unfettered beach access for all on the Jersey Shore. We’re all incredibly excited to have strong, intelligent and fierce voices like theirs representing our city’s progressive values to the Democratic Party.”

Phillips, a 20 year resident, is co-founder of The Dialogue, a group of residents and friends of Asbury Park who work to bridge the diversity gap that exists locally and around the nation. She also is an active member and treasurer of the Monmouth County LGBTQ Democratic Caucus; works in support of QSPOT – an LGBTQ community center located in Ocean Grove; and a 23 year member of Jersey Pride – the group behind the annual LGBTQ pride festival in Asbury Park.

“I believe it’s important to support our local Democratic party organizations,” Phillips said.  “They are the springboard for getting politicians elected who care about our needs, who can help to improve the life of our communities.”

Chambarry, a lifelong Monmouth County resident, is a personal injury attorney with Gill & Chamas, where he began clerking in 2012 before passing the bar in 2015. He is the Co-Chair of the Jersey Shore Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and founder of DOBRA, a beach access watchdog group.

“It is an honor to be appointed to represent my District with the Asbury Park Democrats,” Chambarry said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running for this great organization.”

Phillips and Chambarry will serve Wilson and Pepe’s unexpired terms, Grillo said. All 18 district seats will be up for grabs in the 2018 Democratic primary.

According to their Facebook page, “The Asbury Park Democratic Committee is comprised of elected committee persons – dedicated to furthering the principles of the Democratic Party in Asbury Park, engaging the community to get politically involved, and volunteering to get Democrats elected.”

[photos courtesy of  Asbury Park Democratic Committee]

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