The Bloomfield Democrats for Change wish to expand the limited knowledge there is on the candidate selection process for Bloomfield’s local elections as a first attempt to raise transparency standards and increase the number of informed voters.
Primary elections serve the purpose of narrowing down which final candidates will run in the upcoming general election. Candidate nomination by party leaders is a strategy that has been systematically designed to discourage new leadership unless it fully aligns with those already in power. This draws a fine line between uniting members based on shared ideals versus personal gain. The origins of primary elections can be traced to the progressive movement in the United States, which aimed to take the power of candidate nomination from party leaders to the people (Smith, 2011). They are intended to allow any member of a community who cares about improving their town to offer new ideas and run for office. This means more choices for you!
As the establishment, the Bloomfield Democratic Committee’s internal gatekeeping and conflicts of interest have gone unchallenged for too long. The Bloomfield Democrats for Change believe requiring the backing of party bosses leads to transparency issues that further manipulates voter decisions and risks leaving many residents without a true seat at the table. We are among the many who are against the ballot design of voting by county line which favors political machines. Instead, we offer an alternative for greater representation, not polluted by the influence of money in politics — we refuse to accept campaign contributions from township or county vendors.
The Bloomfield Democrats for Change are Bloomfield residents just like you — parents, commuters, taxpayers. We do not work for the town, county, or state. We are a group of Democrats committed to transparency, accountability, and putting the needs of our neighbors before party politics or special interests.
What We Stand For
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OPEN AND HONEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT
We're committed to making local government more transparent so residents always know where their tax dollars are going.
By supporting independent audits, involving the community in budgeting decisions and cutting waste, we can ensure funds are spent responsibly and go where they re needed most.
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FIXING ROADS AND PREVENTING FLOODING
We're focused on upgrading outdated infrastructure and investing in smarter flood prevention to protect our community.
By promoting eco-friendly building practices and keeping roads, sidewalks, and sewers well-maintained, we can create a safer, more resilient town for everyone.
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A BETTER COMMUTE FOR ALL
We will push for NJ Transit to renovate Bloomfield and Watsessing stations, expand shuttle routes and increase peak-hour service.
We also advocate for restoring DeCamp-level bus service, improving weekend train frequency with a Midtown Direct option and adding bus shelters on Glenwood and Williamson Avenues.
Lastly, we support low-cost solutions to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, fostering community and business growth.
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PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
We're committed to building a greener, more sustainable Bloomfield by investing in clean energy, expanding solar power, and creating more green spaces.At the same time, we'll strengthen protections for animals, improve our local shelter and advocate for their well-being within our community.
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KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE
We appreciate and support our first responders by ensuring they have the training and resources they need to keep our community safe.At the same time, we believe in accountability and transparency, which is why we're advocating for oversight measures like a Public Satety Director and a Civilian Oversight Board to build trust and strengthen the relationship between residents and emergency services.
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CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY'S CULTURE
We're passionate about celebrating Bloomfield's vibrant culture by supporting local artists, expanding public art projects, and organizing more events that reflect our community's diversity.At the same time, we're committed to improving parks and recreational spaces so people of all ages and interests have welcoming places to gather, play, and connect.