Hillside man will drive folks to vote

Said Dems 'doing nothing' for Obama

Thursday, October 30, 2008

BY JASON JETT Star-Ledger Staff

George Cook III of Hillside yesterday said he is just another citizen concerned about local issues and the global economy, and is determined to help elect Barack Obama president.

Even if he has to drive voters to the polls in his own car, he said.

Cook said he was bothered, however, when he looked around and saw township officials "doing nothing" in the weeks before what has been described as the most-important-ever presidential election.

"I would like to know what the Hillside Democratic Party is doing to help Barack Obama win this election," he said. "I am really wondering have they done anything. No rallies, no fundraisers, no voter registration drives. Nothing. I find this pretty odd, especially in a predominantly black town."

Councilman-at-large Jerome Jewell responded the Hillside Democratic Municipal Committee has been busy of late.

"As we speak I am dropping off signs," he said yesterday afternoon. "I just left Clark Street. Most signs you see up in town have been put up by myself and the rest of the Democratic Party.

"We've been working every day, and are having a car parade Saturday," he added.

Jewell said Cook may not have seen the extent of the HDMC's activism because members have attended rallies in Elizabeth, Roselle and Newark.

He added knocking on doors is not as practical as during spring elections because residents work during the day and are reluctant to answer after dark.

Second Ward Councilwoman Shelley-Ann Bates was a delegate-alternate for the Democratic presidential nominee, and is an official of New Jersey for Obama.

"As someone who worked on the Obama campaign for more than a year, the Union County Democratic organization has come very late to the table," she said, noting local leaders had supported Hillary Clinton for the party nomination. "We are glad to have them aboard, and glad to see a week before the election that they have decided to do something."

Bates added Union County for Obama, a grassroots organization, has held rallies and house parties and was instrumental in the candidate carrying the county in the Democratic Primary.

Mayor Karen McCoy Oliver said individuals have asked her why there was no concerted effort was being made on behalf of Obama in town, and that she referred them to the Union County Democratic Committee.

Cook has conducted a voter registration drive at the public library, and a video he made of barber-shop election talk aired on CNN. The video is viewable at ireport.com by searching "Barber Shop Politics."

Now, Cook is offering to drive township residents to the polls on Election Day.

"You will be picked up at your home and returned there after you vote," he stated. "You can call now and set a time, or call on Election Day. Don't let not being able to get to the polls stop you from voting."

Cook said the rides are free to Hillside residents, who can call him 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at (908) 963-3824

Jason Jett may be contacted at jjett@starledger.com or (908) 302-1509.

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Jason Jett