Ocean County Democrats Settle a Lawsuit Over Bylaws

Last year the Ocean County Democrats for Change were planning to shake up the leadership in the Ocean County Democratic Organization by running for the top post. However, their efforts were thwarted when they learned party officials changed the bylaws extending their terms from two to four years.

The move triggered a lawsuit filed in August of last year by the Democratic Party For Change against the Democratic Organization alleging that changes to the bylaws were not followed correctly and were illegal.

Democrat for Change President Britta Forsberg-Wenzel of Lavallette says in a settlement reached Thursday in Ocean County Superior Court, County Committee members will continue to stay in the same four year term but would require the officers of the organization to be up for re-election as well as Municipal Chairs following two years.

Forsberg-Wenzel says because of the agreement, she's sure there's going to be a slate of Candidates for the officers positions and possibly even for some of the Municipal Chairs. She says "hopefully, in the wake of this decision people will follow the rules a little bit better and be more transparent."

Forsberg-Wenzel says Democrats for Change are not a separate organization but a loyal group of Democrats hoping to revitalize the party and bring back some transparency and open government to the Democratic Party in Ocean County.