JUN CHOI FOR MAYOR OF EDISON TOWNSHIP

My fellow SIPA alum, Jun Choi, is not running for the New Jersey State Assembly anymore but Mayor of Edison Township. If you're in the area and want to back a good candidate, read the following:

... However, the incumbent Assemblymen have decided to run for reelection this year and out of respect to them, I am honoring my commitment to NOT run for State Assembly in 2005.

During this same period, however, several leaders of our community encouraged me to consider running for another position in 2005 - Mayor of Edison Township - if the State Assembly seat was not available. They believed that Edison Township was headed in the wrong direction, but no Democrat was willing to seriously challenge the status quo this year. They were concerned that the Edison Democrats were becoming increasingly divided and not focused on addressing the real needs of everyday citizens. The central reason for this, I believe, is the misguided leadership of the incumbent Mayor. After nearly three terms and 12 years, the Mayor has had his chance to improve our Township and Democratic Party...

I was NOT looking for this position. However, I saw a tremendous need that was not being met. After consulting with many friends and advisors, I have decided to run as a candidate for Mayor of Edison Township in the Democratic primary election on June 7, 2005.
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Edison is the 5th largest municipality in New Jersey with a population of over 100,000 and a sizable Asian American population of over 35,000. It has significant industry including Raritan Center and one of the highest ratables (property wealth) in the state only behind Jersey City and Atlantic City. Compared to the Assembly seat, it is a more complex and higher profile position.

To become Mayor of Edison, the greatest challenge is to win the Democratic primary. In Edison, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans almost 6 to 1. In ten weeks, there is a good chance we will know who the next Mayor will be. I will also endorse the candidacies of the Democratic Council candidates Bob Diehl, Anthony Massaro, Parag Patel and Sal Pizzi.

I ask for your support in this campaign for Mayor of Edison Township. Volunteer support and energy is a critical factor in this race. Beginning this Saturday, April 2, volunteers are welcome day and night. Specifically, there are two ways to help:

1) Volunteer your time and recruit your family/friends to volunteer their time

Every weekend beginning April 2-3, we have full-day volunteering opportunities from 9:30am to 8:00pm. We are especially looking for volunteers who are willing to canvass (door-to-door), can drive a volunteer (Edison is a good definition of suburban sprawl) or lead groups of their friends for activities around town. We are beginning with an ambitious voter registration and absentee ballot program. Please reserve your time for at least one of the next two weekends.

Sat, April 2: 9:30am to 8:00pm
Sun, April 3: 9:30am to 8:00pm

Sat, April 9: 9:30am to 8:00pm
Sun, April 10: 9:30am to 8:00pm

On election day (Tuesday, June 7), we are looking for volunteers (especially attorneys who speak both English and Gujarati, Mandarin or Korean) who are willing to canvass and monitor polling sites – please hold the date!

To reserve your volunteer time, please respond to this email or contact Sophia at (908) 217-6233.

2) Make a financial contribution. Checks can be made to “Jun Choi for Mayor” and mailed to:

Jun Choi for Mayor
PO Box 185
Edison, NJ 08818

Maximum contribution is $2,600 per individual or corporation for the primary election. Contributions must be received by June 7, 2005.
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Thank you again for all your support and for standing by me!

Best regards,

Jun

Jun Choi for Mayor
Campaign HQs
25 Main Street, Suite 2 (at Woodbridge Ave)
Edison, NJ 08837
(908) 217-6233