DELUCA, DAFIS WIN DEMOCRATIC PARTY ENDORSEMENT FOR TC PRIMARY

Vic Deluca

The Maplewood Democratic Committee has endorsed incumbent Vic Deluca and challenger Dean Dafis in the June primary for Township Committee, Committee Chair Ian Grodman announced Monday following interviews with the candidates.

Deluca and Dafis, and challenger Carla Caraballo, sought the endorsement during Monday night's committee meeting.

All three are seeking the primary nomination for the two seats up for grabs this year. Along with the seat held by Deluca, who is also Maplewood mayor, the second seat held by TC Member India Larrier is open as Larrier has chosen not to run for re-election.

Dean Dafis

Grodman said the MDC interviewed the three candidates, then voted for the two winners.

The endorsement is key in that it gives those who receive it a party line spot on the June 6 primary ballot and access to Democratic Committee funding.

Although Caraballo did not receive the endorsement, she and any other candidate can still run in the primary. The deadline to enter is April 3.