JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Wednesday, the Jackson Township GOP club announced sweeping new changes to how the political club selects candidates for local public office. In the past, the club has had a reputation for being a behind-closed-doors organization that served to benefit only connected political insiders.
On Wednesday, Club President Mordechai Burnstein said club members have worked for months to revise the organization’s bylaws to ensure anyone who wants to run for public office with the support of the Republican party has a fair opportunity.
“In the past, the screening committee picked and chose the candidates,” Burnstein said. “The club president handpicked the entire screening committee, so it didn’t create a fair environment for new people to run for office. With the hard work of our bylaws committee, we came up with a fair solution that levels the playing field.”
A general vote will now choose the eight-member screening committee. The club president will choose two people. The executive board will choose two people and the party base will choose the remaining four members. In a tie, the club president will have the final vote in the nomination process.
Burnstein said all votes for candidates will now be done on a formal paper ballot, and ballots will be counted in front of the membership.
“There will be no more secret ballot counts in back rooms,” Burnstein added.
Since becoming the club president, Burnstein has grown the Jackson GOP ranks and oversaw a major victory in 2022 that saw Mayor Michael Reina, Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn, and Councilman Scott Sargent defeat an opposition team led by former Jackson resident and business owner Marty Flemming.
Burnstein said he has noticed a positive shift in the Jackson Republican Club in recent months.
“Everyone is working together now to make sure Jackson remains a great place to live and work,” Burnstein said. “The entire community is coming together as one.”
Last night, that point was highlighted as Democrat Club President Bill Spedding and Democrat assembly candidate Brandon Rose attended the meeting as guests.
Burnstein said good things are happening in the Jackson GOP, known for once being one of the most ruthless political clubs at the Jersey Shore, and promises more good things are coming in the future.
“I would like to see more community members come out to our club meetings and meet our local officials and club members and get involved in moving our township forward,” he said. “We also have plenty of vacancies on township boards and I urge residents to get involved by submitting their name to the township for consideration.”
Each month, the Jackson GOP tries to host guest dignitaries at their meetings. Former New Jersey Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and NJ 101.5 talk radio host Bill Spadea have attended recent meetings.