Political parties reorganize
By: JOHN REITMEYER (Wed, Jun/14/2006)
Burlington County Times

The Democratic and Republican parties in Burlington County reorganized last night, with one organization getting a new leader and the other retaining an incumbent chairman.

Medford attorney Rick Perr was selected by Burlington County Democrats during a meeting at the Mount Laurel Senior Center to serve a one-year term as chairman.

Perr succeeds former Chairman Gary Karr. Karr announced earlier this year he would leave the position he's held since 2002.

Alice Furia of Delran was re-elected vice chairwoman.

Perr praised Karr's leadership in an address to party members. He also said county Democrats need to work hard if they expect the party to take a step forward this year.

Two, three-year seats on the county Board of Freeholders and a five-year county Surrogate's Office term are up for grabs this fall.

No Democrats currently hold any elected county-government level office, but Perr said recent wins in Burlington City and Delran and countywide support of Democratic candidates such as Jon Corzine should serve as encouragement.

"All of you have seen what we can do together as a political party," Perr said. "We're going to be a party that is going to compete and win in Burlington County."

Perr pledged to avoid using political connections for personal gain, saying his focus is on winning elections. He also announced a new party Web site, www.burlco dems.com, and said the organization is looking for permanent headquarters instead of renting space in Burlington City.