Gomez-Demby Drops Out of Cumberland County Commissioner’s Race
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AC JosepH Media
VINELAND – Jasmine “Jazzy” Gomez-Demby announced on Wednesday that she has left the Cumberland County Commissioner’s race because her with compliance at a local Head Start conflicted with the federal Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act of 1939 is a federal law restricting the partisan political activities of federal employees, District of Columbia employees, and certain state/local employees working on federally funded projects.
In a statement sent to FRNJ, Gomez-Demby, who was running as a Democratic for Cumberland County commissioner, said her current position is paid for by federal government.
“After learning that my position with a federally funded Head Start program is covered under the Hatch Act, I have made the decision to withdraw from running for county commissioner,” Gomez-Demby said. “My commitment to my career, Head Start, and the families we serve remains my top priority.”
Her departure leaves six Democrats running for the three seats up for Cumberland County commissioner in the June 2 primary and then the November general election, including her sister Tanisha Gomez.
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According to the Cumberland County Clerk’s Office, because ballots have already been printed, however, voters will still she her name on the ballot even though she is no longer an official candidate.
Gomez-Demby also left a message on her Facebook page about her decision.
“My salary is 100% federally funded. My role (compliance) is directly tied to administering and overseeing the federal program,” she said on social media. “This places me in the category of employees who are ‘principally employed in connection with federally funded activities.'”
She said her departure does not dampen her enthusiasm for public service and urged people to vote for her sister and La Rae Smith.
“I am beyond grateful for every message, conversation, word of encouragement, and the overwhelming amount of support I received along the way,” she said. “Your belief in me has meant more than I can fully express.
“Although this chapter is ending sooner than I expected, my commitment to our community, our families, and the people we serve will never change. Moving forward, I will continue dedicating my work to advocating for children, families, education, and community empowerment through the work I do every day. “
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