Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
There’s a disagreement simmering between the Bristol Township Democratic Committee and the Bucks County Democratic Party.
The issue will lead to a court hearing for a motion for a preliminary injunction Monday afternoon at the Justice Center in Doylestown Borough before county Judge Robert Mellon.
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In their filings, the Bristol Township Democratic Committee is seeking relief from the court after the Bucks County Democratic Party did not certify their late June officer election and ordered a new election for this past week.
The township party affirms that they held their election for chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, trustees, and sergeant-at-arms in accordance with the bylaws.
Once the results were sent to the county party in Doylestown, the Bristol Township Democratic Committee received a letter from county Chair John Cordisco and Executive Director Steve Warhola stating the results “could not be certified” and ordered a new election for July 9.
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According to court records, the township party filed their motion for relief on July 9 and did not hold the second election the county party wanted.
“The high handed attempt to take over a local municipal democratic committee by the powers that be in Doylestown denies the Democratic Party voters of Bristol Township their right to freely elect leaders of their own choosing,” the township party states in the motion.
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“It is inescapable that blatant attempt by the County organization to undo the election results of the [Bristol Township Democratic Committee] on June 24, 2018, in a variety of ways as enumerated in plaintiffs’ complaint must be enjoined by this Honorable Court to preserve the First Amendment liberties enjoyed by all Americans, especially those who reside in Bristol Township and allow for the free and fair election of its own Democratic leadership,” it further adds.
In Bristol Township, there are now two Democratic parties that represent local liberals. One party formed several years back and includes former members of the Bristol Township Democratic Committee, including several members of Council and the Bristol Township School Board. The second group is the Bristol Township Democratic Association.
Bristol Township Democratic Committee Chair Brian Dougherty said his group has been rebuilding since the split and has about 60 active participants. He also noted it remains the group officially affiliated with the county Democratic party.
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The Bucks County Democratic Party had no comment on the upcoming hearing.
