Somerset teachers union backs Democratic freeholder candidates

The Somerset County Education Association backed Democratic Freeholder candidates Paul Drake and Doug Singleterry over Republican incumbents Thursday.

“We’re proud to support Paul Drake and Douglas Singleterry for freeholder,” SCEA President Dan Epstein said. “We wholeheartedly believe they are the best candidates to support public education in Somerset County.”

Drake and Singleterry are challenging Freeholders Brian Levine and Brian Gallagher, the last two Republicans left on the five-member freeholder board.

Singleterry is a councilman in North Plainfield, while Drake was a member of Hillsborough’s Township Committee.

“It is vital that elected officials listen to the views of educators who are on the front line of educating students, especially with the added risk of coronavirus,” said Singleterry. “One of the first things I will do after being sworn in next January is to visit our great Vo Tech and meet with the educators personally. I will also make myself available for regular conferences with the educational community to keep track of progress and hear their views and concerns firsthand.”

Regardless of whether the Democratic Challengers win, the party will keep their majority on the board until at least next year, when Freeholder Director Shanel Robinson and Freeholder Sara Sooy come up for re-election.

“During the COVID-19 crisis, our students, schools and teachers are more valuable and vital than ever,” Drake said. “I am committed to bringing county resources and personnel such as park rangers, Sheriff’s officers, planners, and engineers into the classroom to provide insight into county government and help students make choices about their future careers.”