Editor’s note: The following press release was provided by Liz Massie of the Town of Pelham Democratic Committee.

Five new members officially joined the Town of Pelham Democratic Committee at its organizational meeting on Monday at the Daronco Town House. The members were elected during the Democratic primary Sept. 13.

The Committee selected Officers to serve for two-year terms. Outgoing Chair Ed Doty received a standing ovation, and was honored with an Officer Emeritus position in recognition of his years of service. District 3 representative Marin Zielinski replaced him as Chair.

Long-time Committee member Mariette Morrissey, (District 7) was elected Town Vice Chair. Eldar Shuminov (District 3) who had been Town Secretary, was reelected to the spot, and Aileen Dose (District 2) was reelected. Treasurer. Liz Massie (District 2) became Chair of the Pelham Village Committee, replacing Erika Sisk. Toby Marxuach-Gusciora (District 6) became Chair of the Pelham Manor Committee, replacing Peter Hoffman, who was also honored with a standing ovation and Officer Emeritus position.

The newly-constituted group discussed goals for their terms in office. High on the list was outreach and community-building with local Democrats, many of whom don’t know their District Representatives, or that such representatives exist. The Committee decided to conduct a Town-wide survey of registered Democratic voters to improve communication and awareness.

State Senate District 34 Candidate Alessandra Biaggi, hoarse from campaigning, spoke at the meeting. Biaggi congratulated the Town Dems on dramatically increased voter turnout at the primary, noting that participation was a positive regardless of which candidates voters chose. Biaggi pledged to earn the support of all Democrats, including those who’d backed her opponent.

The meeting was live-streamed online, with a number of residents commenting as the evening progressed.

Town of Pelham Democratic Committee meetings are open to all registered Democrats. The next meeting is Thursday, October 11 at 8:00 P.M. in Pelham Village Hall. For further information, and a complete list of committee members, visit PelhamNYDemocrats.org, or email [email protected].