Dierdre Glenn Paul's comments to the Englewood Democratic Municipal Committee prior to her election:

I would like to commence this evening by stating that I am truly honored to have been considered for this nomination as Chairperson of the Englewood Democratic Municipal Committee.  Many of you know that I have run for office before and that I care deeply about our City, our people and our Party.

I'd like to give you just a short summary of my experience leading organizations:

I am the President of a multi-racial and complex higher education Union with approximately 800 members including faculty, professional staff, and librarians. I also hold the office of Executive Vice President of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals with about 8,000 union members at nine State colleges and universities throughout New Jersey. I represent my constituencies in collective bargaining, advocate for them on all work-related issues, and serve as the public face of the Union. I am also the first African American female to hold either office.

I am here to learn from you as well as to lend my organizational and adminstrative experience to what we all want to accomplish for our Party. After all, the Republicans aren't just going to lay down for us this November. In that spirit, I want to share my goals with you:

1. I want to ensure that Barack Obama, our Democratic Presidential nominee, is elected to the White House in the Fall. Senator Obama has taken a stand for change that is long overdue at all levels of government -- national, state and municipal. He has already insisted on the elimination of money from special, vested interests both in his campaign and in the Democratic National Committee. Mr. Obama has taken a stand for the principles of sound and ethical government and transparency. We should do no less.

2. I would like to continue the strong and honorable legacy of the Englewood Democratic Municipal Committee as independent and forward thinking,

3. I want to make certain that all segments of the Committee play an essential role in increasing voter registration and campaign finance reform throughout the City of Englewood.

4. I want to help recruit good candidates to run for public office and make sure they get the support they deserve.

If elected to office, I will pledge to:
1. Adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Englewood Democratic Municipal Committee.
2. Ensure that meetings are run in an effective and respectful manner.
3. Initiate an audit of the Englewood Democratic Municipal Committee's financial records and help to establish fiscal objectives for the organization.
4. Initiate meetings with each respective Ward Committee and assist them in creating action plans for the November 2008 election.
5. Increase the number of new voters registered to the Democratic Party in Englewood.
6. Ensure that Committee members have consistent access to the Committee Chairperson and work to establish a relationship based upon a foundation of trust and equity with each, individual Committee member.

I truly appreciate your consideration of me and hope that we can work together energetically and effectively.