Mayoral Candidate Ellen Dickson (R) Opens Headquarters to Hungry and Cold Residents

Over 20 cold and hungry Summit residents joined Republican Candidate for Mayor, Ellen Dickson at the Republican Campaign Headquarters for lunch, warmth and plenty of outlets to charge electronics. The event was announced today via Dickson’s Twitter and Facebook accounts and ran from 11 to past 1 p.m.

Surrounded by campaign signs and supporters getting ready for the last mailing of the day, Dickson was at ease among her constituents, making sure that everyone who walked into the small campaign office was greeted with an informational flier from the City of Summit regarding safety tips and information about the recent storm.

Dickson expressed her disappointment with JCP&L’s response to power outages caused by the snow storm.

“I am surprised that it has taken so long to get even the senior citizen housing back up. JCP&L should focus on getting hospitals, commercial businesses, and especially apartment buildings back up first,” Dickson stated.

Anna Kopacz, who came to the Republican Head Quarters today lives with her children in the Worthington House apartment complex on Summit Avenue. Many parents have have regarding the safety hazards children would face if school resumed before the power was back on and before all roads have been cleared.

“I would rather my kids go back to school, but their safety is more important. The best solution is to get rid of the debris and get the power back on first; they need to fix everything before the kids go back to school,” Kopacz stated

As he stood diligently organizing campaign literature for mailings, William Stanek of New Providence stated that he has been without power for several days, put was happy to honor his commitment to Dickson’s campaign noting that he had volunteered for her in the past as part of the campaign to elect Dickson for Council.

Mary Hart came all the way from Jersey City to help her sister volunteer with Dickson’s campaign.

“We had a good number of people come today,” Hart said. “I think that people really appreciate that [Dickson] opened up her headquarters for people to have lunch and get warm”

Dickson supporters Christine and Jim Bennett who live off of Springfield Avenue were eager to express their frustration and discontent with JCP&L.

“We haven’t had power since 4 p.m. on Saturday and I haven’t seen any JCP&L trucks,” Christine said. “It was 52 degrees inside my house this morning; that is too cold! We came here to warm up and are pleased by the nice hospitality.”

Taking cue from the American Red Cross, Dickson welcomed residents without a political push. Taking in the comfortable atmosphere, Jim Bennett stated with a twinkle in his eye; “there is something warm about this place.”