Gentek Heading to Democratic National Convention

Councilwoman Michelle Gentek will head to Charlotte, NC, next month as a New Jersey delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Gentek, who has sat on Gloucester Township Council since January 2010, is looking forward to the trip. She found out in late June that she had been selected as an at-large convention delegate.

"I'm very excited. I am looking forward to supporting Barack Obama in his campaign," he said. "I think it is quite an honor to get to support somebody you feel has been a strong president and will continue to be a great president."

In additon to throwing her support behind President Obama, Gentek, who is a candidate for Camden County freeholder, is looking forward to talking to other delegates about ways to get the economy going and create jobs.

"I think job creation is very important," she said.

As leader of the Gloucester Township "Green Team," green technologies and initiatives are near and dear to Gentek's heart. She says she will press for continuing environmental initiatives, and hopes to learn a few things from others.

"I'm going to see representatives from all the other states, and see how they're doing things. I want to compare what we do in Gloucester Township to what they do," she said.

Her selection as a convention delegate has won her points at home.

"My children think I'm very cool," Gentek said with a big smile.

Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (D-4) is also a Democratic National Convention delegate.

The Democratic National Convention begins Sept. 3. President Obama is expected to address the delegates on Thursday, Sept. 6.

Blackwood resident Dennis Palmer has been selected as a delegate for the Republican National Convention, which will be held in Tampa, FLA, later this month.