Campaign 2008:
Granell attending DNC in Denver as member of the party's Rules Committee.
North Arlington Councilman selected by Rep. Steve Rothman as a member of the NJ delegation!
DENVER - North Arlington Councilman Al Granell left for Denver, Colorado early Saturday morning to join more than 4,000 delegates and some 25,000 media watchers as the Democratic Party prepares to nominate a presidential and vice-presidential candidate.
A Ridge Road resident who is married to school trustee Sharon Granell, the first-term Democrat is the father of one daughter and one son, an Eagle Scout. Born and raised in Jersey City, Granell is a graduate of Dickinson HS and is currently employed for the last two decades as a technology manager with United Parcel Service (UPS). Elected to the borough council in 2006, Granell currently serves as chairman of the borough council's finance committee which was responsible for constructing this year's zero tax increase.
The three primary committees to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) are the Credentials, Platform and Rules Committee. As a member of the Rules Committee, Granell is responsible for proposing permanent rules of the convention, adopting the proposed convention agenda and making recommendations for permanent convention officers which include the selection of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the convention's chair.
Sunita Leeds, a software developer serves as Chair to the Rules Committee. Former US Representative Mary Rose Okar of Cleveland and David Walters, the president of Walter Powers International will serve as co-chairs of this important committee.
Granell, who is lodging with other NJ Democrats at The Inverness had the opportunity to meet and speak with some of the state's most influential Democrats.
"It's all very exciting. I had the opportunity to speak with former Governor Brendan Byrne at breakfast over the weekend. His knowledge of the state was tremendous and we had a very interesting chat about the status of our Meadowland properties," said Granell in a telephone interview.
Since arriving Saturday, the councilman has had an opportunity to meet with several top elected officials including US Senator Bob Menendez as well as Bergen County Congressman Steve Rothman.
"Senator Menendez was very cordial and spoke fondly of our community. He enjoyed coming to North Arlington when he sought election in 2006 and he looks forward to coming to the town again very soon. He's a dynamic leader who is well respected at the national level," observed the North Arlington councilman.
Granell called the chance to participate "a tremendous opportunity to network and meet other elected officials from around the state and around the country."
"The Democratic Party meets once every four years and to be at a gathering of this size is like attending the Super Bowl or the Olympics. I want to represent North Arlington in a way that the people back home are proud. I'm fairly new to politics, but I'm committed to learning and representing my community and my party the best I can."
Councilman Granell is hopeful to provide NA Today with video clips during the convention. Be sure to visit us this week for updates.
