Political

Haitian-American Electoral Victory in New Jersery

IRVINGTON, NEW JERSEY (defend.ht/HAAPA PAC) -  The Haitian American Association for Political Action (HAAPA PAC) is pleased to announce that Charnette Orelien has made history by becoming the first Haitian-American elected to the Westward City Council seat in Irvington, New Jersey. Orelien beat both rival candidates by a significant margin in a predominantly "minority" City, with a sizeable, growing Haitian population.

events@defend.ht

IRVINGTON, NEW JERSEY (defend.ht/HAAPA PAC) -  The Haitian American Association for Political Action (HAAPA PAC) is pleased to announce that Charnette Orelien has made history by becoming the first Haitian-American elected to the Westward City Council seat in Irvington, New Jersey. Orelien beat both rival candidates by a significant margin in a predominantly "minority" City, with a sizeable, growing Haitian population.

HAAPA PAC's Chairman Rubain Dorancy said: "We congratulate Charnette Orelien on her victory in New Jersey. As always, we see it as a win for all Haitian-Americans. This is a continuation of a trend that shows Haitian-Americans are on the rise politically. The quality of candidates coming out of our communities across the country has increased significantly. They appeal to not just Haitian voters but all the people they seek to serve. HAAPA PAC looks forward to working with Charnette and our community in Irvington."

"What we saw in Irvington yesterday was inspiring. There were people who voted, drove back to their neighborhoods and came back with more voters. Charnette is genuinely passionate about the issues, education and the local economy in particular. Despite this huge win, looking at the numbers, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Haitian community's political potential in Irvington, NJ which can be said about most of the Northeastern United States and Florida. The key ingredients to victory remain the same everywhere; quality candidates, a significant number of volunteers, and a great willingness by the Haitian community to give money to the campaigns. We look forward to many such victories this year." said HAAPA PAC's Political Director Josue Pierre.

In the unofficial count Charnette Orelien received 420 votes or 48.6% to John Brown's 252 votes 29.1% and Vann-Dupree's 193 votes 22.3%.

The Haitian American Association for Political Action PAC's (HAAPA PAC) mission is to serve as a vehicle for Haitian-Americans to influence key issues of concern in their state and national government.