Somerset Democrats switch freeholder candidates

SOMERVILLE - Less than two months before Election Day, Somerset County Democrats have switched their candidate for freeholder.

Maria Rodriquez, a psychologist from Bridgewater, will be replaced on the Democratic ticket by North Plainfield Borough Councilman Doug Singleterry, party Chairwoman Peg Schaffer announced on Wednesday.

Rodriquez decided to withdraw from the race to refocus on her growing psychology practice and her teaching responsibilities, Schaffer said.

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Rodriguez, a single parent with a 6-year-old son who is starting first grade this month, wants to maximize time with him while juggling her other responsibilities.

“Maria is one of our most tenacious and talented candidates,” Schaffer said. “And although she has decided to step back this year, I am convinced she is a future star for us in Somerset County."

Singleterry is in his third term on the North Plainfield Borough Council where he has served as council president. He is a past president of the Somerset County Governing Officials Association and a recipient of the Service to the Community Award presented by the New Jersey State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

He has served as an alternate municipal prosecutor for Franklin Township and has has been recognized as a “New Jersey Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and New Jersey Monthly Magazine. Her specializes in civil litigation at Vasios, Kelly & Strollo in Union.

"Doug is an excellent campaigner and an incredibly accomplished public official," Schaffer said. "We look forward to the campaign this fall."

Singleterry, who was unsuccessful in campaigns for freeholder in 2008 and 2009, will face incumbent Republican Patricia Walsh for the three-year term.

No Democrat has been elected to the freeholder board in Somerset County in more than three decades.

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com