Here you'll find information on your local Democratic elected officials, committee persons, polling places, and all activities conducted by and related to the ARDC.

We encourage you to use this information to become more involved in the party as well as in the democratic process itself. The ARDC is always on the lookout for energetic, talented and committed individuals to run for School Board and other local positions, as well as those who would like to help them get elected.

The Democratic Party has always been the party of the people, and it's people working together who get things done.

Becoming involved in Democratic politics is educational and fun. Working with other like-minded individuals toward the greater good is rewarding. We work at the polls on election day, we register voters, we work for candidates and manage other local committee work.

Our meetings are held monthly, the second Monday of every month at 7:30 at St. Mark's Reformed Episcopal Church, Beverly Rd. and Meetinghouse Rd. in Rydal. All registered Democrats in Abington and Rockledge are invited and encouraged to attend. Parking is easily accessible at the rear of the church on Beverly Road. Our meeting consists of reports from our elected Democratic officials, candidates and committees. You will have the opportunity to meet and get to know these people. You will also have the opportunity to express your own ideas and concerns with them.

We also hold regular, affordable social events and networking opportunities. Funds raised are used to support our Democratic candidates and strengthen the Democratic party.

Please look at all our Democratic candidates in the campaigns section of this website or follow the links to learn more about Democratic elected officials and our party leaders.

ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL!
It is our hope that you will contact one of us for more information or discussion. You will receive a personal message or a message via e-mail, whichever you prefer.

We're glad you visited. Please feel free to contact us to let us know how this site can better serve your needs. Better yet, drop by a meeting of the ARDC and introduce yourself. Get to know us better - and let us get to know you!

The ARDC has committed to reaching out to all registered Democrats in the  Abington-Rockledge area.  As registered Abington/Rockledge Democratic voters, you are already members of the committee.  As a part of that project, we also wanted to formalize the history of the party locally.

Recently, Patricia Conroy met with former ARDC Chair, Bill Cunnane (1968-70).  Bill spoke of the struggle that it was to be a Democrat in this area and the fiery dedication the members needed (and they had it too) to overcome that struggle.

He also spoke of a day in 1960, a day apparently ignored by the local papers at the time. That was the day then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy visited Abington.  Mr. Cunnane spoke of the pride, the thrill of having such a charismatic and great Democratic leader visit the area.   It made me think of the visits recently by first presidential candidate, and then President Barack Obama. 

Fifty years between the two visits, what has changed, what has stayed the same? One major difference, Democratic registered voters are now the majority in the Abington-Rockledge area: 22,252 Democratic to 15,981 Republican registered voters!

The symmetry of the 50 year span renewed our drive to call on Democrats who have been involved in any capacity, candidates, committee persons, inside poll workers, and/or volunteers of all sorts, over the years to come out and tell their story.   Recently, at our banquet, I officially  announced our project to formalize the history of the Democratic party here in Abington-Rockledge, along with our commitment to reach out to all our members, which culminated in a 50 year reunion and members appreciation picnic this past August.

Going forward – we need everyone’s help!  So, if you’ve been involved in the past or want to be part of the future (or both!) please contact us now!

With over 20 thousand registered Democrats, Democratic leaders and Representatives are throughout Abington... from President Obama to:

• Senator Bob Casey
• Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz
• State Senator LeAnna Washington
• Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro
• Montgomery County Commissioner Leslie Richards
• State Representative Brendan Boyle
• Many of the Montgomery County Row Officers
• 7 Abington Township Commissioners
• Both Constables
• Both District Judges
• All 9 of the Abington Township Board of School Directors

The Abington-Rockledge Democratic Committee invites you to join us as we spread our message and work for the values of the Democratic party.

MICHAEL BARBIERO, Chairperson
Mike and his wife, Lisa, have lived in Abington for over 10 years with their twin boys. In 1992, Michael earned his bachelor of arts degree from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to returning to school for his law degree, he worked with adjudicated juveniles as well as teens addicted to drugs and alcohol in or around the Philadelphia area. He received his law degree from Widener University School of Law in 1998 and is a practicing civil trial attorney at the law firm of Anapol Schwartz in Philadelphia.

JEAN CORRIGAN, Vice-Chair
Jean needs no introduction – she is tireless in her efforts to help people in any way she can.  Whether its Town Watch, 24 hour relay, or helping individuals behind the scenes, Jean is always there.   The ARDC specifically, and Abington in general are truly lucky and blessed to have someone like Jean.

DAVID FLOYD, Treasurer
David, a self-professed, "political junkie", has been active within the Democratic Party since 2000 both as a committeeperson for 7-1 and as the Treasurer of ARDC. First encouraged by Anne Baumann, a committeeperson for 3-1, he attended his first ARDC meeting in 2000. Two years later, Bernice Slosburg, who was the current Treasurer of ARDC and a Ward 4-1 committeeperson, encouraged David to run for the position of Treasurer; he was elected to the position in 2002 and reelected in 2006

David is a graduate from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is a Controller for an international life sciences company located in King of Prussia. Outside of the Democratic Party, he enjoys tennis, photography, and architectural history.

LIZ BARNHART, Recording Secretary
Liz is a graduate of Temple University with a B.S. in Education and is currently working at a medical software company as a Technical Writer and QA Analyst. She has been married for 32 years to George and they have one 11 year old son, Joseph. Liz first became committee person in Chalfont when she was 18 years old. She is currently committee person in ward 8-2.

Liz's lifelong hobby is marching activities. She has competed, taught and has been marching judge with the National Judges Association for 27 years. She travels weekends through 7 states judging marching bands, colorguard, majorette and dance teams.

Liz has a long history of community involvement. She has been involved in the Willow Hill PTO, the Abington Parent Council, Glenside Lions, Roslyn Boys and Girls Club, and the Crestmont Swim club.

KATHLEEN JOYCE, Executive Director and Committee Person Committee Chair
As the 2009 Democrat of the Year, Kathleen continues her stellar work toward turning Abington blue.  Kathleen does too many things for the ARDC to possibly list here; however, as Committee Person Committee Chair, Kathleen works directly with each of our wards' Committee people. Click this link to read a letter from Kathleen about this work and your community.