Welcome
Welcome to the USR Dems! In 2017, a few townsfolk got together to bring a Democratic voice to Upper Saddle River. We are proud of our accomplishments and the robust sense of community we have created.
Please join us in our civic, charitable, political, and campaign endeavors!
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to join us, please contact us at usrdems@gmail.com. Additionally, look for the USR Dems on Facebook.
Mission: Who We Are and What We DO
We are a community-based organization working in association with the Democratic Committee of Bergen County (DCBC). We believe in a two-party system of government, not just on the national, state, and county level, but in our Borough government as well. Our organization supports candidates for election who share our ideals in local, state, and national elections with equality and without exclusion.
Our goal is to engage in political and public-service activities that benefit our community, which include but are not limited to the following:
Hosting monthly meetings on a variety of topics featuring guest speakers from local government and industry
Engaging in volunteer activities that benefit others in Bergen County during these challenging times, such as food and coat drives
Identifying, training, and supporting candidates to run for municipal office, which we have done in the last three election cycles
Training volunteers in voter registration drives and canvassing to increase voter turnout
Developing relationships with our elected officials on the county, state, and federal levels, and campaigning for candidates at every level of government
Speakers at our monthly meetings have included, Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, Commissioner Tracy Zur, Commissioner Tom Sullivan, Dr. Balpreet Grewal-Virk, LD-39 District Chair Todd Sherer, candidates for LD-39, local grassroots activists, and more
Attending national events such as the Women’s Marches and sponsoring a Mom’s Demand Action vigil at Liberty Park.
Collaborating with other Democratic groups and creating the “Highlands Coalition” to co-sponsor events on Gun Safety, Immigration, and Solar Power
Our Values
True Democracy: For many years our Borough government and our state Legislative District [LD 39] have spoken with one voice from a singular point of view. That is why we are a “big tent” organization and welcome all democrats, conservatives, progressives, and everything in between. As USR Dems we have supported candidates who run to expand the perspectives in government.
Transparency: More than 100 years ago Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said, “sunlight was the best disinfectant.” We agree, and we have been advocating for transparency in Borough Government since our founding. USR Dems candidates have successfully gotten the Borough Council to disclose otherwise hidden information about the workings of our local government.
Protecting our Environment: We believe in “responsible development” that does not negatively impact our environment. USR Dems candidates supported residents’ rights to a safe environment.
Education: Our schools are the backbone of our community, and we need to continue to support them. USR Dems support our schools and the USREF.
Civility and Consideration for Others: We live in a divisive society that has become dominated by partisanship. We believe that people should treat each other with dignity and respect.