Democrats in New Jeresy might have taken a GIANT step toward re-energizing the local Democratic Party by naming Roman Oben Democratic municipal chairman.

Residents can meet the new Democratic Party chair at a meeting scheduled for tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 in the Kinnelon Public Library.

Tom Wyka, the 2008 11th District Democratic congressional candidate, will also be on hand. Food and refreshments will be served.

Morris County Democratic Chairman Lewis Candura named Oben, a former lineman for the NY Giants (1996-99), to the post after the borough’s Democratic chairman, John DeFeo, resigned. Oben, 36, had also played for the Cleveland Browns, the San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when he earned a Super Bowl ring in 2002.

"This is non-threatening. I’m not anti-Republican. This is not about being on a right team or wrong team. Fundamentally, we all believe in the same things. We all pay taxes. We all want to send out kids to good schools," said Oben. "There should be a balance of power. There should be a two-party system; I don’t care what the demographics say."

Oben is keenly aware that Morris County is a Republican stronghold and Kinnelon is no exception to the Republican rule. Oben is encouraged by the fact that the number of registered Democrats in town has grown from 650 in 2001 to 1,100 today. Oben said he believes that the Democratic Party in Morris County can be built from the bottom up.

Oben wants to become educated on where the state is spending its money and how Kinnelon fits into the state’s spending plan. Oben said Morris County is unique in that it does not have a city like other counties where the majority of population is emotionally tied to the Democratic Party and its citizens consistently vote for the Democrats. Oben acknowledged that the contrary is true; many Morris County residents vote Republican no matter what qualified Democratic challenger is on the ballot.

Oben said he plans on doing a lot of listening to what local Democrats want. Oben said he would like to establish better communication among Democrats.

"Everyone deserves a place where they can voice their opinions," said Oben. "When you get the right dozen people talking about an issue, you can make progress."

Oben is no stranger to the political process. Born in Cameroon, West Africa in 1977, Oben moved to Washington, D.C., when he was 4 years old with his mother, Marie, who came to the United States to work in the Cameroon embassy. When he was a member of the Cleveland Browns he interned with Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-10). When he was with the Giants and lived in Clifton, he interned with Rep. William Pascrell (D-8).

Oben earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Louisville. He is proud of the fact that while he played for the NY Giants, he obtained his master’s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Oben founded the Roman Oben Foundation in 2003 and works to promote the positive development of youth and their families through football. He has also supported literacy and other community outreach programs. In 2004, Oben returned to Cameroon to visit schools and an orphanage and brought desperately needed textbooks and financial support. That was the third time he returned to his native country.

Oben is also a supporter of the United Way, Special Olympics, and the fight against illiteracy and hunger. He was honored for his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego where he was recognized as their 2007 Man of the Year. In 2003, Oben was honored by the Vincent T. Lombardi Foundation as a Vince Lombardi Champion for community service in his initial hometown in the United States – Washington, D.C.

Oben moved to Kinnelon in January of 2007. He and his wife, Linda, a law school student at the Benjamin Cardoza School of Law at Yeshiva University, have two sons. Seven-year-old Roman Jr. attends the Kiel School and 5-year-old Andre, Apple Montessori.

Oben is vice president of development for the northeastern division of the Corporate Playbook LLC, which helps transition student athletes into the workforce. He is an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson, where he teaches a graduate level course in sports administration. During the football season, Oben has served as a pre- and post-game analyst for WFAN radio station.

Local Democrats are enthusiastic about Oben’s selection as party leader.

Avery Hart said Oben has been active in the Democratic Party on the county and state level.

“Mr. Oben’s head and heart are in the right place. He is a known sports champion that is turning his efforts toward helping residents,” said Hart. “He is a person of great talents.”

Jo Sippie-Gora said Oben will bring a fresh perspective to the borough.

“He will make sure that the Democratic perspective is available and known in town. It is healthier to have more than one party’s point of view and to have debate,” said Sippie-Gora.